Westley, Doeschate save Essex

Elmo Rodrigopulle reporting from England

A third wicket partnership of 126 between Tom Westley 63 and Doschate 69 saved the blushes for Essex after they had lost 3 wickets for 24 against Sri Lanka on the second day of their three-day match and took them to 150 for 3 with tea approaching at the time of our going to press at the County Ground, here today.

In reply to Sri Lanka's 337 for 9 declared, Essex was shocked by two good spells from Thissara Perera and Faveez Maharoof with the no ball. Goldeman went LBW to Maharoof for 5, Pettini for no score to Perera and Bopara to Maharoof for 5 and were 24 for 3.

To recap- When the match continued after rain stopped play after 59.3 overs were bowled, it would have delighted the batsman Kumar Sangakkara himself and the selectors on tour when the stylish left hander completed his first three figure score on tour.

In the first Two Tests in Cardiff and at Lord's, the big scoring Sangakkara could not get a move on. It would have been frustrating to him and a worry to the team management. Sangakkara is a vital cog in the batting line up.

On his previous tours here, he could not get among the runs and maintain his big scoring act which he is renowned for. But against Essex he came good and with the final Test beginning at the Rose Bowl in Southampton next week, this long innings should give him the confidence and the impetus to strike.

Against the Essex attack, he put on display all his signature shots. His timing and getting in line with ball was all back, and his cover drives were shots to behold. He was involved in a massive stand of 152 with Lahiru Thirimanne 104 retired for the second wicket after Tharanga Paranavitana went for 27 at 71.

The Sri Lankans went to close on the first day at 324 for 4 with Sangakkara on 148 and Dinesh Chandimal on 6. There was a collapse of sorts with Chandimal going for 16, Thilan Samaraweera who is leading Sri Lanka in this game for no score, Prasanna Jayawardena for 6 and Suraj Randiv for 3, Sangakkara for 153,Thissara Perera and Ajantha Mendis for no score and declared at 337 for 9 in 90.2 overs.

Sangakkara's confidence boosting knock came to an end at 153. He had a long stay at the wicket lasting 256 minutes, facing 202 balls and hitting 23 fours and a six. Sri Lanka collapsed sensationally this morning losing 5 wickets for 13 runs.