Nuwanidu and Udara score fifties but Lanka ‘A’ trail by 129 runs

• First 4-day unofficial test at Hambantota

Nuwanidu Fernando and Lahiru Udara hit half-century apiece, but Sri Lanka ‘A’ finished the second day of the first four-day unofficial test trailing Australia ‘A’ by 129 runs at Hambantota yesterday.

Replying to Australia ‘A’s first innings total of 379, Sri Lanka ‘A’ ended on 250-8.

Fernando struck 11 fours and a six in his 140-ball knock of 86. Wicketkeeper Lahiru Udara (50 off 62 balls, 5 fours) helped Fernando in a fifth wicket stand of 93.

Todd Murphy, the 21-year-old off-spinner from Victoria troubled the Lankan ‘A’ batsmen picking up four wickets along with left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann who took two for 41.

Australia ‘A’ who batted first were indebted to two century partnerships of 125 between Josh Philippe (94) and Aaron Hardie (62) and 118 between Nathan McAndrew (92) and Mark Steketee (47) for recovering from 98-5 to 379.

The match continues on its third day today.

Scores: 

• Australia ‘A’ 379 (Travis Head 39, Josh Philippe 94, Aaron Hardie 62, Nathan McAndrew 92, Mark Steketee 47, Dilshan Madushanka 4/62, Lakshitha Manasinghe 3/115, Suminda Lakshan 3/59)
• Sri Lanka ‘A’ 250-8 at close (Pabasara Waduge 30, Nuwanidu Fernando 86, Sadeera Samarawickrama 29, Lahiru Udara 50, Lakshitha Manasinghe 21*, Toddy Murphy 4/52, Matthew Kuhnemann 2/41)