Jayasuriya, Atapattu in record stand

KANDY, JUNE 29. Centuries by Marvan Atapattu and Sanath Jayasuriya in a record 335-run opening stand steered Sri Lanka to a formidable 449 for five on the second day of the third and final Test against Pakistan here on Thursday.

Atapattu remained unconquered on 199 having blunted the Pakistan attack for a marathon 649 minutes, while Jayasuriya scored 188 at the Asgiriya international stadium here.

Their 335-run stand was the fifth best ever, and easily broke the Sri Lankan record for first-wicket of 159 set by Sidath Wettimuny and Ravi Ratnayeke against India at Kanpur in 1986-87.

The last occasion an opening pair figured in a triple century partnership was 11 years ago when Australians Geoff Marsh and Mark Taylor put on 329 against England at Nottingham.

Both Atapattu and Jayasuriya made use of some poor catching by the Pakistanis on an unhelpful pitch, to forge their big stand. Jayasuriya, playing in his 50th test was missed four times between 50 and 140.

He notched his sixth Test century and his first for two years, batting for 467 minutes. He faced 357 balls and hit two sixes and 17 fours.

Jayasuriya was struck a blow on his right index finger by Waqar Younis before he edged a catch to second slip off the following over bowled by Abdur Razzaq. Atapattu, the passive partner, made full use of misses at 37 and 66 on the way to his fourth Test century. He has faced 450 balls and hit 19 fours and a six.

- AFP

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