Sri Lankan bad boy stars

Opener Danushka Gunathilaka has given Sri Lankan cricket its share of headaches in the past 18 months but those eased a fraction with a timely, rapid knock in their only first test shakedown yesterday.

The free-scoring left-hander, who was suspended during the July series against South Africa for breaking a team curfew, hit 83 off 77 balls in a rare bright period for the tourists on day two of their three-day match against a New Zealand XI in Napier.

Gunathilaka’s knock against a young development side picked from players not required for Plunket Shield saw Sri Lanka reach 160-2 in their second innings, a lead of 100 entering the final day at McLean Park.

More importantly it probably ensured Gunathilaka’s spot to partner vice-captain Dimuth Karunaratne in the first test against New Zealand on what’s certain to be a green, bouncy Basin Reserve pitch on Saturday.

His selection rival, Lahiru Thirimanne, was dismissed late in the day by Canterbury spinner Blake Coburn for 45 after scoring six in the first innings. Gunathilaka has regularly fallen foul of officialdom. Last year ESPNCricinfo reported he was suspended for six limited overs matches for missing a training session, turning up to a match without his gear, and an indifferent attitude towards training during a home series against India.

Sri Lanka’s four-pronged pace attack hardly overpowered their fresh-faced opponents as Sandeep Patel topscored with 69 and Katene Clarke chimed in with 46 off 53 balls.

Speedster Dushmantha Chameerahad 1-60 off 12 overs. Their two spinners had the most success with Dilruwan Perera and Lakshan Sandakan each taking two wickets.

❚ A familiar face has joined the Sri Lankan side in New Zealand, with former Black Caps coach Steve Rixon confirmed as their new fielding coach. (Danushka Gunathilaka 83, Lahiru Thirimanne 45) met New Zealand XI 270-8 dec (Sandeep Patel 69, Katene Clarke 46, Max Chu 33no, Peter Younghusband 31no; Dilruwan Perera 2-30, Lakshan Sandakan 2-67).