Kusal Janith Perera smashed 142 ball 150 on a rain affected third day in the SLC triangular match versus the Sri Lanka Board XI at the P Sara stadium today.
Early morning rain and overcast conditions prevented play continuing from the overnight total of 129/0 with only 40 overs possible today. Shehan Jayasuriya could not add to his overnight score and was dismissed for 56 runs. The Sri Lankan Development XI lost 4 wickets in space of 30 runs with Rumesh Buddika (1), Sachiththra Serasinghe (0), and Captain Lahiru Thirimanne (0) falling cheaply.
Despite everyone else failing around him Kusal Janith managed to complete his century with the same ferocity displayed last evening.. He ultimately fell quickly after registering his 150 to a Sachithra Senanayake delivery. His innings included 12 fours and 6 sixes as he took a part what would most likely be the Sri Lankan test bowling line up comprising of Kulasekara, Lakmal, Thisara, Ajantha, and Sachithra.
Niroshan Dickwella (42) was only other batsman who showed some resistance as SL Dev found themselves 299/9 at stumps with a deficit of 276 runs and look very likely to be following-on tomorrow unless SL Board XI captain, Angelo Mathews decides they may require more batting practice with the game heading towards a certain draw.
This match would certainly bring some headaches to the selection committee with strong claims by test hopefuls Kaushal Silva (scored 125 in the 1st innings) and Kusal Janith who would be fighting for the opener’s spot left vacant by the sudden retirement of TM Dilshan. Further Prasanna Jayawardena ( scored 105*) too would be feeling some pressure as both the previous mentioned players been wicket keeping batsmen and a certain Dinesh Chandimal (National Vice Captain/’A’ team captain) also trying to make his way back to the playing XI for the Test Series versus Pakistan in December.
While the positive competition between the batsmen would bring some smiles to the cricket fan, the lack of penetration by the bowling attack apart from Rangana Herath (who has been rested for the match) would certainly bring some nervous moments come December. Bowling Coach Chaminda Vaas earlier this week expressed that there is a ‘lack of fight’ in this generation of fast bowlers.
Tomorrow will the fourth and final day of the match, with SL development taking on the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team next week at the SSC.
Summary – day 3 stumps
SL Dev XI – 129/0 overnight
299/9 (Kusal Perera 150, Shehan Jayasuriya 56*, Niroshan Dickwella 42, Sachithra Senanayake 3/82, Nuwan Kulasekara 2/36, Suranga Lakmal 2/46)
SL Board – 575 ( Kaushal Silva 125, Kumar Sangakkara 107, Prasanna Jayawardena 105*, Nuwan Kulasekara 75, Shaminda Eranga 4/95, M. Pushpakumara 2/162)
