| 0.0 : Hello and a warm welcome to the coverage of the second Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka in St Lucia. The hosts are on a high after a brilliant performance in the previous game. They clicked as a unit and delivered on all fronts. The likes of Dowrich and Chase were in their elements and helped the cause of their side. |
| Sri Lanka, on the other hand, were bland overall. The batsmen did not capitalize on the starts, the bowlers were good in patches but failed to be consistent while the catching was shoddy. The experienced campaigners, Dinesh Chandimal and Rangana Herath, need to take responsibility and guide their team. The morale is low at the moment but they are a really potent side. Expect them to put in their all. Promises to be a cracking contest! |
| Sri Lanka coach, Chandika Hathurusingha, says that the mood in the camp is good. States that the scores suggest that they lost by a big margin but they were closer than that. Mentions that the duke ball needs time to adjust to. Informs there are a lot of positives in their side. Credits the likes of Kumara and Lakmal for their probing bowling. States that it is a concern as they took a lot of time to dismiss the last five Windies batsmen. Informs that there are unfortunately a few forced changes |
| PITCH REPORT - Jeff Dujon assessing the surface says that there will be consistency in bounce and pace. Mentions that there is a lot of grass on it and a bit of moisture. Feels that Day 2 will be good for batting. Further adds that if you get in, you can bat long and make runs. Reckons there will be assistance for the pacers as there is a considerable amount of grass on the surface. Ends by saying that the toss is not that important and the commitment and skill levels are what matter. |
| TOSS - Sri Lanka win the toss and opt to bat. |
| Dinesh Chandimal says that they will bat first. Announces that there are four changes. Adds that Gamage got injured and Mathews has gone back home. States there are a few tactical changes as well - Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera have been dropped. Mentions that Mahela Udawatte and Kasun Rajitha are making their debuts. Ends by saying that they had a good team meeting and have made some good plans. |
| Jason Holder says that they are playing with the same team and he is happy with his side's performance. Feels that they need to stick to the basics which they executed really well in the previous game. Reckons there is a bit of grass on the surface and his bowlers would like to exploit that upfront. |
| We are finally set to get underway. It is a gloomy morning with no signs of any sunshine around. Kusal Perera and the debutant, Mahela Udawatte stride out to open the innings for Sri Lanka. Kemar Roach to begin the proceedings with the brand new cherry. He is one shy of 150 Test wickets. Three slips, a short leg and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 0.1 : K Roach to Perera, Straightaway on a length, into the left-hander and angling away. Nicely defended by the batsman. |
| 0.2 : K Roach to Perera, On a similar length and wide of the reach of Perera, who swings his bat like a golf stick and misses the ball. |
| 0.3 : K Roach to Perera, Peach of a delivery from Roach! Absolute killer! That missed everything. Roach puts on a good length, angling into the batsman and straightens from there. Perera played down the wrong line and failed to make contact. The ball misses the outside edge and the off stump as well. Close call! |
| 0.4 : K Roach to Perera, Goes chasing the wide one and fails to make contact. Nice enticing bowling from Roach. |
| 0.5 : K Roach to Perera, Another play and a miss. On a similar length and wide of off stump. |
| 0.6 : K Roach to Perera, And finally lets one go outside the off stump to end the over. Short of a good length and outside off. |
| Shannon Gabriel to share the new ball from the other end. Three slips and a gully in place for him as well. |
| 1.1 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, Goes around the wicket straight away to Udawatte, on a short of a length and almost squaring up the debutant. |
| 1.2 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, OUT! Gone! That channel of uncertainty, I tell you! Keeps it on a back of a length, angling in and straightening after pitching. The batsman has no option other than getting his bat in line. The ball moves a touch and kisses the outside edge on the way. The Windies skipper at third slip takes a nice diving catch to his forward. Gabriel has tasted early blood. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva comes in at No. 3. He is back in the side and will be eager to impress. |
| 1.3 : S Gabriel to Silva, Defended the short of a length delivery from the crease. |
| 1.4 : S Gabriel to Silva, FOUR! Carved nicely! Short of a length and climbing up to the right hander. Silva stays tall and guides the ball square of the wicket. One hand comes off the handle but still has enough to reach the square leg boundary. Silva playing fire with fire! |
| 1.5 : S Gabriel to Silva, Cover drive off the length ball straight to the fielder. |
| 1.6 : S Gabriel to Silva, Similar short but this time in the gap. Takes a couple from the sweeper cover. |
| 2.1 : K Roach to Perera, WOW! Lethal stuff from the lanky pacer. Keep the batsman on his toes, and brings it in with the angle. Silva plays inside the line off the short of a length delivery. |
| 2.2 : Roach to Perera, And.... misses again! How is this happening? Perera has tried to get behind these angled in deliveries almost every single time and yet, he has missed 99% of them. Some appeal from the keeper but the bowler isn't interested. |
| 2.3 : K Roach to Perera, Another play and a miss!! Almost identical to the previous one. |
| 2.4 : K Roach to Perera, On a short of a good length and outside off stump, Perera lets one through. |
| 2.5 : K Roach to Perera, No, it isn't happening. Goes fetching a wide one and misses again. |
| 2.6 : K Roach to Perera, Roach is resolute. Not letting him off the hook. And Perera is struggling big time. |
| 3.1 : S Gabriel to Silva, Silva lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 3.2 : S Gabriel to Silva, Gets behind the good length delivery and defends it from the front foot. |
| 3.3 : S Gabriel to Silva, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 3.4 : S Gabriel to Silva, No interest in fetching the wide ones. Let's one through again. |
| 3.5 : S Gabriel to Silva, Gabriel goes wide of the crease, pitches it on a fuller length and angles it into the pads. The batsman blocks it in front of his eyes. |
| 3.6 : S Gabriel to Silva, On a good length, wide outside off, and ignored bu the batsman. |
| 4.1 : K Roach to Perera, Touch too straight and down the leg side. He has been consistent till now with his line and length. But misses his mark this time. Perera gets his hands away from the delivery. |
| 4.2 : K Roach to Perera, And again! I have lost count now. I don't know how many times he has tried to get behind the line of the angled in delivery and missed. Roach gets fuller, just outside off stump. Perera is yet to get off the mark. |
| 4.3 : K Roach to Perera, Finally gets one from the bat. Short of a length, coming into the left-hander and he gets his bat but touch late. The ball roll to the deep mid-wicket region from the inside half of the bat and the batsmen take two. |
| 4.4 : K Roach to Perera, Go too wide and outside the white lien. The umpire stretches his arms and signals wide. |
| K Roach to Perera, The ball is too wide on the off side for the batsman to make any contact. |
| 4.5 : K Roach to Perera, That similar old story. Perera and the delivery outside off stump. But credit to him for holding his line. The ball passes the outside edge once again. |
| 4.6 : K Roach to Perera, Perera shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 5.1 : S Gabriel to Silva, Short of a good length outside off, the batsman punches it off his toes through cover-point. Two runs added to the total. |
| 5.2 : S Gabriel to Silva, FOUR! Up and over from De Silva! Short and wide and lot of width, the batsman has no intention of keeping it down and hits it over to the third man region for a boundary. |
| 5.3 : S Gabriel to Silva, De Silva defends it from within the crease. |
| 5.4 : S Gabriel to Silva,OUT! Gabriel has another and Sri Lanka loses their second. Fiery stuff from the Windies fats bowler. Bowls it on a back of a length, angles it in from wide of the crease and gets it to swing off the pitch. De Silva plays the line of the delivery but the ball darts in sharply into the body, Hits his right forearm and ricochets to the stumps. He looks in a lot of pain, holding his arm and the physio comes rushing in to check. Sri Lanka is 15/2. |
| Kusal Mendis comes out to bat. He scored a brilliant century in the previous game and was the lone warrior for his side. Can he come to the fore again? |
| 5.5 : S Gabriel to Mendis, Mendis shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 5.6 : S Gabriel to Mendis,FOUR! Some room on a good length for Mendis to free his arms and he obliges with a fierce cut. The ball goes to the right of the fielder at gully and rushes to the boundary. |
| 6.1 : K Roach to Perera, Angles it bit too much and goes down the leg side. Good length but misses the line. |
| 6.2 : K Roach to Perera, Wide down the leg side, No trouble at all for the batsman. |
| 6.3 : K Roach to Perera, Too wide to entice the batsman for a shot. |
| 6.4 : K Roach to Perera, Another swing and another miss. Perera has been on some potion of sorts. He has not edge even one till now. Similar delivery from Roach, on a good length and outside off but still not edge. |
| 6.5 : K Roach to Perera, The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery. |
| 6.6 : K Roach to Perera, Lets the last ball of the over through to the keeper. |
| 7.1 : S Gabriel to Mendis, OOH! That extra bounce. Gabriel is making the Sri Lankan batsmen dance on this green pitch. The ball pitches on a back of a length and gets the extra bounce off the pitch. Mendis gets behind the lone to defend it.The bounce trouble him a bit, hits him on the splice of the bat and thee ball lands just in front of the short leg fielder stationed there. |
| 7.2 : S Gabriel to Mendis, Kusal gets up on his toes to play that one. |
| 7.3 : S Gabriel to Mendis, Short and into the body of the batsman, who tries to poke at it but doesn't get an bat on it. |
| 7.4 : S Gabriel to Mendis, FOUR! Welcome runs for the visitors. Gets some with from Gabriel on a good length and the batsman slashes hard and cuts it through to the backward gully region for a boundary. |
| 7.5 : S Gabriel to Mendis, Bowled at 144.0 kph and the batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 7.6 : S Gabriel to K Mendis, Mistimes the off drive off the front foot and hits it straight to the fielder. |
| Miguel Cummins is into the attack. |
| 8.1 : M Cummins to Perera, Awkward bounce again. The ball lands of a back of a length and jumps into the ribs of Perera. He does well to get bat on it while his hand came off the handle. |
| 8.2 : M Cummins to Perera, Bumper from Cummins and the batsman ducks under it. |
| 8.3 : M Cummins to Perera, On fullish length into the pads, Kusal flicks it but can't get it past Devendra Bishoo at short square leg. |
| 8.4 : M Cummins to Perera, This one is down the leg side and the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 8.5 : M Cummins to Perera, Was there a catch? No. It hits him on his chest and lobs in the air and lands just in front of the diving slip fielder. Cummins arches his back and extracts some bounce. Perera jumps to get behind the line but misses it. |
| 8.6 : M Cummins to Perera, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| The skipper, Jason Holder comes in for a burst. |
| 9.1 : J Holder to Mendis, On a good length outside off, Mendis defends it to the covers for nothing. |
| 9.2 : J Holder to Mendis, Attempted pull off the shot delivery but the connection isn't right as it hits high on his bat. The fielder at short mid-wicket runs to his right and throws the back quickly to the non-striker's end. Had he hit, it could have been close but he missed. |
| 9.3 : J Holder to Perera, Taps to cover region and takes a single to change the strike. |
| 9.4 : J Holder to Mendis, On a short of a length and flicked off his pads to square leg. Another run added to the total. |
| 9.5 : J Holder to K Perera, Fuller and on the off stump, Kusal gets behind the line and plays it with soft hands. The ball lands in front of the gully fielder. Good calm batting from the left-hander. |
| 9.6 : J Holder to K Perera, Short and into the rib-cage, the batsman pulls and gets it over the infield. The ball hangs in the air and thuds into the wet outfield at deep mid-wicket. Two more runs taken. |
| 10.1 : M Cummins to Mendis, Works the short of length delivery to the leg side and scampers for two. |
| 10.2 : M Cummins to Mendis, Mendis chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 10.3 : M Cummins to Mendis, Gets behind the angled delivery and blocks it from the crease. |
| 10.4 : M Cummins to Mendis, Another short delivery. Mendis was looking to pull but chooses against the option and leaves it for the keeper. |
| 10.5 : M Cummins to Mendis, Again in two minds. To play or not to play. On a good length, outside off, Mendis gets his bat closer to the delivery but chooses to leave it at the last moment. Before he could pull out, the ball took the under edge to the slip cordon. |
| 10.6 : M Cummins to Mendis, Short and outside off, and almost squares him up. The batsman does well to keep it down. |
| 11.1 : J Holder to Perera, And... just short of the point fielder. Good length delivery, probing outside off and taking the edge but didn't reach the fielder. |
| 11.2 : J Holder to Perera, FOUR! Not shying away from the challenge is Kusal Perera. Short and touch too wide, Perera gets on his toes and cuts it through cover-point for a boundary. It will give him some confidence. |
| 11.3 : Holder to K Perera, Short, wide and too high but the batsman wanted to play at it. He goes after it and gets an edge. The ball goes high in the air, behind point and Devendra Bishoo runs after it but doesn't get even hands to it. Difficult chance this and two runs taken by the batsmen. |
| 11.4 : J Holder to Perera, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 11.5 : J Holder to Perera, Gets behind the line defends the good length delivery to point. |
| 11.6 : J Holder to Perera, Nips in from length and hits the batsman on his thigh pad. Extra bounce once again. |
| Time for Drinks. The initial stage of play has belonged to the hosts. The bowlers have run in with intent on a green surface, landing the ball in good channels. Results have also come their way. It is a re-building phase for the visitors. Mendis and Perera need to grind it out and show the way to their side. |
| 12.1 : M Cummins to Mendis, On a good length, outside off, left alone by the batsman. |
| 12.2 : M Cummins to Mendis, Mendis shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 12.3 : M Cummins to Mendis, Wide outside off and another leave by the batsman for the keeper. |
| 12.4 : M Cummins to Mendis, Copy paste stuff from the bowler and the batsman. |
| 12.5 : M Cummins to Mendis, Touch short but still too wide to make Mendis take notice of it. Another leave outside off. |
| 12.6 : M Cummins to Mendis, A touch too short this time angling into the left-hander, who rocks onto the back foot and punches it through covers for a couple. |
| 13.1 : J Holder to K Perera,FOUR! Nice and easy this. On a good length, angling into the pads and Perera flicks it nonchalantly through square leg for a boundary. He looks much better at the crease now then he was some 30 minutes back. |
| 13.2 : J Holder to K Perera, FOUR! Creamed through covers. He surely has his eye in now. Gets a short of a length delivery outside off and makes full use of it. He gets forward and punches the ball through covers. Class written all over that shot. |
| 13.3 : J Holder to Perera, FOUR! Bang! Hat-trick of four's. This is more of a slap than an on drive. Holder goes full outside off and Perera swings his bat from his crease and flat bats it down the long on boundary for four. The power in the shot almost took the non-striker out. Fireworks time! |
| 13.4 : J Holder to Perera, And misses the very next ball after hitting last three for boundaries. Short of a good length and angling away from the left-hander who tries to get behind the line but misses. |
| 13.5 : J Holder to Perera, No run. |
| 13.6 : J Holder to Perera, No run. |
| 14.1 : M Cummins to Mendis, Short of a length delivery, angling in, Mendis camps back and blocks it nicely. |
| 14.2 : M Cummins to Mendis, In the corridor of uncertainty, no real movement on this occasion. Kusal Mendis plants his front foot across to let it through. |
| 14.3 : M Cummins to K Mendis, This is good stuff from Cummins! Continues to bowl it in the tight off stump line and the ball straightens a touch after landing. Kusal is opened up in his stance but does well to defend it towards point. |
| 14.4 : M Cummins to Mendis, This one stays low! Fuller length ball outside off, left alone. |
| 14.5 : M Cummins to Mendis, Almost a replica of the previous delivery as Mendis doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 14.6 : M Cummins to Mendis, Back of a length ball on middle and off, the right-hander rises with the bounce and blocks it right under his eyes. |
| 15.1 : J Holder to Perera, FOUR! Anything short and wide from the Windies has been punished by Perera. He gets another one outside off and he carves it through the point-cover region for a boundary. Four 4's in the last seven deliveries for the left-hander. |
| 15.2 : J Holder to Perera, OOH! Almost chopped on. On a short of a length, angling away from the batsman. He goes for the cut, gets a thick inside edge and almost hits his stumps. Close but no close enough. |
| 15.3 : J Holder to Perera, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 15.4 : J Holder to Perera, Lets the good length delivery pass to the keeper. |
| 15.5 : J Holder to K Perera, Jason is getting something out of this pitch. On a good length just outside off, Perera tries to punch it but the ball goes from the inside edge. They take two from the vacant mid-wicket region. |
| 15.6 : J Holder to Perera, Kusal lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 16.1 : M Cummins to Mendis, Rides the extra bounce outside off stump and dabs it to gully. |
| 16.2 : M Cummins to Mendis, Cummins goes full around off and nicely defended by the batsman off the front foot. |
| 16.3 : M Cummins to Mendis, Play and a miss. A touch short outside off and takes extra bounce. The batsman goes for the cut but misses. |
| 16.4 : M Cummins to Mendis, Mendis defends it from within the crease. |
| 16.5 : M Cummins to Mendis, Touch too short and into the body of the batsman, hits high on the batsman thigh pad. |
| 16.6 : M Cummins to Mendis, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 17.1 : J Holder to Perera, Short and wide again, Perera flashes his bat again and the ball lobs in the air for a while. The fielder from backward point runs to his left and throws the ball back. Two runs added to the total. |
| 17.2 : J Holder to Perera, Wide and left alone by the batsman. |
| 17.3 : J Holder to Perera, Goes around the wicket, angles it into the left-hander and troubles him. Perera gets an under edge and the ball rolls wide of the keeper. One run taken. |
| 17.4 : J Holder to Mendis, Short of a length and played to the leg side for nothing. |
| 17.5 : J Holder to Mendis, Mendis lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 17.6 : J Holder to Mendis, Outside off and the batsman ignores it. |
| Kemar Roach is back for a bowl. |
| 18.1 : K Roach to K Perera, OUT! YES! Finally! Roach finally has his man. Continuous probing outside the off stump and finally reaps the reward. Bowls it on a short of a good length, angles it in and extracts extra bounce of the pitch. Perera had to play the line which he does and finally get and outside edge. The Windies skipper Jason Holder takes the catch at second slip and Kemar Roach rejoices his 150th Test wicket. Dangerous looking Perera is walking back. Sri Lanka looses another before the |
| 0.0 : The Sri Lankan captain, Dinesh Chandimal strides out to bat. A lot of responsibility lies on his shoulders to guide his side to safe harbors. |
| 18.2 : K Roach to Chandimal, Wide outside off stump, Chandimal leaves it alone. |
| 18.3 : K Roach to Chandimal, Works the shortish delivery to backward square and gets off the mark. |
| 18.4 : K Roach to Mendis, Almost another one for Roach. What a spell of bowling from the fast bowler. Hitting the good length and forces the drive off Mendis, who fails to make contact. |
| 18.5 : K Roach to K Mendis, On a good length outside off and a square drive from Mendis but couldn't get it pass the fielder there. |
| 18.6 : K Roach to Mendis, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| Shannon Gabriel is back on. |
| 19.1 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Wide outside and left alone by Chandimal. |
| 19.2 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Touch too straight on to the pads, the batsman tickles it to square leg. The fielder at fine leg runs to his left and stops the batsmen under two. |
| 19.3 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Touch short and coming into the batsman, who taps it to point and runs a quick single. |
| 19.4 : S Gabriel to Mendis, FOUR! And just like that, Mendis decides to go after the full delivery on off. Gets his foot down the pitch and hits it fiercely down the ground. Mendis too getting a move on now. |
| 19.5 : S Gabriel to Mendis, Played to point from the back foot for nothing. |
| 19.6 : S Gabriel to Mendis, FOUR! Beautifully done this by Mendis. Easy peasy for him. Gabriel goes wide of his crease, keeps it on a short of a good length and targets his ribs. The batsman gets inside the line of the delivery and tickles it fine to the fine leg fielder for second boundary of the over. |
| 20.1 : K Roach to Chandimal, Chandimal chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 20.2 : K Roach to Chandimal, Oh my my! Chandimal has no idea how and where the ball is jagging in from . Roach goes over the wicket to the new batsman, lands it on a good length and angles it into the stumps. The ball pitches and seams into the batsman and sneaks between the pad and bat and even misses the stumps. Roach is making Sri Lankan batsman's lives difficult. |
| 20.3 : K Roach to Chandimal, Angled length delivery and worked on to the leg side for a single. |
| 20.4 : K Roach to Mendis, Another one sneaks in and this time it's Mendis. Similar probing length on off stump and coming in after pitching. Mendis gets on the front foot to block it but the ball darts in and goes over the stumps. |
| 20.5 : K Roach to Mendis, The batsman has driven it straight down the ground. |
| 20.6 : K Roach to Mendis, Gets behind the line and blocks it down the pitch to end the over. |
| 21.1 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Short of a length on middle and leg and hit straight to the short mid-wicket fielder. |
| 21.2 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Goes wide of the crease once again, on a good length and Chandimal flicks it of his pad to fine leg for a single. |
| 21.3 : S Gabriel to Mendis, Blocks the length delivery from his crease. |
| 21.4 : S Gabriel to Mendis, Naah! He has been doing well to not to go after the wide ones but here he lapses in concentration. Gabriel serves one wide outside off and entices the batsman. He goes for the booming drive but fails to make a connection. |
| 21.5 : S Gabriel to Mendis, Pitches it around off and Mendis presents the full face of the bat. |
| 21.6 : S Gabriel to Mendis, On a good length outside off and in the probing channel. Mendis was looking to leave it but doesn't get his bat away in time. The ball hits the under edge and goes to the slip fielder on a bounce. |
| Time for some spin. Devendra Bishoo to roll his arm over now. |
| 22.1 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Flighted delivery around off and Chandimal punches it off the back foot. |
| 22.2 : D Bishoo to Chandimal,Floated on off, blocked from the full face of the bat. |
| 22.3 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Touch flatter on off, the batsman blocks it to the off side off the back foot. |
| 22.4 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Plants his foot down and plays the flighted delivery to mid off for nothing. |
| 22.5 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Almost too full and Chandimal almost yorked himself but manages to keep it out somehow. |
| 22.6 : D Bishoo to D Chandimal, Touch short outside off and the Sri Lanka skipper goes back in his crease and cuts it square for a single. |
| 23.1 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, On a back of length and tapped to point region for nothing. |
| 23.2 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Looks to get forward to meet the full length delivery outside off but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 23.3 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, This one is down the leg side and the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 23.4 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Plants his foot down and blocks it with intent. |
| 23.5 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Full and outside off and punched off the front foot by Chandimal. One run added to total. |
| 23.6 : S Gabriel to Mendis, FOUR! Can we call that a drop? It would be too harsh on the Windies keeper on so many levels. The last ball before Lunch gives us a moment of excitement. The hosts look disappointed but as Michael Holder points out on air, Dowrich couldn't have jumped any higher. Coming to the delivery, it is on a back of a length, around off and Mendis tries to get some easy runs over the keeper's head with a ramp shot but doesn't play it cleanly. The ball flies off the upper edge and |
| We have witnessed an intriguing session of Test cricket and the home side would be really pleased with how things have gone so far. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Sri Lankan openers found out that it will be tough work for them on a spicy surface against some penetrative bowling. Shannon Gabriel found his mojo and picked up two quick wickets with the new cherry. The debutant, Udawatte failed to impress while de Silva wasn't able to deliver as well on his return to the side. |
| Kusal Perera was struggling but continued to fight on and found an able ally in Kusal Mendis. They stitched a 44-run stand and the signs were promising but Roach came back and struck instantaneously in his second spell to get rid of the former. From Sri Lanka's perspective, it is really vital that the pair of Mendis and Chandimal contribute something substantial. While, the hosts will be aiming to continue the domination. Join us shortly for the afternoon session. |
| ... Day 1, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the afternoon session. Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis will continue their innings. Kemar Roach to bowl first up after Lunch. Here we go... |
| 24.1 : K Roach to Chandimal, Fuller length ball outside off, holding its line. Chandimal plants his front foot across to let it be. |
| 24.2 : K Roach to Chandimal, Bye! Angling in from wide of the crease. Chandimal lets it go. Dowrich behind the stumps fails to collect it cleanly. The batsmen steal a run. |
| 24.3 : K Roach to Mendis, Mendis hangs back to the good length ball and defends it stoutly off the back foot. |
| 24.4 : K Roach to Mendis, Similar length ball outside off, punched off the back foot towards point. |
| 24.5 : K Roach to Mendis, Edged but safe! Roach pitches this one on a fuller length outside off and gets the ball to swing away a touch. Mendis goes for a flamboyant drive but only manages an outside edge towards gully. The fielder takes it on the bounce. |
| 24.6 : K Roach to Mendis, On a length, shaping in, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| Miguel Cummins to bowl from the other end. |
| 25.1 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Starts with a full length ball delivery on the pads, Chandimal clips it with soft hands towards mid-wicket and comes back for the second. |
| 25.2 : M Cummins to Chandimal, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 25.3 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Well played! Short of a length ball outside off, punched nicely behind point for a brace. |
| 25.4 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Beaten! Good stuff from Cummins. He runs in hard and bowls a back of a length outside off. Chandimal pokes at it but is deceived by the extra bounce. |
| 25.5 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Fuller in length outside off, played with an angled blade past the gully fielder for a couple. |
| 25.6 : M Cummins to D Chandimal, Dropped and Four! That was a sitter, Smith will be kicking himself. Can prove to be a costly miss. Back of a length ball in the corridor of uncertainty. It straightens a bit after pitching. That is enough to induce an outside edge as Chandimal pokes at it. Devon Smith at first slip takes it casually. Tries to catch it with hard hands to his right but the ball bursts through and runs to the fence. |
| 26.1 : K Roach to Mendis, Full length ball, pushed off the front foot to mid on. |
| 26.2 : K Roach to Mendis, FOUR! Stylish! Full length ball on the pads, Mendis flick it over square leg and the ball races to the fence. |
| 26.3 : K Roach to Mendis, Driven towards the mid off region. |
| 26.4 : K Roach to Mendis, Slightly overpitched this time, driven past Roach and the batsmen come back for a couple. |
| 26.5 : K Roach to Mendis, A big, big misjudgment but no harm done! Back of a length outside off, Mendis taps it towards covers and takes off and Chandimal responds as well. The fielder picks it up and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. The skipper was not even in the frame. |
| 26.6 : K Roach to Chandimal, Cuts him into two halves! Angling in substantially from outside off and goes past the inside edge of Chandimal's hanging bat. |
| 27.1 : M Cummins to Mendis, A play and a miss! Short of a length ball outside off, moving away after landing. Mendis pokes at it and gets beaten. |
| 27.2 : M Cummins to Mendis, Similar ball outside off, Kusal is not learning from his mistakes. Chases it again and gets foxed. |
| 27.3 : M Cummins to Mendis, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 27.4 : M Cummins to Mendis, That was a jaffa! Too good to get the outside edge. Angling in around the off stump. Mendis has no option but to play at it but the ball shapes away at the last moment to leave Mendis bamboozled. |
| 27.5 : M Cummins to Mendis, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 27.6 : M Cummins to Mendis, Fourth play and a miss in the over! Wide outside off, a loose shot from Mendis as he fails to connect again. |
| 28.1 : K Roach to Chandimal, Short of a length outside off, left alone. |
| 28.2 : K Roach to Chandimal, Similar ball outside off, Chandimal leaves it again. |
| 28.3 : K Roach to Chandimal, Takes off from a short of a length, Dinesh watches it closely and lets it be. |
| 28.4 : K Roach to Chandimal, A lot is happening at the moment. Testing times for the visitors. Coming in with the initial angle around off and leaves Chandimal at the last moment as he goes for a push through the line. However, he doesn't connect. |
| 28.5 : K Roach to Chandimal, Bonus runs for Sri Lanka! Bad luck for the hosts. Chandimal taps this towards covers and sets off. The fielder aims for the bull's eye at the bowler's end but the throw deflects off Chandimal's body and runs through to the long on fence. There is nothing you can do about it. |
| 28.6 : K Roach to Mendis, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. Another good over from Roach. |
| 29.1 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Back of a length outside off, not fiddled with. |
| 29.2 : M Cummins to Chandimal, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 29.3 : M Cummins to Chandimal, On a length outside off, holding its line. Dinesh lets it be. |
| 29.4 : M Cummins to Chandimal, That was really difficult to deal with! Short of a length outside off, shoots off after pitching. Chandimal tries to ride the bounce but is deceived completely. Does well to drops his wrists eventually and sees the ball sail past him. |
| 29.5 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Outside off, left alone. |
| 29.6 : M Cummins to Chandimal, A short leg would have taken that! The Windies need to keep attacking, there is so much on the surface. Shortish delivery, rising on Chandimal. He tries to fend that off but the ball hits his gloves and falls in the vacant short leg region. |
| 30.1 : K Roach to Mendis, In the zone outside off, Kusal doesn't flirt with it. |
| 30.2 : K Roach to Mendis, On a length outside off, jagging in. Mendis defends it with his bat and pad close together. |
| 30.3 : K Roach to Mendis, FOUR! Mendis takes the aerial route and succeeds! Perhaps, this is the way to disturb the rhythm of Roach. Fullish delivery, veering in. Mendis with a free flow of the bat lifts it over wide mid on. Has got enough behind it and the ball rolls to the fence. |
| 30.4 : K Roach to Mendis, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 30.5 : K Roach to Mendis, FOUR! This one is more authoritative! Slightly overpitched, angling in. Mendis with a lot of confidence strokes it over mid on for another boundary. That brings up the 50-run stand between the duo. Need to keep the runs coming. |
| 30.6 : K Roach to Mendis, Nicely controlled! Shortish ball in line of the stumps, Mendis rolls his wrists on it and pulls it through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 31.1 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Good length ball outside off, defended from within the crease. |
| 31.2 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Fuller in length outside off, patted to covers to rotate strike. |
| 31.3 : M Cummins to Mendis, Mendis was surprised there! Good length ball on middle and leg, comes a bit slowly off the surface. Mendis adjusts and helps it down to fine leg for a single. |
| A fourth slip comes in for Chandimal. |
| 31.4 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Good running! Short of a length outside off, Chandimal taps it towards covers and calls his partner through for a well-judged single. |
| 31.5 : M Cummins to Mendis, Down the leg side, swiped away to fine leg for a single. |
| 31.6 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Back of a length outside off, Dinesh gets on top of the bounce and guides it towards gully. |
| Holder returns for a bowl. |
| 32.1 : J Holder to Mendis, Rush of blood from Mendis! Poor, poor cricket for him. Needs to be patient. Wide outside off, he flashes at it but misses. |
| 32.2 : J Holder to Mendis, Back of a length ball around off, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 32.3 : J Holder to Mendis, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 32.4 : J Holder to Mendis, Some wobble this time! Fuller length ball outside off, shapes away after landing. Mendis chooses to leave it alone. |
| 32.5 : J Holder to Mendis, On a length around off, Mendis covers the line and pats it to mid on. |
| 32.6 : J Holder to Mendis, Similar delivery outside off, not close enough to induce a shot from Mendis. |
| 33.1 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Veering in towards the pads, flicked sensibly through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 33.2 : M Cummins to Chandimal, FOUR! Pretty safe shot eventually! Short and wide outside off. Chandimal throws his bat at it but the ball flies off the top edge over the slip cordon and the ball races to the fence. |
| 33.3 : M Cummins to Chandimal, FOUR! Risky! Cummins had a plan in mind and that almost worked. Back of a length ball directed towards the rib-cage area of the batsman. He plays it awkwardly towards leg gully. Bishoo stationed there leaps to his right but the ball sails over him. Too close for comfort. |
| 33.4 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Outside off, left alone. |
| 33.5 : M Cummins to Chandimal, On a length around off, seaming away after pitching. Dinesh is opened up in his stance but does well to block it towards covers. |
| 33.6 : M Cummins to Chandimal, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 34.1 : J Holder to Mendis, OUT! Holder strikes and he is absolutely pumped up! Well, another stand which promised but failed to deliver big. The Windies continue to chip away at the wickets and stay on top of the game. Shortish ball down the leg side, there is a bit of extra bounce on offer. Mendis gets deceived due to it and closes his bat face early. As a result, a top edge is induced and the ball skies towards backward square leg. Dowrich lines it up and runs towards it. Judges it nicely and |
| 0.0 : Roshen Silva is the new man in. |
| 34.2 : J Holder to Chandimal, Leg bye! Down the leg side again, Dinesh tries to work it away but misses. The ball kisses his thigh pad and rolls to the leg side. A run taken. |
| 34.3 : J Holder to Silva, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 34.4 : J Holder to Silva, Pitched up outside off, Roshen pushes it with soft hands to the cover region. |
| 34.5 : J Holder to Silva, On a length, shaping in, Silva tries to play it across but is hit on the thigh pad. |
| 34.6 : J Holder to Silva, FOUR! Streaky runs! Pitched up ball outside off, Silva goes for a booming drive but gets a thick outside edge past the slip cordon and through to the fence. A successful over for Holder ends. |
| 35.1 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Around the hips this time, clipped around the corner for a couple. |
| 35.2 : M Cummins to Chandimal, FOUR! This is the second time he has played this shot and has got the desired result. Short and a lot of width on offer. Chandimal chases it and flashes it off the outer half over the gully region. |
| 35.3 : M Cummins to Chandimal, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 35.4 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Erring in line, towards the pads, helped to the leg side for a run. |
| 35.5 : M Cummins to Silva, Well bowled! Shoots off from a back of a length and goes past the hanging bat of Roshen. |
| 35.6 : M Cummins to Silva, That took off like an aeroplane! Good length ball outside off, climbs up alarmingly to go past the edge of Silva's bat. Dowrich has to collect it with his fingers pointing upwards. |
| 36.1 : J Holder to Chandimal, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 36.2 : J Holder to Chandimal, Back of a length ball outside off, Dinesh doesn't flirt with it. |
| 36.3 : J Holder to Chandimal, Similar length ball, angling in, tucked with a closed bat face towards mid-wicket. |
| 36.4 : J Holder to Silva, Fuller length ball, considerable amount of wobble in the air. Silva is squared up a touch but manages to block it safely towards covers. |
| 36.5 : J Holder to Silva, Full length ball outside off, moving away. Silva plays the inside line of it and sees it through safely. |
| 36.6 : J Holder to Silva, On a driveable length outside off, swinging away sharply. Silva doesn't flirt with danger. |
| Gabriel returns for a bowl. |
| 37.1 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Swinging down the leg side, Dinesh flicks it through backward square leg to get off strike. |
| 37.2 : S Gabriel to Silva, With a short leg in position for Silva, the ploy is to bounce him out. As expected, it is a short ball but the direction is wayward. Down the leg side and the batsman ducks under it comfortably. |
| 37.3 : S Gabriel to Silva, Ouch, that will hurt! It came in a long way. Back of a length outside off, seaming in prodigiously. Roshen Silva doesn't know it is coming and tries to drop his wrists. However, he is right flush on the chest. |
| 37.4 : S Gabriel to Silva, Tailing in significantly, kept out watchfully towards short leg. |
| 37.5 : S Gabriel to Silva, Surprise delivery from Gabriel. Silva did well to stay alert. Yorker which dips in late, the batsman gets his bat down in time and jams it out towards backward square leg. A run taken. |
| 37.6 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, In the corridor outside off, the Sri Lankan skipper lets it go. |
| Time for Drinks. |
| 38.1 : J Holder to Silva, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. One run added to the total. |
| 38.2 : J Holder to Chandimal, Fullish delivery in the tight off stump channel, shaping away. Silva plays it with soft hands to covers and takes an easy single. |
| 38.3 : J Holder to Chandimal, Wide outside off, Chandimal doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 38.4 : J Holder to Chandimal, Seaming down the leg side, Chandimal fails to flick it. Some work for Dowrich and he does it well. |
| 38.5 : J Holder to Chandimal, Tentative! Swinging in from outside off, goes off the inner half of the bat towards square leg and a run is taken. |
| 38.6 : J Holder to Silva, Solid! Fullish delivery, shaping in nicely. Silva with his bat and pad close together blocks it stoutly. |
| 39.1 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, A bit uppish but safe! Short of a length ball, Chandimal goes for a cut but doesn't bother to keep it down. The fielder at backward point is interested for a while but it bounces well short of him. |
| 39.2 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Short of a length ball aimed towards the body, helped towards backward square leg. |
| 39.3 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Fuller in length, shaping in. Dinesh tries to block it but gets it off the inner half of the bat beside the pitch on the leg side. |
| 39.4 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Nervy moments for the Sri Lankan skipper! Tries to cut a rising ball but once again is not in control. Thankfully for him, it falls in front of the point fielder. |
| 39.5 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 39.6 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Well played! Full length ball on the pads, Chandimal tucks it with good timing through mid-wicket. The fielder chases it and saves a run for his side. |
| 40.1 : J Holder to D Chandimal, Fractionally overpitched outside off, driven crisply but straight to the fielder at covers. |
| 40.2 : J Holder to Chandimal, Good length ball outside off, Chandimal knows where his off stump is and makes a good leave. |
| 40.3 : J Holder to Chandimal, Nicely bowled and equally well played! Late swing on that one, moving away from Chandimal. He covers the line and blocks it to the off side. |
| 40.4 : J Holder to Chandimal, Pitched right up on off, pushed off the front foot to extra cover. |
| 40.5 : J Holder to Chandimal, Hangs back to the length delivery and blocks it with a straight bat. |
| 40.6 : J Holder to Chandimal, 17th Test fifty for Dinesh Chandimal! This is only the third 50-plus score by a Sri Lankan skipper in West Indies. He has been resolute on a tough surface and has got the reward as well. Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Chandimal works it away through backward square leg and comes back for a brace. The Sri Lankan skipper was dropped on 14 by Devon Smith and has made the most of it. Needs to convert this into a big one. |
| 41.1 : S Gabriel to Silva, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 41.2 : S Gabriel to Silva, Good length ball in line of the stumps, Roshen takes his bottom hand off the handle of the bat and defends it watchfully. |
| 41.3 : S Gabriel to Silva, Goes deep in the crease to the back of a length ball and defends it stoutly. |
| 41.4 : S Gabriel to Silva, Pacy delivery well outside off, Roshen lets it be. |
| 41.5 : S Gabriel to Silva, This one is on a full length but way, way outside off. Roshen Silva watches it sail through to the keeper. |
