The second unofficial Test between Sri Lanka ‘A’ and England Lions continued for day three today (09th February) at Galle International Cricket Stadium.
Alex Lees and Jamie Smith resumed the visitors’ first innings on day three at 234/3, but the former unfortunately was dismissed for 97, missing out on a well-deserved century. The wicket-keeper batter Smith went on to score his 6th first-class ton strengthening the England Lions’ grip in this encounter.
The seamer Karunaratne struck twice in two consecutive overs helping the hosts make a comeback into the game. After being 302/4, the visitors suffered a batting collapse losing 6 wickets for 103 runs.
Karunaratne was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka ‘A’ as he grabbed 4 scalps for 84 runs. The seamer Vishwa Fernando (3/83) and left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama (2/59) also starred with the ball sharing 5 wickets between them.
The hosts began their 2nd innings 73 runs behind, but the opening pair Nishan Madushka and Lasith Croospulle managed to put them into the lead with an 88-run partnership for the first wicket.
Madushka and Kamindu Mendis extended their lead building another impressive stand worth 100 for the 3rd wicket as the hosts ended the third day’s play at 202/3. Sri Lanka ‘A’ will resume the final day tomorrow with a 129-run lead with 7 wickets in hand.
 at Galle International Cricket Stadium.){kind=link}