Bowling looks a worry for Sri Lanka ahead of Test

Sri Lanka’s struggle to bowl out the team that is lying at the bottom of the championship table this season, having lost five of the six matches they have played in the county championships, was a bit alarming

Sri Lankans could not make the best of the only chance they had before for the crucial first Test against England at Lord’s, when the four-day tour match against Northamptonshire ended in a draw at Northampton yesterday.

The third day’s play was called off even before lunch due to a morning shower, and Sri Lanka could not have any action despite bright sunshine in the evening.

Then yesterday, Sri Lankan bowlers struggled to bowl out the home side despite Northamptonshire being not the strongest country side this season in England.

Scottish international player Rob Keogh scored a century and kept the Sri Lankans at bay as Northamptonshire went onto make 345, only the second time they have passed 300 in a first class game this season in seven matches. Keogh who began the day on 26, faced 201 balls and hit 18 boundaries to make 120 and lead the resistance of the home side which started the final day on 146 for 5. Medium paceman Dhammika Prasad and spinner Dilruwan Perera captured four wickets each but Sri Lanka’s struggle to bowl out the team that is lying at the bottom of the championship table this season, having lost five of the six matches they have played in the county championships, was a bit alarming.

Northamptonshire also had just five regular players of their team for the match.

Sri Lanka then had a few meaningless overs to bat and made 99 for 4 in 31 overs.