| 41.6 : S Gabriel to Silva, Once again wide outside off, Silva ignores it. |
| Devendra Bishoo returns for a bowl. |
| 42.1 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Starts off his new spell with a shortish ball. Dinesh hangs back and cuts it towards point. |
| 42.2 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Similar ball, cut square of the wicket on the off side. |
| 42.3 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Tossed up ball in line of the stumps, Chandimal lunges forward in defense. |
| 42.4 : D Bishoo to D Chandimal, Straighter one from Bishoo on off, pushed confidently off the front foot to mid off. |
| 42.5 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Slips in a googly outside off. Chandimal reads it well and defends it solidly. |
| 42.6 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Fuller in length, driven crisply towards Bishoo who does well to get low and stops a few runs for his side. |
| 43.1 : S Gabriel to Silva, OUT! Roshen Silva's struggle continues! The man who was terrific upfront has produced another peach to hand his side another breakthrough. There is enough in the track to keep the bowlers interested and the hosts have bowled with a lot of discipline. Gabriel steams in hard and bowls an effort ball in the corridor of uncertainty. It takes off after pitching and climbs on Silva. He hops but is in an awkward position to counter it. Tries to fend it eventually but the ball |
| 0.0 : Niroshan Dickwella comes out to bat. |
| 43.2 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, In the zone outside off, left alone. |
| 43.3 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, Back of a length ball, defended with a straight bat. |
| 43.4 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, Overpitched outside off, eased through covers to get off the mark with a brace. |
| 43.5 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 43.6 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, Shortish ball outside off, Dickwella lets it go. |
| 44.1 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Floated around off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 44.2 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Chandimal uses his feet to this one and blocks it out. |
| 44.3 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Fullish delivery on off, driven crisply to Bishoo. |
| 44.4 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Spinning down the leg side, tucked through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 44.5 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 44.6 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Tossed up ball on middle, Dinesh clears his front leg and pushes it to mid on. |
| Kemar Roach returns for a burst. |
| 45.1 : K Roach to Dickwella, Well bowled! Roach runs in from around the wicket and bowls a good length ball. It is coming in initially but moves away eventually. Dickwella keeps his bat inside the line to leave it alone. |
| 45.2 : K Roach to Dickwella, Tentative! On a length around off, holds a bit in the pitch. Dickwella comes half-forward in order to defend it but the ball hits the higher part of his bat. The ball lobs towards the cover region but falls short of the fielder. |
| 45.3 : K Roach to Dickwella, Fullish delivery, driven convincingly to covers this time. |
| 45.4 : K Roach to Dickwella, In two minds! Back of a length outside off. Niroshan shapes to leave it but defends it to the off side. |
| 45.5 : K Roach to Dickwella, Bumper from Roach, Dickwella ducks under it. |
| 45.6 : K Roach to Dickwella, Stump-to-stump line, Dickwella shuffles a touch and pats it back to the bowler. |
| 46.1 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Quicker through the air around off, patted back towards the bowler. |
| 46.2 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Bishoo drags his length back. Dinesh spots it and gets behind it with ease. |
| 46.3 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Straighter one well outside off, left alone. |
| 46.4 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Makes the batsman play this time but he is solid as a rock. |
| 46.5 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Very full on middle, Chandimal clears his front leg and jams it out. |
| 46.6 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Comes well forward to a loopy ball and defends it with authority. |
| 47.1 : K Roach to Dickwella, Rash from Dickwella! Shortish ball outside off and there is a bit of room on offer. Still it is not much to go for an expansive stroke. Dickwella flashes at it but misses. |
| 47.2 : K Roach to Dickwella, A play and a miss again! On a length outside off, Niroshan tries to lift it over covers but only connects with thin air. He needs to be careful. |
| 47.3 : K Roach to Dickwella, Peach! Angling in with the arm but seaming away after hitting the deck to catch Dickwella off guard and go past his outside edge. |
| 47.4 : K Roach to Dickwella, In the channel outside off, this time sanity prevails for the Sri Lankan wicket-keeper and he leaves it alone. |
| 47.5 : K Roach to Dickwella, This is the fourth occasion in this over that he has been foxed. Good length ball wide outside off, Dickwella with minimal foot movement tries to drive it on the up. He is nowhere close to the ball and the bowler once again gets a moral advantage. |
| 47.6 : K Roach to Dickwella, Outside off, left alone. |
| 48.1 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Flatter in trajectory, kept out watchfully. |
| 48.2 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Slow through the air outside off, Dinesh lets it go. |
| 48.3 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Fuller ball on off, defended stoutly off the front foot. |
| 48.4 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Bishoo continues to bowl it full and Chandimal pushes it back to him. |
| 48.5 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 48.6 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Tossed up generously outside off, Chandimal drives it crisply but finds the man at covers. |
| 49.1 : K Roach to Dickwella, There is a surprise element that Roach has always got up his sleeve. He runs in effortlessly and bowls a yorker outside off. Dickwella does well to block it. |
| 49.2 : K Roach to Dickwella, Flashy and reckless! Don't think the situation calls in to play such a stroke. Length ball outside off, Dickwella tries to force it through the line but gets beaten. Luck has favoured him till now but he can run out of it as well. |
| 49.3 : K Roach to Dickwella, Short of a length ball around the hips, tucked around the corner for a run. |
| 49.4 : K Roach to Chandimal, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 49.5 : K Roach to Chandimal, On a good length outside off, shaping in. Dinesh covers the line and makes an assured leave. |
| 49.6 : K Roach to Chandimal, Back of a length ball outside off, Chandimal rises with the bounce and blocks it nicely. |
| 50.1 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Hangs back to the shortish delivery and blocks it with a straight bat. |
| 50.2 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Floated delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 50.3 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Dickwella comes back to the flatter delivery and punches it to deepish mid on for a single. |
| 50.4 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Fuller in length on middle, Chandimal lunges forward in defense. |
| 50.5 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Well bowled! Floated generously on off. It dips in late and spins away sharply. Chandimal takes a stride forward, watches it closely and makes a good leave. |
| 50.6 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Shorter in length, punched off the back foot to the off side. |
| Roston Chase has been called into the attack. The batsmen need to be alert as the passage before a break can prove to be dangerous. |
| 51.1 : R Chase to Dickwella, Tossed up delivery around off, kept out watchfully. |
| 51.2 : R Chase to Dickwella, Slow through the air on middle and off, Niroshan lunges forward in defense. |
| 51.3 : R Chase to Dickwella, A bit cheeky but effective! Down the leg side, good shot selection from Dickwella as he paddle sweeps it to fine leg for a couple. |
| 51.4 : R Chase to Dickwella, This time the shot selection is not good. On a shorter length around off, Niroshan again goes for the paddle sweep but this time he misses. He is struck on the pads but it is probably outside the line. Hence, no appeal from the hosts. |
| 51.5 : R Chase to Dickwella, The batsman has driven that ball straight back. |
| 51.6 : R Chase to Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, pushed to covers off the front foot. |
| 52.1 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Flighted ball on off, driven towards wide mid on for a single. |
| 52.2 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, On a flatter trajectory, kept out from within the crease. |
| 52.3 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Slow through the air outside off, defended off the front foot. |
| 52.4 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, A bit of miscommunication but safe! Quick and short on middle, Dickwella makes room and cuts it towards extra cover. Calls for the single initially but realizes that it is not on. He is quick to send his partner back. |
| 52.5 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Slow through the air, defended from within the crease. |
| 52.6 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, A lot of air on this one as well, Dickwella defends it solidly. THAT SHALL BE TEA ON DAY 1! |
| End of another absorbing session. The Windies still hold the upper hand but this has been a much better passage of play for Sri Lanka. They have their skipper to thank for who has provided some stability to the fragile middle order after the dismissal of Kusal Perera. He found good support from Kusal Mendis but the youngster failed to deliver in a substantial manner. He kept going to conjure up his 17th Test fifty and is looking settled to play a big innings. He has lost partners at the other en |
| Windies won't be too disappointed either. Shannon Gabriel has been probing since morning and he has picked up a wicket in this session as well while Kemar Roach and Devendra Bishoo have kept things tight. They will be hoping to get the big wicket of Dinesh Chandimal and then clean up the tail as soon as possible. Last session of the day promises to be action-packed. Catch us on the other side of the break. |
| ... Day 1, Session 3 ... |
| Players make their way out to the middle for the last session of the day. Dinesh Chandimal is on strike and Miguel Cummins will bowl the first over post Tea. |
| 53.1 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Starts with an angled in delivery and Chandimal guides it behind to change strike. |
| 53.2 : M Cummins to Dickwella, Wide of the crease and angling it away from the left-hander who pokes at the shortish delivery but fails to make contact. |
| 53.3 : M Cummins to N Dickwella, Similar length and into the body. Dickwella tries to make room by moving away from the stumps and manages to chop it to the fielder at gully. Risky from the Sri Lankan keeper. |
| 53.4 : M Cummins to Dickwella, Flicks it off his hips and takes a single from the leg side. |
| 53.5 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Touch too straight and on the hips of Chandimal. He dabs it fine and takes a single. |
| 53.6 : M Cummins to Dickwella, Gets behind the line and blocks the short of a length delivery. |
| Jason Holder to share the ball. |
| 54.1 : J Holder to Chandimal, On a good length, outside off and stays touch low. The batsman manages to get it to the short cover fielder. |
| 54.2 : J Holder to Chandimal, Back of a length and again into the ribs. Chandimal gets it away to the vacant square leg region. One run added to the total and brings 1000 runs for him as a skipper. |
| 54.3 : J Holder to Dickwella, Dickwella has played it to the point region from his crease. |
| 54.4 : J Holder to Dickwella, Drives the full ball from his crease straight to mid off. |
| 54.5 : J Holder to Dickwella, Full and outside off, punched from the front foot through the covers and a run taken. |
| 54.6 : J Holder to Chandimal, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 55.1 : M Cummins to Dickwella, That one flew off the length but its outside the leg stump and no danger to the batsman. |
| 55.2 : M Cummins to Dickwella, Back of a length and seaming away after pitching. Dickwella gets his right leg away to make some room, swings the willow but misses. |
| 55.3 : M Cummins to Dickwella, Played to mid-wicket by the batsman for nothing. |
| 55.4 : M Cummins to Dickwella, Gets behind the line of the back of the length delivery and defends it off the back foot. |
| 55.5 : M Cummins to Dickwella, Touch fuller this time and punched to mid off. |
| 55.6 : M Cummins to Dickwella, Short of a length, on his hips and flicked uppishly to deep square leg for easy two. |
| 56.1 : J Holder to Chandimal, Probing line from Holder. Back of a length, outside off and making Chandimal play at it. |
| 56.2 : J Holder to Chandimal, Gets closer to the batsman this and blocked with the full face of the bat. |
| 56.3 : J Holder to Chandimal, Short, wide outside off, swinging away and flying off the pitch. Chandimal went across the swing for the pull but failed to make contact. A diving stop by the Windies keeper. |
| 56.4 : J Holder to D Chandimal, FOUR! Easy runs for the set batsman. Touch too straight and into the body, Chandimal swivels and gets it fine behind for a boundary. |
| 56.5 : J Holder to Chandimal, Bouncer from Holder but its too high. The umpire signals a wide. |
| J Holder to Chandimal, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot to mid-wicket. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 56.6 : J Holder to Dickwella, Full and on the pads, Dickwella flicks it in the air to the vacant mid-wicket region and takes two. |
| 57.1 : M Cummins to Chandimal, On a good length outside off, Dinesh punches it in the cover region and changes the strike. |
| 57.2 : M Cummins to Dickwella, FOUR! Short, into the ribs and takes the glove of the left-hander. The ball gets extra bounce from the pitch and flies off the glove to the boundary behind the keeper. Welcome runs for Dickwella. |
| 57.3 : M Cummins to Dickwella, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. |
| 57.4 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Angled into the ribs and tucked away to backward square leg. Bishoo stationed there makes a good stop. |
| 57.5 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Touch short and punched away through the covers for another single. |
| 57.6 : M Cummins to Dickwella, Flicked off his pads for nothing. |
| Shannon Gabriel is into the attack. |
| 58.1 : M Cummins to Chandimal, On a good length and seaming away off the pitch. Holder is getting the 59 overs old ball to swing and keeping the batsman guessing. |
| 58.2 : J Holder to Chandimal, Similar length and into the stumps. Dinesh blocks it off the front foot. |
| 58.3 : J Holder to Chandimal, Nicely behind again. Touch fuller and defended with authority by the Sri Lankan skipper. |
| 58.4 : J Holder to Chandimal, Back of a length outside off and punched to the fielder at covers for nothing. |
| 58.5 : J Holder to Chandimal, Probing line and length from Holder. He mixing up his pace pretty well. Dinesh is adamant on blocking it. |
| 58.6 : J Holder to Chandimal, Leaves the wider delivery for the keeper. |
| 59.1 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, Dickwella defends it from within the crease. |
| 59.2 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, On a good length outside and left alone by the batsman. |
| 59.3 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, Touch short and The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 59.4 : S Gabriel to N Dickwella, OUT! This has been the trend of this Sri Lankan innings. Gabriel has another with the same probing delivery. He keeps it around off, on a back of a length and makes the left-hander have a go at it. Dickwella's feet go nowhere as he pokes at the delivery and Shai Hope takes a good forward diving catch at gully. Another one bites the dust. |
| Akila Dananjaya strides out to bat. |
| 59.5 : S Gabriel to Dananjaya, On a driveable length and Danajaya complies but fails to make a contact. |
| 59.6 : S Gabriel to Dananjaya, Played to the point region by the batsman to end a successful over for Shannon. |
| 60.1 : J Holder to D Chandimal, FOUR! Short and rising into the body of Chandimal, who swivels across to play the pull. He gets enough on the ball and plays it fine to the boundary behind the keeper. |
| 60.2 : J Holder to D Chandimal, The batsman has driven it through mid-on for nothing. |
| 60.3 : J Holder to Chandimal, On a good length outside and nicely blocked by Chandimal. |
| 60.4 : J Holder to Chandimal, Touch fuller and coming into the right-hander who flicks it to mid-wicket and takes a single. |
| 60.5 : J Holder to Dananjaya, Another swing and a miss outside the off stump. |
| 60.6 : J Holder to Dananjaya, Danajaya shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 61.1 : Gabriel to Chandimal, Keeps it on a good length and darts in with the angle. The batsman misses the line as the ball thuds into his pads. The ball goes in the air and the fielder at gully dives to his front and claims a catch. Appeal from behind the wicket and the bowler but the umpire doesn't seem interested. |
| 61.2 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Touch straight on a length and worked away to the mid-wicket. It could have been a tight second run had Cummins collected it cleanly but not to be. Chandimal gets away with the second run. |
| 61.3 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Similar delivery from the bowler and tucked away to square leg for another two. |
| 61.4 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Lets the ball through to the keeper. |
| 61.5 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Drives the fullish delivery off the front foot but straight to the cover fielder. |
| 61.6 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Back of a length and darted into his body, Chandimal sways away from the line and lets it pass down the leg side. |
| Kemar Roach returns for a bowl. |
| 62.1 : K Roach to Dananjaya, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 62.2 : K Roach to Dananjaya, No foot movement and wild swing from the crease. Fortunately for him, it misses his willow. |
| 62.3 : K Roach to Dananjaya, On a fuller length outside off and punched through cover-point for two. It was bit uppish but safe. |
| 62.4 : K Roach to Dananjaya, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 62.5 : K Roach to Dananjaya, Consistency from Roach. Keeping it outside off on a short length and making the batsman have a go at it. Too good for Danajaya to make any contact. |
| 62.6 : K Roach to Dananjaya, OUT! And... Gone! The left-handers are having a nightmare against this fast Windies bowling line up. Keeps it on a back of a length, around off and forces Dananjaya to fend at it, who does exactly that. The bat hangs in the air, the ball kisses the outside edge and Dowrich takes a nice low catch in front of his eyes. |
| Suranga Lakmal is the next man in. |
| 63.1 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, lands it on a good length and Chandimal clips it down the leg side for a single. |
| 63.2 : S Gabriel to Lakmal, FOUR! Short and wide and Lakmal's eyes lit up. He goes hard at the ball and gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies between the gully fielder and slip cordon and Lakmal gets off the mark as well. |
| 63.3 : S Gabriel to Lakmal, Too straight from Gabriel and the angle takes it down the leg side. |
| 63.4 : S Gabriel to Lakmal, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. |
| 63.5 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Punches the short of a length delivery to covers and takes a single. |
| 63.6 : S Gabriel to Lakmal, Gets behind the line of the delivery and presents the full face of the bat to block it. |
| 64.1 : K Roach to Chandimal, Short and wide and Chandimal cuts it behind to the deep backward point fielder. One run added to the total. |
| 64.2 : K Roach to S Lakmal, Punches the short of a length delivery through covers and changes strike. |
| 64.3 : K Roach to Chandimal, Nicely done by the skipper! Short and rising into the grille of the batsman, who does well to keep it down from such height. The ball goes in the air but drops well in front of the third slip fielder. He looks in some pain. |
| Chandimal has taken a blow on his right hand. There have been numerous occasions when the ball has taken off from the good length area and has caused concerns for the batsmen. Out comes the physio and applies the magic spray. |
| 64.4 : K Roach to Chandimal, Short and wide again and nicely punched off the back foot through the cover region. The fielder runs after it but can't stop the batsmen from taking two. 200 up for Sri Lanka. |
| 64.5 : K Roach to Chandimal, NO BALL! First one of the innings courtesy Kemar Roach! He overstepped there by some margin. On a short of a length outside and left alone by Chandimal. |
| K Roach to Chandimal, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| The point fielder comes in now. The other fielders inside the ring also take a few steps forward, all looking to save the single. |
| 64.6 : K Roach to Chandimal, Dot ball to end the over. On back of a length, angling into the right-hander who presents the full face of the bat and blocks it. |
| 65.1 : S Gabriel to Lakmal, Full, around off, Lakmal blocks it off the front foot. |
| 65.2 : S Gabriel to Lakmal, FOUR! OOH! Lucky, very lucky! Gabriel almost had his fifth scalp. Bowls it on a back of a length and the natural angle brings it in. As usual, some extra bounce and a wild hoick across the line from Lakmal. He gets a thick outside edge and the ball flies over the jumping keeper. A boundary results. |
| 65.3 : S Gabriel to Lakmal, Touch fuller this time and Lakmal is late on it as he fails to make contact. |
| Review time! Lakmal has been adjudged LBW but he has a look at his skipper and decides to challenge the decision. Seems dead to the naked eye though. |
| 65.4 : Gabriel to Lakmal, OUT! Yes, that is dead! The Sri Lankan tail is in no mood to hang around with their skipper. They are falling like nine pins. Kudos to Gabriel for making their life hard and getting a fifer. Coming to the delivery, it is full and darting in from wide of the crease. The ball skids off the surface and hits Lakmal's pads in front of the sticks. The umpire has no hesitation in raising his finger. The batsman looks at his skipper and after a little chat, goes for the review. |
| Kasun Rajitha comes out to bat. |
| 65.5 : S Gabriel to Rajitha, The ball is way wide on the leg side but the batsman still goes after it and misses. |
| 65.6 : S Gabriel to Rajitha, Blocks the back of a length delivery off the back foot. |
| 66.1 : K Roach to Chandimal, Short and wide of off, the batsman punches it hard but straight to the sweeper cover fielder. One run added to the total. |
| 66.2 : K Roach to Rajitha, Stays low and goes past the bat of Rajitha. |
| 66.3 : K Roach to Rajitha, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 66.4 : K Roach to Rajitha, Short delivery on his hips and tucked away to square leg for a single. |
| 66.5 : K Roach to Chandimal, Drives the full delivery straight to mid off. |
| 66.6 : K Roach to Chandimal, FOUR! WOW! Timing and authority oozing from that shot. Chandimal reads the short ball early and pulls it to the square leg boundary. Lone warrior for Sri Lanka, battling it out in the middle. |
| 67.1 : S Gabriel to Rajitha, Full and outside off, the batsman gets a bottom edge! The keeper gathers it on the bounce. |
| 67.2 : S Gabriel to Rajitha, On a probing short of a length, outside off and Rajitha goes for the shot but misses. |
| 67.3 : S Gabriel to Rajitha, Yorker this time. The batsman does well to dig it out. |
| 67.4 : S Gabriel to Rajitha, Short and wide and left alone by Rajitha. |
| 67.5 : S Gabriel to Rajitha, OOH! That came in sharply. On a short of a length and coming into the tailender. He looks to defend but the angle and bounce makes it difficult for him. In the end, the ball hits high on his bat and he somehow manages to keep it down. |
| 67.6 : S Gabriel to Rajitha, The batsman shoulders arms to the wide delivery to let that one through. |
| Drinks time. Meanwhile, Bishoo is back. |
| 68.1 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Shortish delivery, cut away off the back foot towards backward point. |
| 68.2 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Slow through the air, Chandimal skips down the track and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 68.3 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 68.4 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Dinesh is nimble on his feet and drives it past the diving Bishoo for a single. |
| 68.5 : D Bishoo to Rajitha, Tossed up nicely outside off, played with the spin towars covers. |
| 68.6 : D Bishoo to Rajitha, Short this time and stays low. Rajitha has ample time to block it. |
| Miguel Cummins returns for a bowl. |
| 69.1 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Short but it is not well-directed. Down the leg side and Chandimal ducks under it with ease. |
| 69.2 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Cummins hits the deck hard but the ball is way outside off. Dinesh slaps it over covers and collects a couple of runs. |
| 69.3 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Short of a length ball in line of the stumps, Dinesh gets inside the line of it and tucks it towards fine leg to rotate strike. |
| 69.4 : M Cummins to Rajitha, Bouncer but it is outside off not making the tailender play. He sits underneath it. |
| 69.5 : M Cummins to Rajitha, Close shave! Angling in sharply from a good length to go past Rajitha's defense and ping him on the thigh pads. The ball lobs over to the short leg fielder who takes it. The Windies appeal but the umpire stays put. Replays confirm there was no bat involved. |
| 69.6 : M Cummins to Rajitha, On a length outside off, Kasun plays at it but misses. |
| 70.1 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, FOUR! Innovative! Chandimal has thought out of the box and has received the result. Shorter in length outside off, allows the skipper to line it up. He goes for the fancy reverse sweep and connects well. Gets it through third man and moves into the nineties with that boundary. |
| 0.0 : A decision for an LBW goes upstairs. Chandimal is the man in question. Seems that it will miss the off stump. |
| 70.2 : Bishoo to Chandimal, Not Out! Chandimal was the main man and hence the review. As expected, it has been wasted. Floated around off, spinning away. Chandimal again goes for the reverse sweep but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal ensues but umpire Ian Gould shakes his head. Bishoo has a chat with his skipper and they decide to go for the review. Time for the replays. The impact is outside off and it is also spinning past the off stump. |
| 70.3 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 70.4 : D Bishoo to Rajitha, Tossed up ball, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 70.5 : D Bishoo to Rajitha, Fuller in length, played with soft hands towards mid on. |
| 70.6 : D Bishoo to Rajitha, Shorter in length, kept out watchfully. |
| 71.1 : M Cummins to Chandimal, On a back of a length and extracting some extra bounce. Chandimal blocks it with one hand coming off the blade. |
| 71.2 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Similar length and blocked off the front foot. |
| 71.3 : M Cummins to Chandimal, On a good length and on to the hips of Chandimal who tries to tickle it fine but misses. The ball thuds into his thigh pad. |
| 71.4 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Punched to mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 71.5 : M Cummins to D Chandimal, Full, around off, the batsman gets behind the line and plays it through covers. Two runs added to the total. |
| 71.6 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Lands it on a good length, around off and Chandimal gets an inside edge on his pads. The ball drops beside the pitch and the batsmen scamper for a run. The bowler puts in the yards, dives and throws towards the stumps but misses as Rajitha desperately tries to make his crease. A direct hit would have made things interesting. |
| 72.1 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Flatter one around off and blocked off the back foot by Chandimal. |
| 72.2 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Floated this one on the stumps and blocked off the front foot by the batsman. |
| 72.3 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Tossed up on off and defended with a straight bat by the skipper. |
| 72.4 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Works it to mid on and takes a single. |
| 72.5 : D Bishoo to Rajitha, Flights this one around off and Rajitha is happy to defend it off the front foot. |
| 72.6 : D Bishoo to Rajitha, Another solid defense off the front foot to end the over. |
| 73.1 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Full outside off and Chandimal flashes hard the delivery. The ball goes off the outside edge and wide of the gully fielder. The fielder at third man runs in throw the ball quickly back to the keeper. Chandimal wanted two straight away and he came back as well. Throw is touch too late and gives enough time to the batsman to rush into his crease. Induced appeal from the Windies and the umpire goes upstairs. The replays states the same story and Chandimal is safe. |
| 73.2 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Played to the point region by the batsman for nothing. |
| 73.3 : M Cummins to Chandimal, On a fullish length outside off, punched off the back foot through covers and they take a single amidst some confusion. |
| 73.4 : M Cummins to Rajitha, Unusual bounce from Cummins but down the leg side. Dowrish does well to dive to his left and stops it from going for a boundary. |
| 73.5 : M Cummins to Rajitha, Shows the full face of the bat and blocks it down off the back foot. |
| The hosts feel that they have their man and go upstairs regarding a catch appeal. Kasun Rajitha is the man in question. However, it seems that there was no bat involved. |
| 73.6 : M Cummins to Rajitha, No run. |
| 74.1 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Tossed up on a fullish length outside off, Chandimal goes forward and defends it right under his eyes. |
| 74.2 : D Bishoo to D Chandimal, Chandimal moves onto 99. He leans ahead and knocks this one down towards long off to rotate strike. |
| 74.3 : D Bishoo to Rajitha, Floated on off, Rajitha lunges forward in defense. |
| 74.4 : D Bishoo to Rajitha, Tossed up in the same zone, pushed off the front foot towards mid off. |
| 74.5 : D Bishoo to Rajitha, Outside off, Kasun drives it with the spin through covers and collects a brace. |
| 74.6 : D Bishoo to Rajitha, This one is well outside off, Rajitha has nothing to do with it. |
| 75.1 : M Cummins to Chandimal, No nervousness for Chandimal on 99. He is cool as a cucumber. On a length outside off, the skipper leans ahead and let it be. |
| 75.2 : M Cummins to D Chandimal, FOUR! 11th Test hundred for Dinesh Chandimal, his third as the Test skipper of Sri Lanka! It has been a top, top knock from him on a testing surface. Considering the circumstances he came in, it was not an easy task. Though he was dropped early on in the innings as well, it is the character which matters and he proved every bit of it. Coming to the delivery, it is on a length in the avenue of apprehension. He gets squared up and gets an outside edge that goes pas |
| 75.3 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Short ball angling across Dinesh. He sways away from the line of the delivery. |
| 75.4 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Back of a length ball outside off, kept out towards point. |
| 75.5 : M Cummins to Rajitha, Full ball outside off, eased to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 75.6 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Good length ball well outside off, left alone. |
| Kemar Roach is back into the attack. |
| 76.1 : K Roach to Rajitha, Delivers it from wide of the crease, on a good length and around off stump. Rajitha manages to defend it off the inside half. |
| 76.2 : K Roach to Rajitha, Play and a miss. That channel of uncertainty outside off is proving difficult. |
| 76.3 : K Roach to Rajitha, Blocks the good length delivery with the full face of the face. |
| 76.4 : K Roach to Rajitha, OUT! Roach has his third and Sri Lanka loses their ninth. Full, swinging away and wide of off stump, entices Rajitha with the cover drives who falls prey. Gets a faintest of outside edge and keeper does the rest. |
| Lahiru Kumara is the last man in. |
| 76.5 : K Roach to Kumara, Goes around and serves it wide outside off. Left alone by the new batsman. |
| 76.6 : K Roach to Kumara, Attempted poke at the ball from the crease but misses it. |
| 77.1 : M Cummins to D Chandimal, FOUR! Dinesh Chandimal has to play few shots now and he gets into action straightaway. Banged in short, angling into the right-hander. He goes hard with the pull and puts it in front of mid-wicket to start the over with a boundary. |
| 77.2 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Now off the front foot through covers. Gets a fullish length delivery on off and goes with hard hands once again. The ball goes through the covers and two more runs added to the total. |
| 77.3 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Back of a length, jagging in to the batsman, who does well to defend it off his bat. |
| 77.4 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Full and into the stumps, Chandimal presents the full face and guides it to mid on for a single. |
| 77.5 : M Cummins to Kumara, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground for nothing. |
| 77.6 : M Cummins to Kumara, Short and down the leg side and Kumara leaves it for the keeper. |
| 78.1 : K Roach to Chandimal, Short of a length around off and punched off the back foot by Chandimal through covers. Two runs taken before the fielder in the deep comes around to cut it. |
| 78.2 : K Roach to Chandimal, SIX! Bang! Right out of the screws from Sri Lankan Skip. He has changed gears it seems. Gets a full ball around off and he picks up and over the mid off fielder. It has enough on it go over the boundary and welcome six runs for the visitors. |
| 78.3 : K Roach to Chandimal, The batsman does well to leave that bouncer alone. |
| 78.4 : K Roach to Chandimal, Some extra bounce of the length ball and thuds into Chandimal's thigh pads. |
| 78.5 : K Roach to Chandimal, Oh my my! What just happened? Chandimal was running back to the pavilion but he has been called back by the umpire, courtesy of the no ball from Roach. It was touch short and on the leg side, Chandimal closed his bat bit too early and the goes went high in the air towards point. Bishoo staitioned there sets himself under the ball and grabs the skier. Windies rejoices the wicket but hang on says the umpire and goes upstairs to check the no ball. And much to the bowler' |
| K Roach to Kumara, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 78.6 : K Roach to Kumara, OUT! Roach doesn't make hosts rue the no ball as he gets the wicket of Kumara. Serves a full ball outside off. The batsman flashes hard, gets a thickish outside edge and the ball flies to gully. Alert Shai Hope positioned there dives forward and completes a very good catch to wrap up the Sri Lankan innings. |
| A brilliant knock from the Sri Lankan skipper has given the visitors some sort of a fighting total on a difficult surface. He has shown that if you have the mental toughness, you can score runs no matter what the circumstances are. After winning the toss and opting to bat, things didn't go according to the script for the away side. Two wickets fell cheaply for them and then started the re-building phase. Two useful stands, 44 and 67 to be precise respectively, gave the tourists something to wor |
| However, the tourists kept on losing wickets on a consistent basis. Amidst all this, Dinesh Chandimal stayed tall and played an innings of substance. After being given a reprieve on 14 by Devon Smith, he ensured that he makes the opportunity count. Against a fiery bowling line up, he batted with grit and determination. He found handy support from the No. 10 batsman, Rajitha which helped him to reach a well-deserved ton. |
| 0.1 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, West Indies are away! Lakmal starts with a short of a length delivery and Brathwaite tucks it away off his pads for a couple. |
| 0.2 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Too straight and down the leg side, the batsman lets it pass to the keeper. |
| 0.3 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Similar length around off, left alone by the batsman. |
| 0.4 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, In that same channel once again and the right-hander stays away from the delivery. |
| 0.5 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 0.6 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Touch fuller but too wide to make Brathwaite play at it. |
| Akila Dananjaya to share the new ball from the other end. |
| 1.1 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Flighted on off and driven off the front foot to mid on for nothing. |
| 1.2 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Tossed up on middle and blocked off the back foot by Smith. |
| 1.3 : A Dananjaya to Smith, The batsman failed to make contact and was hit low on the pads outside leg. |
| 1.4 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Another loopy delivery and almost a yorker. The batsman digs it out. |
| 1.5 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Tossed up on middle and leg, Smith goes back in his crease and blocks it from the full face of the bat. |
| 1.6 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Smith gets forward and defends the flighted delivery. THAT IS STUMPS ON DAY 1! |
| Safely negotiated. The opening pair of the hosts required only a couple of overs to survive and they have done just that before the close of play. Earlier, it was a dominant display from the Windies' fast bowlers throughout the day. They were asked to bowl first on a green top and they made full use of the helpful conditions. Shannon Gabriel took a fifer and Kemar Roach complemented him equally well with a 4-wicket haul. The other bowlers were disciplined as well and kept a leash on the Sri Lank |
| The visitors were hoping for a better start to the second Test but it wasn't to be. Apart from Chandimal and Mendis to an extent, the other batsmen didn't show proper resistance. The Sri Lankan skipper scored a classy century on a demanding pitch and has given his side something to battle for. Day 2 promises to be good for the batting side but the Lankan bowlers can make things interesting by replicating their opposition's tactics. Join us on Friday at 1000 local (1400 GMT) to catch all the acti |
| ... Day 2, Session 1 ... |
| Hello and welcome to the coverage of 2nd day of the second Test match between West Indies and Sri Lanka from St Lucia. After yesterday's exploits, the Windies will be looking to enhance their dominance. Their bowlers have done a commendable job to bowl out Sri Lanka for just over 250. And it's time for their batters to come good and take the game away from the visitors. |
| Sri Lanka, on the other hand, would like their bowlers to inspire something special. They would like them to use the greenish top to their advantage, and make full use of the wind blowing across the square as well. Suranga Lakmal, their most experienced bowler, needs to come good. New ball can prove to be handy, if utilized properly. Should be an exciting contest, stay tuned for the live action... |
| Kemar Roach is being interviewed by Darren Ganga on the sidelines. He says that it was tough start for him but he was just trying to bowl it on line and length and that worked for him. Further adds that he is pleased with his 150th Test wicket. While talking about being 30 years old now and still playing the longest format, he states that in the start of his career he was fitter and aggressive but now he is enjoying the game more. Ends by saying that to get back in the side and lead the bowling |
| PITCH REPORT - Russel Arnold doing the pitch report says it is a warm day in St Lucia. Mentions that you need to make use of the scoring opportunities whenever the come by. States that the shorter lengths had worked for the hosts and Sri Lanka will be aiming to hit those areas as well. |
| We are set to get underway. Kraigg Brathwaite and Devon Smith to continue their batting. Suranga Lakmal to bowl first up this morning. Three slips and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 2.1 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Starts with a good length delivery and on the stumps. Brathwaite blocks it. |
| 2.2 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Similar length, outside off and fended off the back foot. |
| 2.3 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Too straight, back of a length and the batsman misses and gets hits on his thigh pad. Leg Byes given. |
| 2.4 : S Lakmal to Smith, Full around off, blocked by the left-hander. |
| 2.5 : S Lakmal to Smith, Little bit of shape, into Smith, off the good length and hits his pads. |
| 2.6 : S Lakmal to Smith, Ends the over with a back of a length delivery on the hips and the batsman plays it down to the leg side with soft hands. |
| The debutant, Kasun Rajitha comes into the attack. He will be aiming to put in an impressive performance. |
| 3.1 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Starts his Test career with a short of a length delivery, angling into the batsman. |
| 3.2 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Full and outside off and almost an edge. The batsman hangs his bat but fails to make connection. |
| 3.3 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, On a good length around off and punched off the back foot. |
| 3.4 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Touch too wide and left alone. |
| 3.5 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Goes full but down the leg side. Keeper collects it neatly. |
| 3.6 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Straight outside off and Brathwaite keeps his willow away from the ball. A maiden over to start his career. |
| 4.1 : S Lakmal to Smith, Back of a length on the pads, clipped to the vacant square leg region for a single. |
| 4.2 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Full and between the sticks, the batsman presents the full face of the bat. |
| 4.3 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Drags his length back and keeps it around off. Brathwaite blocks it tentatively to the off side. |
| 4.4 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Wide and swinging away and ignored by the batsman. |
| 4.5 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Full and outside off, Brathwaite leaves it on length. |
| 4.6 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Similar length but touch too wide to entice the batsman. No run to end the over. |
| 5.1 : K Rajitha to Smith, Angling away from the left-hander and on full length, Smith gets his hands up and lets it pass. |
| 5.2 : K Rajitha to Smith, Similar delivery, touch too wide. The batsman shoulders his arms. |
| 5.3 : K Rajitha to Smith, Another leave to the ball outside off. Nice and watchful stuff from Devon. |
