Brillant come back from Mahela and Mathews, would have been nice for some more runs from the lower order. But any lead is good lead. Hearth once again nabs a wicket just when we need it.
Re: Migara and Cribbs from 10 pages back before the all one line dribble, regarding Mathews batting position and Chandimal.
I don't necessary disagree that Mathews would do a good job at opening as he is better against pace then spin and he has the technique to succeed as a opener. So would Jayawardene if that was the main logic required.
Yes it would mean freeing up a middle order spot to get in Chandimal. But this one the reasons innings is why we need him down the order because of his ability to rescue the team if we lose a couple wickets.
Also if he opened the a batting and started to bowl more regularly. He would be injured every five minutes like Watson. His best position for the overall team is 4-6.
Yes Chandimal needs to be in the side someone where, as he is too good to sit on the bench. But that position for time being is as keeper at 7. Yes Prassana has done a brilliant job, but he will never be more then a low 30s keeper. There comes a point when you have to start picking someone that can take your team forward, rather then rely one someone because they have done a decent job.
I know they openers have yet to really show their potential at International level and the previous openers have been poor. So it seems a easy spot to put in a new batsmen or push someone up the order. But if players are scoring runs heavily in a certain position at domestic level, they deserve an extended run. It is not as if we are trying to promote 35 FC average openers like Tharanga, Vandort or Warupura. These guys are averaging in their mid 40s and deserve an extended run. The last opener to average that in domestic cricket was Atapattu. Not saying these guys anywhere near that standard, but surely if your performing at that level, you deserve a chance. Though for Paranavitana that chance may be over after this Test series, unless he scores a hundred soon.