Warnapura hits century, becomes first batsman referred for umpiring decision challenge

Thu, Jul 24 12:51 PM

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) _ Sri Lanka opener Malinda Warnapura scored his second test hundred Thursday and also became the first batsman ever subject to an umpiring decision challenge during the second day's play of the first cricket test against India. The left-handed batsman paired with captain Mahela Jayawardene in an undefeated 148-run stand for the third wicket as the host team dominated the tourists, going to lunch at a healthy 205-2 at Sinhalese Sports Club.

Resuming the day at 85-2 after a rain-shortened first day, the pair made the most of good batting conditions. Warnapura was unbeaten on 110 at the break, having faced 194 balls and hit 14 boundaries.

Jayawardene supported him with a well-compiled 66. His runs came in 138 balls, including seven fours and a six.

India's skipper Anil Kumble made the first-ever challenge of an umpiring decision permitted under new rules being introduced in this test in which all decisions not just run outs or stumpings can be appealed for replay review by the third umpire. A delivery from off spinner Harbhajan Singh hit Warnapura's pad, and appeals for lbw were turned down.

Kumble then asked for the decision to be referred to third umpire Rudi Koertzen, but he agreed with the initial decision that the ball was going to miss leg stump. Each side is allowed three challenges per innings, with that number remaining intact if a challenge is upheld.

Only 22 overs were played on the first day because of rain and wet ground conditions. Michael Vandort (3) and Kumar Sangakkara (12) were the batsmen out.

Seamers Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma picked up a wicket each for India.

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