ZIMBABWE'S BOWLERS PROSPER ON SECOND MORNING

Zimbabwe declared overnight on 319 for six, thereby giving themselves further batting practice on the third day - possibly even earlier if they continue to pick their way through the Sri Lankan Board XI in the afternoon.

At lunch the young Board XI side were 80 for three after 30 overs, with schoolboy Jevan Mendis, making his debut, on 19 and Ramya Kumara on 10.

The tourists had only come into the game with three frontline bowlers – Henry Olonga, Gary Brent and Brian Murphy – which makes their disciplined performance this morning even more encouraging for the management.

Olonga did enough to guarantee his selection for the first Test next week, picking up two wickets in his two morning spells.

He made the initial breakthrough when he clean bowled the talented Ian Daniel (1) with the new ball and then grabbed the third wicket of Chamara Silva (26) who was well caught by Grant Flower at third slip in his second spell.

In-between medium pacer Gary Brent plugged away earnestly. He was eventually rewarded for his efforts when skipper Pradeep Hewage (20), the most experienced batsman in the side, drove a catch straight to Gavin Rennie in the covers.

After the loss of the third wicket, with the score on 53, Mendis and Kumara added 27 runs. Mendis, just 19, looked particularly well organized and assured for such an inexperienced player.

© CricInfo

Date-stamped : 22 Dec2001 - 19:08