With Pathum Nissanka injured, Sri Lanka opted to go with Lahiru Udara for the crucial second Test against West Indies, and it paid off. The opening batter smashed 188 to give his side the edge on Day 1 at North Sound. While Sri Lanka were reduced to 25/2, it was Udara’s 215-run stand for the third wicket with Kamindu Mendis (84) that brought them back into the contest.
Centurion from the first Test, Dhananjaya de Silva, too scored a fighting 33, putting on 93 with Udara along the way, as Sri Lanka finished the day on 338/5.
Udara in a hurry
Udara seemed to be in a hurry to reach his maiden Double century. He mistimed a pull short to fine-leg. They could have had him earlier, but none of the slip fielders went for the catch after Udara edged one between them. His partner Mendis, though, was playing well and looking set for another hundred, but a lightning-quick stumping from Hope brought about his downfall.
Sri Lanka will hope for some runs from Kusal Mendis’ bat, who has scored just five runs across two innings in the series thus far.
Hard toil for WI bowlers
For the West Indies, Shamar Joseph started off well with two early wickets, but then found no luck after that. Alzarri Joseph, Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales shared the remaining three wickets to fall between them.
Sri Lanka made three changes to their XI. Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Kumara and Kasun Rajitha missed out, with Prabath Jayasuriya and the uncapped Isitha Wijesundera coming in, along with Udara. Skipper de Silva confirmed at the toss that the changes were made due to injuries. For the West Indies, Shai Hope returned to the XI at the cost of Joshua Da Silva. Kemar Roach too missed out due to a hamstring injury, with Anderson Phillip taking his place.
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat, and they had to make the most of the conditions on the first day as it would be more and more difficult to bat on as the match progresses. However, the pacers are once again expected to play a key role once again after picking up 27 of the 29 wickets to fall here in the previous Test.
This is a crucial game for Sri Lanka as they would want to hit back after their innings defeat in the first Test. The Sri Lankan batters were patient on Day 1 of the second Test and will hope to get to at least 500 and put the West Indies batters under pressure.
Brief scores
Sri Lanka 338/5 (Lahiru Udara 188, Kamindu Mendis 84; Shamar Joseph 2/60) vs West Indies
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