Bairstow, Plunkett tons, England Lions dominate
The England Lions batsmen got the much needed batting practice in preparation for their first four day unofficial Test match against Sri Lanka ‘A’ scheduled to be worked off from February 12 at the Pallekele Stadium.
The first warm-up match against the Sri Lanka ‘A’ Emerging XI saw them struggling to come in terms with the climatic conditions but they seem to have settled down.
Jonny Bairstow goes for a scoop shot - Pic by Amila Gamage
The second warm up match which concluded at the Colts ground which ended in a draw yesterday have seen their players being successful in both departments.
Alex Lees cracked a ton in the first inning on day one which paved the way for them to make 327 for 5 declared which was followed by their spinners Scott Borthwick and Simon Kerrigan combining with effect on day two as the duo shared seven wickets to skittle out the home team for a paltry 153.
The final day’s proceedings belonged to Jonny Bairstow and Liam Plunkett who both slammed tons with Bairstow making 117 inclusive of 12 boundaries and two sixes and Plunkett making 114 comprising of 11 boundaries and four sixes. The pair put on a valuable 210 runs stand for the fifth wicket enabling the visitors to 289 for 6 declared.
The Sri Lanka ‘A’ Emerging XI was left with a daunting task of making 494 runs for victory ended the day on 177 for 4. The highlight of the local side was the twin half tons made by Chathuranga de Silva.
England Lions 327 for 5 declared (Alex Lees 119, Varun Chopra 47, James Taylor 47, Jonny Bairstow 45, James Vince 18, Ben Foakes 24 n.o.: Shehan Jayasuriya 2 for 42, Akila Dhananjaya 2 for 85) and (139/4 overnight) 289 for 6 declared (Jonny Bairstow 117, Liam Plunkett 114, Ben Foakes 20: Chaminda Bandara 2 for 35, Chathuranga de Silva 2 for 79)
Sri Lanka A Emerging XI 153 (Chathuranga de Silva 50, Mahela Udawatte 35, Dhanushka Gunatilleke 29: Scott Borthwick 4 for 25, Simon Kerrigan 3 for 31) and 177 for 4 (Rumesh Buddika 23, Shehan Jayasuriya 16, Chathuranga de Silva 53 n.o., Madawa Warnapura 50 n.o.: Simon Kerrigan 2 for 50)