Sri Lanka close in on series win

England’s chances of levelling the series continued to fade into a virtual impossibility as Sri Lanka set about building a healthy first innings total, ending day two on 384-6 thanks to another wonderful performance from captain Mahela Jayawardene who finished unbeaten on 149.

Tillakaratne Dilshan returning to the Test fold combined in a 149 run partnership for the fifth wicket with his skipper, making a polished 84. Chaminda Vaas also offered plentiful support to Jayawardene, their current partnership is worth 97, as England’s frustrations grew immeasurably.

It has been one of the stories of England’s tour, the inability to look capable of ceasing the moment and snaring 20 Sri Lankan wickets. At the start of today’s play Sri Lanka were struggling on 147-4, and when play did get underway, an hour later than scheduled due to overnight rain, England had a window of opportunity to put some real pressure on the hosts.

That was not to happen, as Jayawardene continued from where he had left off the previous day and Dilshan eased his way into Test cricket.

With England needing to win this game it was absolutely necessary that any half chances that presented themselves would have to be snaffled, that also was not to be as keeper Matt Prior offered lives to both Jayawardene on 66 and Dilshan on 54. The latter also received two further reprieves when on 7 and 31, Alastair Cook was one culprit spilling an admittedly sharp chance in gully, while Ravi Bopara could not hold on to a well struck drive at cover. On pitches that can often be described as lifeless in Sri Lanka it is chances of this type that must stick if the tourists are to enjoy the success of winning a Test series.

Jayawardene continued his innings in his own stylish, non-fussy way, picking his gaps, punishing the loose ball and most impressively, when he gets set he ensures his score represents his good form with a big innings. Another problem for England this series has been the lack of big first innings scores, Jayawardene invariably converts his starts and cashes in while he is feeling good.

Dilshan was batting positively and if he was under any extra pressure on his return, he showed no visible signs, driving and cutting with authority.

England thought they had their man Dilshan when he appeared to get a glove to a ball down the leg side off Hoggard, Prior did complete the catch but umpire Daryl Harper gave not out.

Jayawardene had reached 99 when he dropped the ball down in close and Dilshan accepted the chance of a quick single, it was to prove his downfall as Cook moved in swiftly and with a direct hit removed the chance for Dilshan to make a century of his own.

England did not have to wait too long for their next wicket, medium pacer Bopara got an outside edge from Prasanna Jayawardene and Prior did the rest. That was, however, England’s last success of the day as Vaas and Jayawardene played on a weary England and showed no signs of letting up soon.

Ryan Sidebottom once again bowled wholeheartedly without any luck, while Monty Panesar’s poor wicket taking return continued, he finished the day wicketless after his 24 first innings overs.

It must seem like a long series for England and unless the bad weather that has been forecasted brings a premature end to the game, then the next three days could feel even longer.