Cook(163 not out) props up England

Thushan JAYASURIYA

Left hander Alastair Cook warmed up the second day for England in the three day practice match against Sri Lanka with a superb century off 163 runs including 11 hits to the ropes at R.Premadasa Stadium yesterday.

The tourists were able to pile up a massive score of 303 for eight wickets with the help of Alastair Cook(163 n.o.), Andrew Strauss(40) and Kevin Pietersen (39).A productive partnership between Cook (43) and Strauss(46)for the third wicket helped the visitors to go for a big total

Right arm leg spinner Malinga Bandara claimed 3 for 58 and off spinner Sachitra Serasinghe(2 for 24) with Dilruwan Perera (2 for 84) were the most successful bowlers for the Board XI .

Sri Lankan Board President’s XI seemed to be bit nervous with the patient batting of Alastair Cook. However they managed to bag eight wickets at the close of the day.Alastair Cook(163) and James Anderson(12) who remains at the wicket will resume batting today.

The Match will resume today at 9.45 AM

Sri Lanka Board President’s XI : 169 overnight

England : 303 for 8,(Alastair Cook 163 n.o., Andrew Strauss 40, Kevin Pietersen 39, Malinga Bandara 3 for 58, Sachitra Serasinghe 2 for 24, Dilruwan Perera 2 for 84)