Roshen Silva steers SL to 46-run lead

Sri Lanka's Roshen Silva celebrates after scoring a half-century during the second day of the second Test match between Sri Lanka and England at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on 15 November – AFP 

By Shamseer Jaleel reporting from Pallekelle

Fine half-centuries by Roshen Silva (85), Dimuth Karunaratne (63) and Dhananjaya De Silva (59) helped Sri Lanka to make a bold reply of 336 runs against England in their Second Test end of day 2 at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium yesterday. England scored 290 runs on the initial day.

Sri Lanka secured a crucial 46 run lead following which England batted for a solitary over without losing a wicket. 

Sri Lanka resuming from their overnight score of 26/1 lost their night watchman, Malinda Pushpakumara for 4 putting the hosts under pressure at 31/2. But a steady 3rd wicket partnership between Dhananjaya De Silva and Dimuth Karunaratne for 96 runs took Sri Lanka out of danger. 

Both batted with a lot of authority not giving any chance for the Englishmen. In fact, Dimuth was in cracking form putting away the loose deliveries with ease. Dhananjaya De Silva went for an unnecessary quick single and gave away Dimuth Karunratne’s wicket through a runout. It was excellent fielding by Stokes who threw down the stumps. 

Dimuth for his 63 stroked four elegant boundaries. Kushal Mendis continued his weak form with another disappointing inning by scoring only 1 run. Sri Lanka went for lunch on day 2 at 139 for 4 with Dhananjaya batting on 57. Both spinners Leach and Moeen were threatening in their spin bowling.

Soon after lunch, Dhananjaya lost his wicket for 59 putting Sri Lanka in a spot of bother at 146 for 5. He hit 6 beautiful boundaries in his knock. Both Angelo Mathews and Roshen Silva put on 19 runs but though Angelo got a start he too lost his wicket for 19 leaving Sri Lanka at 165 for 6. Both Roshen and Dickwella batted confidentially bringing Sri Lanka’s 200 in the 50th over. 

Once again another fine partnership between Roshen and Dickwella who put on 46 runs but Dickwella who was impatient in his knock tried to cross bat and was given out LBW for 25 runs. A batsman with a lot of potential but needs to apply into his batting for long test innings which still lacks in Dickwella. Sri Lanka took tea at 244 for 7.

Soon after tea, Sri Lanka lost Dilruwan Perera’s wicket, leaving at 252 for 8. Akila Dhananjaya and Roshen Silva put on another valuable 56 runs for the 9th wicket. Dananjaya was trapped LBW by Moeen Ali. Roshen Silva the former Joes player batted with a lot of application and authority building his innings with a lot of confidence. His innings consisted with 4 boundaries and one huge six. He went for quick runs and lost his wicket at 85. Both Leach and Rashid took 3 wickets apiece. Out of the 20 wickets to fall in both the day’s spinners dominated proceedings by capturing 18 of those wickets. A penalty of 5 runs was awarded for England’s 1st innings as the batsmen (Roshen) deliberately running short. England first innings total was increased to 290 runs. 

Meanwhile England skipper, Jo Root thanked the English crowd for their support. Around 100 of them lost out on staying at Earls Regency Hotel and were moved to another Hotel in Matale where they have to spend nearly two hours on the road give way for both England and Sri Lankan teams to stay at the closer Earls Regency Hotel. This is due to the overbooking taken in by the hotel management. 

Police escort, free transport, and meals were provided for these spectators to and from the ground to Hotel on all five days of the match at Pallekelle.