Tom Westley and Liam Livingstone struck unbeaten half-centuries to carry England Lions to a commanding position on day one against Sri Lanka Board President’s XI in their practice match which commenced today in Moratuwa.
After being asked to bowl first by the hosts on a surface which had a tinge of grass, Sri Surrey’s right-arm seamer Tom Curran removed both Hashan Dumindu and Irosh Samarasooriya for 5 and 0 respectively.
Young left-handed pair of Ron Chandragupta and Leo Fransisco then consolidated the Lankan innings adding 49 valuable runs for the 3rd wicket before Craig Overton removed the latter for 11. Former Trinitian and in-form Chandragupta was the only Lankan batsman who played fearlessly against the English attack largely dominated by seamers. He struck 9 fours during his 86-ball 48.
Skipper Nipun Karunanayake made just two runs as wickets continued to tumble. 22-year old Thomas Helm was the most impressive seamer ripping apart the Lankan middle order with 3 wickets for 18. Chandragupta’s fellow school mate, Dilan Jayalath made five fours in his 26 as the home team was bundled out for just 153 runs.
In reply, the two England Lions’ openers, skipper Keaton Jennings and Haseeb Hameed who both made their Test debuts against India recently found SSC left-arm seamer Vimukthi Perera tough to handle as they fell cheaply. Right-arm seamer Nisala Tharaka got the better of Nick Gubbins for 1 while Tom Alsop was trapped LBW by left-arm spinner Malinda Pushpakumara for 13.
After being in deep trouble at 69 for 4, Westley and Livingstone ensured the visitors take the lead by scoring 65 and 61 respectively. Right-handed Westley made 12 fours while Livingstone cracked 7 fours and a six as England Lions ended day one on 168 for 4 in 39 overs.
The match will continue tomorrow for second day’s play.
SL Board President’s XI – 153 all out in 53.3 overs: Ron Chandragupta 48, Dilan Jayalath 26, Tharindu Kaushal 18*, Thomas Helm 3/18, Tom Curran 2/23, Craig Overton 2/31.
England Lions – 168/4 in 39 overs: Liam Livingstone 61*, Tom Westley 65*, Vimukthi Perera 2/15.