| 5.4 : K Rajitha to Smith, OOH! Uppish! Not too convincing from Smith. Gets a fuller delivery around off and pushes at it. The ball hits the outer half and almost flies to the point fielder. |
| 5.5 : K Rajitha to Smith, The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for the batsman. |
| 5.6 : K Rajitha to Smith, Full and on the legs, the batsman clips it to square leg and takes a single. |
| 6.1 : S Lakmal to Smith, Gets behind the shortish delivery and punches it down the pitch. |
| 6.2 : S Lakmal to Smith, Outside off and left alone on length by the batsman. |
| 6.3 : S Lakmal to Smith, Change of angle, goes around the wicket to bring the ball in to the left-hander. Lands it on a fullish length around off and makes the batsman play. Good intelligent stuff from Lakmal. |
| 6.4 : S Lakmal to Smith, Similar length, outside off, Smith gets his bat up and lets it go to the keeper. |
| 6.5 : S Lakmal to Smith, Too straight and on the pads, the batsman fails to connect with his bat and it hits his pads. |
| 6.6 : Lakmal to Smith, A loud appeal for an LBW denied! That came in sharply. Nice mix up from the bowler. Keeps it on a good length and brings it in from outside off. Smith is late to get his bat and is wrapped on his back pad. Lakmal is jumping in appeal but the umpire isn't interested. The ball goes behind the keeper and a single taken. No review taken and the replays suggests it would have been umpire's call had they gone for DRS as well. |
| 7.1 : K Rajitha to Smith, Wide! The ball is too wide on the off side for the batsman to make any contact. Wide signalled by the umpire. |
| K Rajitha to Smith, Smith defends the good length delivery from within the crease. |
| 7.2 : K Rajitha to Smith, Two Leg Byes! Full, on the pads and Smith once again fails to make contact with the ball. The ball hits his pads and goes down to fine leg region. Two runs taken. |
| 7.3 : K Rajitha to Smith, The batsman flicks the length ball to mid-wicket with a wristy shot. They pick up a single. |
| 7.4 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Similar delivery from Rajitha and nicely played through the mid-wicket region for another single. |
| 7.5 : K Rajitha to Smith, Goes around and fires in a yorker and almost goes under the bat. Smith does well to get his bat down in time and dig it out. Good stuff from the debutant. |
| 7.6 : K Rajitha to Smith, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| A heavy off side field in place now. There are only two fielders on the leg side. |
| 8.1 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 8.2 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Lakmal dishes this one fuller around off and Brathwaite pushes it to mid on and takes two. |
| 8.3 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Short delivery and the batsman ducks under it. |
| 8.4 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Short of a length, coming into the right-hander, who tucks it to square leg. One run added to the total. |
| 8.5 : S Lakmal to Smith, The batsman drives the fuller ball straight down the ground for nothing. |
| 8.6 : S Lakmal to Smith, Hits the deck, outside off and jagging into the batsman who blocks it easily from his crease. |
| 9.1 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, A hint of away movement from a fullish length but it is way outside off. Kraigg is not bothered by that one. |
| 9.2 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Slightly overpitched around off, Brathwaite drives it sweetly but Rajitha shows good reflexes. He dives to his left and stops it. |
| 9.3 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Well outside off, left alone. |
| 9.4 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, The debutant needs to bowl a stump-to-stump line, percentage stuff is the need of the hour. This one is again wide outside off and the batsman doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 9.5 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Well, that one kept pretty low! On a length, probably hits one of the cracks and doesn't bounce. Left alone by Kraigg. |
| 9.6 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, This is much better from the youngster. He runs in hard and generates some late away shape on the ball. Brathwaite shapes for the drive but sensibly lets it go. |
| Lahiru Kumara is into the attack. |
| 10.1 : L Kumara to Smith, Back of a length, around off, defended from the crease to the off side. One run taken. |
| 10.2 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Bit of extra pace, hitting the deck hard and getting purchase off the pitch. The ball lands on a short of a length, lands around off and seams away after pitching. The batsman looks to get behind it but misses. |
| 10.3 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Similar length and line and this one goes the other way. The batsman shoulder his arms. |
| 10.4 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Some chin music for the batsman, he lets that bouncer through to the wicket-keeper. |
| 10.5 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, 140 kph delivery from Lahiru and it is on a beautiful channel to the right-hander. Dishes it around off on a good length and makes the batsman play at it, who complies but fails to make connection. |
| 10.6 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Can i say it was a repeat telecast of the previous delivery because it was. Great couple of deliveries to end the over. |
| 11.1 : K Rajitha to Smith, OOH! Almost had him. This one comes in sharply and almost takes the wicket. Rajitha is maintaining the same angle to the left-hander, on a good length, outside off and coming in. Smith is beaten all ends up but the ball kisses his bat before hitting his pads and that what saves him as well. |
| 11.2 : K Rajitha to Smith, Shaping in, on a similar length and the batsman flicks it through mid-wicket and runs two. Some venom on these deliveries from Rajitha. |
| 11.3 : K Rajitha to Smith, The batsman has driven it straight down the ground for nothing. |
| 11.4 : K Rajitha to Smith, That angle from Kasun is troubling Smith a lot. Darts the fuller delivery in but touch down the leg side as the ball thuds into his pads. |
| 11.5 : K Rajitha to D Smith, Nicely done. A full delivery on the pads and played down the ground with a straight bat. The ball rolls and stops just inside the boundary line and three runs are taken. Not a bad shot eh? |
| 11.6 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| An LBW review against Kraigg Brathwaite has been taken upstairs. Height seems to be an issue. |
| 12.1 : Kumara to Brathwaite, Huge LBW appeal from the bowler and the fielding team. Looks so very close but Aleem Dar is unmoved. Skiddy action of Kumara gets the ball to jag back in from length and hits Brathwaite on the flap of his pad. Bowler seems confident and Chandimal takes the chance. Replays suggests that no bat is involved, however, the ball hits him a bit too high and it's umpire call in the end. Brathwaite survives a scare. |
| 12.2 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 12.3 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Around middle and leg and driven through to mid on for nothing. |
| 12.4 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Back of a length into the stumps and the batsman gets inside the line and flicks it off his pads. One run added to the total. |
| 12.5 : L Kumara to Smith, Smith shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 12.6 : L Kumara to Smith, A play and a miss to end the over. Smith is still in the middle but he isn't giving any confidence to his team. |
| 13.1 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 13.2 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Corrects his line but goes down the leg side. Brathwaite lets it be. |
| 13.3 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Full around off and driven uppishly to point for nothing. |
| 13.4 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, As soon as the ball is near the off stump area, on a short of a length, it has done something off the pitch. This one is no different but all it's missing is the edge of the batsman. |
| 13.5 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Back of a length, on middle and leg, flicked to square leg for a single. |
| 13.6 : S Lakmal to Smith, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| There is a bit of drizzle in the air. Let us hope it is a passing shower. The groundsmen are getting ready with the covers. |
| 14.1 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Four Byes! Free runs for the Windies. Too straight and down the leg side and seams even more after pitching. The keeper dives to his left to stop it but fails. Welcome boundary for the hosts. |
| 14.2 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 14.3 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Angled in and down the leg side again. This time, the eeper collects it cleanly. |
| 14.4 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, OH! Where did this come from? This pitch is playing a cruel game with the batsman as well as with the bowler. The ball lands on a fullish length, around off and seams away after pitching. Brathwaite hangs his bat but fails to make any connection. |
| 14.5 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Short of a length and defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 14.6 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Gets fuller and on the stumps, Brathwaite drives it to the vacant wide long on region. Three runs taken. |
| Time for Drinks. |
| 15.1 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Too straight on the pads and flicked to the square leg region for a single. |
| 15.2 : S Lakmal to Smith, Full and outside, left alone by Smith. |
| 15.3 : S Lakmal to Smith, Changes the angle again but serves it touch too wide. The batsman ignores it. |
| 15.4 : S Lakmal to Smith, Short of a length and into the rib cage, Smith dabs it straight to short square leg fielder. |
| 15.5 : S Lakmal to Smith, Similar length outside off, punched to point for nothing. |
| 15.6 : S Lakmal to Smith, Jags back in with the angle from back of a length, the batsman clips it off his hips and takes a single from the square leg region. |
| 16.1 : L Kumara to Smith, Kumara is doing something different here. He is making both the batsman play and don't want to waste energy by bowling wider deliveries. This one lands on a good length and goes away from the left-hander after pitching, who does well to block it. |
| 16.2 : L Kumara to D Smith, Short and into the body, Smith goes for the pull but fails to get good connection. The ball gets behind the diving keeper and two runs are added to the total. |
| 16.3 : L Kumara to Smith, Leg Bye! Ball hits the batsman low on the pads. The batsmen have run through for a single. Leg byes signalled by the umpire |
| 16.4 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, FOUR! Yayy! Wide and full, Brathwaite taps it behind point. The ball has enough legs to go to the boundary, finally. To everyone's surprise, this is the first boundary of the Windies innings. |
| 16.5 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 16.6 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Blocks the shortish delivery off the back foot. |
| Akila Dananjaya will roll over his arms for the first time this morning. |
| 17.1 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Starts with a flighted delivery around off. The batsman blocks it off the front foot. |
| 17.2 : A Dananjaya to Smith, FOUR! Another floater and Smith gives charge to it. Gets enough on it to hit it over mid-wicket. First boundary for the left-hander and he can shift gears now. |
| 17.3 : A Dananjaya to Smith, SIX! Bang! No half measures from Smith. Goes down the track again and reaches the flighted delivery around off. Hits through the line and the ball sails over the mid-wicket boundary. Smith has shifted from first gear to fifth in a couple of deliveries. |
| 17.4 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Flat and short and nicely flicked through the legs of fielder at short leg. the ball goes into the gap between short mid-wicket and square leg and two runs are taken. |
| 17.5 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat to the loopy off break. |
| 17.6 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Strays away to leg side but Smith fails to get any contact as the ball thuds into his pads. |
| 18.1 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 18.2 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Full and on to his pads, Brathwaite flicks it straight to square leg. |
| 18.3 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, So close! it's a matter of inches you see. First with the DRS and now with the inside edge. kumara serves it on a good length and brings it to the batsman. Some extra bounce troubles the right-hander who tries to block it but it goes off the inside edge to the keeper. It was so very close to chopping on to the stumps but didn't. |
| 18.4 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, The batsman picked that bouncer early and let it through to the keeper. |
| 18.5 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Shows the full face and blocks it to the bowler. |
| 18.6 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Yorker to end the over. Good over from Lahiru. The batsman digs it out nicely. |
| 19.1 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Flighted on off, Smith gets forward and defends it. |
| 19.2 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Touch short and the batsman taps it to point for nothing. |
| 19.3 : A Dananjaya to Smith, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 19.4 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Flighted full around off and played to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 19.5 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 19.6 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Goes behind and blocks it. |
| Kasun Rajitha is back for another spell. |
| 20.1 : K Rajitha to Smith, Straightaway goes 'round the wicket and gets his man. Serves it full, around off and enticing the left-hander to go for the cover drive, who does exactly the same thing. His angled blade comes down hard, gets the inside edge and misses the stumps. The ball goes to fine leg and one run is taken. |
| 20.2 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Similar line and length from Rajitha and Brathwaite plays the inside line and misses. |
| 20.3 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, gets his bat down in time and pushes it to mid on for nothing. |
| 20.4 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Back of a length, between the stumps, the batsman looks to play it through mid-wicket and closes the face of the bat touch too early. The ball takes the leading edge and goes into the vacant cover region. Single taken in the end. |
| 20.5 : K Rajitha to Smith, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 20.6 : K Rajitha to Smith, Another leave outside off to end the eventful over. |
| 21.1 : A Dananjaya to K Brathwaite,FOUR! Dananjaya errs inline this time and the batsmna makes full use of it. Flighted outside off, Brathwaite pushes it through empty cover region for a much need boundary. The fielder at mid off runs after the ball but fails to stop it. |
| 21.2 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Tossed up on middle and flicked off the pads for nothing. |
| 21.3 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Gets behind the line and blocks it off the front foot. |
| 21.4 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 21.5 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Loopy delivery around off, Brathwaite comes out of his crease and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 21.6 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Flatter this time, on leg and the batsman fails to make connection. |
| 22.1 : K Rajitha to Smith, On a good length, angled into the batsman who blocks it nicely from his crease. |
| 22.2 : K Rajitha to Smith, Works it to the leg side for nothing. |
| 22.3 : K Rajitha to Smith, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 22.4 : K Rajitha to Smith, Leg Bye! Full and targets Smith's pads, who fails to put bat on ball. The ball clips his pads and a single resulted from fine leg. |
| 22.5 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 22.6 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, ignores the wider delivery for the keeper. |
| 23.1 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Tossed up around off, Smith plants his foot down and defends it. |
| 23.2 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Touch short, the batsman goes back and blocks it off his pads. |
| 23.3 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Flatter one outside off and the batsman lets one through. |
| 23.4 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Loopy delivery around middle. Smith is happy to defend it. |
| 23.5 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Misjudges the length but adjusts nicely in the end. Its a full delivery around off, Smith goes back in his crease but due to lack of pace, blocks it easily from there. |
| 23.6 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Flighted around off and driven to cover for nothing. |
| 24.1 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Short of a length outside off and played with soft hands to the slip cordon. Good intelligent batting from Brathwaite. |
| 24.2 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| Change in field. A man from covers goes to the short mid-wicket position. |
| 24.3 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Almost a wicket here. A nice pacy back of a length delivery around off from Rajitha. The batsman wanted to go across the line but gets squared up. leading edge is found but doesn't reach the fielder at wide slip. |
| The Sri Lankans are already celebrating. Brathwaite has been caught behind but he opts for the review. |
| 24.4 : Rajitha to Brathwaite, OUT! Kasun Rajitha, you beauty! What a ball! This is unplayable. |
| Kieran Powell is the new man in. |
| 24.5 : K Rajitha to Powell, 2 runs. |
| 24.6 : K Rajitha to Powell, No run. |
| The umpires are passing the ball through the 8-shaped gauge. |
| 25.1 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Well bowled! Tossed up around off, spinning away sharply. Smith leans ahead to defend but is beaten all ends up. |
| 25.2 : A Dananjaya to Smith, An appeal for an LBW turned down! Coming in with the arm, Smith tries to block it but seems to have got an inside edge. The replays confirm the same. |
| 25.3 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 25.4 : A Dananjaya to D Smith, Fuller in length, coming in with the angle, tucked to the man at mid on. |
| 25.5 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Strides forward to this one and taps it to covers. |
| 25.6 : A Dananjaya to Smith, In line of the stumps, kept out watchfully. |
| 26.1 : K Rajitha to Powell, Touch too straight and on the pads, Powell flicks it and takes a single. |
| 26.2 : K Rajitha to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 26.3 : K Rajitha to Smith, Back of a length and driven down the ground for nothing. |
| 26.4 : K Rajitha to Smith, The angle with which he is bowling from around the wicket, it is making the deliveries go down the leg side after pitching around off. This one is flicked off the pads to the square leg region and a couple of runs are added to the total. |
| 26.5 : K Rajitha to Smith, Short around off and blocked off the back foot with the full face of the bat. |
| 26.6 : K Rajitha to D Smith, Full around off, Smith goes for a cover drive but doesn't get his bat down in time. An inside edge results in a single towards the mid on region and THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2. |
| Session highlights - 25 overs, 63 runs, 1 wicket. The hosts will be happier of the two sides heading into the break. Though they haven't been able to keep the scoreboard ticking fluently, they have been resilient. The opening pair of Brathwaite and Smith struggled to counter the two-paced nature of the track and the disciplined bowling of the Sri Lankans but they did well to play sensibly to stitch a 50-run stand. |
| The visiting bowlers bowled their hearts out. Lahiru Kumara was particularly impressive and troubled the batsmen with his pace and nip. However, it was the debutant, Kasun Rajitha who got the much-needed breakthrough at the fag end of the session with a jaffa. There is enough spice on the surface to keep the bowlers interested. Seems that there will be no respite for the batsmen. Join us shortly for the second session. |
| ... Day 2, Session 2 ... |
| Update 1235 Local - It's drizzling! The covers are on and we are in for a delayed start to this session. The rain seems to be getting heavier by the minute. Good thing is that a strong wind is blowing across the stadium and we just hope that it takes away the rain clouds. Stay tuned, we will keep you posted. |
| Update 1340 Local - There is some good news coming our way. The rain has stopped and the covers are coming off. There will be an inspection in 20 minutes. Be with us for further updates. |
| Update 1410 Local - The inspection has been done by the umpires. They feel that the playing conditions are good enough for the game to resume in about 20 minutes. Stay with us. |
| We are all set to begin again. There has been an adjustment in the session timings as we have lost 12 overs. The second session will be from 1430 to 1630 local. There will be a 20-minute Tea break. The final session will go on till 1800 local if the weather permits. Devon Smith and Kieran Powell to resume their innings. Suranga Lakmal to bowl first up after the break. |
| 27.1 : S Lakmal to Smith, Starts off with a length ball outside off, left alone. |
| 27.2 : S Lakmal to Smith, Wide outside off, Smith doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 27.3 : S Lakmal to Smith, Another harmless ball, third leave in a row. |
| 27.4 : S Lakmal to Smith, Back of a length ball around off, played with an angled bat towards cover-point. |
| 27.5 : S Lakmal to Smith, Lakmal goes wider of the crease and angles in a length ball. It is not close enough to make the batsman play. |
| 27.6 : S Lakmal to Smith, Short of a length ball well outside off, Devon remains circumspect in approach. A maiden to start with after the break. |
| Lahiru Kumara to bowl from the other end. |
| 28.1 : L Kumara to K Powell, FOUR! Streaky runs! Kumara bowls this one on a fullish length on off, Powell tries to power it down the ground but ends up squirting it off the outer edge. The ball goes past the gully region and races to the fence. |
| 28.2 : L Kumara to K Powell, If that was a direct hit, it would have been curtains for Powell! Poor judgement from him. Back of a length ball angling across him. He taps it towards cover-point and sets off. Dananjaya attacks the ball and aims at the bull's eye at the bowler's end but misses. Kieran was out of the crease by some margin. He gets a reprieve. |
| 28.3 : L Kumara to D Smith, A lot of bounce on that occasion for Kumara. Shortish ball, takes off after landing. Smith shapes for the pull but bails out at the last moment. |
| 28.4 : L Kumara to Smith, Camps back to the back of a length ball and tucks it with a closed bat face. |
| 28.5 : L Kumara to Smith, The batsman has played it to the point region. |
| 28.6 : L Kumara to Smith, Good shot! Kumara hits the deck hard. This time the ball sits up nicely for Smith. He pulls it all along the ground through mid-wicket. The rain has meant that the outfield has slowed down even more. Rajitha chases it and saves a run for his side. |
| 29.1 : S Lakmal to Smith, In the channel outside off, Smith lets it go. |
| 0.0 : Change of gloves for Devon Smith. |
| 29.2 : S Lakmal to Smith, Short of a length outside off, Devon shuffles across a touch and lets it go. |
| 29.3 : S Lakmal to Smith, Lakmal continues to test the opener outside the off stump. It is on a driveable length but Smith resists the temptation. |
| 29.4 : S Lakmal to Smith, A bit wider outside off, on a length this time, Smith points his bat skywards to leave it alone. |
| 29.5 : S Lakmal to Smith, This one pitches on a back of a length outside off and seams away. Smith shuffles across and watches it sail through to the keeper. |
| 29.6 : S Lakmal to Smith, Outside off, this one comes back in. The opener covers his off stump and lets it go again. |
| 30.1 : L Kumara to Powell, Tight line from Kumara. It is fullish and attacking the stumps. Powell covers the line and taps it to mid on. |
| 30.2 : L Kumara to Powell, SIX! Wow! That has really traveled, the strong wind has aided the cause. A nothing delivery from Kumara. It is short and wide outside off. Powell rises on his toes and slashes it over the point region. It is going, going and gone all the way. |
| 30.3 : L Kumara to Powell, Short of a length ball, leaving Powell. He shuffles a touch and plays it with soft hands towards cover-point. |
| 30.4 : L Kumara to Powell, In the avenue of apprehension this time. The ball pitches and nips away as Kieran covers his off stump and makes a good leave. |
| 30.5 : L Kumara to K Powell, Another tight one but safe in the end! Pitched up ball on off, Powell drives it quite hard towards wide mid off and calls his partner through. Chandimal moves swiftly to his right and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. The replays show that Powell's dive ensured he would have made his crease even if that hit. |
| 30.6 : L Kumara to D Smith, Nicely done! Fractionally overpitched just outside off, Smith shuffles across and creams it through covers to come back for a brace. 9 from the over, a good one for the Windies. |
| Oh no! It has started drizzling again and the groundsmen are slowly making their way in with the covers. No wait! Scratch whatever I have written. The umpires have called back the players. It was just a passing shower as the weather has brightened up again. The play will continue. |
| 31.1 : S Lakmal to Powell, Fullish this time but the line is not right. It is on the pads as Powell flicks it away in front of square leg for a single. |
| 31.2 : S Lakmal to Smith, Close shave! This is much, much better from Lakmal. He lands it in the corridor of uncertainty and gets the ball to seam back in. Smith feels he has his off stump covered as he tries to leave it but the judgement is not that great. The ball just goes past the off stump. |
| 31.3 : S Lakmal to Smith, Outside off, the opener lets it go. |
| 31.4 : S Lakmal to Smith, Easy runs on offer. Short and room on offer, Devon Smith punches it past backward point and comes back for three runs. |
| 31.5 : S Lakmal to Powell, Overpitched this time, sliced away through the point region for a couple. |
| There seems to be some issue with the ball as the umpires have a look at it. Well, seems to be fine to get on with it. |
| 31.6 : S Lakmal to Powell, Pitched up again, this time in line of the stumps, Kieran drives it crisply but the ball goes straight to the man at mid off. |
| 32.1 : L Kumara to Smith, Shortish delivery around the off stump, Smith shapes for the pull but there is no timing on it whatsoever as the ball goes towards the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 32.2 : L Kumara to Smith, Back of a length outside off, an easy leave for the opener. |
| 32.3 : L Kumara to Smith, Almost, almost! Good stuff from Kumara. He lands it on a driveable length outside off and Smith obliges. However, he goes at it with minimal foot movement. The ball moves away late as well to fox him completely. Kumara has his hands on his head. |
| 32.4 : L Kumara to Smith, FOUR! Nicely controlled! Back of a length ball, angling in, Smith waits for it and plays it with an angled blade. He is able to guide it past the right side of the diving gully fielder and gets the desired result. |
| 32.5 : L Kumara to Smith, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| Update 1500 Local - Play has been halted once again. Groundsmen are in the middle and covering the square with covers. Rain is predicted throughout the day. Although the strong winds can take the rain away but time will tell what it's going to be. Stay tuned for further updates. |
| Good to see some bright sunshine in St Lucia as the players are ready to get underway again after a brief passage of rain. It has been that sort of an unpredictable day. Let us hope that the showers stay away till the close of play. Devon Smith will take strike as Lahiru Kumara runs in to bowl the final ball of the over. |
| 32.6 : L Kumara to D Smith, FOUR! Action straightaway after the break! Full length ball around off, asking Smith to go for an ambitious stroke. He does go at it with hard hands and only manages a thick outside edge past the slip cordon. |
| Time for spin. Akila Dananjaya to roll his arm over now. |
| 33.1 : A Dananjaya to K Powell, Slow through the air on off, punched off the back foot towards mid on. |
| 33.2 : A Dananjaya to Powell, Spinning away from Powell as he camps back and cuts it towards backward point. |
| 33.3 : A Dananjaya to Powell, Straighter one from Akila outside off. Kieran has his stumps covered and makes an assured leave. |
| 33.4 : A Dananjaya to Powell, Gets right forward to the tossed up ball and defends it right under his eyes. |
| 33.5 : A Dananjaya to Powell, On a flatter trajectory, Powell makes use of the depth of the crease to knock it down to long on. A single taken. |
| 33.6 : A Dananjaya to Smith, On a fullish length outside off, Devon lets it go. |
| 34.1 : L Kumara to Powell, Very full ball on off, shaping in, Powell covers the line and drives it crisply to mid on. |
| 34.2 : L Kumara to Powell, Effort ball from Kumara. Powell sits underneath it nicely. |
| Russell Arnold makes a comparison between the way Smith and Powell play off the front foot. The former struggles as whenever he comes forward, his front foot is in the air, which doesn't allow him to have a solid base. While, the latter is much more assured. He gets to the pitch of the ball, his head is still and he plays with a high elbow. The opener needs to take a leaf out of his partner's book. |
| 34.3 : L Kumara to Powell, The batsman drives the ball straight down the ground. |
| 34.4 : L Kumara to Powell, Length ball outside off, played with soft hands towards covers for an easy single. |
| 34.5 : L Kumara to D Smith, FOUR! Cracking shot! Fractionally overpitched outside off, Smith frees his arms and drills it through covers to find the fence. He moves to 49 with that and the Windies also go past 100 runs. |
| 34.6 : L Kumara to Smith, That's a jaffa! Unplayable. In the avenue of apprehension, coming in initially but moving the other way after landing. Smith has no chance but to play at it and is beaten all ends up. |
| There is a fielder at sweeper cover now after the boundary. |
| 35.1 : A Dananjaya to Powell, Powell uses his feet to this one and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 35.2 : A Dananjaya to Powell, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 35.3 : A Dananjaya to Powell, Leans ahead confidently to this one and blocks it nicely. |
| 35.4 : A Dananjaya to Powell, On a flatter trajectory this time, defended from within the crease. |
| 35.5 : A Dananjaya to Powell, Tossed up ball, Kieran drives it with the angle through mid on and takes a run. |
| 35.6 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Close! Some nerves on display. Coming in with the arm and skidding through after pitching. Smith should be forward to that one but opts to hang back. Is late to bring his bat down but the inside edge onto his pads saves him. |
| 36.1 : L Kumara to K Powell, An appeal for an LBW denied! Coming in with the angle from outside off, Powell tries to defend it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 36.2 : L Kumara to Smith, Short delivery, Devon ducks under it. |
| 36.3 : L Kumara to Smith, 7th Test fifty for Devon Smith! It has been a good knock from him so far and he will be eyeing a big one. Shortish ball on middle and leg, he pulls it away to square leg for a single. Raises his bat towards the scanty crowd and gets the applause from them. |
| Sri Lanka feel that they have Kieran Powell caught behind and challenge the decision. The body language of Chandimal is confident. Is there an edge? |
| 36.4 : L Kumara to Powell, Not Out! No, there is no edge! Sri Lanka waste a review. Back of a length ball in that tight off stump channel. It is coming in initially but seams away after landing to go past the hanging bat of Smith. There is an appeal from the Sri Lankans but nothing from the umpire. Chandimal decides to take the DRS. Time for the replays. The Ultra Edge doesn't detect anything. |
| The umpires again have a look at the ball. They are passing it through the 8-shaped gauge but it is fine to continue. |
| 36.5 : L Kumara to Powell, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 36.6 : L Kumara to Powell, Beaten convincingly! Back of a length outside off, seams away substantially after pitching. Powell tries to cover the line but he is nowhere close to it. |
| 37.1 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Wide outside off, left alone. |
| 37.2 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Tentative! Coming in with the arm, Smith leans ahead to defend but only manages to do so with the inner half of the bat. |
| 37.3 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Short and room on offer, cut away to covers. |
| 37.4 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Straighter one from Akila as Smith clips it towards mid-wicket. |
| 37.5 : A Dananjaya to Smith, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 37.6 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Slips in a googly. Smith reads it off the pitch and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 38.1 : L Kumara to Powell, Another bouncer from Kumara. Powell sits under it in a jiffy. |
| 0.0 : Update 1600 Local - Another stoppage due to rain. When it rains, it pours and that's what is happening in St Lucia since Lunch. It almost feels like someone up there is holding a remote in his hand and pushing the button to open the floodgates, whenever it amuses him. |
| The rain has come down thrice in this session forcing the umpires to call for an early TEA ON DAY 2! The Windies continue to hold the upper hand at this stage. Only 13.1 overs have been possible post Lunch and the hosts haven't lost any more wickets. From the away side's perspective, it has been Lahiru Kumara who has kept the batsmen on their toes but hasn't been able to provide the breakthrough. Devon Smith has gone past a fifty while Kieran Powell is playing the perfect foil for him. The visit |
| ... Day 2, Session 3 ... |
| Update 1655 Local - After the rain eased off, the inspection took place but it hasn't gone according to plan. The umpires feel that the outfield is still not suitable enough to have a final burst of play. They have scheduled another inspection in about 20 minutes provided there is no more interruption. Be with us. |
| Update 1715 Local - The final inspection of the day has worked out well. The official word is that the match is set to resume in 10 minutes. Should be an interesting passage of play. |
| The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Play has been extended till 1830 Local time. It will be a tricky period for the hosts. Sri Lanka will be aiming to make optimum use of the helpful conditions. Kieran Powell is the man on strike as Lahiru Kumara begins the proceedings after the break. |
| 38.2 : L Kumara to K Powell, Starts with a yorker post break. The batsman digs it out to mid on. |
| 38.3 : L Kumara to Powell, Pulls his length back and brings it in from the seam and the batsman lets it be outside his off stump. |
| 38.4 : L Kumara to K Powell, OOH! Arches his back and extracts some extra bounce from short of a length. Powell does well to ride it and keep it down. |
| 38.5 : L Kumara to K Powell, FOUR! Bang! Right out of the screws from Powell. He gets a full delivery around off and creams it off the front foot through extra cover. Positive stuff from him and that also brings up the 50-run stand between the two. |
| 38.6 : L Kumara to Powell, And this one passes close to the outside edge. Excitement straightaway after the extended Tea break. Back of a length and angling into Powell, the ball lands on the seam and moves away a touch to square the batsman up. He tries to defend it but is beaten all ends up. |
| Kasun Rajitha to bowl from the other end. |
| 39.1 : K Rajitha to Smith, Back of a length and that slinging action takes it to the leg stump, the batsman flicks it to square leg and changes strike. |
| 39.2 : K Rajitha to Powell, Wide! Too wide and out of the reach of the batsman. Wide signalled by the umpire. |
| K Rajitha to Powell, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through outside his off stump. |
| 39.3 : K Rajitha to Powell, Effort ball into the ribs of Kieran who tucks it to the vacant mid-wicket region. One run added to the total. |
| 39.4 : K Rajitha to Smith, Too wide to entice the batsman with a shot. |
| 39.5 : K Rajitha to Smith, Comes again with the angle from back of a length. The batsman gets his bat up and plays it down from his crease. |
| 39.6 : K Rajitha to D Smith, Nice positive stride from Smith. A fuller one around off and driven off the front foot through covers for a couple. |
| 40.1 : L Kumara to Powell, Around the wicket, angling into the stumps from the good length and blocked by the batsman. |
| 40.2 : L Kumara to Powell, Touch short this time and fended from his crease with a straight bat. |
| 40.3 : L Kumara to Powell, Changes his angle and goes over the wicket to use the short ball better. Digs one in into the body of Powell who does well to sway away from the line and leave it for the keeper. |
| 40.4 : L Kumara to Powell, Wide! Unusual bounce. Too high to worry the batsman! Wide signalled by the umpire. |
| L Kumara to Powell, Tries to bowl a yorker but dishes out a low full toss. The batsman gets it to the leg side from the inside half. |
| 40.5 : L Kumara to Powell, Back of a length, on his hips, tucked away straight to the short square leg fielder. |
| 40.6 : L Kumara to Powell, OUT! Gone! Kumara has his man. He has been wayward a bit but has managed to bowl a peach when required. Changes the angle once again, goes 'round, lands it on a fullish length and gets it to seam away from the pitch. Powell pushes at the ball tentatively with his front foot still in the air and weight not going into the shot. He gets a thick outside edge and Kusal Mendis, however, had to dive forward to complete the catch. Excellent stuff from the bowler and equally wel |
| Shai Hope strides out to bat. |
| 41.1 : K Rajitha to Smith, No run. |
| 41.2 : K Rajitha to Smith, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 41.3 : K Rajitha to Smith, On a length outside off, pushed off the back foot by Smith. |
| 41.4 : K Rajitha to Smith, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 41.5 : K Rajitha to Smith, On a good length once again and Smith gets forward to defend it and gets hits on the splice. |
| 41.6 : K Rajitha to Smith, Well outside off and left alone. |
| 42.1 : L Kumara to Hope, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 42.2 : L Kumara to Hope, Back of a length angled into the batsman, takes extra bounce off the pitch and hits high on Hope's bat. |
| 42.3 : L Kumara to Hope, A play and a miss. Similar length around off and Shai plays for the line but misses as the ball goes past the outside edge. |
| 42.4 : L Kumara to Hope, Short of a length and left alone by the batsman. |
| 42.5 : L Kumara to Hope, On a similar short of a length and jags back in sharply. Hope keeps his willow away from the line and lets it be. |
| 42.6 : L Kumara to Hope, Back of a length around off and Hope chooses to leave it. |
| 43.1 : K Rajitha to Smith, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 43.2 : K Rajitha to Smith, On a shortish length outside off and Smith lets it pass. |
| 43.3 : K Rajitha to Smith, Leg Bye! Hits the deck and angles it into the batsman but it is too straight. Hits him on his thigh pad and one run stolen from the leg side. |
| 43.4 : K Rajitha to Hope, In the same corridor of uncertainty outside off and the batsman holds his bat close to his body and doesn't flirt with danger. The ball thuds into the keeper's gloves. |
| 43.5 : K Rajitha to Hope, OOH! Much more closer to Hope but still no edge. The new batsman has survived, barely. |
| 43.6 : K Rajitha to Hope, Gets one in his half and drives it through covers off the front foot for two. |
| 44.1 : L Kumara to Smith, No, no, no! Lapse in concentration perhaps? Smith has been consistent with not going after the short and wide deliveries but couldn't hold back this time. Lucky for him, the ball misses his edge. |
| 0.0 : Two gullies in place now. |
| 44.2 : L Kumara to Smith, Kumara targets him with the short incoming delivery and Devon slaps it hard from his crease. The ball is hit with power but straight to the fielder at short mid-wicket. Nothing to show for the good shot. |
| The umpires, Aleem Dar and Ian Gould are having a conversation. The concern is about the light as two fast bowlers are operating in tandem. |
| 44.3 : L Kumara to Smith, Back of a length outside and the left-hander goes back to his usual self and doesn't go after it. |
| The umpires have once again got together and have instructed the players to go off the field. Seems like that will be Stumps on Day 2 but we will wait for the official word. Yes, the confirmation has come in. IT IS STUMPS ON DAY 2! |
| Another day which has gone in favour of the home side. They did lose Kieran Powell at the closing stages of play but will be happy with the way they have batted so far. There were intermittent periods of rain after the Lunch break but credit to the hosts for playing sensibly on a surface which had spiced up. They only trail by 135 runs and have a lot of batting to come. The Sri Lankans tried their best with the ball but were not as consistent as they would have liked. Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Ku |
| Devon Smith is being interviewed on the sidelines. He says that he is familiar with the conditions, knows this pitch better, the bounce and pace. Adds that leaving deliveries outside off and shot selection was good. Further explains that he went after the spinners to take some pressure off his shoulders because the pacers were keeping it tight. Concludes by saying that tomorrow's plan is simple, just bat and bat as long as possible. |
| So, we have got news that there will be a half an hour early start tomorrow to make up for the lost overs due to the showers. Another stop-start day is on the cards but let us hope that the rain gods show some mercy. Will the Windies continue to hold the upper hand? Or will the Sri Lankans make an inspirational comeback? Join us on Saturday at 0930 Local (1330 GMT) to catch all the action. Till then, cheers! |
| ... Day 3, Session 1 ... |
| Hello and a warm welcome to the coverage of Day 3. Clear blue skies greet us at the moment. All eyes will be on the weather as there were continuous interruptions yesterday due to the rain. Be assured that there will be assistance for the pacers on a surface which is already posing uncertainties due to its two-paced nature. However, discipline and consistency is the need of the hour for the visiting bowlers and they need to execute their plans with needle-like precision if they are to threaten t |
| The Windies, on the other hand, are in a pretty comfortable position. Playing some sensible cricket will be their goal. They will be wary that losing a few quick wickets might land them in a tricky situation. You need to fight for every inch in the longest format of the game. Expect an absorbing day of Test cricket. |
| PITCH REPORT - Jeff Dujon assessing the track says that there is still a fair amount of green grass on it and there is moisture down there. Adds that the surface is really firm but also mentions that there are a few spots in the good length area from where the ball might take off. |
