Sri Lanka continues to dominate in the First Test

Sri Lanka continued to dominate in the First Test against Bangladesh at the SSC, Colombo yesterday.

First, Michael Vandort who was unbeaten at the end of day 1, walked past the 100 mark to record his third test century in only 7 matches, his second against Bangladesh. Captain Mahela Jayawardene who retired hurt on 93, resumed his innings hitting his 17th test century. Tillekaratne Dilshan who added 117 for the fourth wicket with Vandort, had to depart in an unfortunate run-out on 79, after smashing a classy half century.

The Bangladeshis then picked up two quick wickets, removing Jayawardene as well.(353/6)

But, unbeaten maiden tons from wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene and opening bowler Chaminda Vaas in a 223-run partnership propelled the Sri Lankans to a massive total of 577. Incidentally this was also the highest partnership in the Sri Lankan innings. It also became Sri Lanka’s highest seventh wicket partnership in test cricket, surpassing 194 between Hashan Tillekaratne and Kumar Sangakkara against India in 2001. This was also Sri Lanka’s highest total against the Bangladesh team, going past 555/5-dec in 2001.

Prasanna achieved his first test century in his 10th test match whereas the other century-scorer Vaas, played in his 97th test match. For an all-rounder of his caliber, it was a long overdue one.

A happy Captain Jayawardene declared the innings on 577/6 as soon as Vaas scored his hundred. The Bangladeshis now trail behind the Sri Lankans by 485 having played 3/0 in the three overs bowled in the last session of day 2.

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Sri Lankans Reduce Bangladesh to 89 in the First Innings

Sri Lankan bowlers headed by ace spinner, Muttiah Muralitharan and seamers, Chaminda Vaas, Dilhara Fernando and Lasith Malinga demolished the Bangladeshi batting line up from 28/0 to 89-all out in the first day as they recorded their third lowest total in test matches.

Fernando removed key players such as Former captain Habibul Bashar and present skipper Mohammed Ashraful in his 3-33. Vaas and Malinga shared one wicket each.

Murali picked up his 58th five-wicket haul in tests as he crumbled the opposition in his seven overs, recording figures 5-15. He had 674 test wickets prior to this innings and he has now drawn 5 wickets closer to Shane Warne’s world record of the most number of test wickets (708).

In reply, the Sri Lankan debutant, Malinda Warnapura was trapped at ‘0’ for lbw by Shahadat Hossan as he ended his forgettable debut. Hossain bowled a fine spell in the early stages as he reduced the Sri Lankan side to 14/2.

The skipper, Mahela Jayawardene then built the innings with opener Michael Vandort. Jayawardene retired hurt on 93, just 7 runs short of his 17th test century. Soon after, Abdur Razzak picked up Chamara Silva for 1.

At the end of day 1, SL were 227/3 with Vandort on 87 not out.

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Vandort replaces Tharanga in First Test

Sri Lanka ‘s ‘A’ team opener, Michael Vandort has been called up to replace injured Upul Tharanga in the first Test against Bangladesh.

Vandort, who averages 51.22 in six Tests made his Test debut against Bangladesh six years ago in Colombo. Having played only six Test matches so far, he already has two centuries to his name. He last played a test against England in June 2006.

He also hit a brisk 38 in the three-day practice match against Bangladesh.

The left hander will open the batting with debutant Malinda Warnapura.

Sri Lanka will play two test matches in Colombo, and the final in Kandy, with its first scheduled to begin on June 25.

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