Smith, Bravo Score Fifties In Pallekele

Smith, Bravo Score Fifties In Pallekele

Devon Smith celebrated his recall with a half-century

©Action Images / Reuters / Andy Clark Picture Supplied by Action Images

West Indies 135-2 (DM Bravo 64no) v Sri Lanka
Third Test, Pallekele, day one
Scorecard

The West Indies had the better of a shortened opening day of the third and final Test against Sri Lanka in Pallekele as half-centuries from Devon Smith and Darren Bravo saw them close on 135 for two.

Darren Bravo was unbeaten on 64 as he registered his third half-century of the series and Smith marked his recall to the side in the absence of Adrian Barath by making 55.

The two players put on 115 for the second wicket after the West Indies lost Chris Gayle without scoring when he was trapped in front by Suranga Lakmal from the first ball of the match and the first ball bowled in international cricket at the new Pallekele stadium.

Sri Lanka had to wait for another 32 overs before they struck again to remove Smith, who faced 99 deliveries before he was trapped in front by slow bowler Ajantha Mendis having hit seven fours.

Bravo continued his progress, aided when Mahela Jayawardene dropped a simple chance, to close having faced 111 balls and hit nine fours.

Alongside him at stumps, called after just 40 overs, was Shivnarine Chanderpaul on 11.

The series, which has been blighted by bad weather, is level at 0-0.

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