| As scheduled, we are on time for the early start. It is good to see a lot of young kids in the stands who are waiting in anticipation for the game to begin. Out come the umpires. Well, there is a little delay. The umpires feel that there is a need to change the ball. Dinesh Chandimal in the dressing room doesn't seem to be happy with it. |
| Bizarre! The entire Sri Lankan team hasn't come out still while the two umpires are waiting in the middle. The Lankan manager is having a serious conversation with the match referee, Javagal Srinath in the dressing room. As we can see on the screen, there is a replay from yesterday which is being shown. Dhananjaya de Silva had the ball with him and was seen shining it. Umpire Ian Gould asked him to show his hands and then had a grim look on his face. Might be a case of the condition of the ball |
| Meanwhile, Ian Gould and Aleem Dar are leaving the field. Seems to be a serious issue. Hopefully, the complication will be sorted out soon. |
| Update 1000 Local - Still no official word as to when the game will begin. Whatever the issue might be, the officials should ensure that the match functions in a smooth manner. |
| Update 1040 Local - We are hearing that play is scheduled to begin in about 10 minutes. Let us hope there are no further delays. |
| Finally, the action is set to get underway. Seems like sanity has prevailed. Devon Smith and Shai Hope walk out to bat. Ian Bishop on air mentions that there is a confirmation that the ball will be changed. The Windies will have a choice regarding which one should be used. A 5-run penalty has also been enforced on Sri Lanka as the umpires feel that they have altered the condition of the ball. However, the away side will be protesting the decision on all fronts. The umpires are still waiting for |
| Here they come, in a reluctant manner. The fourth umpire is waiting with a box full of balls. It has been finally decided. Lahiru Kumara to steam in with it. Here we go... Chandimal still isn't happy and has an intense conversation with Aleem Dar. Ian Gould joins in as well. The Sri Lankan team manager is discussing something with Javagal Srinath near the dressing room. |
| The Sri Lankan players are slowly trudging off the field. This is turning into a very serious issue. Their team manager is talking on the phone, perhaps getting some instructions from the Sri Lankan cricket board. The waiting game continues. |
| The coach, Chandika Hathurusingha has come down to the ground and is conveying something to the players. The entire support staff also joins in. This is getting really frustrating. |
| Looks like play will start shortly. The umpires have put in the stumps. Yes, we are going to get rolling. Devon Smith is on strike and Lahiru Kumara will bowl to him. Here we go... |
| 44.4 : L Kumara to Smith, A fierce start from Kumara! Geez, that one took off. Short ball aimed towards the body, Smith shapes for the pull but leaves it at the last moment. The bowler gives him a stare. |
| 44.5 : L Kumara to Smith, Another short ball, Devon ducks under it in a jiffy. After that, the batsman went out of the crease to do some gardening. Seeing that, Dickwella hits the stumps at the striker's end and appeals but the umpire doesn't go upstairs. |
| Umpire Ian Gould is having a discussion with Dickwella. He is not happy with the way Dickwella was appealing. The replays show that once Smith left the crease, the keeper threw the ball on the stumps. |
| 44.6 : L Kumara to Smith, No ball! Kumara continues to bowl short but this one is too high. No ball signaled for height. |
| L Kumara to Smith, Short of a length ball on middle and leg, Devon hops and tucks it to the leg side. |
| Suranga Lakmal to bowl from the other end. |
| 45.1 : S Lakmal to Hope, Straying on the hips, turned towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 45.2 : S Lakmal to Smith, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 45.3 : S Lakmal to Smith, Good length ball well outside off, Devon doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 45.4 : S Lakmal to Smith, Two Byes! Similar length ball outside off, stays a bit low. The southpaw lets it go. Dickwella fails to collect it cleanly as the ball rolls behind. A couple of runs are taken. |
| 45.5 : S Lakmal to Smith, In the corridor of uncertainty, the opener shuffles a touch and blocks it with a straight bat. |
| 45.6 : S Lakmal to Smith, Shaping in substantially from a back of a length, left alone. |
| 46.1 : L Kumara to Hope, Length ball, shaping in, tucked with a closed bat face towards mid-wicket. |
| 46.2 : L Kumara to S Hope, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Hope leans into it and eases it through cover-point. The fielder from the point region runs after it and keeps it down to a couple. |
| 46.3 : L Kumara to Hope, On a driveable length outside off, this time Shai Hope strides forward confidently and defends it right under his eyes. |
| 46.4 : L Kumara to Hope, Shai makes use of the depth of the crease and blocks this one with authority. |
| 46.5 : L Kumara to Hope, Lahiru Kumara is looking in good shape and is really bending his back. He goes wider of the crease and angles in a back of a length ball. There is some extra bounce on offer. Hope tries to cover the line but the ball flies past the outside edge of his bat. |
| 46.6 : L Kumara to Hope, Short of a length around off, played with an angled blade towards backward point. |
| Akila Dananjaya to roll his arm over now. |
| 47.1 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Tossed up ball on a fullish length on off, Smith leans ahead and defends it nicely. |
| 47.2 : A Dananjaya to Smith, A little bit of drift on that one, going down the leg side. Devon tries to help it away but misses. |
| 47.3 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Pitched right up to the batsman as he lunges forward in defense. |
| 47.4 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Coming in with the arm, tucked with the angle towards short fine leg. |
| A leg gully in place now. That is a good field position considering the amount of drift Dananjaya is getting. |
| 47.5 : A Dananjaya to D Smith, Drifting in again, played with soft hands towards mid on. |
| 47.6 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Straying on the pads this time, played tentatively towards leg gully. Dananjaya starts off his day with a maiden. |
| 48.1 : L Kumara to Hope, Kumara bends his back again and bowls this one on a back of a length outside off. Hope arches his back and lets it go. |
| 48.2 : L Kumara to Hope, This is a good channel. Goes wider of the crease again and lands it in the avenue of apprehension. Good seam presentation of the bowler allows him to generate a good amount of inward seam movement. Shai Hope shuffles a touch and makes a good leave. |
| 48.3 : L Kumara to Hope, Good fielding! Length ball around off, Hope comes forward confidently and drives it crisply towards short cover where Perera dives to his right and makes a really good stop. His teammates run towards him and pat him on his back. |
| 48.4 : L Kumara to Hope, Good length ball, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 48.5 : L Kumara to Hope, Ooh, that was awkward! Hope misjudged the length there. Short of a length ball, takes off after pitching. Hope is caught in a tangle as he tries to evade it but is hit on the arm. |
| A leg slip comes into place. |
| 48.6 : L Kumara to Hope, Fuller in length and on the pads, clipped nicely through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 49.1 : A Dananjaya to Smith, On middle and leg, played defensively towards the leg side. |
| 49.2 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Drifting down the leg side, Smith tries to help it away but misses. |
| 49.3 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Similar line and length from Akila. The southpaw leans ahead and defends it tentatively towards the vacant short leg region. |
| 49.4 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Strides forward to this one and tucks it away to square leg. |
| 49.5 : A Dananjaya to D Smith, Fullish in length on middle, clipped away to mid on. |
| 49.6 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Quicker one outside off, driven crisply towards wide mid off for a brisk single. |
| 50.1 : L Kumara to Smith, Leg bye! Fuller in length around middle and leg, Smith tries to clip it across but the ball brushes his pads and rolls towards square leg. A run taken. |
| 50.2 : L Kumara to Hope, Shortish ball outside off, shaping in. Shai Hope hops and keeps it down towards gully. |
| 50.3 : Kumara to Hope, That was a lethal, lethal delivery! Could have well gone through the defense. Pinpoint yorker, a toe crusher at 143 kph. Hope is alert to it and just about jams it out but loses his balance after that. Kumara appeals for an LBW but the umpire stays put. The replays show that it clearly came off the bat. |
| 50.4 : L Kumara to Hope, Back of a length ball, defended from within the crease. |
| 50.5 : L Kumara to Hope, A pretty well-directed bouncer directed towards the body. Hope sits under it in a flash. |
| 50.6 : L Kumara to Hope, Full length ball attacking the stumps, Hope does well to block it down the pitch. An aggressive over from Kumara comes to an end. |
| 51.1 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Shorter in length, kept out nicely. |
| 51.2 : A Dananjaya to D Smith, Full delivery, knocked down through mid on to rotate strike. |
| 51.3 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 51.4 : A Dananjaya to Hope, FOUR! A valiant effort goes in vain. Tossed up ball on a full length outside off, Hope slices it through point. Kumara hares after it, slides near the fence but fails to keep the ball in play. |
| 51.5 : A Dananjaya to Hope, On a fuller length, some extra bounce there. Hope tucks it past leg gully for a single. |
| 51.6 : A Dananjaya to Smith, In line of the stumps, played with soft hands towards mid on. |
| 52.1 : L Kumara to Hope, Shaping in sharply on a good length, defended nicely with a straight bat. |
| 52.2 : L Kumara to Hope, Straying on the hips, Hope tucks it nicely through backward square leg. Some work for the fine leg fielder to his left and he does well to keep it down to a couple. |
| 52.3 : L Kumara to Hope, FOUR! Exquisite! Kumara tries to surprise Hope with a yorker but ends up overpitching it outside off. It is in the zone for the right-hander. He leans ahead and caresses it through covers to find the fence. |
| 52.4 : L Kumara to Hope, Good length ball outside off, left alone. |
| 52.5 : L Kumara to Hope, Length ball outside off, seaming in after landing. Shai shuffles back and across to block it nicely. |
| 52.6 : L Kumara to Hope, Oh my goodness! That kept alarmingly low. Good length ball outside off, doesn't bounce at all as Hope tries to defend it off the back foot but gets foxed. |
| 53.1 : A Dananjaya to D Smith, Tossed up ball, drifting in. Smith is on the move as he pushes it towards the left side of the bowler. |
| 53.2 : A Dananjaya to Smith, This time he is able to get it past the same side of the bowler through mid on. A run taken. |
| 53.3 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Nervy! Shorter in length, spinning in. Hope is not decisive with his footwork but somehow defends it on the track. |
| 53.4 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Loopy delivery from Akila as the batsman milks it down to long on for a single. |
| 53.5 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Sits deep in the crease to this one and keeps it out watchfully. |
| 53.6 : A Dananjaya to Smith, On middle and leg, clipped nicely through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| Suranga Lakmal comes into the attack. Meanwhile, umpire Ian Gould inspects the condition of the ball to ensure that it is not being misused. |
| 54.1 : S Lakmal to Hope, Back of a length ball around off, Hope hops and blocks it right under his eyes. |
| 54.2 : S Lakmal to Hope, In the zone outside off, left alone. |
| 54.3 : S Lakmal to S Hope, OUT! Lakmal delivers straightaway! Much-needed wicket for the visitors and they are ecstatic. He steams in and bowls a shortish ball on off. The line is such that Shai Hope has to play at it. He does play at it but is in an uncomfortable position. An outside edge is induced. Dhananjaya de Silva at first slip is cool as a cucumber and pouches it safely. The hosts are still 104 runs behind. |
| Roston Chase walks out to bat. |
| 54.4 : S Lakmal to Chase, Hangs back to the length ball and defends it nicely. |
| 54.5 : S Lakmal to Chase, Outside off, left alone. |
| 54.6 : S Lakmal to Chase, Short delivery but is down the leg side. Chase ducks under it in a jiffy. A productive over for Lakmal. |
| 55.1 : A Dananjaya to Smith, On a flatter trajectory around off, punched off the back foot towards extra cover. |
| 55.2 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Straighter one from Akila outside off. Smith watches it closely and lets it go. |
| 55.3 : A Dananjaya to Smith, Coming in with the arm, tucked with the angle through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 55.4 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Wide down the leg side, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 55.5 : A Dananjaya to Chase, On middle and off, spinning in nicely. Chase leans ahead to block it but misses to get hit on the pads. |
| 55.6 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Another one that goes past the defense of Chase to strike him on the pads. |
| Sri Lanka review an LBW decision against Devon Smith. It looks really high to the naked eye. However, are we in for a surprise? |
| 56.1 : S Lakmal to Smith, Not Out! Well, there is no surprise at all! Sri Lanka have lost both their reviews. Back of a length ball around leg stump, angling across Smith. He tries to pull it across but is hit on the thigh pad of the back leg. Lakmal puts in a confident appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Chandimal looks interested and after a chat with his teammates, opts for the DRS. Doesn't look a sensible call at all. The Hawk Eye rolls in. Well, the ball is pitching outside the leg stump and t |
| 56.2 : S Lakmal to Smith, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 56.3 : S Lakmal to Smith, Shortish delivery, pulled away through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 56.4 : S Lakmal to Chase, Similar length ball, angling in, tucked to the leg side. |
| 56.5 : S Lakmal to Chase, Good length ball, some extra bounce on that occasion. Chase tries to keep it out but is hit on the thigh pads. No real appeal as that was pretty high. |
| 56.6 : S Lakmal to R Chase, On a length outside off, Chase tries to guide it away but gets it off the outer half of the bat past the slip cordon. The fielder chases it and slides near the fence to keep the ball in play. Seems like he has done well. Yes, the replays confirm so as he has saved a run for his side. THAT IS LUNCH ON DAY 3! |
| And that brings the end to one of the most wrangling sessions. After 120 minutes of drama, flying tempers and reluctance, we finally had the start of play. Sri Lanka were the guilty party and they paid the price as well, and not just in terms of the penalty but in kind as well. Their reputation has been put on the line, which their bowlers can save from shredding to pieces. Lahiru Kumara looked good in patches while Akila Dananjaya has been neutralized by the batsmen. However, the experienced ca |
| ... Day 3, Session 2 ... |
| Both set of players are making their way to the middle. Roston Chase will take the strike while Akila Dananjaya will take the ball after the break. |
| 57.1 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Flighted one around off and blocked off the back foot. |
| 57.2 : A Dananjaya to Chase, FOUR! Aggressive start from Chase. Goes after the tossed up delivery and plays it to square leg boundary. Welcome back, Akila. |
| 57.3 : A Dananjaya to Chase, The batsman has driven it through mid-on. |
| 57.4 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Floater around off, defended off the back foot. |
| 57.5 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Another loopy delivery around middle and leg, Chase pushes it to square lg for nothing. |
| Well, it has turned overcast all of a sudden. The groundsmen are getting ready with the covers. |
| 57.6 : A Dananjaya to Chase, FOUR! As smooth as you like from Roston Chase. Gets another flighted delivery outside off and creams the cover drive through. Four runs signalled by the umpire. |
| Suranga Lakmal to bowl from the other end. |
| 58.1 : S Lakmal to Smith, Brilliant ball! Lakmal runs in from around the wicket and bowls a good length ball in the corridor of uncertainty. The ball moves away after pitching, the wind also aids the cause. Smith tries to defend it but is beaten all ends up. |
| 58.2 : S Lakmal to Smith, In the zone outside off, holding its line. Devon points his bat skywards to let it be. |
| 58.3 : S Lakmal to Smith, Another play and a miss! A touch fuller this time outside off, shaping in. Smith comes forward tentatively and goes for a tame push through the line but gets foxed. He needs to be careful. |
| 58.4 : S Lakmal to Smith, The southpaw hangs back to the short of the length ball and blocks it nicely towards cover-point. |
| 58.5 : S Lakmal to Smith, Lakmal once again lands it in the avenue of apprehension and gets the ball to seam back in. Smith watches it closely and makes a good leave. |
| 58.6 : S Lakmal to Smith, Swinging down the leg side, tucked towards backward square leg for a single. |
| 59.1 : A Dananjaya to Smith, OUT! Plumb in front! Dananjaya gets his first wicket. This is what Sri Lanka need to do, keep on chipping away at the wickets. The offie tosses this one nicely from around the stumps. It is outside off as Smith leans ahead to defend. However, his foot movement is not that assured and he ends up playing down the wrong line, the in-drift causing the same. As a result, he is struck on the pads and the visitors go up in unison. The umpire obliges as well. Smith doesn't ta |
| 0.0 : Update 1325 Local - Oh no! It has started drizzling and the groundsmen rush in with the blue covers. Let us hope it is a passing shower. |
| We are about to get on with the session after a brief delay. Players are coming out to the middle. Shane Dowrich joins Roston Chase in the middle. Akila Dananjaya to continue with his over. |
| 59.2 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Floater around off, defended back to the bowler. |
| 59.3 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Similar length and nicely defended by Dowrich. |
| 59.4 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, On the shorter side outside off and cut away to the deep backward point fielder for a single. |
| 59.5 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Flatter outside off and Chase cuts it fine to backward point region for another single. |
| 59.6 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, The batsman works it down the leg side for nothing. |
| Suranga Lakmal to continue. |
| 60.1 : S Lakmal to Chase, On a length outside off, played with an angled bat towards the point region. |
| 60.2 : S Lakmal to Chase, Back of a length ball, angling in sharply. Chase hangs back and tucks it with a closed bat face towards mid-wicket. |
| 60.3 : S Lakmal to Chase, On a good length around off, Chase presents the full face to block it to the off side. |
| 60.4 : S Lakmal to Chase, Touch fuller and jagging back from outside off into the stump after pitching. Chase does well to get behind the line to defend it. |
| 60.5 : S Lakmal to Chase, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 60.6 : S Lakmal to Chase, Short of a length outside off and Chase cuts it to point for nothing. |
| 61.1 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Flighted outside and driven to the fielder at mid off who make a good diving stop. |
| 61.2 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 61.3 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Floater on middle, pushed to mid on for nothing. |
| 61.4 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Pushed through, on middle and flicked to short mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 61.5 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 61.6 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 62.1 : S Lakmal to Chase, Lands it on a good length outside off and Chase lets it pass. |
| 62.2 : S Lakmal to Chase, Touch too straight on a similar length. Chase flicks it to fine leg to change the strike. |
| 62.3 : S Lakmal to S Dowrich, Skids through the back of a length area into the batsman. An inside edge is induced but misses the stumps. No harm done in the end. |
| 62.4 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, Back of a length coming into the batsman, who does well to push it to mid-wicket. |
| 62.5 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, Back of a length and well outside off to entice Dowrich with a shot. |
| 62.6 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, Short of a length, angling into the body, the batsman tucks it to square leg. One run added to the total. |
| 63.1 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Flighted outside off, on a driveable length and Dowrich obliges. The ball drifts away just a touch after landing and takes the thick outside edge of blade. The fielder at slip dives to his right but couldn't stop the ball as it goes to third man. Three runs added to the total. |
| 63.2 : A Dananjaya to Chase, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 63.3 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Plants his foot down and turns it short mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 63.4 : A Dananjaya to Chase, FOUR! Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Chase gives charge and lifts it over infield from the inside half of the bat. The fielder at mid-wicket runs to his left but the ball has enough legs to go to the boundary. |
| 63.5 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Another flighted delivery on middle and pushed off the pads for nothing. |
| 63.6 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Looks to punch the shorter delivery off the back foot but doesn't get it cleanly. |
| 64.1 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 64.2 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, Back of a length and defended off the back foot to short mid-wicket. |
| 64.3 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, Nothing doing with the wider delivery. Left alone for the keeper. |
| 64.4 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, Lakmal lands it outside off, on a good length and the ball seams in sharply. The batsman is beaten all ends up and gets hit on his thigh pad. Some excited appeal from the fielding team but umpire is unmoved. |
| 64.5 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, Outside off and Dowrich keeps his bat close to his body to let is pass. |
| 64.6 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, Full around off and nicely driven off the front foot through covers. The ball rolls through the infield and stops inside the boundary. In the end, three runs are taken. |
| 65.1 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Tossed up on middle and blocked down the pitch. |
| 65.2 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 65.3 : A Dananjaya to S Dowrich, Tossed up around off and middle, driven to mid on for nothing. |
| 65.4 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Touch short and on the leg side, the batsman sweeps it. The fielder at short square leg dives to his right to stop the ball and does well to get his hand to it. A brace results. |
| 65.5 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 65.6 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, FOUR! Up and over. Dowrich changing gears and getting into the spinner. Gets a tossed up delivery around middle, comes down the ground and lifts it over mid on for a boundary. Doesn't look to hit it too hard. |
| 66.1 : S Lakmal to Chase, Back of a length outside off and crunched through cover-point for a couple. |
| 66.2 : S Lakmal to Chase, Hangs back in his crease and keeps it down off the back foot. |
| 66.3 : S Lakmal to Chase, Lands it around off on a good length. Chase slaps it to point for nothing. |
| 66.4 : S Lakmal to Chase, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. |
| 66.5 : S Lakmal to Chase, Short and well outside off, the batsman shoulders his arms. |
| 66.6 : S Lakmal to Chase, Back of a length once again and seaming in sharply to hit his thigh pad. Chase is in a bit of tangle but no harm done. |
| 67.1 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, This one is down the leg side and the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 67.2 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Touch short and punched to mid-wicket off the pads. |
| 67.3 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Flatter around off and middle and pushed to the leg side for nothing. |
| 67.4 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Akila bowls a floater and nicely defended by Dowrich off the front foot. |
| 67.5 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Conventional leg break around leg, Dowrich tries to flick it but gets hit on his pads. |
| 67.6 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, This one goes the other way. But the batsman reads it nicely and defends it off the front foot. |
| Time for Drinks. Meanwhile, Kasun Rajitha is back for a bowl. |
| Statement from SLC on 'Changing the condition of the Ball' - The team management has informed us that Sri Lankan players have not engaged in any wrongdoing during the ongoing Test match. SLC advised the team to take the field to ensure the continuity of the match and wish to commend the decision taken by the team to continue with the game 'under protest' to ensure the upholding of the spirit of the game. |
| 68.1 : K Rajitha to Chase, On a length outside off, defended from within the crease. |
| 68.2 : K Rajitha to Chase, FOUR! Well played! Short and room on offer, Chase stands tall and slaps it through the point region. The timing is spot on and he gets the desired result. |
| 68.3 : K Rajitha to Chase, Fuller in length on middle and leg, played defensively towards square leg. |
| 68.4 : K Rajitha to Chase, This one is well outside off, left alone. |
| 68.5 : K Rajitha to Chase, The uneven nature of the track is once again on display. On a length outside off, stays low. Roston doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 68.6 : K Rajitha to Chase, Outside off, third leave in a row. |
| 69.1 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Pushed through on middle and blocked off the back foot to the off side. |
| 69.2 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, SIX! Going, going and gone! Dowrich dealing in boundaries. Akila gives it some air but errs in line. The batsman takes a couple of steps down the pitch and lofts it over mid on. Good intent from the batsman and some quick runs for the Windies. |
| 69.3 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, FOUR! He is reading the finger spinner quite easily now. He bowls a wrong one around off and it goes the other way. The batsman rocks back in his crease and cuts it through cover-point. No one has any chance of stopping that crisp stroke. |
| 69.4 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Another google on middle and flicked off his pads to the leg side. One run taken. |
| 69.5 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Touch short and easily clipped to the leg side for a couple. The fielder throws it too close to the keeper, who is unable to gather it. An overthrow results as well. 200 up for the Windies. |
| 69.6 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 70.1 : K Rajitha to Chase, Tentative push from the crease but misses the delivery on a driveable length. The ball misses the outside edge and thuds into the kepeer's gloves. |
| 70.2 : K Rajitha to Chase, Drags his length back, outside off and Chase dabs it through point region and takes a single. |
| 70.3 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, Mistimes the pull. It is short of a length outside off and Dowrich looks to go across but doesn't get the connection. |
| 70.4 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, Back of a length outside off, played to gully from the bottom edge. |
| 70.5 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 70.6 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, Short of a length, punched to cover-point. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva comes into the attack. |
| 71.1 : de Silva to Chase, Flatter on middle and leg, punched to mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 71.2 : de Silva to Chase, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. They pick up a single. |
| 71.3 : de Silva to Dowrich, Touch short and pulls it to deep mid-wicket. One run added. |
| 71.4 : de Silva to Chase, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. |
| 71.5 : de Silva to Chase, Flatter and touch short, Chase defends it off the front foot. |
| 71.6 : de Silva to Chase, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Change of ends for Akila Dananjaya. |
| 72.1 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Touch short and outside off, played to point region for nothing. |
| 72.2 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Flighted on stumps and the batsman blocks it off the front foot. |
| 72.3 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Entices Dowrich with a flighted wider delivery. He gets right behind the line and defends it. |
| 72.4 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 72.5 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Dowrich plays it to the point region. |
| 72.6 : A Dananjaya to S Dowrich, Almost, almost gets in trouble. Intelligent stuff from Akila. He pushes the half tracker into the stuff and Dowrich moves his right leg and flicks it from the back foot. Had he missed the ball, it would have been plumb. In the end, one run taken. |
| 73.1 : de Silva to S Dowrich, Short and wide and cut away through point. One run added to the total. |
| 73.2 : de Silva to Chase, Nudges it to the leg side and completes another single. |
| 73.3 : de Silva to Dowrich, Flighted, outside off and driven to cover fielder. |
| 73.4 : de Silva to Dowrich, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 73.5 : de Silva to Dowrich, WOW! A peach out of nowhere. Tosses it up outside off and the drift takes it further away. The batsman is committed to the forward defense but can't reach the delivery. In the end, he misses it and the keeper whips the bails in a flash. Good thing he didn't come out of his crease. |
| 73.6 : de Silva to Dowrich, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. |
| 74.1 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Tossed up on middle and leg, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 74.2 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Shorter in length, kept out off the back foot. |
| 74.3 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, On a flatter trajectory again, dealt with from deep within the crease. |
| 74.4 : A Dananjaya to S Dowrich, Fuller in length this time, knocked down with ease to long on for a single. |
| 74.5 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Slips in the wrong one. Chase reads it off the pitch and guides it towards point. |
| 74.6 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Skidding through after pitching, Chase goes back and defends it solidly. |
| 75.1 : de Silva to Dowrich, Short and down the leg side. Dowrich sweep it fine for a single. |
| 75.2 : de Silva to S Dowrich, The short of length delivery has been cut away through square on the off side. They pick up a single. |
| 75.3 : de Silva to Chase, Tossed up on leg and played to mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 75.4 : de Silva to Chase, Drives the flighted delivery to the cover region and takes a single. This also brings up the fifty partnership between the two. |
| 75.5 : de Silva to Dowrich, Another sweep to the loop delivery and it goes to square leg region. A brace added to the total. |
| 75.6 : de Silva to Dowrich, Nice looking lofted straight drive to the fuller delivery. The fielder at long on cuts it to one run. |
| Lahiru Kumara is back on. |
| 76.1 : L Kumara to Dowrich, down the leg side, no trouble at all for the batsman. |
| 76.2 : L Kumara to Dowrich, Kumara bowls an effort delivery outside off. Keeps it on a back of a length and Dowrich flashes hard. The ball takes extra bounce and goes over the bat to the keeper. |
| 76.3 : L Kumara to Dowrich, Touch too straight. Strays down the leg side and flicked off the pads. Two more runs added to the total. |
| 76.4 : L Kumara to Dowrich, No run. |
| 76.5 : L Kumara to Dowrich, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. |
| 76.6 : L Kumara to Dowrich, Four Byes! Dishes on a back of a length and angles it into the batsman but it goes down the leg side. It brushes his thigh pad and goes fine to the boundary. |
| 77.1 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Works the flighted delivery to the leg side and completes a single. |
| 77.2 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 77.3 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Pushed through outside off and the batsman chops it behind point for two. |
| 77.4 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, FOUR! Damn! How easily he drove it? Windies are upping the ante it seems. Akila gives a lot of air outside off and Dowrich drives it between the cover and mid off fielder for a boundary. |
| 77.5 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Driven towards the mid-on region. One run added to the total. |
| 77.6 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Floated on leg and flicked to backward square for a single. |
| 78.1 : L Kumara to Chase, Chase is middling 'em more often than not. He creams another drive but straight to the fielder as covers. |
| 78.2 : L Kumara to Chase, FOUR! This is what you call awareness. Toying with the fast bowler here. Kumara goes to short of a length, keeps it outside off and angles it in. The extra effort from the bowler means that the ball rises but Chase rides the bounce and guides it nicely through the gap between gully and slip cordon. Runs are coming thick and fast for both the batsmen now. |
| 78.3 : L Kumara to Chase, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 78.4 : L Kumara to Chase, On a fuller length on off and the batsman drives it to mid off. |
| 78.5 : L Kumara to Chase, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 78.6 : L Kumara to Chase, Too straight from Lahiru and tucked away behind square for two. |
| 79.1 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Starts with a wrong' un on stumps and driven to long on for a quick single. |
| 79.2 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Chase has played it towards mid-wicket. |
| 79.3 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Touch short from Akila outside off. The batsman cuts it off the back foot behind point. One run taken. |
| 79.4 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, The batsman dances down the track and does well to block the ball. |
| 79.5 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Flighted around middle and leg, Dowrich sweeps but finds the short square leg fielder. |
| 79.6 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Hangs back and blocks it to end the over. |
| The second new ball is due and it has been taken straightaway. Sri Lanka need to pick up quick wickets. |
| 80.1 : L Kumara to Chase, Kumara gets the new ball and bowls a full on around off. Chase drives it tentatively down the ground. |
| 80.2 : L Kumara to R Chase, Similar length just outside off, driven on the up through covers for a brace. |
| 80.3 : L Kumara to Chase, Well outside off and left alone. |
| 80.4 : L Kumara to Chase, OUT! Now, now, now! The brand new cherry has done the trick. The 78-run partnership is broken. Windies lose a wicket at the stroke of Lunch. Lapse in concentration perhaps? Whatever is was, it has worked in the visitors' favor. Coming to the delivery, Lahiru puts it on a fullish length on middle and leg. The ball seams after pitching and Chase goes through with a full-blooded flick. He gets it from the middle of the bat but can't get it over Lakmal standing at short mid- |
| The skipper, Jason Holder is the new man in. |
| 80.5 : L Kumara to Holder, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 80.6 : L Kumara to Holder, Outside off and left alone for the keeper. |
| Kasun Rajitha to share the new ball from the other end. |
| 81.1 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, Touch short and outside off, Dowrich goes with hard hands but it hits the bottom edge of his bat and falls on the ground. |
| 81.2 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, Similar length and closer to the off stump, the batsman goes for the cut once again but misses. The ball goes past the outside edge. Do they really need to take such risk before Tea? |
| 81.3 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, He gets one to point finally. Back of a length again outside off and slapped from the back foot for nothing. |
| 81.4 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 81.5 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, On a short of a length and seaming away after pitching. Dowrich keeps his bat close to his body and lets it be. |
| 81.6 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, Full length ball outside off, shaping away. Dowrich doesn't fiddle with it. THAT IS TEA ON DAY 3! |
| Session highlights - 25 overs, 87 runs, 2 wickets. The hosts continue to control the game. They have scored runs at a good clip and have brought the trail down to only 12 runs. Still, there is quite some batting to come and they will be aiming to take the game further away from the visitors. Shane Dowrich has played a gutsy knock so far and the home side will want him to carry on. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, need to be more disciplined. Lahiru Kumara has struck once with the second new ball bu |
| ... Day 3, Session 3 ... |
| We are back for the evening session. Shane Dowrich and Jason Holder to resume their innings. Lahiru Kumara will continue his spell. |
| 82.1 : L Kumara to Holder, Back of a length, down the leg side, Holder fails to get bat on it. |
| 82.2 : L Kumara to Holder, Corrects his line and serves it on a fuller length outside off. The batsman keeps his bat away and lets it through. |
| 82.3 : L Kumara to Holder, Full and down the leg side again. Holder couldn't flick it as the ball thuds into keeper's gloves. |
| 82.4 : L Kumara to Holder, Similar length around off, blocked off the front foot. |
| 82.5 : L Kumara to Holder, Too short and wide, Holder ignores it. |
| 82.6 : L Kumara to Holder, Makes the batsman play the fuller ball down the pitch. Good start to the evening session from Kumara. |
| 83.1 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, Some shape on this one. Touch short and outside and it seams after pitching. Dowrich gets his bat behind the line and pushes it to point. |
| 83.2 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, Full around off, pushed to covers for nothing. |
| 83.3 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, Similar length but errs in line. The ball goes down the leg side to the keeper. |
| 83.4 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, FOUR! Crisp! That is the word for this shot. Full around off, moving in the air and off the pitch as well. Dowrich covers the line and pushes it past the bowler. The connection is good and the ball races to the long off boundary. Trail now into single digit. |
| 83.5 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 83.6 : K Rajitha to S Dowrich, Full around off, mistimes the drive to the off side. |
| Suranga Lakmal is into the attack now. |
| 84.1 : S Lakmal to Holder, On a fullish length, just outside off. Holder pushes it to covers for nothing. |
| 84.2 : S Lakmal to Holder, OOH! Close. Serves it on a fuller length once again and keeps in the channel of uncertainty outside off. Holder hangs his bat and misses the line. Good thing for him that he didn't edge it. |
| 84.3 : S Lakmal to Holder, Drives the full ball down the ground and changes strike. |
| Change of bat for Dowrich. |
| 84.4 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 84.5 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, On a driveable length outside off and pushed through covers by Dowrich. One run added to the total. |
| 84.6 : S Lakmal to Holder, Hangs back in his crease and blocks the full ball with a straight bat. |
| 85.1 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, Short and into the body of Dowrich who goes for the pull but doesn't get it off the middle. The ball goes past the fielder at mid on, down the ground and two runs are taken before he cuts it. This also brings up half century for Shane Dowrich. Applause from the Windies campaign. |
| 85.2 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 85.3 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, Another delivery outside off, left alone by the batsman. |
| 85.4 : K Rajitha to S Dowrich, FOUR! Almost, almost had him. Squares him up with a peach from wide of the crease. It is on a good length and comes into the body with the angle and moves away after pitching. Dowrich hangs his bat in anticipation and the ball flies off the outside edge past the left side of the fielder at gully. No one is in the deep at third man which means a boundary for the Windies. Scores are level now. |
| 85.5 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, The batsman defends it from within the crease to the off side. |
| 85.6 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, Presents the full face and defends the full delivery back to the bowler. |
| 86.1 : S Lakmal to Holder, On a good length outside off, Holder pokes at the ball and manages to get it get it in the vacant point region. One run added to the total. |
| 86.2 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, Similar line and length, pushed to covers off the back foot. |
| 86.3 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, OUT! Gone! Big fish has been hooked in! Lakmal kept probing outside off on a good length and finally got his reward. Dowrich has to play at the delivery as it is coming in with the angle but it moves away at the last moment. A feather edge results and a simple catch to the keeper. Windies lose their sixth and Sri Lanka are into the tail now. A gutsy knock from the wicket-keeper batsman nonetheless. |
| Devendra Bishoo is the new man in. This is his 50th Test innings. The Windies need a vital contribution from him. Meanwhile, a man comes under the lid at short leg. |
| 86.4 : S Lakmal to Bishoo, Chin music for Bishoo to start with who does well to sway away and leave it. |
| 86.5 : S Lakmal to Bishoo, The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for the batsman. |
| 86.6 : S Lakmal to Bishoo, Back of a length around off and nicely defended by the batsman. |
| 87.1 : K Rajitha to Holder, On a good length around off and pushed to covers for a single. |
| 87.2 : K Rajitha to Bishoo, Short and into the body, Bishoo ducks under it. |
| 87.3 : K Rajitha to Bishoo, Short of a length outside off, punched to mid on for nothing. |
| 87.4 : K Rajitha to Bishoo, Changes the angle and goes around the wicket to bring the ball in to the left-hander from a good length. The batsman blocks it to the off side. |
| 87.5 : K Rajitha to Bishoo, Outside off on a similar length, Bishoo pushes it through covers and opens his account. |
| 87.6 : K Rajitha to Holder, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 88.1 : S Lakmal to Bishoo, Lakmal starts from 'round the wicket as well, targeting the stumps of the left-hander. Dishes it on a full length, angling into the batsman, who pushes it to mid on. Misfield means a single is taken eventually. |
