Opener Nishan Madushka’s marathon innings of 207 helped Sri Lanka ‘A’ pile on a massive second innings total of 580 for 3 wickets at close of the third day’s play in the first four-day unofficial Test match against England Lions played at Galle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

The 23-year-old right-hander Madushka played an anchor role to build up the innings with more confidence. A former Moratu MV cricketer and present Ragama SC wicketkeeper-batsman once again gave a good display and also gave national selectors a nudge before the New Zealand Test series which will commence on March 9 in Christchurch.

Madushka was left on 91 not out yesterday and completed his well-deserved century in the first session. He continued his good form to build up his innings as a superb Test cricketer. He slammed an unbeaten double century (203) in 370 balls with 24 fours and 2 sixes. His magnificent knock was highly praised by Chairman of the Selectors Committee Promodya Wickramasinghe, who was at the game.

“They didn’t bat very well and were bowled out for just 136 runs in the first innings but they learned their lessons and built up the innings very well while their positive approach always gives them a commanding position after the third day’s play”, said Promodya.

“Madushka and Manasinghe were involved in a 119-run second wicket partnership while young Manasinghe who is mainly used as an off spinner scored a fighting knock of 73 in 107 balls with 11 fours and 2 sixes as a night-watchman which was very significant”, added Promodya.

“We have a good plan to make a second-string team and we can see the success, especially against experienced English bowlers at Galle. The new competition will be a key component in the selection process and in picking the best players for the National team. We want to see this level of competitiveness among players to give the chance to the most deserving players. Especially we have planned to give more grass wickets to give good batting practice before the New Zealand tour”, said Promodya.

Madushka also put three important partnerships with night-watchman Lakshitha Manasinghe, Nuwanidu Fernando, and skipper Nipun Dhananjaya while all three batsmen completed their half-centuries to build up a massive total.

Madushka and Nuwanidu Fernando added a further 113 runs third wicket stand. Nuwanidu who got National ODI status recently, scoring 80 in 90 balls came on with an aggressive approach hitting 11 fours and 2 sixes but was bowled by off-spinner Jack Carson.

Skipper Nipun Dhanajaya joined Madushka to continue their batting display and at the end of day 3, Madushaka achieved his milestone and Nipun Dhananjaya made an unbeaten 89 in 113 balls and hit 15 fours. He also added an unbroken 145-run fourth wicket stand. Sri Lanka lead with 249 runs and are expected to continue the innings on the final day.

England Lions used six bowlers while three bowlers Liam Patterson, Jack Carson and Tom Abell shared one wicket each.

Chief scores:

Sri Lanka ‘A’: 136 and 580 for 3 wickets at close (Nishan Madushka 207*, Oshada Fernando 114, Lakshitha Manasinghe 73, Nuwanidu Fernando 80, Nipun Dhananjaya 89*)

England Lions: 467.