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Day 3: Sri Lanka Fight Back

Monday, July 12 2004

Elegant batsman and Sri Lankan captain, Marvan Atapattu charged his way to a glorious century and was the main factor in Sri Lanka's renewed fight against Australia.

Day three began with slight damp and drizzling conditions, but the pitch was still as good for batting as yesterday. Atapattu's sublime strokeplay and beautiful cover drives got him close to his century.

With support from Mahela Jayawardene, Atapattu completed his elegantly crafted century and led the Sri Lankan fightback. Atapattu was graceful yet determined, and he fell for a sublime 133 to Glen McGrath's persistent bowling.

All rounder Thilan Samaraweera who averages close to 60 in test cricket accompanied Jayawardene in the middle. Jayawarene however didn't last much longer, returning a catch to Michael Kasprowicz, as he was dismissed for a well made 43.

Young rising star, Tillekeratne Dilshan combined with Samaraweera to edge the score past the 300 mark. Both were determined, yet positive as the run rate stayed above the 3 runs per over mark.

Shane Warne edged closer to the bowling world record as he dismissed Dilshan for 35. Dilshan was looking good, but once again failed to carry on. The ever solid Samaraweera joined forces with the aggressive little Sri Lankan wicketkeeper, Romesh Kaluwitharana and the two pushed the score past the 400 mark.

Australia's bowling was starting to look slightly jaded, but still the Australian's kept coming and the Sri Lankan's were up to the task. At the end of day's play Samaraweera reached his half century and was unbeaten on 53, whilst Kaluwitharana was unbeaten on 30.

Day three was clearly dominated by the Sri Lankan's, day four promises to be just as exciting and a day which will be action packed.

Log on to http://www.cricketweb.net for the Day Four Review.

Brief Score Summary:

End of Day 3

Australia (1st Innings): 517 All Out

Sri Lanka (1st Innings): 5/411 (Atapattu 133, Sangakkara 74, Samaraweera 53*, Warne 2/117, McGrath 1/64)

Posted by Sangrah