Email Us Forum Mail Article Print Article

NTCM XI v SL: Day 1

Friday, June 25 2004

Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI captain Justin Langer tuned up for the opening Test match against the touring Sri Lankans next week with a fine century on day 1 of the tour match in Darwin.

Winning the toss, Langer opened the innings as the home side slumped to 2/4, with local opener Ian Redpath and Test batsman Simon Katich both falling for ducks to highly impressive speedster Lasith Malinga.

Malinga continued to pose problems for the Northern Territory XI, finishing the day with 4 wickets as he claimed Kenneth Skewes and Martin Brown (44) as stumps closed in.

Rhett Bowden added 75 from number 4 as Langer continued his recent good run against the Sri Lankans with a typically paced 151 in preparation for the first Test. On Wednesday, Langer was thrown into doubt for the match after copping 2 blows on his foot during training.

Darren Treumer finished the day on 49 following the dismissal of Brown on the final delivery of play. Glenn McGrath, taking his place in the Territory side, will hope to entertain the crowd tomorrow in an effort to gain further match fitness ahead of the Tests.

Progress Score: Stumps Day 1

Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI 7/364 (J Langer 151, R Bowden 75, D Treumer 49*, M Brown 44; L Malinga 4/75)

Posted by Andre