| 88.2 : S Lakmal to Holder, Full and outside off. Punched through covers from Holder and two runs are taken. |
| 88.3 : S Lakmal to Holder, Keeping the line of attack as straight as possible. Full around middle and leg, the batsman pushes it down the ground and Lakmal gets down to stop it. |
| 88.4 : S Lakmal to Holder, Two deliveries prior to this one came in and this one held its line. Beautiful set up from the fast bowler. Hooks Holder with a full driveable length delivery around off, who goes for it but fails to make connection. |
| 88.5 : S Lakmal to Holder, Touch too straight and on the hips, Holder clips it to leg side and changes strike. |
| 88.6 : S Lakmal to Bishoo, Too good for Bishoo to make any contact. On a good length outside off and coming in with the angle. Bishoo plays the line but misses and the ball whizzes past his outside edge. |
| 89.1 : K Rajitha to Holder, Starts with a wayward delivery on pads and the batsman clips it to leg side for nothing. |
| 89.2 : K Rajitha to Holder, Back of a length around leg, Holder gets it to leg side and takes a single. |
| 89.3 : K Rajitha to Bishoo, Outside off and blocked to the off side. |
| 89.4 : K Rajitha to Bishoo, Pushed through from an inward angle and wraps Bishoo on the chest guard, who wanted to play the pull. |
| 89.5 : K Rajitha to Bishoo, Hangs back in his crease and pushed it to point fielder. |
| 89.6 : K Rajitha to D Bishoo, OUT! And the gruesome innings of Devendra Bishoo comes to an end. Rajitha lands it on a fuller length outside off and the batsman goes for the drive which isn't there. Gets a thick outside edge and Kusal Mendis at second slip pouches the ball quite easily. |
| Kemar Roach strides out to bat. |
| Holder pulls out at the last moment while the bowler was about to deliver the ball. A sightscreen issue was the reason behind it. |
| 90.1 : S Lakmal to Holder, Too short and way over the batsman's head. Keeper tries to cut it but even he is unable to reach it. The ball goes to the boundary and umpire signals wide. Free runs for Windies and the leads is into double digits now. |
| S Lakmal to Holder, And comes back with a peach! An absolute jaffa. Keeps it on a back of a length around off and makes Holder Hops. He tries to fend at it but misses the ball. Lucky escape! |
| 90.2 : S Lakmal to Holder, A touch fuller around off and pushed to covers for nothing. |
| 90.3 : S Lakmal to Holder, Drags his length back and the batsman blocks it off the back foot. |
| 90.4 : S Lakmal to Holder, The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery. |
| 90.5 : S Lakmal to Holder, Bye! Almost five more runs but not to be. Holder lets the good length delivery outside off to the keeper who dives to his left to collect it. But the low bounce means that it doesn't carry and goes through his gloves and almost hits the helmet behind him. In the end, just one run. |
| 90.6 : S Lakmal to Roach, Outside off on a good length, left alone. |
| 91.1 : K Rajitha to Holder, Touch fuller and outside off, Holder goes for the cover drive but mistimes it. |
| 91.2 : K Rajitha to Holder, Back of a length around off and punched off the back foot for nothing. |
| 91.3 : K Rajitha to Holder, FOUR! Flashes and flashes hard! No half measure from the Windies skipper. Gets a wide full delivery and he goes for the drive with hard hands. The ball flies of the outside edge and races to the boundary past gully fielder. |
| 91.4 : K Rajitha to Holder, Punched off the back foot to the off side and a single taken. |
| 91.5 : K Rajitha to Roach, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 91.6 : K Rajitha to Roach, Goes after a wide delivery, a wild hoick but misses. |
| 92.1 : L Kumara to Holder, Starts with a fuller delivery on the pads, the batsman flicks to square leg for a couple. |
| 92.2 : L Kumara to Holder, Shuffles across his stumps and somehow gets it to square leg. One run added to the total. |
| 92.3 : L Kumara to Roach, The batsman tries flicking a ball that is down the leg side. |
| 92.4 : L Kumara to Roach, FOUR! Some width on offer and Roach throws his hands at it. The ball flies off the edge and to the boundary. Roach can frustrate the opposition with some quick runs here. |
| 92.5 : L Kumara to Roach, its almost comical what Roach is trying to do here. He takes quick steps across his stumps and pushes the full delivery to mid on. |
| 92.6 : L Kumara to Roach, Roach shoulders arms to let that one through, finally! |
| Third man in place now. |
| 93.1 : K Rajitha to Holder, The ball is way wide on the leg side but the batsman still goes after it and misses. |
| 93.2 : K Rajitha to Holder, Stays on his front foot and blocks it to the off side. |
| 93.3 : K Rajitha to Holder, OUT! BOOM! Another one bites the dust. This time, its the Windies skipper. Rajitha has been persistent with the back of a length delivery outside off. Dishes another one for the right-hander and he goes after it. The hanging bat of Holder manages to kiss the ball through to Dickwell behind the stumps. |
| Miguel Cummins is the new batsman. |
| 93.4 : K Rajitha to Cummins, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 93.5 : Rajitha to Cummins, Bumper to start with. A rather unwelcoming welcome for Cummins. Rajitha goes around the wicket to the new batsman, digs it in and angles it into his body. Cummins ducks under it in desperation, and the ball flicks his shoulder before reaching the keeper. Sri Lankan team appeals in unison but Ian Gould ignores it. Can't take review as they have none left. |
| 93.6 : K Rajitha to Cummins, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| Lahiru Kumara is back into the attack. |
| 94.1 : L Kumara to Roach, Back of a length on the pads and flicked through square leg. Batsmen take three before the ball is cut out inside the boundary line. |
| 94.2 : L Kumara to Cummins, Another taste of sweet chin music. Nicely left alone by Cummins this time. |
| 94.3 : L Kumara to Cummins, Playing fire with fire! Lahiru dishes in another short ball angled into the body of the batsman. Cummins hangs back in his crease and connects the pull shot nicely. Chandimal at short mid-wicket is in a good position to stop but a misfield means two runs are taken. |
| 94.4 : L Kumara to Cummins, Moves away and flashes hard but fails to put bat to ball. |
| 94.5 : L Kumara to Cummins, Fourth consecutive short of a length delivery from Kumara. Cummins is the target again but he does well to evade it and duck under it in time. |
| 94.6 : L Kumara to Cummins, Unusual bounce. Too high to worry the batsman! The umpire has signalled a wide. |
| L Kumara to Cummins, And another short ball to end the over. The batsman is happy to get under it and leave it for the keeper. |
| Umpire Ian Gould is having another look at the ball. Seems to be fine. |
| 95.1 : K Rajitha to Roach, No run. |
| 95.2 : K Rajitha to Roach, Jagging back into the batsman who calmly blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 95.3 : K Rajitha to Roach, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment. |
| 95.4 : K Rajitha to Roach, Roach works it to the leg side and changes strike. |
| 95.5 : K Rajitha to Cummins, Short and targeting the grille, misses the edge somehow. |
| There is a fly slip in place. |
| 95.6 : K Rajitha to Cummins, Comes down the track to send it out of the universe but luckily, he couldn't make connection. |
| Time for Drinks. |
| 96.1 : L Kumara to Roach, In the arc for Roach. He shuffles and goes for an ambitious stroke through the line but only manages to connect with thin air. |
| 96.2 : L Kumara to Roach, On a length outside off, Kemar taps it past cover-point for a single. |
| 96.3 : L Kumara to Cummins, Good length delivery from around the wicket. It is around the off stump as Cummins backs away and goes for an agricultural slog across the line but misses it by a mile. |
| 96.4 : L Kumara to Cummins, Kumara attacks the stumps with a full length ball. Cummins defends it down the track. |
| 96.5 : L Kumara to Cummins, Ouch, that will sting! He misjudged the length completely. Good length ball on middle and off, Cummins tries to duck under it but is hit flush on the grille of the helmet. Takes some time to gather himself as Ian Gould comes across to check on him. |
| The physio attends to Cummins. He needs to be careful. He is an important bowler for the hosts. Looks to be alright at the moment. |
| 96.6 : L Kumara to Cummins, Full delivery attacking the base of the stumps, Miguel backs away and goes for a hit down the ground but mistimes it back to the bowler. Kumara picks it up and has a wild shy at the stumps. Has some piece of advice for the tailender. Aleem Dar tells him to calm down. |
| Suranga Lakmal is back into the attack for a burst. |
| 97.1 : S Lakmal to Roach, Fuller length ball around off, Roach covers the line and defends it solidly. |
| 97.2 : S Lakmal to Roach, Roach missed out there! Gets a juicy full toss outside off, he goes perhaps too hard at it as he has been doing throughout and gets beaten. |
| 97.3 : S Lakmal to Roach, Solid as a rock this time! Short of a length ball on middle and leg, Kemar makes use of the depth of the crease and answers it with a straight bat. |
| 97.4 : S Lakmal to Roach, FOUR! Hammered! Now, that is a batsman's shot! On a length and width on offer, Roach clears his front leg and slaps it through cover-point. The fielder in the deep moves to his right but has no chance of stopping it. These are valuable runs for the Windies, the lead moves to 38. |
| 97.5 : S Lakmal to Roach, A loud appeal for an LBW denied! Good length ball, seaming in. Roach tries to block it but misses to get pinged on the back pad. Lakmal appeals but the umpire stays put. Seems that it was going down leg. |
| 97.6 : S Lakmal to Roach, Another swing and a miss! Back of a length outside off, Roach tries to slog it away but fails. |
| 98.1 : L Kumara to M Cummins, Close shave! Short of a length ball attacking the rib-cage area of the batsman. He tucks it awkwardly towards short leg. The fielder has a shy at the stumps but misses. Replays show that even if that hit, he might have been safe. |
| 98.2 : L Kumara to Cummins, Kumara is steaming in and bending his back. Another uncomfortable moment for Cummins who ducks under it somehow. |
| 98.3 : L Kumara to Cummins, Backs away to the fullish delivery and mistimes his heave towards mid-wicket. A run taken. |
| 98.4 : L Kumara to Roach, OUT! Kumara gets his third! He has been fiery and has got the results. He sees Roach shuffling across his stumps and hence, opts to bowl full and fast. The batsman fails to flick it away and is hit on the pads. An appeal follows and up goes the umpire's finger. Roach doesn't go for the review, it looked dead to the naked eye. |
| Shannon Gabriel is the last man in. |
| 98.5 : L Kumara to Gabriel, Welcomes Gabriel with a short ball. He ducks under it. |
| 98.6 : L Kumara to Gabriel, Back of a length ball, Shannon goes for an ambitious shot but mistimes it back towards the bowler. |
| 99.1 : S Lakmal to Cummins, Fullish delivery around off, Miguel tries to defend it but gets foxed. |
| 99.2 : S Lakmal to Cummins, FOUR! This one has been hit with authority. The first time he has made good contact with the bat. In the zone for Cummins. He makes some room and hits it hard over mid on to find the fence. |
| 99.3 : S Lakmal to Cummins, Shortish delivery, heaved away to the mid-wicket region for a single. |
| 99.4 : S Lakmal to Gabriel, So close! On a good length outside off, angling in. Gabriel is late to react as he swings aimlessly at it but misses. That went past the off pole by a whisker. |
| 99.5 : S Lakmal to Gabriel, Much better from the No. 11! Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Gabriel is right behind it in defense. |
| 99.6 : S Lakmal to Gabriel, Pitched up ball around off, hit away towards long on for a single. The lead moves onto 45. |
| 100.1 : L Kumara to Gabriel, Shortish ball on middle, Gabriel goes for a full-fledged pull but has no timing behind it whatsoever. Ends up mistiming it past the short leg fielder. |
| 100.2 : L Kumara to Gabriel, The last pair is having a bit of fun. Gabriel backs away and heaves it off the inner half of the bat through square leg. A couple of runs is the result. 300 is up for the hosts and it is met with appreciation from the crowd. |
| 100.3 : L Kumara to Gabriel, OUT! Brilliant catch to end the innings! Shortish ball on off, Gabriel goes for the big pull across the line but gets a top edge that goes over the slip cordon. The keeper and a couple of fielders are running after it. However, de Silva calls for it, keeps his eyes on the balls, takes it really well and then tumbles down. WEST INDIES ARE BOWLED OUT FOR 300! |
| So, 47 is the lead that the hosts have managed to accumulate. Doesn't seem to be a threatening one but it can still prove to be valuable on a surface which still has something on it for the pace bowlers. The visitors came back nicely after the Tea break and took the last five wickets for only 46 runs. Kumara was the pick of the bowlers as he took a 4-fer and he got good support from Rajitha and Lakmal who took 3 and 2 wickets respectively to help their side's cause. |
| Fifties from Devon Smith and Shane Dowrich gave some sort of stability to the home side. A useful knock from Roston Chase also gave them some momentum. However, the inability to convert the starts into big ones meant that the home side couldn't run away with the game. With around 35 minutes to go, it will be a stern test for the visiting batsmen. Will the hosts make early inroads? Or will the tourists show grit and determination? Join us shortly for Sri Lanka's second essay with the bat. |
| 0.1 : K Roach to Perera, Kemar Roach runs in from around the wicket and bowls it in the avenue of apprehension. Perera shuffles a touch and blocks it right under his eyes. |
| 0.2 : K Roach to Perera, Well bowled! Lands it on a similar length and gets the ball to skid after pitching. Kusal tries to work it away but is hit on the thigh pad. |
| 0.3 : K Roach to Perera, FOUR! Brilliant shot to get underway! That will give him a lot of confidence. Full length ball on middle and off, Perera lines it up and whips it over square leg for a boundary. The bottom hand came into play there. |
| 0.4 : K Roach to Perera, Short of a length outside off, punched nicely through covers for a couple. |
| 0.5 : K Roach to Perera, That was so close! Perera has come out with an aggressive mindset but that can well backfire. Fullish length ball just outside off, Perera attempts a heave across the line but misses. The ball misses the off stump by a whisker. |
| 0.6 : K Roach to Perera, FOUR! Hammered! Perera is going with the flow. Back of a length ball outside off, doesn't bounce much. Perera flat-bats it through mid off for a rocketing boundary. 10 from the first over. |
| Shannon Gabriel to share the new ball from the other end. |
| 1.1 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, Short of a length ball outside off, played with an angled bat to point. |
| 1.2 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, Udawatte avoids a pair and gets his first runs in Test cricket! A sigh of relief for him. Fullish ball outside off, stroked nicely through wide mid off for a brace. |
| 1.3 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, Shortish delivery, angling down leg. Mahela tries to glance it but misses. |
| 1.4 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 1.5 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, Gabriel once again loses his radar and slips this one down the leg side. |
| 1.6 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, Similar delivery around the hips, helped away to fine leg for a single. |
| 2.1 : K Roach to Udawatte, Full ball outside off and left alone by the batsman. |
| 2.2 : K Roach to Udawatte, Too wide and another leave from Mahela. |
| 2.3 : K Roach to Udawatte, Similar line and length and batsman ignores it once again. |
| 2.4 : K Roach to Udawatte, OOH! What a comeback from Roach! Brings it closer to the batsman and makes him go for the delivery. On a full length outside off and Mahela goes for the cover drive but misses. |
| 2.5 : K Roach to Udawatte, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 2.6 : K Roach to Udawatte, Lets one through to the keeper. |
| 3.1 : S Gabriel to Perera, On a good length around off, Perera punches it towards point where Chase dives full strectch to his left to make a good stop. A tight single taken. |
| 3.2 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, Back of a length delivery in that probing off stump corridor. Mahela shuffles a touch and defends it with a straight bat. |
| 3.3 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, Gabriel is struggling with his rhythm. Angles the shortish delivery down the leg side as Udawatte points his bat skywards to let it be. |
| 3.4 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, Makes use of the depth of the crease and turns this one towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 3.5 : S Gabriel to Perera, Shortish delivery aimed at the body. Kusal pulls it through square leg to rotate strike. |
| 3.6 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, A play and a miss! Back of a length and width on offer. Udawatte tries to slash it over point but only connects with thin air. |
| 4.1 : K Roach to Perera, This is the fag end of the day but Perera is still taking some risks. Don't think this is the right approach. Fractionally overpitched outside off, Kusal tries to whack it over covers but gets beaten. |
| 4.2 : K Roach to Perera, This one is wide outside off and this time Perera restricts himself as he lets it go. |
| 4.3 : K Roach to Perera, Short of a length outside off, Kusal Perera shuffles a touch and taps it towards cover-point. |
| 4.4 : K Roach to Perera, Roach bowls this one closer to the stumps. The batsman with a still head defends it with authority. |
| 4.5 : K Roach to Perera, Bowls this one in the tight off stump channel. Perera chances his arms and tries to hit it down the ground but mistimes it over the bowler. A couple of runs is the result. |
| 4.6 : K Roach to Perera, Hangs back to the length ball and answers it with a straight bat. |
| 5.1 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, Beaten! One of the few deliveries he has got up there after a sequece of short ones. Udawatte comes forward tentatively and pushes at it tamely only to get foxed. |
| 5.2 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, Short of a length ball in line of the stumps, tucked with a closed bat face towards wide mid on. A single taken. |
| 5.3 : S Gabriel to Perera, Makes good use of the crease does Gabriel. He goes wide and angles in a short of a length ball. Perera is cramped for room as he tries to manufacture a glide through point but is beaten for pace. |
| 5.4 : S Gabriel to Perera, FOUR! Streaky runs! Not that wide from Gabriel but it is too short. Perera rises on his toes and flashes at it only to top edge it over the slip cordon. A boundary results. |
| 5.5 : S Gabriel to Perera, No ball! Bowls this one short down the leg side, Perera lets it go. Gabriel has overstepped as he was striving for extra pace. This is also Sri Lanka's highest opening partnership of this series. |
| A short leg in place now. |
| S Gabriel to Perera, Back of a length ball, defended stoutly off the back foot. |
| 5.6 : S Gabriel to Perera, Tentative! In the channel of uncertainty, Perera tries to work it away but is hit on the thigh pad. |
| This might well be the last over of the day. The skipper, Jason Holder brings himself on. Can he provide his side a breakthrough? |
| 6.1 : J Holder to Udawatte, Wide! Starts off with a shortish ball way outside off. Udawatte is not bothered to play at it. |
| J Holder to Udawatte, No ball! Slower ball outside off, doesn't bounce much as Mahela sees it through. Well, Holder has overstepped. Needs to be more disciplined. |
| J Holder to Udawatte, Holder comes around the wicket to change things up and lands the ball on a length outside off. Udawatte shuffles a touch and leaves it alone. |
| 6.2 : J Holder to Udawatte, Full length ball attacking the stumps, the batsman plays it defensively beside the pitch on the leg side. |
| 6.3 : J Holder to Udawatte, Tight stump-to-stump line from the skipper. Mahela looks a bit nervy but manages to keep it out. |
| 6.4 : J Holder to Udawatte, On a length around off, defended from within the crease. |
| 6.5 : J Holder to Udawatte, Pitched up this time, Udawatte puts his head down and defends it calmly down the pitch. |
| 6.6 : J Holder to Udawatte, FOUR! Crisp! Fuller length ball on off, Mahela Udawatte offers the full face of the bat and punches it through mid on to find the fence. |
| Well, we will get another over in. |
| 7.1 : S Gabriel to Perera, Tight but safe eventually! Length ball, Perera places it towards mid off and calls his partner through. The fielder has a shy at the striker's end but misses. An overthrow results. Good game awareness from the Sri Lankans. |
| 7.2 : S Gabriel to Perera, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 7.3 : S Gabriel to Perera, Gabriel has lost the plot once again. Slips this one down the leg side, Perera lets it go. |
| 7.4 : S Gabriel to Perera, OUT! Got him, gone! Gabriel draws first blood. He wasn't looking that convincing with the ball but has produced a beauty to give his side the breakthrough. He steams in from around the wicket and hits the deck hard on middle. Perera plays for the initial angle but after pitching, the ball seams away late to catch him off guard. An outside edge is induced and Shane Dowrich behind the stumps gets low to his left to take a good catch. Perera's chancy innings has been cut s |
| The nightwatchman, Kasun Rajitha walks out to bat. Still no signs of stumps, the play has probably been extended. |
| 7.5 : S Gabriel to Rajitha, On a length outside off, left alone. |
| 7.6 : S Gabriel to Rajitha, Good length ball, nipping in sharply to go past Rajitha's pads to hit him on the thigh pads. |
| After the blow near the knee, Kasun Rajitha is getting his leg checked by the physio. Meanwhile, Miguel Cummins comes into the attack. |
| 8.1 : M Cummins to Udawatte, Short ball on leg stump, Udawatte ducks under it. |
| 8.2 : M Cummins to Udawatte, Another bouncer which is comfortably evaded by Mahela with a duck. |
| 8.3 : M Cummins to Udawatte, Cummins delivers this on a length outside off, Mahela points his bat skywards to let it be. |
| 8.4 : M Cummins to Udawatte, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. |
| The artificial lights have been switched on. |
| 8.5 : M Cummins to Udawatte, Just wide of the man at gully! Not a good shot to play at the fag end of the day. Fullish ball well outside off, Udawatte throws his bat at it and gets a thick outside edge. Hope at gully dives to his left but the ball goes past him in a flash. A couple of runs are taken. |
| The Windies review an LBW decision against Mahela Udawatte. Seems to be a close call but the height might just save him. |
| 8.6 : M Cummins to Udawatte, Not Out! The hosts lose a review! A very good decision from Aleem Dar. Cummins bowls a good length ball around leg stump and tries to angle it across Udawatte. He hops in an attempt to block it but misses to get hit on the pads. A strong appeal follows but the umpire shakes his head. Holder after a conversation with his teammates decides to challenge the decision. Time for the replays. The Ultra Edge doesn't detect anything. The Hawk Eye rolls in. Well, the ball has p |
| The umpires are having a discussion and the play has been called off for the day. It's STUMPS ON DAY 3! Kusal Perera and debutant Mahela Udawatte managed to get through the initial 30 minutes of play but the former lost his wicket just the way he did in the first innings. However, it's a passage of play which belonged to Sri Lanka, for the first time in this series. Their bowlers came out all guns blazing after the Tea break and took the winds out of the Windies lower order. Four out of the five |
| From the point of view of the hosts, half centuries from Devon Smith and Shane Dowrich allowed them to sneak past the away side's total. The pitch seems to have eased down a bit as well, making batting relatively easier. The first hour of Day 4 holds the key as to which side the game will tilt. Join us to catch all the action on Sunday. Till then, Ciao! |
| ... Day 4, Session 1 ... |
| Hello and welcome to the coverage of the fourth day of the second Test match between West Indies and Sri Lanka in St Lucia. To start the day, the news coming in from the centre is that Dinesh Chandimal has been charged for breaching 2.2.9 of the ICC code of conduct, which relates to tampering with the condition of the ball. The video from Day 2 shows Chandimal taking something out of his left pocket and putting it in his mouth. He immediately gets his finger to his mouth and uses it to shine the |
| After a controversial third day, we are moving into the penultimate day with much abuzz. Sri Lanka will feel that they have an upper hand after their exploits yesterday, while Windies will be banking on their bowling to come good. The onus is on Kemar Roach and company to make use of the pitch which still has something in it and get through the defenses of the visiting batsmen. The match hangs in the balance for now, and the first session itself could decide the fate. Should be another exciting |
| PITCH REPORT - Jeff Dujon assessing the surface says that it has dried up and the cracks have opened up as well. Mentions that the good length area is posing problems for the batsmen and they have to be careful. |
| We are set to get underway. Mahela Udawatte and Kasun Rajitha to resume their innings. Shannon Gabriel to bowl first up this morning. Here we go... |
| 9.1 : S Gabriel to Rajitha, Start with a gentle loosener outside off, left alone by Rajitha. |
| 9.2 : S Gabriel to Rajitha, Jags back in from back of a length, Rajitha keeps his bat down and moves away from the line. |
| 9.3 : S Gabriel to Rajitha, Similar line and length, another leave from the nightwatchman. |
| 9.4 : S Gabriel to Rajitha, OUT! Gabriel tastes first blood with just the fourth ball of the day. Lands it on a fuller length and brings it in with the angle. The ball skids after pitching and wraps him on his pads. Rajitha tries to get his bat down but he's late. The Windies go up in appeal and the umpire obliges after a bit of thinking. He bowled it at 145 kph, an effort ball from Gabriel and he has got the desired result. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva comes out to bat. |
| 9.5 : S Gabriel to Silva, Outside off and left alone by the new batsman. |
| 9.6 : S Gabriel to Silva, Gets behind the line and defends it off the back foot. |
| Kemar Roach to bowl from the other end. |
| 10.1 : K Roach to Udawatte, Starts from around the wicket and stays close to the off stump. Mahela blocks it from the crease to the off side. |
| 10.2 : K Roach to Udawatte, Full around off, pushed to the point fielder for nothing. |
| 10.3 : K Roach to Udawatte, FOUR! Full, angling in and punched off the front foot down the pitch. The timing is good and the ball races to the long on fence for the first boundary of the day. |
| 10.4 : K Roach to Udawatte, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 10.5 : K Roach to Udawatte, Outside off, left alone. |
| 10.6 : K Roach to Udawatte, Goes full on middle and leg, Udawatte blocks it to the leg side for nothing. |
| 11.1 : S Gabriel to Silva, OOH! It stayed a touch. Back of a length outside off, de Silva goes for the cut but the ball goes below the bat. |
| 11.2 : S Gabriel to Silva, This one bounces nicely. Similar length into the batsman, he blocks it off the back foot. |
| 11.3 : S Gabriel to Silva, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 11.4 : S Gabriel to Silva, On a good length around off, de Silva presents the full face of the bat. |
| 11.5 : S Gabriel to Silva, Copy past stuff from the bowler and the batsman. |
| 11.6 : S Gabriel to Silva, Wide outside off and takes off after landing. The keeper is unable to collect it cleanly but no harm done. |
| 12.1 : K Roach to Udawatte, Full around off, Mahela pushes it off the front foot to vacant cover region and takes a single. |
| 12.2 : K Roach to Silva, High elbow and straight bat, nice and easy from de Silva. Gets a full ball outside off and punches it through covers. The fielder from covers cuts it inside the boundary with some handy footwork. In the end, three runs added to the total. |
| Roston Chase comes in at silly mid on. |
| 12.3 : K Roach to Udawatte, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 12.4 : K Roach to Udawatte, Back of a length on middle and leg, Udawatte flicks to the leg side and changes strike. Trail is down to four now. |
| 12.5 : K Roach to Silva, Stays put in his crease and plays it to the off side. |
| 12.6 : K Roach to Silva, Short of a length around off, de Silva feels for it and gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 13.1 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, Full and on middle, the batsman digs it out back to the bowler. |
| 13.2 : S Gabriel to Udawatte, Drags his length back, angles into his body and Mahela gets it to square leg from the inside half of the bat for a single. |
| 13.3 : S Gabriel to Silva, Enticing full ball outside off, de Silva goes for it without any foot movement and drags it down the pitch for nothing. |
| 13.4 : S Gabriel to Silva, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 13.5 : S Gabriel to Silva, Nice channel from Gabriel. Keeping it around off from back of a length and making the batsman have a feel for it. |
| 13.6 : S Gabriel to de Silva, OUT! In that probing channel again and the result is the same. Gabriel has his man and Devon Smith who had dropped Chandimal in the first innings doesn't spill it this time and collects it cleanly to his left. Another fuller delivery well outside off, on a driveable length and de Silva tries to push it through the line with minimal feet movement. The ball holds its line and the outside edge is induced. Smith at first slip pouches it safely. Sri Lanka lose their third |
| Kusal Mendis strides out to bat. |
| 14.1 : K Roach to Udawatte, Back of a length on the hips, the batsman flicks it to mid-wicket and changes strike. |
| 14.2 : K Roach to Mendis, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 14.3 : K Roach to Mendis, Touch fuller outside off, Mendis gets it behind point from the outer half. |
| 14.4 : K Roach to Mendis, On a good length just outside off and close to the bat but misses the outside edge of the blade. Tentative from Mendis. |
| 14.5 : K Roach to Mendis, Full around middle, the batsman flicks it through the mid-wicket region and takes three. Sri Lanka are into the lead now. |
| 14.6 : K Roach to Udawatte, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 15.1 : S Gabriel to Mendis, Wide outside off, left alone for the keeper. |
| 15.2 : S Gabriel to Mendis, Too wide to entice the batsman. Perhaps a set up?? Lets see. |
| 15.3 : S Gabriel to Mendis, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 15.4 : S Gabriel to Mendis, In the same channel outside off. He needs to come closer to the batsman to make full use of the new ball. |
| 15.5 : S Gabriel to K Mendis, Full outside off, punched to the off side for nothing. |
| 15.6 : S Gabriel to Mendis, Too wide and another leave to end the over. |
| 16.1 : K Roach to Udawatte, Full around off, punched to the point region for nothing. |
| 16.2 : Roach to Udawatte, OUT! BANG! Another one bites the St Lucian dust. Nothing shot from Udawatte. He was looking good out in the middle but couldn't hang on. Another full ball from Roach on off stump, pushed in and straightening after pitching. The batsman play the uppish drive but straight to Devendra Bishoo at mid on, who takes a jumping catch. Four down inside the first hour for Sri Lanka. |
| 16.3 : K Roach to Chandimal, Back of a length into the body, Chandimal flicks to square leg and opens his account. |
| 16.4 : K Roach to Mendis, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 16.5 : K Roach to Mendis, Full around leg, Mendis tries to flicks it but misses as the ball brushes his pads and goes to the keeper. |
| 16.6 : K Roach to Mendis, The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for the batsman. |
| Miguel Cummins is into the attack. |
| 17.1 : M Cummins to Chandimal, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 17.2 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Back of a length around off, Chandimal plays it from his crease to the off side. |
| 17.3 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Too straight on the hips, the batsman flicks it to the vacant square leg region and changes strike. |
| 17.4 : M Cummins to Mendis, Similar delivery from Cummins and Mendis flicks it to fine leg for nothing. |
| 17.5 : M Cummins to Mendis, Around off, the batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends it down the pitch. |
| 17.6 : M Cummins to Mendis, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 18.1 : K Roach to Chandimal, Back of a length outside off, left alone by Chandimal. |
| 18.2 : K Roach to Chandimal, Touch fuller around middle and leg, the batsman gets it past the fielder at mid-wicket and takes a single. |
| 18.3 : K Roach to K Mendis, FOUR! WOW! Power punch from Mendis. Another full ball around middle and leg, the batsman presents the full face of the bat and gets it from the middle. The ball races away to the mid on fence. It didn't look that good a shot but the timing was immaculate. |
| 18.4 : K Roach to Mendis, Roach drags his length back outside off and another punch from Mendis. He gets on top of the bounce and places it through cover-point. The ball is stopped inside the boundary and three more runs added to the total. |
| 18.5 : K Roach to Chandimal, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 18.6 : K Roach to Chandimal, Hangs back and pushes it off the back foot for nothing. |
| 19.1 : M Cummins to Mendis, Waits for it and flicks the short ball to the leg side. One run added to the total. |
| 19.2 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Beautiful looking punch off the back foot from Chandimal. It is short and outside off and punched through cover-point. The fielder chases it and saves a couple. |
| 19.3 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Too straight and down the leg. Dowrich takes a tumbling catch. |
| 19.4 : M Cummins to Chandimal, On a good length outside off, Chandimal taps it to the vacant cover region and calls for an easy single. |
| 19.5 : M Cummins to Mendis, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 19.6 : M Cummins to Mendis, Similar looking delivery from the bowler and Mendis gets behind the line to block it. |
| Jason Holder comes in for a bowl. |
| 20.1 : J Holder to Chandimal, Starts with a wide one outside off, left alone by the batsman. |
| 20.2 : J Holder to Chandimal, Back of a length outside off, Chandimal gets on his toes and punches it to mid off for nothing. |
| 20.3 : J Holder to Chandimal, Copy paste stuff from the bowler and the batsman. |
| 20.4 : J Holder to Chandimal, Gets into the body of the batsman who blocks it off nicely. |
| 20.5 : J Holder to Chandimal, Nice channel from Holder, probing the batsman outside off who defends it off the front foot. |
| 20.6 : J Holder to Chandimal, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 21.1 : M Cummins to Mendis, Back of a length around off and middle, Mendis gets behind and blocks it down the track. |
| 21.2 : M Cummins to Mendis, Similar length just outside off, the batsman blocks it off the front foot. |
| 21.3 : M Cummins to Mendis, Confident defense from the batsman off the similar looking delivery. |
| 21.4 : M Cummins to Mendis, Touch short, into the body and flicks it away to square leg for a single. |
| 21.5 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Plants his foot down the pitch and pushes the full ball to wide mid off. The fielder cuts it out and keeps it down to one. |
| 21.6 : M Cummins to Mendis, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 22.1 : J Holder to Chandimal, Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it. |
| 22.2 : J Holder to Chandimal, Lands it outside off, stays touch low, the batsman defends it off the back foot. |
| 22.3 : J Holder to Chandimal, Four Byes! Oh dear me! Full and down the leg side. It seams further away from the batsman as well as the diving keeper who tries his best but fails to save the boundary. |
| 22.4 : J Holder to Chandimal, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 22.5 : J Holder to Chandimal, Defended off the front foot by Chandimal by presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 22.6 : J Holder to Chandimal, On the pads once again and pushed to the leg side for nothing. |
| 23.1 : M Cummins to Mendis, OUCH! That must have hurt. Cummins bowls in an effort ball, pitches if on a short of a length around off and the ball flies off the pitch into the grille of Mendis. The batsman takes evasive action, tries to bring his bat in line but it hits hits him on his gloves and lobs in the air. It hangs there for a while and goes towards Shai Hope at gully. He doesn't go for the catch as he felt it was too far away. Mendis survives as scare. |
| 23.2 : M Cummins to Mendis, The batsman has been struck on the pads as he looked to play that off the front foot. The fielding side are asking the question but the Umpire decides it is not out. |
| 23.3 : M Cummins to Mendis, Defended off the back foot to covers. |
| 23.4 : M Cummins to Mendis, Jumps from the length once again and hits Mendis on his thigh pad. Out of nowhere, the ball is troubling the batsmen. |
| 23.5 : M Cummins to Mendis, On a length around middle and off, flicked to the leg side for nothing. |
| 23.6 : M Cummins to Mendis, Risky! It was asking to be hit and Chandimal didn't shy away either. Plays the cover drive uppishly and just wide of the diving fielder there. The ball stops inside the line and two runs are taken. |
| Time for Drinks. The hosts have been relentless. They have bowled with a lot of discipline and have hardly given anything away. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, haven't shown enough application, losing three wickets this morning. A lot lies on the current pair of Mendis and Chandimal. They need to bat as long as possible and keep the scoreboard ticking as well. While, the Windies will be aiming to keep chipping away the wickets. |
| 24.1 : J Holder to Chandimal, Short and into the body, Chandimal swivels and goes of the pulls. It goes off the top edge to fine leg but the fielder was bit too square. No harm done in the end. |
| 24.2 : J Holder to Mendis, No ball! Was there a nick? Oh man! Holder has his arms on his waist. He seems disappointed and why shouldn't he. It was an edge but the no ball saved Mendis. Holder dishes it on good length and brings it from there. The angle takes it further down the leg side and an edge is induced. Dowrich knew it and so did the the batsman. |
| J Holder to Mendis, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 24.3 : J Holder to Mendis, Back of a length outside off, the batsman blocks it. |
| 24.4 : J Holder to Mendis, Out-swinger around off, Mendis plays it to mid off for nothing. |
| 24.5 : J Holder to Mendis, Hangs back and defends it from his crease. |
| 24.6 : J Holder to Mendis, A short ball around off and the batsman pushes it mid-wicket. End of an eventful over. |
| 25.1 : M Cummins to Chandimal, The ball is down the leg side but the batsman still goes after it and misses. |
| 25.2 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under it at the last moment. |
| 25.3 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Short of a length around off and blocked it off the back foot nicely. |
| 25.4 : M Cummins to Chandimal, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 25.5 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Short and outside off, the batsman keeps it down to the leg side for nothing. |
| 25.6 : M Cummins to Chandimal, Strays down the leg side and Chandimal flicks it off his hips and takes a single. |
| Time for spin. Devendra Bishoo to roll his arm over now. |
| 26.1 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Tossed up around off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 26.2 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Shorter in length, Chandimal rocks back and cuts it straight to the cover fielder. |
| 26.3 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Fuller in length on off, kept out watchfully. |
| 26.4 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Flatter in trajectory, spinning away. Chandimal has ample time to work it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 26.5 : D Bishoo to Mendis, Straighter one from Bishoo, Mendis clips it straight to the short leg fielder. |
| 26.6 : D Bishoo to Mendis, FOUR! Well played! That was not easy to play. Loopy delivery in line of the stumps, Mendis skips down the track and whips it against the spin through mid-wicket. A boundary results. |
| Change of ends for Holder. |
| 27.1 : J Holder to Chandimal, Length delivery on middle and leg, defended solidly off the back foot beside the pitch on the leg side. |
| 27.2 : J Holder to Chandimal, Hangs back to the similar length ball and keeps it out with a straight bat. |
| 27.3 : J Holder to Chandimal, Almost, almost! On a driveable length outside off, Chandimal falls for the bait. Goes for an ambitious drive but the ball just goes past the outside edge of his bat. Could have easily edged that one. |
| 27.4 : J Holder to Chandimal, Fuller in length, eased off the front foot to covers. |
| 27.5 : J Holder to Chandimal, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 27.6 : J Holder to D Chandimal, Pitched right up there again, played with soft hands to the off side. |
| 28.1 : D Bishoo to Mendis, Touch short around middle and leg, Chandimal tries to work to the leg side but hits the fielder at short leg. One run is taken. |
| 28.2 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, The batsman charges down the track and plays it to mid off for another run. |
| 28.3 : D Bishoo to Mendis, Now Mendis coming down dancing the pitch and creams the flighted delivery through covers for a brace. |
| 28.4 : D Bishoo to Mendis, Driven through the covers by the batsman. |
| 28.5 : D Bishoo to Mendis, Quicker around off, Mendis drives it to covers for nothing. |
| 28.6 : D Bishoo to Mendis, Conventional leg break around off, the batsman hangs back and taps it to point. |
| 29.1 : J Holder to Chandimal, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot to covers. The non-striker thinks there's a single and runs. But Chandimal loudly denies the single and sends him back. A direct hit but the batsman makes it home. |
| 29.2 : J Holder to Chandimal, Wide! Bumper! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. |
| J Holder to Chandimal, Back of a length around off, Chandimal stays in his crease and defends it nicely. |
| 29.3 : J Holder to Chandimal, OOH! Another takes off from length. Chandimal does well to guide it the vacant fine leg region. One run added to the total. |
| 29.4 : J Holder to Mendis, Back of a length around off, Mendis gets behind the line and blocks it. |
| 29.5 : J Holder to Mendis, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 29.6 : J Holder to Mendis, Similar back of a length around off and confidently defended off the back foot to end the over. |
| 30.1 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Touch short outside off and the batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches it to the off side. |
| 30.2 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Gives charge to the flighted delivery and defends it down the pitch. Some intent from Skip! |
| 30.3 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, Loopy delivery around off, Chandimal comes down the track once again and looks to play it over the bowler's head. The ball grips and turns away from the face of the bat and flies over the fielder at mid off from the outside half of the bat. Two runs are taken. |
