Dinesh Chandimal’s unbeaten hundred dragged Sri Lanka to a first-innings total of 253 on day one of the second Test against Windies.
Chandimal’s 119no defied a Windies attack spearheaded by Shannon Gabriel, who claimed 5-59 at the Darren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia, while Kemar Roach finished with 4-49.
Openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Devon Smith then safely negotiated two overs before stumps, which the home side reached on 2-0.
Chandimal, badly missed by Smith at slip off Miguel Cummins when only on 14, grew in confidence and resolve to strike his 11th Test century.
He received solid support from the lower order, especially Kasun Rajitha, the fast-medium bowler who was one of two debutants in a Sri Lankan side showing four changes from the team comprehensively beaten by 226 runs in the first Test in Trinidad.
The most controversial of the changes was the omission of veteran left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, although it was not clear if his omission was because of poor form or, as the selectors had hinted prior to the series, that he would be rested from one of the three matches.
Chandimal’s innings spanned five hours and occupied 186 deliveries with 10 fours and one six.
Sky Sports
