Atapattu scores century against students

Opening batsman Marvan Atapattu eased himself into form as Sri Lanka's preparations for the first Test at Lords starting May 15 continued against a British Universities XI at Wantage Road on Thursday.

Atapattu, who is expected to be a key figure during the three-match Test series against England, scored 100 from 180 deliveries as Sri Lanka finished the first day of three on 318 for seven.

With their one-day game against a Paul Getty's XI washed out earlier in the week, Sri Lanka would have been delighted to be back playing, continuing their adjustment to local conditions, even if the students represented a less than intimidating opposition.

Sanath Jayasuriya - unusually restrained before he clipped a half volley to point - missed out for the second game in succession, as did number three Kumar Sangakkara, whilst Hashan Tillakaratne, on his first outing, was caught behind cutting before he got into his stride.

Aravinda de Silva, however, once again showed good touch, opening his innings with a signature swivel pull for six, before attacking left-arm spinner Rob Ferley and cruising to 57 from 52 balls, when he was bowled around his legs attempting the most delicate of sweeps.

Atapattu took longer to get into his stride, carefully constructing his first fifty off 111 balls and showing good judgment outside his off-stump. Thereafter the runs started to flow more easily with his elegant cover driving catching the eye.

Later in the day, Russel Arnold chipped in with 43 off 64 balls and all-rounder Thilan Samaraweera made 21 from 52 balls.

In the morning, Sri Lanka had picked Chaminda Vaas, Sri Lanka's premier fast bowler, and Eric Upashantha for their first games of the tour in place of left-armers Ruchira Perera and Nuwan Zoysa.