Pushpakumara's century rescues Sri Lankan u-19s

Muthumudalige Pushpakumara's timely century helped the Sri Lankan under-19 team to recover and post a fighting second innings total. Sri Lanka ended the third day at 268 for eight in the second `Test' against the England under-19s at Northampton.

Pushpakumara's unbeaten 125, which included 13 boundaries, came at a time when the visitors were in dire straits as the Englishmen reduced them to 74 for six. With Kausbal Lokuarachchi (63), Pushpakumara added 129 for the seventh wicket and helped the tourists recover and put Sri Lanka in command.

Sri Lanka made a disastrous start in their second innings losing Daniels for 0, Gajanayake for 4, Kandamby for 1, Mubarak for 0, Perera for 33 and Weeraratne for 10. For England Murtagh was the successful bowler taking 3 for 36. The Sri Lankan team now leads by 291 runs, a total which looks challenging for the England side. The pitch also seems to be offering some assistance to the spinners.

Earlier, England resuming at their overnight score of 222 for six added further 4 runs before being all out for 263. For the Sri Lankan team, Dhammika ended with figures of 5 for 59. He was ably supported by Pushpakumara (2 for 36) and Kandamby (2 for 40).