Kusal, Niroshan shine for SL against Essex

Kusal Mendis counterattacked after Sri Lanka lost early wickets - Getty Images

Niroshan Dickwella drives through the off side- Getty Images

Kusal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella did well for Sri Lanka in their UK tour opening match against Essex yesterday.

Kusal scored 66 and Niroshan struck 53 to help Sri Lanka reach 254 in the first innings of the 3-day match. 

The opening pair of Karunanaratne and Silva went off cheaply with 16 runs on the board. Captain Angelo Mathews hit 30 and Dinesh Chandimal scored 27. 

For Essex, Aaron Beard making his first class debut, took 4 for 62 whilst T.C Moore took 3 for 48.

In their reply Essex was 80 for 1.