Day 1 : SL v WI

Sri Lanka won the first day of the 1st Test match against the West Indies at the Beausejour Stadium. It was an historic day as well as it marked the 75th Anniversary of West Indian cricket and the first Test on the St. Lucian ground. For the West Indies, 18-yr old Jerome Taylor received his first Test cap and Collymore a Test recall. Sri Lankan captain Hashan Tillekeratne won the toss and elected to bat first on yet another dead West Indian pitch.

With the score on just 19, Collymore snared his first Test wicket in 4 years when Jayasuriya was well caught by Banks at gully. Sangakarra and Atapattu then held up the West Indies as they put on 108 runs for the second wicket. Sangakarra was dismissed to a no-shot LBW decision for 56 to Chris Gayle. Jayawardene (45) and Atapattu then put on 68 before the former was brilliantly caught at slip by Lara off Banks.

Tillekeratne (13) dragged the ball on to his stumps of Collymore - the fourth and final Sri Lankan wicket of the day. Atapattu continued onward to score his tenth Test hundred, bringing it up with a lovely cover drive. It was a determined and classy innings from the Sri Lankan vice-captain. When the rains came, there were only two overs remaining in the day's play with Sri Lanka on 250/4. Atapattu ended on 108 not out and Samaweera is there with him on 7.

The West Indian bowling was purposeful at times but lacked penetration. Young Taylor, whilst he did occasionally stray onto legstump, looked technically sound in his bowling but ended with the rather mediocre figures of 0/76. The recalled Collymore was accurate and aggressive and got a bit of reverse swing late in the day's play. He was well rewarded with the pick of the bowling figures - 2/41. Omari Banks also bowled very accurately and impressively in support.

Play resumes at 10 am local time tomorrow (Saturday) morning.

Score Summary:
Sri Lanka 250/4 (Atapattu 108*, Sangakarra 56, Jayawardene 45; Collymore 2/41)

Posted by Liam