James Taylor stroked a wonderful unbeaten double century to claim his chance on the next England test series as England Lions took the firm control after the 3rd days play of the 2nd unofficial test match against Sri Lanka ‘A’ at Rangiri Dambulla international grounds.
England Lions resumed the day’s proceedings from their overnight score of 291/4 and James Taylor got to his century first thing in the morning after being 99 not out overnight. Johnny Bairstow found safe hands of Roshane Silva when he was 27 runs. James Taylor continued to dominate the inexperienced Sri Lankan ‘A’ bowling attack as he was involved in two half century partnerships for the 6th and 7th wicket with captain Chris Woakes and Scott Borthwick. James Taylor brought up his highest first class score when he went past his previous best of 237. Soon after Taylor’s milestone, England Lions declared their innings giving their bowlers bit more than 110 overs to bowl at the Sri Lankan batsman.
James Taylor and number 9 batsman Liam Plunkett dispatched the Sri Lankan bowlers to all parts of the field in their unbroken 147 run partnership for the 8th wicket which was only from 116 balls. Right hand all rounder Liam Plunkett clobbered the bowling where he made an aggressive 74 runs in 56 balls inclusive of 7 fours and 3 sixes. James Taylor’s 339 ball knock of 242 had 30 elegant boundaries and 2 sixes. Tharindu Kaushal was the only penetrating bowler for Sri Lanka where he took 4 wickets for 140 runs. England Lions declared their innings when they were 605 for 7 in 152 overs.
Sri Lankan openers managed to survive the late evening burst as Upul Tharanga and Dimuth Karunaratne remained rock solid on 36 and 34 unbeaten respectively where they put up 72 runs in 21 overs.
Match will be continued tomorrow.
Brief Scores –
Sri Lanka ‘A’ – 289 all out in 92.2 overs : Roshen Silva 73, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 68, Dimuth Karunaratne 37 ; Graham Onions 4/24, Liam Plunkett 2/37, Scott Borthwick 2/61.
England Lions – 605/7 declared in 152 overs : Sam Robson 142, James Taylor 242*, Liam Plunkett 74* ; Tharindu Kaushal 4/140, Lahiru Gamage 2/108.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ (2nd inn) – 72 for no loss in 21 overs : Upul Tharanga 36, Dimuth Karunaratne 34.