| 30.4 : D Bishoo to Chandimal, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 30.5 : D Bishoo to D Chandimal, WOW! The bounce in the pitch is troubling the batsmen. Bishoo floats it around off and the ball grips, turns and takes of from there. Chandimal looks to cut it but it goes from the upper edge and over the slip fielder. Three runs are taken from the third man region. |
| 30.6 : D Bishoo to Mendis, FOUR! BOOM! Out of nowhere, Mendis decides to take on the flighted ball. Gets hold of it and flat bats it over the mid-wicket region for a boundary. Sri Lanka getting a move on. |
| 31.1 : J Holder to D Chandimal, Back of a length into the body, Chandimal hops and flicks it to short mid-wicket. The fielder is quick to reach the ball and throw it at the non-strikers end. No backing up means the ball goes behind and three runs are taken. |
| 31.2 : J Holder to Mendis, FOUR! Mendis is relentless. He is looking to score and rightly so. Holder bangs it in and angles into the batsman who swivels and pulls the ball to the left of the short mid-wicket fielder. The ball races away to the boundary and 50-run stand is up between the two. |
| 31.3 : J Holder to Mendis, Four Byes! Not good from the Windies skipper. |
| 31.4 : J Holder to Mendis, 1 run. |
| 31.5 : J Holder to Chandimal, No run. |
| 31.6 : J Holder to Chandimal, No run. |
| 32.1 : D Bishoo to Mendis, FOUR! The Sri Lankans are taking on the spinner! This is good aggressive batting. On a flatter trajectory around off, Mendis picks the length up in a jiffy and pulls it with aplomb over mid-wicket to find the fence. |
| 32.2 : D Bishoo to Mendis, Drifting in on middle and leg, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 32.3 : D Bishoo to K Mendis, Tossed up ball, Kusal clears his front leg and knocks it down to long off for an easy run. |
| 32.4 : D Bishoo to D Chandimal, Similar delivery, milked down to the same region for a run. |
| 32.5 : D Bishoo to Mendis, Shorter in length, cut away towards point. |
| 32.6 : D Bishoo to Mendis, Floated on middle and leg, Mendis sweeps it away towards deep backward square leg. A couple of runs are taken. |
| Shannon Gabriel is back on. He was breathing fire in the morning and will be aiming to replicate that once again before Lunch. |
| 33.1 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Slants this one down the leg side, Dinesh tries to help it away but misses. |
| 33.2 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, So close but yet so far! Brilliant bowling from Gabriel. He goes a bit wider of the crease and angles in a full length ball on middle and leg. Chandimal attempts to drive it down the ground but seems to have got an inside edge onto his pads. The Windies appeal in unison but the umpire stays put. Holder doesn't go for the review. Oh no! The hosts have missed a trick. The Snicko doesn't spot a nick. The Hawk Eye rolls in now and there are three reds. Chandimal is a lu |
| 33.3 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 33.4 : S Gabriel to D Chandimal, Caught but a No ball! Nothing is going right for the Windies. It was a terrific delivery but what a pity! He has overstepped. Great presence of mind from Mendis who suggested that the bowler has overstepped. Shortish delivery, takes off after pitching. Chandimal is caught in a tangle as he tries to fend it off but the ball hits the splice of his bat and lobs towards the gully region. Shai Hope takes it with ease and is all smiles. However, Mendis walks towards hi |
| S Gabriel to D Chandimal, Fullish delivery, played with soft hands to mid off. |
| 33.5 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Dinesh tries to flick that one but misses as the ball goes towards the keeper. |
| 33.6 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Pitched up delivery, Chandimal goes at it with hard hands but mistimes it down the track. |
| Roston Chase takes over from Devendra Bishoo. |
| 34.1 : R Chase to Mendis, Flatter down the leg side and swept to square leg for a single. |
| 34.2 : R Chase to D Chandimal, Touch short around off, Chandimal goes back and cuts through point for another single. |
| 34.3 : R Chase to Mendis, Not the line he wants to work on. Another legsider and clipped to the leg side. One run added to the total. |
| 34.4 : R Chase to Chandimal, He is guilty of bowling it short and Chandimal gets inside the line and nudges it fine. Two more runs are taken from the fine leg region. |
| 34.5 : R Chase to Chandimal, OOH! Extra bounce once again and jumps from the length area. Chandimal does well to keep it down to the off side. |
| 34.6 : R Chase to Chandimal, Hangs back and pushes it to the off side. One run results. |
| 35.1 : Gabriel to Chandimal, Yorker to start with. Chandimal manages to keep it out. |
| 35.2 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. |
| 35.3 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Back of length around middle and off. Blocked by Chandimal. |
| 35.4 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Goes fuller and the ball jags back in. The batsman looks to cut but gets an under edge. No harm done. |
| 35.5 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Full outside off and on a driveable length, Chandimal pushes it to covers with a straight bat. |
| 35.6 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Another full ball and driven nicely to covers for nothing. |
| 36.1 : R Chase to Mendis, Again short and on to the stumps, Mendis tucks it to the leg side and takes a single. |
| 36.2 : R Chase to Chandimal, Loopy around middle, Mendis plays it to mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 36.3 : R Chase to Chandimal, Some extra bounce for Chase. Batsman comes forward to the flighted delivery but gets wrapped on his pads. |
| 36.4 : R Chase to Chandimal, Flatter on leg, Chandimal works it to fine leg for a single. |
| 36.5 : R Chase to K Mendis, Driven through mid-off by the batsman. |
| 36.6 : R Chase to Mendis, FOUR! Floater on middle, Mendis comes down the track and picks up and over the mid-wicket fielder. A boundary to end the over. Mendis moves into forties. |
| 37.1 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Back of a length around middle and leg, Chandimal tucks it square leg. One run added to the total. |
| 37.2 : S Gabriel to Mendis, Similar delivery from Gabriel and blocked off the front foot by Mendis. |
| 37.3 : S Gabriel to Mendis, Dishes this one fuller around off and the batsman punches it from the face of the bat. The ball goes past the umpire and two more runs are added to the total. |
| 37.4 : S Gabriel to Mendis, On a driveable length and asking to be hit. Mendis throws his bat at it, gets a thick outside edge and the ball goes between gully and point. Two more runs are added to the total. |
| 37.5 : S Gabriel to Mendis, AAH! Dicey from Mendis. He needs to be careful with these incoming deliveries. Gabriel has troubled the batsman throughout with such deliveries and he bowls another one. The ball lands around off and comes in with the angle. Mendis tries to flick it off his pads but gets it from the inside half of the bat. The ball rolls to the square leg region and one run is taken. |
| 37.6 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| Deep mid-wicket in place now. |
| 38.1 : R Chase to Mendis, Fifty for Mendis. He has looked solid and finally converted it into something substantial. But it's still not over yet. Gets a flatter delivery around leg and he flicks it to square leg for two. This is his 6th Test fifty and a crucial one as well. |
| 38.2 : R Chase to Mendis, Comes in with the angle and blocked off the front foot for nothing. |
| 38.3 : R Chase to Mendis, Hangs back and dabs it to the left side of the fielder at short leg. |
| 38.4 : R Chase to Mendis, In the air... but no one there to pouch it. Mendis sweeps the flighted delivery towards fine leg. The fielder at square leg runs to his right and cuts it down to two. |
| 38.5 : R Chase to Mendis, Hangs back and blocks it to the bowler. |
| 38.6 : R Chase to Mendis, Loopy around middle, defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 39.1 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Back of a length around off, Chandimal blocks it from his crease. |
| 39.2 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Chandimal hops and keeps the incoming short delivery down. Four more balls to negotiate. |
| 39.3 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 39.4 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Outside off and left alone by the batsman. |
| 39.5 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Chandimal is riding his luck and how! Another peach from Gabriel, pitching around off and straightening after pitching. Dinesh plays for the line but he is beaten all ends up. It was a whisker away from the edge and the off pole. So close and yet so far for Gabriel. Sri Lankan skipper survives, once again. |
| 39.6 : S Gabriel to Chandimal, Short of a length around off, Chandimal gets behind the line and defends it down the ground. THAT'S LUNCH ON DAY 4! |
| Session highlights - 31 overs, 102 runs, 3 wickets. It has been a really absorbing and eventful period of play. The first half belonged to the Windies hands down. Gabriel came out with aggressive intent and gave his side a couple of early breakthroughs to push the visitors on the back foot. He was well-supported by Roach who picked up a wicket as well. |
| However, the fortunes turned in the second half. The pair of Chandimal and Mendis took on Devendra Bishoo and scored some brisk runs. There was an instance when Mendis was caught off a no ball and there was a particular over from Shannon Gabriel which could still have a huge impact on this game. He got the better of the Sri Lankan skipper twice but once it was an illegal delivery and on another occasion the hosts didn't opt for the review. Such small events can make a lot of difference. |
| Amidst all this, Mendis has gone past a fifty. He has settled down and is getting good support from his skipper. The visitors lead by 89 and are placed nicely at the moment. The hosts need to find their mojo back to stay afloat. Join us shortly for the afternoon session. |
| ... Day 4, Session 2 ... |
| Update 1240 Local - There was a brief passage of shower during the lunch break. However, the weather has brightened up and there is a bit of sunshine as well. Ian Bishop on air informs us that we will probably get underway in about 10 minutes. Be with us... |
| 40.1 : R Chase to K Mendis, Roston Chase starts with a loopy delivery around off, punched to the mid off region for a single. |
| 0.0 : We are set to get underway. Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal to resume their innings. Roston Chase to bowl first up after Lunch. |
| 40.2 : R Chase to Chandimal, Similar delivery around middle, defends it to the on side. |
| 40.3 : R Chase to Chandimal, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 40.4 : R Chase to Chandimal, Hangs back in his crease and blocks it out. |
| 40.5 : R Chase to Chandimal, Two Byes! Floated one down the leg side. Keeper fails to collect it. Two runs taken. |
| 40.6 : R Chase to Chandimal, Gets behind and defends it nicely. |
| Kemar Roach to bowl from the other end. |
| 41.1 : K Roach to Mendis, No Ball! Lands it on a length well outside off, left alone. Roach has overstepped by a big margin. |
| K Roach to Mendis, In the channel outside off, Mendis lets it go. |
| 41.2 : K Roach to Mendis, FOUR! Nice positive stuff from Kusal Mendis! Fractionally overpitched around off, Mendis drives it crisply through wide mid on and finds the fence. He is looking really good. |
| 41.3 : K Roach to K Mendis, Similar delivery, this time outside off. Kusal goes at it with hard hands but finds the man at covers. |
| 41.4 : K Roach to Mendis, That one shoots off! Back of a length ball outside off, seams away with extra bounce. Mendis has a poke at it but is beaten all ends up. |
| 41.5 : K Roach to Mendis, Good length ball well outside off, punched off the back foot towards cover-point. |
| 41.6 : K Roach to Mendis, Good fielding! Every run matters in a close contest. Shortish ball and room on offer, the batsman slaps it towards Roston Chase at backward point, who dives to his left and saves certain runs for his side. |
| 42.1 : R Chase to Chandimal, Chase spots Chandimal moving in his crease and bowls it around his pads. He tries to work it away but fails to do so and is hit on the pads. |
| 42.2 : R Chase to Chandimal, Was there an edge? Seems like there wasn't. Tossed up delivery, takes off after pitching. Chandimal tries to ride the bounce and cut it away but gets beaten. Dowrich tries to take it with a hop but fails to do so. The Ultra Edge doesn't spot anything. |
| 42.3 : R Chase to Chandimal, Stays back and tucks it to short leg. |
| 42.4 : R Chase to D Chandimal, Fuller in length, played with soft hands towards mid on. |
| 42.5 : R Chase to Chandimal, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 42.6 : R Chase to Chandimal, Spinning in nicely, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 43.1 : K Roach to Mendis, Back of a length ball, angling in, Mendis defends it stoutly. |
| 43.2 : K Roach to Mendis, SIX! That is a shot of a man in prime form! Full length ball, angling in. Mendis lines it up and whips it away with complete authority. It is going, going and travels all the way over deep mid-wicket. The lead goes up past 100 runs and the 100-run stand comes up as well. It has come at a brisk pace too. Both of them are putting their foot down. |
| 43.3 : K Roach to Mendis, Peach! Pitches on a length in the corridor of uncertainty and moves away late to go past the hanging bat of Mendis. |
| 43.4 : K Roach to Mendis, Outside off, left alone. |
| 43.5 : K Roach to Mendis, On a length around off, a bit of nibble in the air. Kusal is opened up a bit in his stance but manages to defend it. |
| 43.6 : K Roach to Mendis, Roach goes wider of the crease and angles this one in. Mendis defends it with his bat and pad close together. |
| 44.1 : R Chase to Chandimal, On middle and leg, kept out towards short leg. |
| 44.2 : R Chase to Chandimal, Tossed up on a fuller length outside off, Dinesh eases it to covers. |
| 44.3 : R Chase to Chandimal, Chandimal is nimble on his feet and works it down to long on to rotate strike. |
| 44.4 : R Chase to Mendis, Erring in line as the ball goes down the leg side, Mendis helps it away to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 44.5 : R Chase to Chandimal, Slower through the air, the Sri Lankan skipper lunges forward in defense. |
| 44.6 : R Chase to Chandimal, Chandimal clears his front leg and Chase follows him. Knocked down nicely through mid on for a single. |
| 45.1 : K Roach to Chandimal, On a length, shaping in from outside off. Chandimal reaches the pitch of the delivery and blocks it right under his eyes. |
| 45.2 : K Roach to Chandimal, This one is fuller just outside the off stump, Dinesh leans ahead and defends it calmly down the track. |
| 45.3 : K Roach to Chandimal, Short of a length ball outside off, keeps a touch low. Chandimal leaves it alone as the ball bounces twice before reaching the keeper. |
| 45.4 : K Roach to Chandimal, Short of a ball around off, defended with a straight bat. |
| 45.5 : K Roach to Chandimal, Well bowled! In the avenue of apprehension, shaping in. Chandimal knows where his off stump is and makes an assured leave. |
| 45.6 : K Roach to Chandimal, FOUR! First boundary for Chandimal in this innings! Quite a safe shot this. Shortish and width on offer, Chandimal throws his bat at it and gets a thick outside edge which goes over the slip cordon for a boundary. |
| 46.1 : R Chase to Mendis, Shorter in length, Mendis goes for the sweep but gets an under edge towards short fine leg. A single taken. |
| 46.2 : R Chase to Chandimal, Nicely played! Once again it is shorter in length. Chandimal has ample time to rock back and cuts it through point. The fielder hares after it and saves a run for his side. |
| 46.3 : R Chase to Mendis, Spinning down the leg side, Mendis tries to work it away but gets it off the inner half towards short fine leg. A run taken. |
| 46.4 : R Chase to Chandimal, Spinning into Dinesh who defends it beside the pitch on the leg side. |
| 46.5 : R Chase to Chandimal, Leans ahead and taps the floated ball towards mid-wicket. |
| 46.6 : R Chase to Chandimal, Around off, spinning in, worked around the corner for a run. Sensible batting. |
| 47.1 : K Roach to Chandimal, Brilliant work! Good commitment shown. Short and room on offer, Chandimal pounces on it with a slap towards covers but Blackwood is sharp as a hawk. He dives to his right like a goalkeeper and saves a boundary for his side. |
| 47.2 : K Roach to Chandimal, Length delivery around off, stays a bit low. Dinesh keeps it out watchfully. |
| 47.3 : K Roach to Chandimal, Full ball on the pads, clipped nicely through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| Can be a big moment in the game! Windies review a caught behind decision against Chandimal. The body language of the players is confident. Holder consults with his teammates and challenges the decision. Is there an edge? |
| 47.4 : K Roach to Chandimal, OUT! You bet! This is a massive, massive wicket for the Windies! They are over the moon. They had missed a trick when they didn't review a caught behind appeal against Mendis but this time they have got it right. Coming back to the delivery, it is on a shortish length outside off which tempts Chandimal to go for an audacious shot. He does oblige and tries to cut it square off the wicket on the off side but the ball doesn't bounce as much he expected. Hence, the ball |
| Roshen Silva is the new man in. |
| 47.5 : K Roach to Silva, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 47.6 : K Roach to Silva, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. |
| 48.1 : R Chase to Mendis, Loopy delivery around off, the batsman stays behind the line and defends it. |
| 48.2 : R Chase to Mendis, Flighted around off, Mendis comes down the track and pushes it through mid on for a single. |
| 48.3 : R Chase to Silva, A touch flatter in trajectory, Silva stays put and keep it out. |
| 48.4 : R Chase to Silva, Gets on the front foot and flicks it to the fielder at mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 48.5 : R Chase to Silva, Pushed in with the angle and nicely defended by the batsman off the back foot. |
| 48.6 : R Chase to Silva, Plants his foot down the pitch and keeps it out to the on side. |
| The umpires are having a look at the ball. They go towards Jason Holder and are having a serious discussion with him. Now, together they go towards Roshen Silva. They are checking his bat, perhaps thinking there might be something which has been applied on it. The batsman calls in for a new bat. And the ball has been changed as well. A lot is happening. |
| 49.1 : K Roach to Mendis, Back of a length ball, shaping in sharply. Mendis covers his off stump and lets it go. |
| 49.2 : K Roach to Mendis, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 49.3 : K Roach to Mendis, SIX! What a shot! He is very strong at anything which is on his pads. He stays stable and whips the fullish delivery over square leg for a maximum. Geez! Brilliant timing and he has also got a good bat with him. |
| 49.4 : K Roach to Mendis, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 49.5 : K Roach to Mendis, Good length ball, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 49.6 : K Roach to Mendis, Short delivery and a lot of room on offer, Mendis slashes at it but misses. |
| 50.1 : R Chase to Silva, On middle and leg, played defensively towards the leg side. |
| 50.2 : R Chase to Silva, Clipped with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 50.3 : R Chase to Silva, Spinning into Silva who tucks it with soft hands to the same region. |
| 50.4 : R Chase to Silva, Tossed up around leg stump, Roshen opts to pad it away. Not a risky thing to do so as it was spinning down leg as well. |
| 50.5 : R Chase to Silva, Nicely done! Short delivery well outside off, Silva cuts it late towards third man and picks up three runs for doing so. |
| 50.6 : R Chase to Mendis, Slower through the air, worked away towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 51.1 : K Roach to Mendis, Roach attempts a bouncer but it is not well-directed. It is down the leg side as Mendis ducks under it comfortably. |
| 51.2 : K Roach to Mendis, Full on middle and leg, Kusal tucks it in front of square leg to rotate strike. |
| 51.3 : K Roach to Silva, Shaping in substantially on a fuller length from outside off. Roshen knows where his off stump is and makes a good leave. |
| 51.4 : K Roach to Silva, Roach is probing around that off stump channel. This one is on the off stump and stays a bit low. Roshen does well to camp back and block it. |
| 51.5 : K Roach to Silva, Slightly overpitched outside off, driven on the up through covers for a couple. |
| 51.6 : K Roach to Silva, Good length ball outside off, holding its line. Silva points his bat skywards to let it be. |
| Jason Holder is back on. |
| 52.1 : J Holder to Mendis, Good length ball on leg stump, defended beside the pitch on the leg side. |
| 52.2 : J Holder to Mendis, Fuller in length on middle and leg, kept out watchfully. |
| 52.3 : J Holder to K Mendis, Slightly overpitched outside off, pushed off the front foot towards mid off. |
| 52.4 : J Holder to K Mendis, FOUR! Hammered! Short ball halfway down the pitch from Holder. Mendis stands tall and pulls it hard past the square leg fielder for a rocketing boundary. |
| 52.5 : J Holder to Mendis, Dug in short, ducked under comfortably. |
| 52.6 : J Holder to Mendis, Hangs back to the back of the length ball and defends it nicely. |
| Miguel Cummins comes back for a bowl. |
| That looks pretty close! A run out appeal against Mendis has been referred upstairs. Is he short of his crease? |
| 53.1 : J Holder to Silva, Safe! Just by an inch though! Mendis would have had his heart in his mouth. Fullish delivery in line of the stumps, Silva tries to flick it away but gets it off the inner half through backward square leg. Bishoo hares after it to keep the ball in play. The batsmen after having ran a couple hesitate a touch. The throw comes in towards Dowrich as Mendis dives in desperately to come back in. Dowrich flicks off the bails and appeals. Seems real close. The replays roll in. We |
| 53.2 : J Holder to Mendis, Hops in the crease and tucks it to the leg side for a run. |
| 53.3 : J Holder to Silva, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 53.4 : J Holder to Silva, That is a jaffa! Pitched on a length outside off and straightens. Silva pushes at it tamely and gets foxed. |
| 53.5 : J Holder to Silva, Back of a length outside off, Roshen mistimes his cut shot towards point. |
| 53.6 : J Holder to Silva, Full and straight on this occasion, clipped nicely through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 54.1 : J Holder to Mendis, Wide! Short and it is way down the leg side. Mendis lets it go. Wide signaled by the umpire. |
| J Holder to Mendis, Length ball on middle and leg, Mendis helps it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 54.2 : J Holder to Silva, Outside off, left alone. |
| 54.3 : J Holder to Silva, Full length ball around off, driven crisply towards mid off. |
| 54.4 : J Holder to Silva, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 54.5 : J Holder to Silva, Nervy moment! In the corridor of uncertainty, coming in with the natural angle. Silva comes half-forward to deal with it but is late to bring his bat down. The ball goes under his bat and just misses the off stump. |
| 54.6 : J Holder to Silva, Length ball on off, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| Time for Drinks. |
| 55.1 : M Cummins to Mendis, Good length ball outside off, Kusal points his bat skywards to let it be. |
| 55.2 : M Cummins to Mendis, Back of a length ball, angling in, Mendis makes use of the depth of the crease and defends it solidly. |
| 55.3 : M Cummins to Mendis, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 55.4 : M Cummins to Mendis, Shortish ball outside off, cut away through point for a couple. |
| 55.5 : M Cummins to Mendis, In the air... but safe! Another nervy moment but Mendis survives. Back of a length ball down the leg side, Mendis is early into his tuck and hence, gets a top edge that balloons over the pitch. Cummins and Hope (gully) run in to catch the ball but the ball falls down safely, tantalizingly close to the striker's end. The bowler has a wry smile on his face. |
| 55.6 : M Cummins to Mendis, Short ball, pulled away to the leg side for a single. |
| There is an issue once again. The umpires are having a look at Roshen Silva's bat. He had taken the sticker out of his bat. So, he is being asked to tape that area as it is sticky and affecting the ball. |
| Update 1405 Local - Covers are on the field. Dark clouds are looming just behind the stadium and it doesn't look too good. The weather has been switching on and off for a while now and ultimately, it has started to drizzle. Let's u hope its a passing shower. Stay tuned for further updates. |
| Early Tea has been taken due to the stoppage. A session which puts Sri Lanka in front and with Kusal Mendis in the middle, they can call the shots in the game now. Kemar Roach sent Dinesh Chandimal home earlier in the session, however, their other bowlers were wayward in their approach. It has been a snail-paced cricket with regular intervals due to something or the other. If the visitors are able to extend their lead up to 200, it will be a tough task for the home team. Surprisingly, Shannon Ga |
| ... Day 4, Session 3 ... |
| Update 1440 Local - We should have got underway now but the outfield hasn't completely dried up yet and hence, the start is delayed as the mopping up is being done. Stay with us for further updates. |
| Update 1455 Local - An inspection has been scheduled in 5 minutes. Hopefully, play will resume soon. |
| Update 1507 Local - Everything seems alright. The pitch, the weather and the outfield. We are set to begin in about 8 minutes. |
| So, here we are again. Building up for the final phase of play. The sun is shining in all its glory and we want it to stay the same way. There are still 44 overs that can be roped in today. Jason Holder to steam in first up. Here we go... |
| 56.1 : J Holder to Mendis, Bye! Starts with a gentle loosener down the leg side. The keeper fails to collect it. Appeal from Holder and he is backed up Snicko as well but there was clear daylight between bat and ball. One run taken from the fine leg region. |
| 56.2 : J Holder to Silva, Outside off, left alone. |
| 56.3 : J Holder to Silva, Some swing in the air, outside off, Silva keeps his bat close to his body. |
| 56.4 : J Holder to Silva, Touch too straight and hits him on the pads. |
| 56.5 : J Holder to Silva, Similar line and length, Silva flicks it off his hips and takes two. |
| 56.6 : J Holder to Silva, Drives to mid off for nothing. |
| Shannon Gabriel to bowl from the other end. |
| 57.1 : S Gabriel to Mendis, Class! Short and wide and nicely punched off the back foot through backward point. Mendis adds two to Sri Lanka's total. |
| 57.2 : S Gabriel to Mendis, OUT! Rattled! A very, very important wicket for the home side. Gabriel didn't bowl in the last session and he comes back to provide the breakthrough straightaway. From wide of the crease, he angles the ball in to the right-hander, on a good length and it seams in after pitching. Mendis gets his bat down at an angle and also plays away from his body which proves to be his undoing. Ends up chopping it on to his stumps. The umpire checks upstairs regarding Gabriel has ove |
| Niroshan Dickwella is the new man in. |
| 57.3 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, The batsman has driven the full ball straight down the ground. |
| 57.4 : S Gabriel to N Dickwella, FOUR! Almost another one. Dishes this one full around off and invites the drive from the left-hander. He gets a thick outside edge and the ball flies between gully and slip cordon. No one moved and the ball races to the fence for a boundary. 200 up for Sri Lanka. |
| 57.5 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 57.6 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, Full around off and driven through covers for a couple. |
| 58.1 : J Holder to Silva, Wide down the leg side, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 58.2 : J Holder to Silva, Back of a length on middle and leg, the batsman flicks to the on side and changes strike. |
| 58.3 : J Holder to Dickwella, Similar line and length and tucked to the leg side for nothing. |
| 58.4 : J Holder to Dickwella, Wide outside off, left alone by Dickwella. |
| 58.5 : J Holder to Dickwella, On a good length outside off, the batsman reaches for it from his crease and gets it from the inside half down the pitch. |
| 58.6 : J Holder to Dickwella, Holder gets closer to the off stump and Dickwella plants his foot down the pitch to push it through covers. Two runs are taken to end the over. |
| The umpires are once again having a look at the ball. Seems that we will have another change. Yes, the fourth umpire runs in with a box full of balls. |
| 59.1 : S Gabriel to Silva, Full and on middle and off, Roshen gets behind the line and blocks it. |
| 59.2 : S Gabriel to Silva, Almost a yorker to back it up. Gabriel is targeting the stumps now. The batsman does well to keep it out. |
| 59.3 : S Gabriel to Silva, Drags his length back, too wide and left alone by the batsman. |
| 59.4 : S Gabriel to Silva, On a good length outside off, Silva gets near the pitch of the delivery and turns it to gully with the outside half of the bat. |
| 59.5 : S Gabriel to Silva, That virtually crept down the pitch and it was bowled at 140 kph! On a good length around off and stays ever so low. Silva hangs his bat in anticipation but it misses his bat and the off stump. Pitch is playing its part here in St Lucia. |
| 59.6 : S Gabriel to Silva, FOUR! Full and angled on his pads and sweetly clipped over the mid-wicket region. The ball has enough legs to reach the boundary. Silva remained unfazed by the previous delivery and that is a good sign for the visitors. |
| 60.1 : J Holder to Dickwella, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 60.2 : J Holder to Dickwella, Wide outside off, left alone again. |
| 60.3 : J Holder to Dickwella, Full around off, the batsman punches with hard hands and almost hits it straight to the fielder. |
| 60.4 : J Holder to Dickwella, Drags his length back, keeps it outside off and Dickwella goes after it. The ball keeps rising and goes past the outside edge. |
| 60.5 : J Holder to Dickwella, Gets behind the line and blocks it. |
| 60.6 : J Holder to N Dickwella, Full outside off and a nice looking drive but straight to covers. |
| 61.1 : S Gabriel to Silva, Keeps it on a full length on the stumps and Silva guides to the leg side for nothing. |
| 61.2 : S Gabriel to Silva, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| There is a man at a catching position at short mid-wicket. |
| 61.3 : S Gabriel to Silva, Bye! Full around off and another one which keeps low. Silva lets one through to the keeper but it bounces before him and evades him. The ball goes behind him and one run is taken. |
| 61.4 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, Back of a length around the ribs of the left-hander who tucks it to the leg side for nothing. |
| 61.5 : S Gabriel to N Dickwella, FOUR! He can bat, mind you! Gabriel tests him with an incoming short delivery and Dickwella stays put in his crease and slices it over the gully fielder for a boundary. He holds his pose for the cameras. |
| 61.6 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, Full around middle and leg and hits him on his pads. The bowler is appealing his heart's out but the umpire isn't moving. He goes to his skipper to plead him for the review. But the skipper is unmoved as well. Gabriel isn't happy. The replays shows that it would have bee umpire's call as the ball just clipped the leg stump. |
| Kemar Roach is back on. |
| 62.1 : K Roach to Silva, Back of a length around off, blocked off the front foot. |
| 62.2 : K Roach to Silva, Touch fuller and another resolute defense from Silva. |
| 62.3 : K Roach to Silva, Drags back his length a touch and targets the stumps. Silva is happy to block it out. |
| 62.4 : K Roach to Silva, Back of a length outside off, the batsman wants to flick it to the leg side but is beaten. |
| 62.5 : K Roach to Silva, Wide down the leg side, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 62.6 : K Roach to Silva, Goes fuller and still targets his stumps. Silva hangs back and somehow manages to keep it out. |
| 63.1 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 63.2 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, Leg Byes! Back of a length from 'round the wicket, Dickwella looks to flicks but gets wrapped on the thigh pad. One run is taken in the end. |
| 63.3 : S Gabriel to Silva, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 63.4 : S Gabriel to Silva, Nice! Beautiful looking punch off the back foot from Silva. Gets a short and wide delivery and hangs back to put it through cover-point region. Slow outside means the ball is stopped inside the ropes and two runs are taken. |
| 63.5 : S Gabriel to Silva, Dishes a fuller outside and entices the right-hander to go for the drive. The ball moves just a touch after pitching and Silva does well to read that open the face of his bat to guide it through. The ball goes from the right of the gully fielder and two runs are taken. |
| 63.6 : S Gabriel to Silva, Similar length into the stumps, flicked to the leg side for another single. |
| Gabriel is going back to the dressing room after his spell. Perhaps, to take a breather. Meanwhile, Devendra Bishoo is back for a bowl. |
| 64.1 : D Bishoo to Silva, Down the leg side, tucked through square leg for a single. |
| 64.2 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Shorter in length, ample time for Dickwella to punch it past the diving mid on fielder. A run taken. |
| 64.3 : D Bishoo to Silva, Waits for the ball to spin into him and turns it around the corner for a run. |
| 64.4 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Nicely played! On a flatter trajectory and quick in pace, Niroshan knows where the gap is. He dabs it late through short third man and comes back for a couple. |
| 64.5 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Slow through the air, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 64.6 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Bishoo drags his length back and Niroshan defends it down the pitch. |
| Change of ends for Kemar Roach. |
| 65.1 : K Roach to Silva, Bowls this one wide outside off, ignored by the batsman. |
| 65.2 : K Roach to Silva, Well outside off, left alone. |
| 65.3 : K Roach to R Silva, Fuller in length this time and a bit closer to the batsman who tucks it towards mid on. |
| 65.4 : K Roach to Silva, Once again this is well outside off. Roshen doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 65.5 : K Roach to Silva, Too far to make the batsman play and he remains circumspect in approach. |
| 65.6 : K Roach to Silva, Angling in sharply this time on a fuller length, played defensively towards the leg side. |
| 66.1 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Short and quick around off, tapped nicely towards short third man for a single. |
| 66.2 : D Bishoo to Silva, Floated ball around off, spinning away. Silva keeps his bat inside the line and lets it be. |
| 66.3 : D Bishoo to Silva, Straighter one from Bishoo. Roshen leans ahead in defense. |
| 66.4 : D Bishoo to Silva, Some lousy stuff from Roach! Full delivery outside off, Silva eases it through covers and takes a run. Kemar stationed near the ropes doesn't budge even an inch and Powell has to run after it. Hence, an extra run results. |
| 66.5 : D Bishoo to R Silva, Slow through the air, driven against the spin through mid on to rotate strike. |
| 66.6 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, On a flatter trajectory, turned from deep within the crease towards square leg for a single. |
| 67.1 : K Roach to Dickwella, Back of a length outside off, played with an angled bat towards point. |
| 67.2 : K Roach to Dickwella, Streaky but effective! Full length ball attacking the stumps, Niroshan goes for a heave but gets it off the inner half through mid-wicket. A couple of runs are taken. |
| 67.3 : K Roach to Dickwella, Good game awareness! On a good length outside off, Niroshan taps it towards cover-point and pinches a brisk single. |
| 67.4 : K Roach to Silva, No ball! Outside off, Roshen lets it go. Roach has overstepped by a long margin. There is certainly a drop in intensity from the Windies. |
| K Roach to Silva, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 67.5 : K Roach to Silva, Back of a length delivery, defended off the back foot. |
| 67.6 : K Roach to R Silva, Dropped and a run out chance missed! Oh goodness! It seemed that the intensity was dropping and that might have caused this. Shortish ball outside off, Silva flashes hard at it but gets a thick outside edge that flies towards gully. Shai Hope stationed there leaps to his left and is in a decent position to take it as well. However, the ball bursts out of his hands and roll behind. The batsmen set off for the run. Bishoo is aware of the situation and attacks the stumps a |
| 68.1 : D Bishoo to Silva, Flighted around off, spinning away and the batsman tucks it behind point for a brace. |
| 68.2 : D Bishoo to Silva, Floater around middle and leg, Silva is happy to block it off the front foot. |
| 68.3 : D Bishoo to Silva, Copy past stuff from the bowler and the batsman. |
| 68.4 : D Bishoo to Silva, Gives this one enough air near the off stump and spins it away from the face of the bat. The ball takes the shoulder of the bat and rolls towards third man. One run is added to the total. |
| 68.5 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Pitches it outside and brings it in to the left-hander. The ball spins and hits the pads of Dickwella. |
| 68.6 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Quicker delivery around leg, the batsman looks to flicks it fine but misses and gets hit on his pad once again. |
| 69.1 : K Roach to Silva, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 69.2 : K Roach to R Silva, Full around off and driven to mid off for nothing. |
| 69.3 : K Roach to Silva, On a length outside off, a tentative punch to covers off the back foot. |
| 69.4 : K Roach to Silva, Outside off and left alone by Silva. |
| 69.5 : K Roach to Silva, Roach goes full well outside off, Silva throws his bat at it, gets it nicely from the middle but couldn't get it past the fielder at covers. |
| 69.6 : K Roach to Silva, Full and targeting the stumps, the batsman punches it with the full face of the bat and gets it down the ground. The fielder runs after it and cuts it down to three. |
| 70.1 : D Bishoo to Silva, Bishoo sees Silva giving charge and attacks the stumps. The batsman ends up yorking himself but is able to jam it out. |
| 70.2 : D Bishoo to Silva, Shorter in length outside off, guided to third man for a couple of runs. |
| 70.3 : D Bishoo to Silva, Low full toss on middle, helped away through mid-wicket for a run. The lead for Sri Lanka touches 200. Good going from them. |
| 70.4 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Spinning into Dickwella who turns it through square leg for a brace. That brings up the 50-run partnership between the duo. They have brought themselves into a position of ascendancy on a tricky surface. |
| 70.5 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 70.6 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, 250 up for Sri Lanka! Makes use of the depth of the crease and places it through covers for a single. |
| Miguel Cummins comes back into the attack. |
| 71.1 : M Cummins to Dickwella, Cummins runs in from around the wicket and pitches it full around off. Dickwella pushes at it but ends up getting it off the outer half towards gully. |
| 71.2 : M Cummins to Dickwella, Length ball outside off, Dickwella shuffles across and defends it stoutly. |
| 71.3 : M Cummins to Dickwella, Back of a length ball around off, the wicket-keeper batsman hops and pats it towards mid on. |
| 71.4 : M Cummins to Dickwella, Short delivery directed at the rib cage area of the batsman. He tucks it nicely towards short mid-wicket. |
| 71.5 : M Cummins to Dickwella, Back of a length delivery, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 71.6 : M Cummins to Dickwella, No ball! The problem of overstepping continues to haunt the Windies. This is the seventh no ball of the innings. There were a couple of times when they had got the better of the batsmen but it doesn't count. Down the leg side, helped away towards fine leg for a couple of runs. |
| Drinks has been called. Time for a breather, and regroup for the last burst of the evening session. |
| M Cummins to Dickwella, Close shave! Angling in sharply from a back of a length outside off, Dickwella is late to bring his bat down as the ball passes under his bat and goes past the off stump. |
| 72.1 : D Bishoo to Silva, Pushed quicker through the air and spinning away. Silva tries to cut it away but gets beaten. |
| 72.2 : D Bishoo to Silva, Drifting in on a fuller length, Silva puts his head down and defends it calmly. |
| 72.3 : D Bishoo to Silva, Oohs and Aahs from the Windies! Quick and accurate delivery, Roshen rocks back and is a bit late on it but manages to cut it to point. |
| 72.4 : D Bishoo to R Silva, Driven through the covers by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 72.5 : D Bishoo to N Dickwella, Tossed up delivery well outside off, Dickwella with a high backlift caresses it through covers. The fielder runs after it and manages to save a run for his side. |
| 72.6 : D Bishoo to Silva, Goes deep in the crease and places it towards point for a run. |
| 73.1 : M Cummins to Silva, This is sensible stuff from the duo! Good running. Good length ball, shaping in sharply. Silva tries to work it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls towards cover-point and the batsmen pinch a single. |
| 73.2 : M Cummins to Dickwella, FOUR! Crisp! That flew off the bat. Fractionally overpitched outside off, Dickwella leans ahead and drives it on the up through covers. The timing is spot on and the ball whistles away to the fence. |
| 73.3 : M Cummins to Dickwella, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 73.4 : M Cummins to N Dickwella, FOUR! Just out of the reach of the fielder! Back of a length ball outside off, angling in and takes off a touch. Dickwella is cramped for room but guides it towards the gully region. Hope there leaps but the ball flies past him in a flash to reach the fence. |
| Third man comes into position now. Its a 7 - 2 field with the offside being the packed side. Windies are changing the tactics perhaps, in search of a breakthrough. |
| 73.5 : M Cummins to Dickwella, With a majority off side field, Cummins bowls this one down the leg side. Not the line he should be bowling. Dickwella turns it around the corner and picks up a couple. The hosts can't afford to give away easy runs. |
| 73.6 : M Cummins to Dickwella, Outside off, left alone. |
| 74.1 : D Bishoo to Silva, Floated outside off, Roshen hangs back and blocks it towards covers. |
| 74.2 : D Bishoo to Silva, Tossed up delivery on middle, Roshen clears his front leg and places it towards cover-point for a run. |
| 74.3 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Outside off, eased to the covers for a single. |
| 74.4 : D Bishoo to Silva, Full delivery on off, kept out watchfully. |
| 74.5 : D Bishoo to R Silva, Strides forward confidently to this one and pushes it towards mid off. |
| 74.6 : D Bishoo to Silva, Silva is nimble on his feet to the quicker one and knocks it down to long on. A run taken. |
| 75.1 : M Cummins to Silva, Short of a length outside off, played with an angled blade towards gully. Shouts a loud NO to his partner. |
