Sangakkara strikes ton in warm-up

West Indians 110 and 109 for 4 (Marshall 43) drew with Sri Lankan Board President's XI 382 for 9 (Sangakkara 109, Samaraweera 95, Banks 6-146)
Scorecard

Kumar Sangakkara warmed up for next week's two-Test series with a solid ton for the Sri Lankan Board President's XI against the touring West Indians. Sangakkara slammed 109 as the Board XI declared at 382 for 9 in the two-day practice game, which ended in a draw at the Nondescripts ground.

West Indies, who were bowled out for a meagre 110 in the first innings, were 109 for 4 in their second innings at the close of play. Apart from Sangakkara, Thilan Samaraweera, the middle-order batsman, also found some form, scoring 95 off 146 deliveries, adding 154 for the third wicket with Sangakkara.

Sangakkara's hundred came off 147 deliveries with 12 fours and a six. The Sri Lankan captain, Marvan Atapattu, who was unbeaten on 78 overnight, did not resume his innings due to flu. The Sri Lankan players who will feature in the Test series gained valuable match practice with the exception of Mahela Jayawardene, who was out without scoring.

The only positive for West Indies was Omari Banks, the offspinner, who claimed 6 for 146. Xavier Marshall spent some valuable time at the crease, making 43 in the second innings, but West Indies' top-order will enter the first Test, which begins on July 13 at the Sinhalese Sports Club, seriously short of form.