Silva strengthens Test claim on day one

Wednesday, 9 October 2013 00:55 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

ESPNCricinfo: Wicketkeeper-batsman Kaushal Silva’s year in domestic cricket began to encroach on the extraordinary, as he struck his fourth first-class ton in as many matches, on the first day of the four-day tri-series in Colombo. His 125 at the P Sara Oval led the Board XI to 352 for 4 at stumps, against the Development XI, with Kumar Sangakkara also hitting 107.

Silva, 27, had top-scored in Sri Lanka’s regular first-class competition, and has also hit three centuries in four matches for the Sri Lanka A team, since June. His 1687 first-class runs have come at 80.33, and is now in serious contention for a place in the Sri Lanka Test squad for the year-end tour in the UAE. He has not prospered in the three Tests he has played so far, however, the last of which was in December 2011. Silva opened the innings alongside Dimuth Karunaratne, who was bowled by Shaminda Eranga for 20, before Silva and Sangakkara put on 195 for the second wicket. Sangakkara dominated the scoring, as he hit 13 fours and a six during an innings in which he struck at 84. Silva put on a further 57 alongside Mahela Jayawardene, before edging Eranga behind. Mahela hit 54 before being dismissed by Lahiru Gamage, and Prasanna Jayawardene and Angelo Mathews remained unbeaten at stumps. Eranga, who bowled 19 overs in the day, was the best of the Development XI’s bowlers, taking 2 for 60, with Gamage and Malinda Pushpakumara taking one scalp apiece.