Superb century by Lahiru

Stylish left hander Lahiru Thirimanne hit a grand century 104 and retired against Essex at the Chelmsford County Ground to book a slot to open if Dilshan is unavailable for the Final Test against England. His century came in 160 balls with 15 fours.

In all he batted for 218 minutes and hit 17 fours and was involved in a second wicket stand of 152 with Sangakkara. The selectors would have been happy with his form.

At the time of our going to press, Sri Lanka was 231 for 2 in 59.3 overs when rain stopped play.

Also into form was Kumar Sangakkara who made his first 50 on tour in 70 balls with 9 fours. At the stoppage he was unbeaten on 85 with 14 fours and with him was Dinesh Chandimal on 4.

The Sri Lankan cricketers who are using this game against Essex to get the right mix for the final Test against England, went to lunch on 53 without losing a wicket against Essex at the County Ground.

At the moment, the chances of Captain Tillekeratne Dilshan playing in the all-important Final Test looking bleak, the selectors gave Lahiru Thirimanne the chance to show form and prove his credentials to play in place of Dilshan.

Dilshan had his name etched in the honours room board at Lord’s for his 193 against England in the Second Test. That was great for a Sri Lankan, especially because Dilshan was captain.

Sri Lanka won the toss and took first strike and Thirimanne, a stylish left hand bat, rated one of the best young batsmen in Sri Lanka, and adventurous batsman, did not show any nerves in partnering Tharanga Paranavitana and taking the team to lunch without loss.

While Paranavitana was the aggressive, Thirimanne who was the cynosure of all eyes, did not take any risks, but was content to get his eye in and play an innings that will give him the necessary confidence if he plays in the final Test.

Paranavitana who has been enjoying a harvest of runs on tour, was again quickly into his stride playing his superb cover drives and looking good for another big innings. None of the Essex bowlers could trouble the two batsmen.

But after lunch Paranavitana did not last long bring out for 27 with the score on71. He hit 4 fours. Skipper Kumar Sangakkara joined Thirimanne who was middling the ball confidently.

Essex rested England opener and vice captain Alastair Cook. Ravi Bopara who just missed making it to the England team, being piped by Eoin Morgan is playing and is determined to make a big score and catch the eyes of the England selectors who are expected to announce the Test squad on Sunday morning.

Sri Lanka left out Mahela Jayawardena, Suraga Lakmal and Rangana Herath and Chanaka Welegedera who played in the drawn Second Test at Lord’s and gave Ajantha Mendis, Suraj Randiv, Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Thirimanne a go.

Chelmsford, Essex, Friday