Tame draw as Sri Lanka get much needed practice

Thanks to the rain, which washed out three sessions on the first two days, and a two-paced flat pitch, the match between Sri Lanka and a Rest of South Africa XI petered out into a tame draw at the Lenasia Cricket Stadium.

Sri Lanka declared their first innings on 336 for five after good contributions from Mahela Jayawardene (76), Hashan Tillakaratne (79*) and Hasantha Fernando (57*). The South African bowlers had toiled long and hard, with Garnett Kruger (1/81) and Jon Kent (2/32) the pick.

The South Africans replied with 392, thanks primarily to a fine 146 from Davey Jacobs. Dropped on 43, he was most aggressive against the bowling of Muttiah Muralitharan, taking 67 from the 60 balls he received from the wrist spinner, who finished with figures of 31-1-136-3.

Ruchira Perera was most impressive among the rest of the bowlers, taking 2/65, with Fernando angling for his first Test call-up with 1/34.

Sri Lanka started their second innings with less than a day to go. Having been restricted, due to the wet conditions in the Johannesburg area, to indoor nets, their batsmen enjoyed a welcome practice session.

Russel Arnold, who had failed on three occasions, showed that time at the crease might be the best remedy. His timing improved as his innings progressed, and he looked set for a hundred when he chased one outside the off to be caught behind for 98.

Marvan Atapattu, also caught behind for 81, showed that he could be a thorn in South African flesh in the Test series. Seldom playing the ball in the air, he showed solid defence and played some classy cover drives in his 12 boundaries.

Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara also made the most of the flat pitch. Both were uncharacteristically defensive, but after Sangakkara went to his fifty he unleashed a flurry of shots, including consecutive fours and a six off James Henderson.

The moribund game was called off 30 minutes early with Sri Lanka 265/2, a lead of 209, with Sangakkara on 61. The Sri Lanka coach, Dav Whatmore, was pleased with his players' performance, which sets them up well for the Wanderers Stadium on Friday.