| 75.2 : M Cummins to Silva, Good take from Dowrich! Slipping down the leg side, Roshen tries to glance it but misses. The ball brushes his thigh pad and goes behind. The keeper flies to his left to take a great stop. |
| 75.3 : M Cummins to Silva, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 75.4 : M Cummins to Silva, Shortish ball outside off, the batsman doesn't have a go at it. |
| 75.5 : M Cummins to Silva, Well-directed bouncer on off. It is fiery and fast as Silva ducks under it in a flash. |
| 75.6 : M Cummins to Silva, A play and a miss! This is the corridor where the hosts should be striving to bowl more often. On a fuller length outside off, seaming in. Silva comes forward tentatively to block it but gets foxed. |
| 76.1 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, FOUR! Here comes the sweep and it has been played to great effect. Fullish delivery around off, a good shot selection from Dickwella as he decides to broom it away through backward square leg. The connection is good and the ball races to the fence. |
| 76.2 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Quicker and flatter outside off, punched off the back foot to the off side. |
| 76.3 : D Bishoo to Dickwella, Dickwella brings out the sweep again and plays it towards deep square leg for a run. |
| 76.4 : D Bishoo to Silva, Fullish ball around off, patted back towards the bowler. |
| 76.5 : D Bishoo to Silva, Ooh! That one kept extremely low. A bit shorter outside off, Silva shapes to cut it away but is beaten by the lack of bounce. That was not far from the off stump. |
| 76.6 : D Bishoo to Silva, Shows the full face of the bat to the tossed up ball and blocks it right under his eyes. |
| 77.1 : M Cummins to Dickwella, FOUR! Innovative! The wicket-keeper batsman is unorthodox but is mighty effective when he is in flow. Shortish ball angling in from around the wicket, Dickwella ramps it nicely over the slip cordon and earns himself a boundary. |
| 77.2 : M Cummins to Dickwella, No ball! Perhaps, Dickwella heard the call from the umpire and that is why he chose to play the same shot with a fielder near the third man fence. Goes to him on the bounce and a run is taken. |
| M Cummins to Silva, No ball! This is the second time in a row Cummins has overstepped. 9th no ball in the innings for the Windies. Dug in short, Roshen ducks under it. |
| M Cummins to Silva, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 77.3 : M Cummins to Silva, Nicely directed shortish ball around off, shaping in. Silva arches his back, drops his wrists and lets it go safely. |
| 77.4 : M Cummins to Silva, Full delivery outside off, Roshen Silva leans ahead and defends it nicely down the track. |
| 77.5 : M Cummins to Silva, Short of a length outside off, the batsman points his bat skywards and leaves it alone. |
| 77.6 : M Cummins to Silva, Leg bye! Angling down the leg side, Silva fails to flick it away. The ball brushes his pads and rolls to the leg side. A single taken. |
| Kraigg Brathwaite comes into the attack. A rather surprising change. |
| 78.1 : K Brathwaite to Silva, Tossed up delivery, played with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 78.2 : K Brathwaite to Silva, Shorter in length, kept out with ease off the back foot. |
| 78.3 : K Brathwaite to R Silva, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! A half-tracker on off, Silva rocks back and pulls it with the spin through mid on. A boundary results. The lead moves onto 242. |
| 78.4 : K Brathwaite to R Silva, Slow through the air, eased off the front foot towards mid on. |
| 78.5 : K Brathwaite to Silva, Silva decides to use his feet but he is not quite to the pitch of the ball. Ends up defending it. |
| 78.6 : K Brathwaite to Silva, Loopy delivery, worked to the man at mid on. |
| A little bit of hydration for the umpires. Meanwhile Roston Chase is brought into the attack. |
| 79.1 : R Chase to Dickwella, 9th Test fifty for Dickwella! Tossed up outside off, he tries to push it through the line but gets it off the outer half past the gully region. Some aggressive running between the wickets allows the batsmen to come back for the third run. This is also the first time a Sri Lankan wicket-keeper has scored a half ton in the Caribbean. He looks towards the heavens and gets a good round of applause from the Sri Lankan dressing room. A crucial knock in the context of the ga |
| 79.2 : R Chase to Silva, Curs this one away towards backward point for a brisk run. |
| 79.3 : R Chase to Dickwella, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 79.4 : R Chase to Dickwella, Leans ahead to the tossed up ball and eases it through covers to rotate strike. |
| 79.5 : R Chase to Silva, Silva goes deep in his crease and turns it through square leg for a run. |
| 79.6 : R Chase to N Dickwella, Floated outside off, played with soft hands to covers for a single. |
| The second new ball is due now and it has been taken with immediate effect. Kemar Roach has been given the responsibility with the brand new cherry. Will it bring a change in fortunes for the home side? Let's wait and watch. |
| 80.1 : K Roach to Dickwella, This one is wide outside off and Dickwella doesn't bother to play at it. |
| 80.2 : K Roach to Dickwella, Almost a replica of the previous delivery as Dickwella leaves it again. |
| 80.3 : K Roach to Dickwella, A loose shot! Perhaps, he has the cushion behind him to go for a few extravagant strokes. That is the way he plays as well. On a driveable length outside off and there is room as well. Dickwella throws his bat at it but fails to connect. |
| 80.4 : K Roach to Dickwella, Back of a length outside off, Niroshan mistimes his punch towards covers. |
| 80.5 : K Roach to Dickwella, Well played! Short and width on offer, Dickwella slashes it over the point region and comes back for a couple of runs. |
| 80.6 : K Roach to Dickwella, That's a peach! Pitches on a length in the corridor of uncertainty and moves away at the last moment to go past the hanging bat of Dickwella. |
| Shannon Gabriel is back to share the second new ball. |
| Roshen Silva has been caught behind but he feels that the ball has deflected off his elbow. He conveys that to his partner and finally challenges the decision. Let us find out... |
| 81.1 : S Gabriel to Silva, OUT! It is off the gloves! What an outstanding catch. Take a bow, Shane Dowrich. Consecutive 5-wicket hauls in this match for Shannon Gabriel as well, he has been on fire throughout. The hosts needed this wicket badly and it is the second new ball which has come to their rescue. Gabriel bowls this one in the avenue of apprehension and gets the ball to nip in from a length. Silva comes forward tentatively to counter it but it seems that the ball brushes his gloves and f |
| 0.0 : Akila Dananjaya strides out to bat. |
| 81.2 : S Gabriel to Dananjaya, Short of a length ball on middle and leg, tucked past short leg for a couple of runs. |
| 81.3 : S Gabriel to Dananjaya, Dug in short, Akila ducks under it. |
| 81.4 : S Gabriel to Dananjaya, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 81.5 : S Gabriel to Dananjaya, Short of a length ball directed at the body, Dananjaya fends it off past short leg and takes a run. |
| 81.6 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, Similar length ball, turned through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 82.1 : K Roach to Dickwella, In line of the stumps, Dickwella covers the line and plays it towards mid-wicket. |
| 82.2 : K Roach to Dickwella, Good length ball around off, kept out watchfully. |
| 82.3 : K Roach to Dickwella, Fuller in length in that tight off stump corridor, Dickwella pushes it towards covers. |
| 82.4 : K Roach to Dickwella, Beaten! Back of a length ball well outside off, Dickwella takes a late call to ramp it over the slip cordon but only manages to connect with thin air. |
| 82.5 : K Roach to N Dickwella, FOUR! All these runs matter and the lead continues to climb, 260 to be precise! Shortish ball outside off, Dickwella flashes at it but gets an outside edge over the slip cordon to earn himself another boundary. |
| 82.6 : K Roach to Dickwella, Back of a length ball in line of the stumps, turned to the leg side for a single. |
| 83.1 : S Gabriel to Dickwella, OUT! 6-fer for Gabriel! He continues to rule the roost at home. A tame dismissal to say the least! Can't blame it though as this is the way he plays. Gabriel runs in from around the wicket and attacks the stumps with a full length delivery. Dickwella makes room and tries to play it over covers but doesn't get any sort of timing behind it. The ball flies towards extra cover where Kieran Powell accepts it gleefully. An entertaining knock from Dickwella nonetheless. H |
| 0.0 : Suranga Lakmal is the new man in. |
| 83.2 : S Gabriel to Lakmal, Fuller length ball on middle, Lakmal tries to clip it away but is early into his shot. Ends up getting a leading edge through covers and a single is taken. |
| 83.3 : S Gabriel to Dananjaya, Shortish ball around off, Akila tries to ramp it over the keeper but misses. |
| 83.4 : S Gabriel to Dananjaya, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 83.5 : S Gabriel to Lakmal, Short of a length delivery, defended stoutly from within the crease. |
| 83.6 : S Gabriel to Lakmal, No ball! Another one, I have lost count of them. Fuller ball outside off, moving away. Lakmal pushes at it but gets beaten. That was a tight call for overstepping though. |
| S Gabriel to Lakmal, Full ball on the pads, nudged round the corner for a run. |
| Jason Holder brings himself on. |
| 84.1 : J Holder to Lakmal, Shortish delivery outside off, shaping in. Suranga has a go at it but fails to connect. |
| 84.2 : J Holder to S Lakmal, A good yorker outside off, Lakmal is alert to it and jams it out towards covers. |
| 84.3 : J Holder to Lakmal, A gentle pitched up delivery outside off, swinging away. Lakmal leans ahead and blocks it. |
| 84.4 : J Holder to Lakmal, Good length ball outside off, Suranga places it towards backward point and takes a brisk single. |
| 84.5 : J Holder to Dananjaya, FOUR! The runs continue to come for Sri Lanka! Still something in this peach as proved on this occasion. This one takes off from a length on middle and leg and lands Dananjaya in an awkward position. He tries to fend it away but the ball brushes his gloves and goes past the diving Dowrich to reach the fine leg fence. |
| Leg slip comes into place now. |
| 84.6 : J Holder to Dananjaya, As expected, Holder bowls this one on the leg stump with a leg slip in place. Akila plays it tentatively towards backward square leg and takes a single. |
| 85.1 : S Gabriel to Dananjaya, On a driveable length around off, Akila tries to drive it through the line but only manages to play it off the inner half back to the bowler. |
| 85.2 : S Gabriel to Dananjaya, Short of a length ball, tucked through mid-wicket for a run. |
| An LBW appeal against Suranga Lakmal has been taken upstairs. Seems like the impact was outside the line. |
| 85.3 : Gabriel to Lakmal, Safe! Yes, the impact is well outside the line! Shaping in prodigiously from a good length outside off. Lakmal with minimal feet movement tries to whack it through covers but misses to get hit on the flap of the pad. Gabriel appeals but the umpire shakes his head. Holder looks at his bowler and decides to challenge the decision after some thinking. The Hawk Eye rolls in. Well, the impact is outside off and that is the end of the story. |
| 85.4 : S Gabriel to Lakmal, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. |
| 85.5 : S Gabriel to Dananjaya, Angling across Dananjaya. He tries to hit it away but misses. |
| 85.6 : S Gabriel to Dananjaya, FOUR! Delightful! Fuller length ball, angling away from Dananjaya. He takes a stride forward and caresses it nicely through cover-point to find the fence. |
| 86.1 : J Holder to Lakmal, Back of a length ball around off, kept out watchfully. |
| 86.2 : J Holder to Lakmal, Similar length ball, shaping in, defended stoutly off the back foot. |
| 86.3 : J Holder to Lakmal, The ball falls in no man's land! A well-directed bouncer by Holder. Lakmal swings across the line without watching the ball and gets a top edge over the keeper. He sprints after it to catch it but the ball falls down safely. A couple taken. |
| 86.4 : J Holder to Lakmal, Back of a length on middle and leg, Lakmal turns it through backward square leg to rotate strike. |
| 86.5 : J Holder to Dananjaya, Back of a length ball leaving the southpaw. He shuffles across and lets it be. |
| 86.6 : J Holder to Dananjaya, Swinging down the leg side, Akila tries to work it away but misses. |
| Here comes, what looks like a light meter. Aleem Dar checks the reading and it seems good enough to continue the play. Meanwhile, Miguel Cummins takes the ball in his hand for his spell. |
| 87.1 : M Cummins to Lakmal, Back of a length outside off, left alone. |
| 87.2 : M Cummins to Lakmal, Cummins loses his radar and slips this one way down the leg side. Lakmal tries to glance it but misses. |
| 87.3 : M Cummins to Lakmal, Leg bye! Angling in from a good length. Suranga hops to defend it but the ball hits his thigh pad and just lobs over the short leg fielder. The batsmen take a run. |
| 87.4 : M Cummins to Dananjaya, Error in judgement! Back of a length ball aimed at the body, Akila points his bat skywards and takes a blow on his arm guard. He needs to be careful. |
| 87.5 : M Cummins to A Dananjaya, Well played! Overpitched outside off, creamed through covers for a brace. |
| 87.6 : M Cummins to Dananjaya, Leg bye! Pitching outside the leg stump as Akila tries to flick it away but is hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards fine leg and a run is taken. |
| 88.1 : J Holder to Dananjaya, Bouncer from Holder, Dananjaya sits underneath it. |
| 88.2 : J Holder to Dananjaya, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 88.3 : J Holder to Dananjaya, Another short ball, takes off after pitching. Akila sits under it. |
| 88.4 : J Holder to Dananjaya, On a length outside off, played with an open bat face towards point. |
| 88.5 : J Holder to Dananjaya, Fuller length ball on middle and leg, defended tentatively off the front foot. |
| 88.6 : J Holder to Dananjaya, Four Leg Byes! Full delivery, slipping down the leg side. Dananjaya tries to glance it away but the ball brushes his pads and flies past the keeper to reach the ropes. Umpire Aleem Dar takes a reading again and decides to call it a day. THAT'S STUMPS ON DAY 4! |
| Great day for Sri Lanka! They are in the driving seat now. Their batsmen have done a marvelous job to come back from 48/4 to 334/8. The middle lower order came to the party and took the advantage away from the home team. Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Roshen Silva and Niroshan Dickwella played crucial knocks, put on important partnerships and kept the Windies bowlers at bay for as long as possible. They played and missed many a time but didn't let it affect them or their batting. At the end of |
| For the hosts, Shannon Gabriel was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up a 6-fer in this innings and has 11 wickets in the match so far. Kemar Roach got two as well but other than these two, no other bowler really troubled the Sri Lankan batsmen. The pitch looks slow but there is still enough on it for those who are willing to bend their backs and shell it out, as shown by Gabriel. |
| Day 5 of this Test match promises to be an enthralling one. It is to be seen whether Sri Lanka declare overnight or continue to bat on. It is already a very good score on a pitch which has started to deteriorate. The Windies will be aiming to come out on a fresh note and clean up the tail as quickly as possible. After that, they have their task cut out and are bound to be tested. Catch us on Monday for all the action. Till then, Ciao! |
| ... Final Day, Session 1 ... |
| Hello and a warm welcome to the final day of the second Test. The Sri Lankans have batted extremely well to land themselves in a commanding position. Their lead stands at 287 at the moment. It is to be seen whether they have decided to declare or they still want to add some useful runs to ensure that they can't lose this game. Windies, on the other hand, need to believe in themselves. Time and again we have seen in cricket that whenever a side gives its best, tides can change pretty quickly. |
| The thing in favour of the hosts is that they are 1-0 up in the series and that will help them to plan out the way they want to play. Will the Windies show resilience? Or will the Sri Lankans dominate the proceedings and level the series? This game is heading towards a thrilling finish. Let's hope the rain doesn't play a spoilsport. |
| Jeff Dujon is talking to West Indies head coach Stuart Law, who says they need to be positive and show intent. He adds that he'd like a big positive effort from his bowlers. He praises his bowlers and says that Cummins, Roach and others bowled well but the pick of the bowlers was Gabriel. He emphasizes that they need to remain positive as they will be chasing a big total, and a good platform laid by the top order can make things better for the batsmen to follow. He concludes by saying that the c |
| PITCH REPORT - Russel Arnold assessing the surface says that Akila Dananjaya will be the key for Sri Lanka in the fourth innings. He explains that Roston Chase extracted good purchase from the good length area around the off stump of the right-handed batsmen and Dananjaya needs to be consistent as well. States that the track still looks good if the batsmen decide to apply themselves. Ends by saying that we have an exciting finish in our hands. |
| We are set to get rolling. Akila Dananjaya and Suranga Lakmal to resume their innings. Shannon Gabriel, the star for the Windies, to start the proceedings with the ball. Three slips and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 89.1 : S Gabriel to Lakmal, A back of a length to starts things on Day 5. The batsman gets behind the line and blocks it. |
| 89.2 : S Gabriel to Lakmal, Goes fuller around off, pushed to the off side. |
| 89.3 : S Gabriel to Lakmal, Even fuller around the same area and invites the drive. Lakmal misses the ball. |
| 89.4 : S Gabriel to Lakmal, Errs in line this time and bowls it down the leg side. |
| Suranga Lakmal has been trapped in front but he has decided to challenge the decision. Looks like he is a goner. |
| 89.5 : Gabriel to Lakmal, OUT! Yes, he's gone! Lakmal is right in front of the stumps and the umpire has no hesitation in raising the finger. Gabriel has his 7th of the innings and 12th for the match. He gets it fuller and angles into the right-hander. Lakmal plays down the wrong line off the back foot and is hit on his pads. It looked out from the naked eye but Suranga goes for a review in desperation, after some discussions with his non-striker. Replays shows that the ball would have hit top of |
| Lahiru Kumara is the last man in. |
| 89.6 : S Gabriel to Kumara, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 90.1 : K Roach to Dananjaya, Full around off from around the wicket from Roach. Akila lifts it over the fielder at mid off and runs two. Some intent from the last pair, just after the fall of wicket. |
| 90.2 : K Roach to Dananjaya, The batsman has worked it off his pads behind square. One more run added to the lead. |
| 90.3 : K Roach to Kumara, A play and a miss. Outside off, on a fuller length and goes past the outside edge of the blade. |
| 90.4 : K Roach to Kumara, Gets back and keeps the back of a length ball out. |
| 90.5 : K Roach to Kumara, The ball is way wide on the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. |
| 90.6 : K Roach to Kumara, Another swings and miss from Kumara. He survives another over. |
| 91.1 : S Gabriel to Dananjaya, Hangs back and punches the shortish delivery to the right of the bowler. |
| 91.2 : S Gabriel to Dananjaya, Short and incoming from the angle, Akila hits it up and over the slip cordon. The ball lobs in the air and thuds into the ground at third man region. Two runs are taken as a result. |
| 91.3 : S Gabriel to A Dananjaya, What? Are you kidding me? Another no ball and another wicket. I can't really figure out if he's lucky to have picked up a 12-fer or unlucky to has missed out on taking 15 wickets in the match. Full and on the stumps, Danajaya moves away from his stumps to hit it through the line but gets an inside edge. The ball disturbs the furniture after taking the deflection off the bat. But Ian Gould has his right arm up and signals for a no ball. Not much Gabriel can do as h |
| S Gabriel to Dananjaya, Outside off, on a drivaeable length, the left-hander plants his foot down the pitch and hits it through cover-point. Roston Chase cuts it out and keeps it under two. |
| 91.4 : S Gabriel to Dananjaya, OUT! BOOM! He is walking back now, for sure. Gabriel looks unfazed by the wicket or still unhappy with the no ball two balls back. Whatever it was, he put it in his bowling. Bangs in one short, hits the deck hard and angles into the body of the batsman. The variable bounce in the pitch means that the ball keeps low this time. Akila looks to duck under it but gets hits on his hanging bat and the ball crashes into the stumps. Its the end of Sri Lankan innings and Wind |
| Shannon Gabriel leads his side off the field. He is getting a huge round of applause from his teammates and the crowd. An absolutely standout effort from the big man! 13 wickets in the game to be precise. The Windies hardly wasted any time to pick up the last two Sri Lankans wickets. However, amidst all this, Sri Lanka are way ahead in the context of the game. |
| The big advantage is courtesy their batsmen contributing significantly to help their side set a target of 296. Brisk half centuries from Kusal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella and useful knocks from Dinesh Chandimal and Roshen Silva have put them in the ascendancy. |
| The visiting bowlers will be aiming to fire on all cylinders and utilize the two-paced surface to the optimum. With around 95 overs left in the day weather permitting, they will be backing themselves. Windies, on the other hand, don't need to panic. They have a capable batting line-up and the need of the hour for them is to remain composed. There is a still a lot to play for. Join us shortly on the other side. |
| 0.1 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, OOH! Good start from Lakmal. Dishes in one outside off and swings it away. Brathwaite tries to poke at it but misses. Nervy moment for the Windies opener. |
| 0.2 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Back of a length into the batsman who gets behind the line and keeps it out. |
| 0.3 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 0.4 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Outside off, left alone. |
| 0.5 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Back of a length around off and nicely punched off the back foot by the batsman. Chandimal runs after it and keeps it down to one. |
| 0.6 : S Lakmal to Smith, On a good length but the line isn't right. The ball goes down the leg side and straight into the hands of the keeper. |
| Kasun Rajitha to share the new ball. |
| 1.1 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, On a good length on middle and leg, Brathwaite tucks it to backward square and takes two. |
| 1.2 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Full around off and asking some questions to the batsman. He gets his bat down in time and pushes it to mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 1.3 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Similar length and just outside off. This is the channel he should be sticking to. A tentative push to the off side. |
| 1.4 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Drags his length back a touch and keeps it around off. The batsman gets the ball off the outer half to gully. |
| 1.5 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Some outward shape on this one. Serves on on a good length around off and left alone by Kraigg. |
| 1.6 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Similar length, touch too wide. The batsman lets it pass. |
| Landing area is taking some beating. Big sledge hammer is out. Lakmal isn't happy with the area and he complained about it to the umpire in the last over as well. |
| 2.1 : S Lakmal to Smith, Back of a length, into the body, Smith blocks it off the back foot. |
| 2.2 : S Lakmal to Smith, Full and coming in with the angle once again. The batsman does well to keep it to the leg side and takes a single. |
| 2.3 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Outside off, left alone. |
| 2.4 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Gets closer to the off stumps and makes the batsman play at it. Good probing line and length from Sri Lanka's premier bowler. |
| 2.5 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Full and too wide to entice the batsman with a shot. |
| A short leg gully is in place. |
| 2.6 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Drags back his length a touch, outside off and Brathwaite dabs it to the vacant point region. Two run added to the total. |
| 3.1 : K Rajitha to Smith, Full and wide, left alone. |
| 3.2 : K Rajitha to Smith, OUT! Bang! First one down. The same tactic from Rajitha which he used in the first innings. And it bores fruit for him once again. He goes wide of the crease and puts it on a full length outside off. Smith goes at it half-heartedly and gets a thick outside edge. De Silva at third slip takes a nice low catch to his right. 9 wickets more to win for Sri Lanka. |
| Kieran Powell comes out to bat. |
| 3.3 : K Rajitha to Powell, OOH! Nice. This youngster has been impressive. Tests the new batsman first up with an inswinging delivery around the pads. Considering there short mid-wicket is in place, Powell does well to play it fine. Two runs are taken. |
| 3.4 : K Rajitha to Powell, OUT! Rajitha, you beauty! What a star he's turning out to be for Sri Lanka. Dishes out similar delivery, on a fullish length, swinging in from the off stump, into the left-hander and makes him play. The timing is so good that the ball goes straight into the hands of the fielder stationed at short mid-wicket for this specific shot. Nice attacking captaincy from Chandimal. Sri Lanka is running the show here in St Lucia. |
| Shai Hope is the new man in. Meanwhile, the groundsmen are ready with the covers. Seems like a passing shower is on its way. |
| 3.5 : K Rajitha to Hope, Another good delivery around off. Hope goes after it but misses. |
| 3.6 : K Rajitha to Hope, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 4.1 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 4.2 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Goes near the off stump and stays touch low. Kraigg does well to keep it out to the leg side. |
| 4.3 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Touch short, into the batsman who tucks it to mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 4.4 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, This pitch is still doing something, keeps the batsman on their toes. Suranga lands it on a back of a length outside off and the ball seams after pitching. A tentative push to the off side buy the batsman. |
| 4.5 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, On a good length outside off and takes off after pitching. The batsman lets it pass. |
| 4.6 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Full around off, blocked off the front foot. |
| 5.1 : K Rajitha to Hope, An effort short all around off, nicely defended by the batsman. |
| 5.2 : K Rajitha to Hope, Full outside off and swinging away from length. Hope gets his bat away from the line. |
| 5.3 : K Rajitha to Hope, Goodness me! Rajitha is toying with the batsman with his line and lengths. Goes full around off and just past the outside edge of the blade. |
| 5.4 : K Rajitha to Hope, Jaffa! Drags his length back and keeps it in the same corridor of uncertainty outside off. The batsman has no chance of getting his bat to it. |
| 5.5 : K Rajitha to Hope, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 5.6 : K Rajitha to S Hope, Full around off, punched to the cover-point to end an eventful over. |
| 6.1 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, FOUR! Short and outside off and rising on to the batsman who rides the bounce and plays it with soft hands through gully and slip cordon. The ball races to the fence for a boundary. |
| 6.2 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, On a good length and on a probing line outside off. The batsman hangs his bat in anticipation but gets beaten. |
| 6.3 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 6.4 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Similar length angling into the batsman who gets behind the line and blocks it. |
| 6.5 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Too wide to entice a shot. Left alone. |
| 6.6 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Well outside off, another leave to end the over. |
| 7.1 : K Rajitha to Hope, Full outside off and the ball went under the willow. The pitch is slowly showing its colours. |
| 7.2 : K Rajitha to Hope, The batsman does well to stand tall and play that short delivery. |
| 7.3 : K Rajitha to S Hope, FOUR! That has raced to the boundary like a trace a bullet. Pitched up to the batsman and cruched off the front foot by Hope through cover-point. A welcome boundary for the Windies. |
| 7.4 : K Rajitha to Hope, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman off the back foot for nothing. |
| 7.5 : K Rajitha to Hope, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 7.6 : K Rajitha to Hope, Moves a touch wide of the crease and rips it in near the off stump. Hope is well aware and lets it pass. |
| Lahiru Kumara is the new bowler in. |
| 8.1 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Bowls a short one first up and the batsman tucks it away through mid-wicket. He keeps it down nicely and takes three before the fielder cuts it off acrobatically. |
| 8.2 : L Kumara to S Hope, Back of a length around off, Hope looks to defend it but gets it from the outside edge. Lucky for him the ball doesn't the fielder at third slip. |
| 8.3 : L Kumara to Hope, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 8.4 : L Kumara to Hope, Was there an edge? No. Back of a length, angled in from wide off the crease. Some excitement in the Lankan camp as they feel an outside has been induced. However, the ball doesn't reach the keeper and the replays shows that it came off the top of his right arm. |
| 8.5 : L Kumara to Hope, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 8.6 : L Kumara to Hope, Yorker. Hope does well to dig it out. |
| 9.1 : K Rajitha to K Brathwaite, FOUR! SHOT! Lot of authority in this one. Full outside off and nicely driven through the line by Brathwaite. He gets a good stride in gets it from the middle of the bat. The fielder at mid off has no chance of cutting it out even after a desperate dive near the fence. |
| 9.2 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment. |
| 9.3 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Outside off, left alone. |
| 9.4 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, An effort ball from the bowler, puts it on a back of a length and angles it into the batsman. A straight to meet it and keep it. |
| 9.5 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Too wide for the batsman. Another leave by the opener. |
| 9.6 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Four runs saved here. Its full outside off once again and the batsman punches it to covers. The fielder there dives to his right and stops the ball. Good effort. |
| 10.1 : L Kumara to Hope, outside off, the batsman ignores it. |
| 10.2 : L Kumara to Hope, Touch fuller this time and it goes off the outside half of the bat to the gully fielder. |
| 10.3 : L Kumara to Hope, That jags back in from back of a length. Hope does well to defend it with soft hands to the on side. |
| 10.4 : L Kumara to Hope, Little too wide. No threat to the batsman as he lets it pass. |
| 10.5 : L Kumara to Hope, Short, into the body and tucked away to the leg side for a single. |
| 10.6 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Similar length outside off and makes the batsman go for the cut who misses it. The ball whizzes past the outside edge and thuds into the keeper gloves. |
| 11.1 : K Rajitha to Hope, On a good length around off, defended off the front foot. |
| 11.2 : K Rajitha to Hope, Similar line and length but stays low and reaches the keeper on one bounce. |
| 11.3 : K Rajitha to Hope, Nice curve on this one. Lands it on off stump and looks to swing it away from there. Hope is solid in his defense. |
| 11.4 : K Rajitha to Hope, Copy paste stuff from the bowler and the batsman. |
| 11.5 : K Rajitha to Hope, Touch short and on to the pads, Hope flicks it to the right of the fielder at short square leg and takes a quick single. |
| 11.6 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 12.1 : L Kumara to Hope, Angled in from a length and left alone by the batsman. |
| 12.2 : L Kumara to Hope, OOH! Nasty! Hope is hopping in pain. Kumara bends his back and pitches it on a back of a length at 148 clicks. The ball skids off the pitch and comes in sharply. The batsman has no chance of getting his bat near the ball. In the end, he is hit in his rib cage and moves away agonizingly from the crease. He looks in a lot of pain. |
| Drinks has been taken. Meanwhile, the physio attends Shai Hope. Such blows can be really telling. He seems to be in real discomfort. Holds his rib cage and has a look of anguish on his face. That is why proper protection is important on this kind of a surface which has a lot of uncertain bounce on it. The physio has a chat with Ian Gould. Hope is slowly trudging off the field as he has been retired hurt. Not a good sign for the hosts, they are in some trouble. Roston Chase walks out to bat and r |
| 12.3 : L Kumara to Chase, Straightaway a chance is produced. Almost another wicket here. Kumara is looking venomous with the ball. Lands it on a full length outside off and makes the new batsman drive it who goes for it. An outside edge is ensued but falls just short of the Dananjaya de Silva at third slip. He straight away signals to the umpire that it bounced. Sri Lanka is showing there are very much in with the spirit of cricket. |
| 12.4 : L Kumara to Chase, Damn! These half tracker from Lahiru are making the batsmen dance. Similar looking delivery which was bowled to Hope. Chase does well to block it to the on side. |
| Short leg in place now. |
| 12.5 : L Kumara to Chase, Gets forward and drives it to covers for nothing. |
| 12.6 : L Kumara to Chase, The ball is down the leg side but the batsman still goes after it and misses. |
| 13.1 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Brathwaite shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 13.2 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Gets fuller around off and almost gets the desired result. The ball goes off the outer edge but lands safe on the off side. |
| 13.3 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 13.4 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Just outside off, on a good length and left alone by the batsman. |
| 13.5 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Similar looking delivery and this time Kraigg gets forward and defends it. |
| 13.6 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Another leave outside the off stump to end the over. |
| 14.1 : L Kumara to Chase, Slightly short of a length and directed at the stumps, Chase blocks it off the front foot. |
| 14.2 : L Kumara to Chase, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 14.3 : L Kumara to Chase, Just outside off and guides to the point region with soft hands. |
| 14.4 : L Kumara to Chase, Short and over the head of ducking Chase. |
| Dinesh Chandimal is up to the umpire and showing the seam of the ball. Some issue perhaps. |
| 14.5 : L Kumara to Chase, Fuller in length and outside off, Chase throws his bat at it and gets it to the fielder at gully. |
| 14.6 : L Kumara to Chase, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 15.1 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Short of a length and touch too straight. The batsman gets away from the line and leaves it for the keeper. |
| 15.2 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Again not carrying to the keeper. It's bowled touch short outside off and left alone by Kraigg. |
| 15.3 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Flicks the fuller ball of his pads through mid-wicket. Two runs are taken before the fielder from short mid on could cut it out. |
| 15.4 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Straying from the line and bowls it on the pads. Another flick from Brathwaite but straight to the fielder at short square leg. |
| 15.5 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 15.6 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, On a good length around off and defended off the front foot for nothing. |
| 16.1 : L Kumara to Chase, He has been using the wider angle really nicely. Bowls it on a fullish length and keeps it outside off. The batsman goes after it but the extra bounce means it goes off the shoulder off the bat. It bounces before reaching the fielder at gully. |
| 16.2 : L Kumara to Chase, Bye! This one stays so low that it goes under the bat and takes a couple of bounces before reaching the keeper. Dickwella does well to get his gloves behind it but couldn't stop it from going behind. The slip fielder hares after it and throws it back in time. A single has been stolen. |
| 16.3 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 16.4 : L Kumara to K Brathwaite, Full around middle and off, the batsman flicks it through mid-wicket and takes two. |
| 16.5 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, FOUR! Drags his length back and creates the chance from the outside off line. Kraigg gets his bat in the line with an angle and the ball goes off the outer edge. It goes past the diving gully fielder and races to the third man fence. |
| 16.6 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, FOUR! Much, much better from Brathwaite. Gets on top of he back of a length delivery and punches it through cover-point. The fielder chases it, puts in a desperate dive but couldn't stop it from going to the boundary. Brathwaite getting a move on. |
| Time for some spin. Akila Dananjaya to roll his arm over now. |
| 17.1 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Flighted around off, played to mid-wicket off the front foot. |
| 17.2 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Goes back and pushes it to the off side. |
| 17.3 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Floater around middle and off, Chase flicks it to mid-wicket and opens his account after 14 deliveries. |
| 17.4 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Loopy delivery around off, Brathwaite hangs back to play it off the back foot. |
| 17.5 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Flatter, on similar line, Kraigg goes back and blocks it. |
| 17.6 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 18.1 : L Kumara to Chase, Touch short and tucked to the leg side for nothing. |
| 18.2 : L Kumara to Chase, Quick single to change strike. Fuller outside off and the batsman taps it to the off side and takes a single. |
| 18.3 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. It's close but it will be counted as a good leave in the end. |
| 18.4 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Full around middle and off, Brathwaite punches it off the front foot and gets it past the umpire down the ground. The fielder at mid on runs after it and saves a run for his team. |
| 18.5 : L Kumara to Chase, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 18.6 : L Kumara to Chase, Drags his length back and Chase is up to it as he gets on his toes to block it. |
| 19.1 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Flighted outside off, gets forward and blocks it. |
| 19.2 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Touch short and down the leg side. Kraigg gets back and dabs it to the leg side for nothing. |
| 19.3 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Too straight and too full, Brathwaite taps it to the vacant square leg region and changes strike. |
| 19.4 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Similar line and length and pushed to the same region for another single. |
| 19.5 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Almost a yorker. These deliveries are not going to trouble the batsmen. He needs to get outside the off stump. |
| 19.6 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, The batsman dances down the track but decides to defend it. |
| Suranga Lakmal is back. |
| 20.1 : S Lakmal to Chase, Outside off and the batsman ignores it for the keeper. |
| 20.2 : S Lakmal to Chase, FOUR! In the air... but safe! And not only safe, it has gone for a boundary as well. Too straight from Lakmal, trying to target the stumps considering the low bounce but this one bounces nicely for Chase. He flicks it off his pads and away from the fielder at short square leg. The ball rushes to the fence. |
| 20.3 : S Lakmal to Chase, Full around off, punched back to the bowler. |
| 20.4 : S Lakmal to Chase, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 20.5 : S Lakmal to Chase, Too straight once again and down the leg side. |
| 20.6 : S Lakmal to Chase, Almost creeps through but not to be. Lakmal goes full, around off and it comes in after pitching. Chase does well to get his bat close to the pads and gets it to the square leg region from the inside half of the bat. One run added to the total. |
| There is some good news from the Windies camp. Shai Hope is alright and will bat if needed. |
| 21.1 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Flighted around middle and leg and it almost rolls to the batsman. |
| 21.2 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Corrects his line and gets around off, the ball spins in after pitching and Chase gets an inside edge on his pads. No harm done in the end. |
| 21.3 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Floated around off and tentatively punched off the back foot. |
| 21.4 : A Dananjaya to Chase, And this one goes the other way. But Chase is up to it and guides it behind point off the back foot. A couple of runs for the home team. |
| 21.5 : A Dananjaya to Chase, Too straight and tucked to the mid-wicket region for another single. |
| 21.6 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Tossed up around off, the batsman gets forward and blocks it. |
| 22.1 : S Lakmal to Chase, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 22.2 : S Lakmal to R Chase, Full and just outside off, brings the batsman forward to play it. He gets an edge and the ball flies between gully and slip cordon. Two more runs added to the total. |
| An attacking move from Chandimal. The man at third slip comes up. Sensible move to wear a helmet as the ball can really fly in that area. |
| 22.3 : S Lakmal to Chase, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 22.4 : S Lakmal to Chase, Outside off, left alone. |
| 22.5 : S Lakmal to Chase, What a delivery! Pushed in with the wrists, lands on a back of a length and seams away after pitching. The batsman is beaten all ends up outside off stump. |
| 22.6 : S Lakmal to R Chase, OUT! BOOM! What. A. Beauty! This is a proper set up from Suranga Lakmal. He brought the third slip forward, bowled a short of a length delivery and made the batsman stay back in his crease. Then he smartly bowls a fullish delivery around off and it nips back in after pitching. Chase doesn't come forward as he is waiting for a short one probably. The ball gets through the gap between the bat and pad, flicks his back pad and uproots the off pole from the ground. An absol |
| Shane Dowrich comes out to bat. He played a really good knock in the first innings. He needs to stand tall in order to guide his side to safe harbours. Meanwhile, Kasun Rajitha returns for a bowl just before Lunch. |
