Warnapura, Jayawardene score centuries to push Sri Lanka to strong 305-3 at tea against India

Thu, Jul 24 03:36 PM

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) _ Opener Malinda Warnapura and captain Mahela Jayawardene scored centuries Thursday to guide Sri Lanka to 305-3 at tea on the second day of the first cricket test. Warnapura made 115, his second test century, before being dismissed in the second over after lunch caught by Rahul Dravid off spin bowler Harbhajan Singh.

Resuming the second day at 85-2, the pair made the Indian bowlers sweat through the first session without success, adding 155 runs for the third wicket. Jayawardene rode his luck, being dropped twice by India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, in recording his 23rd test hundred.

He remained unbeaten on 105 at the break, having faced 216 balls, hitting eight fours and a six. Thilan Samaraweera was batting on 51 at tea, with the pair adding another valuable 93-run partnership.

Earlier in the morning session Warnapura became the first batsman ever subject to an umpiring decision challenge. India's skipper Anil Kumble made the challenge permitted under new trial rules.

A delivery from off spinner Singh hit Warnapura's pad, and appeals for lbw were turned down by the on-field umpire. Kumble then asked for the decision to be referred to third umpire Rudi Koertzen, who reviewed replays but 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 dismissed during that brief session. Seamers Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma and Singh picked up a wicket each for India.

Inside News

Editor's picks