Michael Vaughan : 3 wickets
Photo CricInfo
The Sri Lankan Board President's XI have forced a draw on the final day of their game against England, but not before the tourists raised hopes of an unexpected victory in the last session of play.
Four wickets fell for 21 runs as the English spinners applied pressure immediately after the post-tea drinks interval.
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Michael Vaughan : 3 wickets Photo CricInfo |
Hashan Tillakaratne was the first batsman to fall after the break, as he became the first of three wickets for Michael Vaughan. Alec Stewart caught him behind, as he reached forward to a turning off spinner. He scored 12 from 29 balls.
Eight balls later Jeevantha Kulatunga charged down the wicket as was easily stumped by Alec Stewart for a third ball duck to leave the Sri Lankan's on 174 for five.
Muthumudalige Pushpakumara joined Dilshan and the pair added 16 runs before he was bowled as he shouldered arms to Michael Vaughan. The very next ball Niroshan Bandaratilleke was caught at silly point first ball to leave the Sri Lankan's on 190 for seven.
All the while Tillakaratne Dilshan continued to play his shots and finished unbeaten on 115, his second hundred in successive matches against England, containing 11 fours and two sixes. His selection for the Test Match is now assured.
Fernando joined Dilshan, and their undefeated partnership of 44 steered the Sri Lankan side to safety.
Vaughan finished with 3-25 to add to his match figures of 4-11 in Colombo, to add considerable weight to his case for Test selection.
Earlier, heavy rain delayed the start of play on the final day, England declared on their overnight total of 418-7 - a lead of 165. This enabled the bowlers to have a final workout as they tried to force victory against the Board President's XI.
Caddick and Hoggard tested the Sri Lankan batsman with plenty of short-pitched bowling, before Caddick induced an edge from Gunawardene that flew to Trescothick at second slip.
Croft followed up by having Ruwin Peiris taken in the slips by Hussain, but England's progress was halted by a 63-run partnership before Croft struck again, Vaughan clinging onto a chance from Sunendra Kumara Peiris.
Tillakaratne Dilshan, however, has made batting look straightforward, striking five fours and a six in his unbeaten half-century.
There was a moment of concern for the tourists when Ashley Giles left the field for further treatment on his Achilles tendon injury. However, he soon returned and has been able to resume bowling, as well as fielding at cover-point.
Although unable to extend their inning overnight, England can take much satisfaction form their final chance at batting practise before the first Test.
All the batsmen have now spent some time at the crease, and although White was denied the chance to complete a well-deserved century, the English management will be delighted that he has again illustrated his all-round effectiveness at this level.
© CricInfo Ltd.
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