Sri Lanka made a fine turn around on the third day of the first Test against West Indies in Antigua after they took a lead of 153 runs in the second innings before the stumps were called.
The visitors wrapped up West Indies first innings quickly on Day 3 after the hosts just managed to add three more runs in their overnight score of 268/8. Sri Lanka later concluded the day’s proceedings at 255/4 nullifying the lead that the Kraigg Brathwaite-led side had taken in the first innings.
Fast bowler Suranga Lakmal scalped a five-wicket haul while Vishwa Fernando and Chameera picked up a couple of wickets each during the course.
The visiting team then had a disappointing start to the second innings after West Indies had an early success. The Sri Lankan side lost captain Dimuth Karunaratne cheaply for 3 but Lahiru Thirimane and Oshada Fernando turned the tables for them and the two put up a stand of 162 runs for the second wicket.
Fernando missed out on a hundred after getting undone by Kyle Mayers. The right-handed batsman was caught behind by Joshua de Silva after edging one from Mayers.
Thirimane notched up 76 before getting cleaned up by Kemar Roach on a length delivery coming into the left-hander.
Sri Lanka then saw a fall of wickets in quick succession before Dhananjaya de Silva and Pathum Nissanka came in for the rescue. De Silva concluded the day’s play at 46* while Nissanka was unbeaten at 21.
Roach and Mayers were the two West Indies bowlers among the wickets. Sri Lanka were earlier bundled out for 169 in the first innings while West Indies managed to score 271, courtesy a half-century from Cornwall.
Mayers later admitted that a couple of early wickets on Day 4 will help them get back on track in this clash.
“I think the wicket is a good one. It’s flattened out nicely,” Mayers said.
“Obviously they had the upper hand today but the game is still evenly poised. We’re still in the game. All we need is two early wickets tomorrow and then we’re in with a chance.”
West Indies would now be looking to get some early breakthroughs to prevent Sri Lanka from posting a big total on the board. De Silva and Nissanka, on the other hand, would seek to build on the partnership they have got. The two batsmen are pretty well set in the middle.