Shai Hope and Justin are in the middle of an unbeaten 174-run stand, which has taken West Indies closer to Sri Lanka’s 549/9 decl. The hosts now need just 32 more runs to avoid the follow-on, which would be a massive step for them to rescue the game
West Indies resumed the day on 58/1, still trailing Sri Lanka by 491 runs. They would have hoped for John Campbell to convert his start into a big one and he did so with a valiant 72, putting on a patient 89-run stand for the second wicket with Kavem Hodge (31). His wicket led to two more quick wickets, as Amir Jangoo (9) and Hodge were dismissed in the next 9-10 overs after that.
However, that’s when Hope and Greaves got together, and have now West Indies in a terrific position to wip off the deficit. Another good batting day could potentially see them take a slender lead. Hope missed the last Test due to an injury, but returns to the XI and will hope to score a big hundred.
On his return to the XI, Prabath Jayasuriya has two wickets so far, as does pacer Asith Fernando. The other bowlers have had no luck so far. However, they will hope to have a larger say on Day 4.
Sri Lanka rode on a superb 188 from opener Lahiru Udara to post 549. Kamindu Mendis (84), Kusal Mendis (69) and Sonal Dinusha (92) too made vital contributions with the bat.
West Indies lead the two-match series 1-0, following their massive innings victory in the first Test at the same venue, North Sound, Antigua.
Brief scores
Sri Lanka 549/9 decl. (Lahiru Udara 188, Sonal Diusha 92; Shamar Joseph 2/98) lead West Indies 318/4 (John Shai Hope 86, Justin Greaves 85; Asitha Fernando 2/74) by 231 runs
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