Queenslander Andy Smotes SL

A punishing century from paceman Andy Bichel, which included seven sixes, and another top order collapse by the tourists (62-4), has put Queensland in a strong position at stumps on day two of their three day match against Sri Lanka.

The Bulls had finished on a precarious 60-4 at the end of the first day, on a pitch which favoured the quick bowlers. Losing their top order; Jimmy Maher 4, Ryan Broad 12, Chris Simpson 0, and Andrew Symonds 22.

The Sri Lankans had also struggled in their first innings in the face of the Queensland four prong pace attack, led by Ashley Noffke, who claimed the impressive figures of 5-36, and well supported by Mitchell Johnson 1-39, and Michael Kasprowicz 2-28.

At one stage on day one the tourists were 45-5, but a late order rescue from wicket keeper Prasanna Jayawardene 58 not out guided Sri Lanka to 210-9 declared. The innings of the day however came from opener Marvan Atapattu who showed great judgment and a fine technique against the seaming ball to post a quality 48.

On day two Queensland slipped to 89-5 early, and but for a dropped catch and a missed run out would have claimed Bichel before he had reached 50. After reaching his half century, Bichel decided to open his arms to devastating effect and with the support of Mitchell Johnson (50), put the Bulls in a strong position to win the match.

Sri Lanka first innings 9 wkts dec 210
Prasanna Jayawardene 58, Marvan Atapattu 48
Ashley Noffke 5-36, Michael Kasprowicz 2-28

Queensland first innings 295
Andy Bichel 125, Mitchell Johnson 50
Farveez Maharoof 3-72, Sanath Jayasuriya 2-25

Sri Lanka second innings 62-4
Michael Vandort 26, Mahela Jayawardene 22*
Ashley Noffke 2-8, Andy Bichel 1-10