Athey hits an unbeaten 102

Press, 28 February 1986, Page 28

Athey hits an unbeaten 102

NZPA-Reuter Galle, Sri Lanka Bill Athey hit an unbeaten 102 to dominate an otherwise faltering batting display by England B on the second day of the fifth and final unofficial cricket test against a Sri Lankan XI yesterday. England, replying to the Sri Lankan total of 231, crawled to four for 159 in 86 overs, with Athey and the nightwatchman, Nick Cook, (on one), the not out batsmen.

England B began badly when Martyn Moxon was caught by the substitute, Gamini Perera, off the fast bowler, Lalithamana Fernando, for two with the total on five.

Derek Randall hit 21 before he was caught by Athula Samarasekera off slow bowler Don Anurasiri with the score 48. - : Eleven runs later Mark

Nicholas was lbw to spinner Suray Abeysekera for one.' The wicketkeeper, Steve Rhodes, promoted ahead of an unfit Chris Smith, joined Athey and the pair added 93 for the fourth wicket before Rhodes was caught by Perera off Champaka Ramanayake for 24.

Athey, dropped by the skipper, Sumithra Wamakulasuriya, when on 17, has hit seven fours during 278 minutes at the crease.

Earlier, the Sri Lankan XI, continuing at its overnight six for 208, was all out for 231 in 35 balls.

Norman Cowans took six for 54, and Derek Pringle four for 23.

Scores: Sri Lankan XI 231 (D. Wickremasinghe 87; N. Cowans six for 54, D. Pringle four for 23), England B four for 159 (C. Athey 102 not out.)