| 23.1 : K Rajitha to Dowrich, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 23.2 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Full around off and middle, the batsman punches it to the on side for nothing. |
| 23.3 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Gets behind the line and drives the ball straight back. |
| 23.4 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for the batsman. |
| 23.5 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Back of a length into the body, Kraigg gets behind the line and blocks it off the back foot. |
| 23.6 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Brathwaite ignores the delivery outside off and it's LUNCH ON DAY 5. |
| Brilliant passage of play for Sri Lanka and they are right on top. After setting a target of 296, their bowlers have been relentless, especially the likes of Kasun Rajitha and Suranga Lakmal. The youngster bowled with intent from the word go and struck twice in only his second over. Those blows were crucial ones as well as Smith and Powell can put pressure on the opposition with their positive strokeplay. |
| Shai Hope coped a blow in his rib cage area from a 147 kph Lahiru Kumara delivery and got retired hurt. However, the news from the Windies camp is that he is alright now and will bat if needed. Just as when the pair of Brathwaite and Chase were showing promising signs, Lakmal got rid of the latter with a peach. With two sessions to bat out, it won't be an easy task for the home side. Will Sri Lanka continue to dominate? Or will the Windies stage a fightback and survive? Join us back for the sec |
| ... Final Day, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the penultimate session of the game. A lot lies on the shoulders of Kraigg Brathwaite and Shane Dowrich to guide their team through. The visiting bowlers have their tails up as Suranga Lakmal starts off the proceedings post Lunch. |
| 24.1 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, Starts off with a length ball on middle and leg, Dowrich helps it through backward square leg and comes for a brace. Opens his account with that. |
| 24.2 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, In the tight off stump corridor, just outside off, Shane plants his front foot across and lets it be. |
| 24.3 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, FOUR! Easy pickings! This is what the hosts need to do. Whenever an opportunity arises, do make full use of them. Full length ball slanting down the leg side, all Dowrich has to do is get a tickle on it which he does so. The ball races to the fine leg fence. |
| 24.4 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, In the zone outside off, left alone. |
| 24.5 : S Lakmal to Dowrich, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| Big moment in the game! Dowrich has taken a review against an LBW decision. Seems close but it might just go down the leg side. Let us find out... |
| 24.6 : Lakmal to Dowrich, Not Out! Yes, it is going down the leg side! Dowrich must have had heart in his mouth but a judicious use of the DRS. On a fuller length on middle and off, angling in. Dowrich is late on his flick shot and gets hit flush on the pads. Sri Lanka go up in unison and umpire Ian Gould obliges. The body language of Dowrich is confident. He looks at his partner and challenges the decision. To the naked eye, it looked like it is sliding down leg. Time for the replays. The Snicko |
| Akila Dananjaya to continue from the other end. |
| 25.1 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Tossed up ball, kept out watchfully. |
| 25.2 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Hangs back to this one and taps this one to the point region for a single. |
| 25.3 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Spinning down leg, Shane lets it go. |
| 25.4 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Fullish ball in line of the stumps, patted back to the bowler. |
| 25.5 : A Dananjaya to S Dowrich, Edged but safe! Quick and flat outside off, Dowrich plays at it but gets a thick outside edge towards third man. A couple of runs are taken. |
| 25.6 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Close shave! Tossed up around leg stump, spinning down. Dowrich tries to block it but misses. The ball just goes past the leg stump. |
| 26.1 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Good length ball outside off, holding its line. Kraigg lets it go. |
| 26.2 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, On middle and leg this time, turned to the man in front of square leg. |
| 26.3 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Angling in sharply, Brathwaite gets into a good position and tucks it to square leg. |
| 26.4 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, In the corridor of uncertainty, Kraigg covers his stumps and makes an assured leave. |
| 26.5 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Back of a length ball on off, Brathwaite hops and tucks it with a closed bat face to mid-wicket. |
| 26.6 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Well bowled! Bowls this one on a fuller length, letting the ball swing away outside off. Brathwaite shuffles across, watches the ball closely and leaves it alone. |
| 27.1 : A Dananjaya to Dowrich, Full ball on middle, eased back to the bowler. |
| 27.2 : A Dananjaya to S Dowrich, OUT! This is a big, big wicket for Sri Lanka! Dowrich who played so well in the first innings fails to stand up for his team on this occasion. Dananjaya has taken off in celebration and his teammates barge towards him. He is looking in good rhythm and has struck at a crucial moment. Coming back to the ball, it is tossed up on off. Dowrich leans ahead a touch and plays for the turn but this one skids off after pitching. Hence, he gets an outside edge and the ball |
| Shai Hope comes to bat again. He earlier went out of the field due to the blow on his ribs. |
| 27.3 : A Dananjaya to S Hope, A lot is happening at the moment. Floated outside off, Hope tries to block it but gets an outside edge past the slip fielder. A run taken. |
| 27.4 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. |
| 27.5 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Tight stump-to-stump line, kept out watchfully. |
| 27.6 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Pitched up around leg stump, spinning in this time. Kraigg is tentative with his foot movement and gets hit on the pads. End of a successful over for Dananjaya. |
| 28.1 : S Lakmal to Hope, Length ball on off, stays low. Hope is alert to it and manages to jam it out. |
| 28.2 : S Lakmal to Hope, Bye! Shortish delivery outside off, comes slowly off the pitch. Shai tries to pull it across the line but is early into his shot and hence, gets beaten. The ball bounces before the keeper and he fails to collect it cleanly. A run taken. |
| 28.3 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Fullish ball on middle and off, tucked to wide mid on for a single. |
| 28.4 : S Lakmal to Hope, Almost, almost! Pitched up delivery in the avenue of apprehension. Hope reaches for it but is not quite to the pitch of the ball. Ends up getting beaten all ends up. Lakmal has a wry smile on his face. |
| 28.5 : S Lakmal to Hope, Short of a length ball, keeps low again. Hope goes deep in his crease and defends it somehow. |
| 28.6 : S Lakmal to Hope, Similar length ball outside off, moves away after landing. Hope feels for it but gets foxed. End of an eventful over. |
| 29.1 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Floated outside off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 29.2 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Attacking the stumps with a straighter one, Kraigg hangs back and tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 29.3 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Brathwaite is sitting on his back foot. Not a wise thing to do on this surface. Skidding after pitching, kept out. |
| 29.4 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Full ball outside off, left alone. |
| 29.5 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Loopy ball on middle and leg, played defensively past short leg. |
| 29.6 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Slow through the air, defended tentatively off the front foot. |
| Is this another wicket? It has been taken upstairs to the third umpire! Let's wait and watch. |
| 30.1 : Lakmal to Hope, Not Out! No harm done eventually. Full ball around off, Hope punches it straight back towards Lakmal who has to change direction in his followthrough to catch it. Stretches his right hand out, gets a hand to it but the ball bursts through and hits the stumps at his end. The visitors appeal for the run out and the umpire takes it upstairs. Was Brathwaite's bat out of the crease? No, the replays show that his bat is inside the crease. However, it was a lazy effort from him. H |
| 30.2 : S Lakmal to Hope, On middle and leg, clipped to mid-wicket. |
| 30.3 : S Lakmal to Hope, Beaten! Back of a length ball, moves away after pitching. Hope tries to keep it out but is undone by it. |
| 30.4 : S Lakmal to Hope, Full length ball attacking the stumps, played with soft hands towards mid off. |
| 30.5 : S Lakmal to Hope, A play and a miss again! This is good stuff from Lakmal. He bowls this on a short of a length outside off and the ball shapes away after landing. Shai feels for it and is beaten. |
| 30.6 : S Lakmal to Hope, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 31.1 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Good effort from Silva! Brathwaite uses his feet and drills it towards mid on. The fielder dives to his left and saves certain runs for his side. |
| 31.2 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Floated delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 31.3 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Full ball on middle and off, jammed down the track. |
| 31.4 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 31.5 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Loopy ball in line of the stumps, pushed down the track. |
| 31.6 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Slower through the air, Brathwaite comes down the track and jams it back towards the bowler. |
| 32.1 : S Lakmal to Hope, Delightful stroke! Fullish delivery around off, Hope leans ahead and drives it confidently through mid off. The fielder from extra cover, Dinesh Chandimal hares after it and saves a couple of runs for his side. |
| 32.2 : S Lakmal to Hope, Lakmal tests Hope with a bouncer outside off. He ducks under it nicely. |
| 32.3 : S Lakmal to Hope, Oh ho! Risky stuff! That kept alarmingly low. Short of a length ball around off, straightens a touch after bouncing and doesn't take off at all. Hope is squared up in his stance but blocks it in the end. |
| 32.4 : S Lakmal to Hope, In the zone outside off, Shai lets it go. |
| 32.5 : S Lakmal to Hope, Back of a length ball outside off, played with soft hands to covers. |
| 32.6 : S Lakmal to Hope, That delivery shall tell you more about the surface! Pitches on a length well outside off and dies down after landing. Hope doesn't flirt with it. |
| A silly point comes in for Dananjaya. This is the time for Sri Lanka to seize the opportunity. |
| 33.1 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Spinning down the leg side, defended past the keeper. |
| 33.2 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, On a flatter trajectory and just outside off, Kraigg watches it closely and lets it go. |
| 33.3 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Fullish delivery on middle and leg, Kraigg puts his head down and defends it calmly. |
| 33.4 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Tossed up outside off, Brathwaite lunges forward in defense. |
| 33.5 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, This one straightens a touch after landing. The opener reads it off the pitch and dead-bats it. |
| 33.6 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, A slow turner that is going down the leg side, kept out defensively towards square leg. |
| Lahiru Kumara is back on. It will be interesting to see how Shai Hope will deal with him. He is sure to be tested with some fiery deliveries. A short leg has been put in place. Psychological warfare going on. |
| 34.1 : L Kumara to Hope, Seems like the blow on the rib cage is still fresh in his mind. Shortish ball on off, Hope tries to evade it but gets into a really awkward position. Ends up getting a bottom edge somehow and the ball goes towards fine leg. A single taken. |
| 34.2 : L Kumara to Brathwaite, Fractionally overpitched on off, driven sweetly through mid off for a single. This is the 100th delivery that Brathwaite has faced, resolute stuff from him. |
| 34.3 : L Kumara to Hope, Overpitched again, driven crisply but straight to the man at extra cover. |
| 34.4 : L Kumara to Hope, Short of a length on middle and leg, tucked with a closed bat face to mid-wicket. |
| 34.5 : L Kumara to Hope, Length delivery outside off, angling in. Hope hops and takes his bottom hand off the handle. Plays it with soft hands towards point eventually. |
| 34.6 : L Kumara to Hope, Hope is struggling against the short deliveries! Relentless pressure being applied by Kumara. He bends his back and hits the deck hard. It is climbing on Hope. He is late to react and just about sits under it. |
| 35.1 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Brathwaite is nimble on his feet and takes it on the full. Clips it towards short mid-wicket where the fielder dives to his left to make a good stop. |
| 35.2 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Leans forward confidently to the tossed up ball outside off and blocks it right under his eyes. |
| 35.3 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Shorter in length outside off, Kraigg has ample time to punch it through backward point. A couple taken. |
| 35.4 : Dananjaya to Brathwaite, A chirpy appeal hasn't been paid any heed to! On a flatter trajectory, spinning in. Brathwaite attempts to tuck it away but is hit on the pads. The Sri Lankans are interested but the umpire cuts the excitement short. It was high and looked like it was going down leg as well. |
| 35.5 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 35.6 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, The wrong one from Akila, spinning away. Brathwaite reads it nicely and cuts it towards point. |
| Another change in field. Leg slip moves to short leg. |
| 36.1 : L Kumara to Hope, As expected, Kumara tests Hope with a bouncer again. He again doesn't look convincing and ducks under it tentatively. |
| 36.2 : L Kumara to Hope, This one is better-directed, on middle and leg, this time Shai sits underneath in a jiffy. |
| 36.3 : L Kumara to Hope, Looking jittery once again! Length ball around leg stump, Hope moves inside the line awkwardly and misses the glance. |
| 36.4 : L Kumara to S Hope, SIX! What a response from Hope! He has been struggling throughout but this time he has stamped his authority. He is expecting a short ball and that is what he receives. Gets into a good position and pulls it with aplomb in front of square leg to clear the fence. Well, after he played that shot, he immediately held his rib cage. Looks like he is in a lot of pain. |
| Now the third slip moves to deep square leg as Lahiru Kumara changes angle and goes around the wicket. |
| 36.5 : L Kumara to Hope, Hits the deck hard and bowls this one around the leg stump, Hope moves inside the line and lets it go. |
| 36.6 : L Kumara to Hope, Fuller length ball on middle and leg, kept out watchfully. |
| Drinks has been called by Ian Gould. Time for some breather for the players and the umpires. |
| 37.1 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Tossed up outside off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 37.2 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, A bit closer to the off stump, Brathwaite is once again resolute in his defense. |
| 37.3 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Shorter in length on middle and leg, turned to the man at short leg. |
| 37.4 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Similar delivery, the result is the same as well. |
| 37.5 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 37.6 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Dananjaya comes around the wicket and tries to push this one across Kraigg. He hangs back and defends it towards short leg. |
| 38.1 : L Kumara to Hope, Short ball outside off, angling in. Hope ducks under it. |
| 38.2 : L Kumara to Hope, This one jumps off from a back of a length outside off. Hope shows good technique as he points his bat skywards and makes a good leave. |
| 38.3 : L Kumara to S Hope, Shortish ball on off, Hope takes it on but mistimes it over the non-striker. A couple of runs are taken. |
| 38.4 : L Kumara to Hope, Good bowling! In the corridor of uncertainty, seaming in after landing. Shai hops to deal with it but the ball whizzes past the outside edge of his hanging bat. |
| 38.5 : L Kumara to Hope, Another bouncer but it is well outside off, Hope drops his wrists and ducks under it. |
| 38.6 : Kumara to Hope, The surprise delivery from Kumara, it is a pinpoint yorker on off. Hope is equal to the task and jams it out down the track. |
| 39.1 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Drifting in towards the pads, blocked towards short leg. |
| 39.2 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Spinning into Kraigg who turns it towards mid-wicket. |
| 39.3 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, The attempted leg spinner, it doesn't spin much though. Brathwaite rocks back and cuts it to the man at extra cover. |
| 39.4 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Makes use of the depth of the crease and punches it towards wide mid off for a single. |
| 39.5 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Leans ahead to this one with a still head and works it to mid-wicket. |
| 39.6 : A Dananjaya to Hope, On a flatter trajectory on middle, defended towards short leg. |
| Kasun Rajitha is back for a burst. |
| 40.1 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Starts off with a good length ball on middle, Brathwaite shuffles a touch in order to flick it away but only manages to get it off the inner half of the bat towards square leg. A run taken. That brings up 3000 runs for Brathwaite in Test cricket. |
| 40.2 : K Rajitha to Hope, Good length ball outside off, Hope shuffles a touch and blocks it. |
| 40.3 : K Rajitha to Hope, Fuller length ball on middle and leg, stays a touch low. Shai adjusts in his crease and fends it to the leg side. |
| 40.4 : K Rajitha to Hope, Well played! Shortish ball on off, Hope rises on his toes and pulls it towards fine leg. A run taken. |
| 40.5 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 40.6 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, On a length on middle and leg, Kraigg gets low and pushes it to square leg. |
| 41.1 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Spinning in at quick pace, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 41.2 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Almost a replica of the previous ball as Shai is resolute in his defense. |
| 41.3 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Full delivery on middle, Hope clears his front leg and caresses it to covers. |
| 41.4 : A Dananjaya to Hope, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Juicy full toss on middle and leg, Hope stays leg side of the ball and drives it through mid off to find the fence. Once again Shai holds his left rib and has a look of anguish on his face. He is fighting on for his side. |
| 41.5 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Shoddy fielding! Eased off the front foot towards covers where Rajitha is late to get down and allows the ball to roll away. A couple of unnecessary runs are given. |
| 41.6 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 42.1 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Pitched up ball on off, knocked down to long off for a single. |
| 42.2 : K Rajitha to Hope, Good length ball well outside off, Shai covers his off stump and lets it go. |
| 42.3 : K Rajitha to Hope, Well bowled! Rajitha goes wider of the crease and angles in a fuller length ball. Hope falls over a bit but manages to work it to mid on. |
| 42.4 : K Rajitha to Hope, A yorker but the execution is not that great. It is outside off and the batsman jams it out with considerable ease. |
| 42.5 : K Rajitha to Hope, Back of a length ball on middle and leg, defended off the back foot to short mid-wicket. |
| 42.6 : K Rajitha to Hope, On a driveable length well outside off, luring Hope to do something flamboyant. He doesn't fall for the bait and is cool as a cumcumber to allow it through. |
| 43.1 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Full ball on middle, pushed back off the front foot to the bowler. |
| 43.2 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Gives a lot of revs this one and lands it around off, Kraigg clears his front leg and lunges forward in defense. |
| 43.3 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Tight stump-to-stump line, blocked down the pitch. |
| 43.4 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Pushed through the air outside off, driven crisply against the angle to mid on. |
| 43.5 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Fuller in length around the leg stump, kept out with ease. |
| 43.6 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, In the air for a while but safe! Pushed quicker through the air on middle, spinning down. Hope is hurried a touch as he tries to block it. The ball just lands in front of short leg and goes past him. |
| 44.1 : K Rajitha to S Hope, FOUR! Hope is growing in confidence! The short stuff has become predictable and he is taking advantage of those. Short ball on off, sits up nicely for Hope. He stands tall and hammer-pulls it all along the carpet through square leg. It has been timed really well and the ball whistles away to the fence. |
| 44.2 : K Rajitha to Hope, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 44.3 : K Rajitha to Hope, Length delivery around off, Shai reaches the pitch of the delivery and eases it to the covers. |
| 44.4 : K Rajitha to Hope, This one is wide outside off and the batsman ignore it. |
| 44.5 : K Rajitha to Hope, That is better from Rajitha! He lands this one on a length outside off and it takes off. The ball angles in as well but Hope leaves it nicely. |
| 44.6 : K Rajitha to Hope, Fractionally overpitched outside off as Rajitha lets out a grunt. Hope comes forward and drives it beautifully to mid off. |
| 45.1 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Full ball on middle, whipped away to the man at short mid-wicket. |
| 45.2 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Quicker one this time on off, Kraigg lunges forward to defend it with hard hands but only manages to do so from the outer half towards silly point. |
| 45.3 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 45.4 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Floated ball on middle, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 45.5 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, On a flatter trajectory, kept out from within the crease. |
| 45.6 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Makes use of the depth of the crease and turns it to forward short leg. The blockathon against Dananjaya continues! |
| 46.1 : K Rajitha to Hope, Back of a length outside off, holding its line. Hope points his bat skywards to let it be. |
| 46.2 : K Rajitha to Hope, Length delivery around off, defended with bat and pad close together. |
| 46.3 : K Rajitha to Hope, That could have sneaked under the bat! Very full delivery, tailing in, Hope gets his bat down in the nick of time and helps it towards mid-wicket. |
| 46.4 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 46.5 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Shortish delivery outside off, Kraigg cuts it away towards backward point. |
| 46.6 : K Rajitha to Brathwaite, Full delivery outside off, Brathwaite comes forward and blocks it right under his eyes. |
| The batsmen are taking a breather. Re-hydrating themselves with some water. |
| 47.1 : A Dananjaya to Hope, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 47.2 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Pushed quicker through the air on middle and leg, Hope gets low and dead-bats it. |
| 47.3 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Slipping down the leg side, Dickwella moves to his left and collects it nicely. |
| 47.4 : A Dananjaya to S Hope, Floated delivery outside off, driven towards wide mid off. |
| 47.5 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Goes deep in the crease and turns it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 47.6 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Quick ball outside leg, left alone. |
| Suranga Lakmal is back on. |
| 48.1 : S Lakmal to S Hope, Shortish ball on off, coming on at a slow pace. Hope swivels across and help-pulls it through square leg to rotate strike. |
| 48.2 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Fuller in length outside off, kept out watchfully. |
| 48.3 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Four Byes! Bonus runs! 100 also comes up for the Windies. Slips this one down the leg side, Kraigg tries to clip it away but misses. The ball goes past Dickwella and runs through to the fence. |
| 48.4 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. |
| 48.5 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Back of a length ball well outside off, played with an angled blade towards backward point. |
| 48.6 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Similar length ball in that off stump channel, Brathwaite opts to come forward and pats it towards mid on. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva comes for a bowl. The visitors are trying something out of the box. Will it work for them? |
| 49.1 : de Silva to Hope, It almost works for them! De Silva from around the wicket pushes this one across Hope. He goes for a booming drive but the ball just whizzes past his outside edge. Oohs and Aahs from the Lankans. |
| 49.2 : de Silva to Hope, Full ball on middle and leg, turned past the left side of the diving short mid-wicket fielder. A run taken. |
| 49.3 : de Silva to Brathwaite, Hangs back and helps it with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 49.4 : de Silva to Brathwaite, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 49.5 : de Silva to Brathwaite, Loopy delivery, Kraigg puts his head down and defends it calmly. |
| 49.6 : de Silva to Brathwaite, FOUR! Aggression from Brathwaite arrives once in a blue moon! Slow through the air on off, Brathwaite has his dancing shoes on and hits it hard over mid on for a boundary. Good going from the opener. |
| 50.1 : S Lakmal to Hope, Hangs back to the length ball and defends it stoutly. |
| 50.2 : S Lakmal to Hope, This one takes off from a length outside off, Hope does well to keep his bat inside the line and lets it go. |
| 50.3 : S Lakmal to Hope, My word! That one really took off! That short of the length area once again playing tricks. Hope tries to rise with the bounce but the ball hits the splice of his bat and falls down safely towards the vacant backward square leg region. A single taken. |
| 50.4 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, All of a sudden, a couple of deliveries have once again caused doubts in the mind of the batsmen. Sri Lanka need to press on here. This one jumps off from a similar place and pings Brathwaite around the rib cage area. He takes some time to gather himself and has a chat with his partner. |
| 50.5 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Short of a length on middle and leg, played defensively towards short mid-wicket. |
| 50.6 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, In the corridor of uncertainty, seaming away sharply after pitching. Brathwaite watches it till the last moment and lets it sail into the gloves of the keeper. THAT IS TEA ON DAY 5! |
| That brings us to an end of the snail-paced session of cricket. West Indies have been resolute and determined to keep the Sri Lankan bowlers at bay. Apart from the solitary wicket of Shane Dowrich, the home team has been good throughout. Shai Hope came back after getting hit in his rib cage, was troubled by the short balls once again but he got confident as he spent time in the middle. Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Kumara kept probing outside the off stump but have nothing to show in the wickets col |
| ... Final Day, Final Session ... |
| We are back for the final phase of play of this game. 42 overs are still left in the day. Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope to resume their innings. Akila Dananjaya to bowl first up after Tea. |
| 51.1 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Loopy delivery around leg, flicked to the leg side for nothing. |
| 51.2 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Around off and turning in from there, hits outside the line of off stump on his pad. Some appeal but Aleem Dar says no. |
| 51.3 : A Dananjaya to Hope, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 51.4 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Floated outside off, driven to the mid off fielder. |
| 51.5 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Gets back and blocks it out. |
| 51.6 : A Dananjaya to S Hope, Touch short and the batsman looks to pull it away but doesn't get the connection. |
| Suranga Lakmal to continue his spell. |
| 52.1 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Starts with a fuller delivery around off, punched off the front foot back to the bowler. |
| 52.2 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Similar line and length, blocked off by the batsman. |
| 52.3 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Copy paste stuff from the bowler and the batsman. |
| 52.4 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Short and the batsman ducks under it. |
| 52.5 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Goes 'round and dishes a full one on pads. Brathwaite waits for it and flicks to the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple. |
| 52.6 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Hits the length and makes the batsman play at it from the back foot. |
| 53.1 : A Dananjaya to S Hope, Flighted around leg, pushed to mid on for nothing. |
| 53.2 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Tossed up again and defended off the front foot this time. |
| 53.3 : A Dananjaya to Hope, A touch faster around middle and leg, played off the front foot down the pitch. |
| 53.4 : A Dananjaya to Hope, Gets his stride out and pushes it to the off side. One run taken. |
| 53.5 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Changes angle, gives it air, around middle and leg and the batsman manages to keep it down the pitch with his glove. |
| 53.6 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Similar line and length, Kraigg comes down the track and chips it over the fielder at mid-wicket. The ball is stopped inside the boundary and two runs are taken. |
| 54.1 : S Lakmal to Hope, Full around off, pushed to the point region. |
| 54.2 : S Lakmal to Hope, FOUR! A rare wide half volley from Lakmal and Hope makes full use it. Creams it right of the fielder at point and it has enough legs to race away to the boundary. |
| 54.3 : S Lakmal to Hope, OUT! Reload and... Bang! The stumps are shattered. Lakmal has that cheeky smile on his face once again. He has done the trick right after the Tea break. Lands it on a fuller length and the ball once again nips back in sharply. Hope misses the line while trying to defend it. The ball kisses his gloves, hits below his elbow and then deflects onto the stumps. A huge wicket in the context of the game. |
| The skipper, Jason Holder comes out to bat. |
| 54.4 : S Lakmal to Holder, OOH! Almost another one here. He serves another one just outside off, Jason Holder plays the line of the delivery but the ball holds it line and goes past the outside edge. |
| 54.5 : S Lakmal to Holder, Back of a length into the body, pushed to the leg side for a single. |
| 54.6 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Similar line and length and tucked to the on side for another single. End of successful over for Lakmal and Sri Lanka. |
| 55.1 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 55.2 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, FOUR! 17th Test fifty for Kraigg Brathwaite! He has mixed caution with aggression to perfection and is playing a really vital knock for his team. The Windies will want him to continue in the same vein. A flighted delivery around middle and off, he comes down the track and hits it over mid-wicket to find the fence. |
| 55.3 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Gets behind the line and blocks it. |
| 55.4 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, Near the bat, into the stumps and blocked off the front foot. |
| 55.5 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 55.6 : A Dananjaya to K Brathwaite, Goes the other way with the finger, Kraigg reads it and pushes it to mid on. |
| 56.1 : S Lakmal to Holder, FOUR! Nice. Holder does it calmly. A back of a length ball around off and the batsman guides it between gully and slip cordon. The fielder runs after it but it has enough on it to reach the boundary. |
| 56.2 : S Lakmal to Holder, The batsman plays it with an angled bat and guides it to the diving gully fielder. |
| 56.3 : S Lakmal to Holder, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 56.4 : S Lakmal to Holder, On a good length into the stumps, Holder presents the bat and punches it down the ground through mid on. Two runs added to the total. |
| 56.5 : S Lakmal to Holder, Too straight this time, on the leg side. The batsman tucks it behind and takes a couple. |
| 56.6 : S Lakmal to Holder, Too short and over the head of Holder, who lets it go. |
| 57.1 : A Dananjaya to Brathwaite, From around the wicket, tucked to the leg side off the back foot. |
| 57.2 : A Dananjaya to K Brathwaite, Flights it around off, the batsman gets forward, pushes it to the vacant mid off region and scampers for a single. |
| 57.3 : Dananjaya to Holder, FOUR! Tossed up under Holder's bat who picks it up and over the mid on fielder. Some intent from skip straightaway. |
| 57.4 : A Dananjaya to Holder, Shows the full face of the bat and keeps it out. |
| 57.5 : A Dananjaya to Holder, Loopy around middle and leg, hits Jason on his pads, lobs in the air and falls beside the pitch. Safe, in the end. |
| 57.6 : A Dananjaya to Holder, Flighted around middle and leg, pushed to mid on and a single is taken. |
| Update 1532 Local - This was coming! A match that is poised nicely has been disrupted by rain. And as I type, the shower has gotten heavier. The blue covers have been roped in. The pitch has been completely covered. There are dark clouds looming overhead. Ominous signs these! However, the weather in St Lucia is unpredictable and who knows the sunshine might return sooner rather than later. Let us keep our fingers crossed! Be with us for further updates. |
| Update 1625 Local - Thankfully, the rain has stopped and there is bright sunshine in St Lucia at the moment. The covers have been taken off as well. There is an inspection in about 10 minutes. Let's hope the weather holds up and we have an exciting finish to the game. We will keep you posted. |
| Good news! The players are warming up again and we are set to get rolling. A result is still very much possible. 23 overs are still left in the day. Kraigg Brathwaite and Jason Holder to resume their innings. Suranga Lakmal to bowl first up after the break. Here we go... |
| 58.1 : S Lakmal to Holder, On a good length angled into the batsman who tucks it to the on side and runs for a single. |
| 58.2 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Full outside off, Brathwaite is happy to block it off the front foot. |
| 58.3 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Touch wider this time, on a similar length. The batsman presents the full face and keeps it out. |
| 58.4 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Dishes this on a fuller length into the stumps, Brathwaite flicks it to the deep square leg region and takes two. |
| 58.5 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Four Byes! Too straight and swinging way down the leg side. The batsman leaves it for the keeper who is unable to get near it. In the end, a boundary results. |
| 58.6 : S Lakmal to K Brathwaite, Goes back to basics, outside off and full. Kraigg pushes it to covers, the fielder there fumbles it and the ball goes to the long off region. Two more runs to end the over. |
| Lahiru Kumara comes back for a bowl. His spell will be be very crucial if Sri Lanka are to spark chances of winning this game. Meanwhile, artificial lights are into effect. |
| 59.1 : L Kumara to Holder, Back of a length outside off, left alone. |
| 59.2 : L Kumara to Holder, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 59.3 : L Kumara to Holder, Short of a length and into the body. Holder blocks it down the pitch. |
| 59.4 : L Kumara to Holder, Gets fuller and entices the drive outside off. Jason goes for it but misses as the ball goes past the outside edge to the keeper. |
| 59.5 : L Kumara to Holder, Well outside off, left alone. |
| 59.6 : L Kumara to J Holder, Targets the stumps this time with a full ball. The batsman gets behind the line and pushes it to mid on for nothing. Just 21 overs left for the day. |
| 60.1 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Back of a length around off and jumps just a tad. Brathwaite rides it and keeps it down. |
| The fourth umpire brings in the light meter. He hands it over to the umpire. |
| 60.2 : S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Touch too straight and strays onto the pads. Kraigg tucks it behind and changes strike. |
| The two umpires get together and take a reading. The light seems to be alright for the moment. Look at the field, folks! There are a lot of close-in fielders. Sri Lanka are on the attack. |
| 60.3 : S Lakmal to Holder, Ouch! That will shake him up! On a good length, on off and jags back in sharply from there and hits Holder in a sensitive area between his legs. Although it might seem funny, he is in a lot of pain as he is lying on the ground. He tried to get his bat in line but Lakmal has troubled the batsmen throughout in this innings with these incoming deliveries and it is almost the same delivery. |
| Update 1706 Local - The physio comes out and tries to help Jason Holder out. Meanwhile, Chandimal is having a discussion with the umpires. Ian Gould again takes a reading and this time he decides that the light is not good enough. We have another halt in play. The Sri Lankan skipper is not happy with it. |
| The visiting players are slowly trudging off the field and there is disappointment written all over their faces. We have to wait and see whether the light improves or not. |
| Update 1745 Local - We have got an official confirmation that the match has been called off. A rather sad end to a lively Test match. There are customary handshakes all around. Good to see the players smiling. |
| This brings us to the end of a Test match of if's and but's. West Indies have managed to salvage a draw on a difficult pitch. Kraigg Brathwaite, the star today, held the fort for the home team and made sure there was no collapse. Suranga Lakmal was the protagonist of this bowling effort for the Sri Lankans, along with Kasun Rajitha. They put on a fight and looked lethal with the ball in hand. In the end, the weather, bad light and circumstantial delays made sure that we didn't have the full quot |
| Earlier, Dinesh Chandmal won the toss and decided to bat on a green top. Most of their batsmen struggled and couldn't survive for too long but he scored a brilliant unbeaten century and made sure his team reached a respectable total. Shannon Gabriel's 5-fer and Kemar Roach's 4-fer meant that the Windies were never out of the contest. Both utilized the helpful conditions really well and troubled the visiting batsmen regularly. |
| In reply, the Windies started fairly well but no one went on to score a big one. Half centuries from Devon Smith and Shane Dowrich did ensure that the hosts took a small lead of 47 runs. There were rain interruptions which affected the flow of the game. For the tourists, Lahiru Kumara showed a lot of promise as he took a 4-fer while he was well-supported by Suranga Lakmal and Kasun Rajitha who chipped in with crucial wickets as well. |
| Amidst all this, there was a lot of drama. The Sri Lankan team refused to take the field in the initial stages of Day 3 when they were charged with ball tampering. Tempers flew for around 2 hours, phone calls were made, several heated arguments happened, and finally, they took the field. Dinesh Chandimal was charged for the same but he made sure that he turned the energy of all the drama into his favour. His teammates didn't disappoint and put in a spirited performance. |
| Sri Lanka's second essay with the bat didn't start on a bright note. They lost 4 wickets when they had a mere 1-run lead but the pair of Chandimal and Mendis once again came to the fore with a 117-run stand. Dickwella also played a breezy knock down the order. The target could have been much more had it not been for the special effort of Shannon Gabriel who took a 8-wicket haul, taking his tally for the game to 13. |
| Chasing a target on 296, the home side were jolted early on the final day, courtesy Rajitha's 2 wickets in a space of 3 deliveries. Lakmal looked threatening as well. However, Kraigg Brathwaite and company kept the Lankan bowlers at bay for two and a half sessions. A lot of deliveries went past the outside edge but they didn't budge and managed to draw the second Test. |
| Sri Lanka skipper, Dinesh Chandimal starts by saying that he is happy, especially with the cricket they played throughout the Test Match. Continues by saying that there was a chance of winning the test but its part and parcel of the game. Credits the Windies for there and says that under these conditions, it is really difficult to bat. Further adds that he is happy with the runs he scored but feels they need to get better as a team. Explains the reason for omitting Rangana Herath by saying that |
| Darren Ganga interviews Shannon Gabriel, the Man of the match of for the second Test match. He says it is a great feeling to take 100 wickets. He would like to thank god, family and friends and carry on with the good work. He says that he has been working on his fitness even before the start of the series and getting himself fitter by the day. He adds that he feels good as long as he is getting wickets. Praises his bowling partners Kemar Roach, who he felt was unlucky in this match and Miguel Cu |
| Windies skipper, Jason Holder says that he is happy with the cricket they have played. Probably not their best cricket. Adds that it tough day in the field for them yesterday as Sri Lanka batted really nicely and kept them at bay. Rues the no balls and says that the extra didn't help. Recognizes that they have some work to do and concludes by saying that it has caught their attention and it hasn't gone unnoticed. In the end, says that they will work hard and come back stronger in the next game. |
| That brings us to the end of the second Test! A tame draw eventually but there was a lot of spark in this game. If Sri Lanka didn't waste a couple of hours on Day 3, things could have been different. Well, that is how the game is. Small decisions can change the course completely. Join us for the third and final Test which will begin from 23rd June in Bridgetown at 1400 Local (1800 GMT). Till then, cheers! |
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