Related Link : Sri Lanka’s Tour of Australia 2007/08
Sanath Jayasuriya scored a ferocious hundred in Sri Lanka’s drawn three-day match against Cricket Australia Chairman’s XI at the Adelaide Oval. In what was the first match of the tour, the Sri Lankans had a decent outing with the batsmen getting amongst the runs.
The Sri Lankans after winning the toss, decided to bat first to pile up 368 for 6 declared with Sanath Jayasuriya top scoring with 154 in just 153 balls (16 fours and 6 sixes). He put on a terrific opening stand with former Captain Marvan Atappatu, who made a cautious 56 in 140 balls. In reply, the young Chairman’s XI side gave a fitting reply putting on 409. South Australia’s Tom Plant got 124 to control the innings. The Sri Lankan team had a big blow on the second day when rookie quick bowler Chanaka Welegedara returned back to the pavilion after sending down just six overs because of a quadriceps injury. Muttiah Muralitharan had a long bowl sending down 44 overs in which he took four wickets at the cost of 122 runs. Maharoof and Fernando picked up two wickets each. The Sri Lankans had rested Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga for this match.
The match ended in a draw with Sri Lanka posting 125 for 3 with Skipper Mahela Jayawardene scoring 52. Thilan Samaraweera, who made 71 in the first innings continued his good touch making an unbeaten 41. Both Atapattu and Vandort who had got half centuries in the first essay had got dismissed cheaply this time round.