Zimbabwe's bowlers toil hard on second day against Board XI

Zimbabwe's plodding medium pacers and gentle spinners toiled earnestly throughout the second day of their three-day practice match against a Sri Lankan Board XI at P.Saravanamuttu Stadium on Saturday.

The tourists enjoyed a profitable morning following an overnight declaration on 319 for six, as their seamers winkled out three top order wickets on a lifeless pitch. But in the afternoon schoolboy star Jeewan Mendis (79) and all-rounder Gayan Ramyakumara (103 not out) settled down to slowly compile a 167 run partnership in 60 overs.

Zimbabwe eventually dismissed Mendis after the 18-year-old left-hander spiraled a catch to skipper Brian Murphy at cover point, but the Board XI lost not further wickets before bizarrely accepting an offer for bad light - when there was little danger of personal injury from a less than terrifying bowling attack - to end the day on 269 for four.

It was, however, a useful day for the tourists, even it did point to a lack of penetration in the bowling department. Leg-spinner Brian Murphy and fast bowler Henry Olonga, who are likely to join Heath Streak and Travis Friend in the final Test line-up, enjoyed an extended chance to find some rhythm and form before next weeks last Test.

Olonga started the day excellently, picking up a wicket in each of his two morning spells, as he first bowled Ian Daniel (1) and then had Chamara Silva (26), who has been picked in the Test squad, caught at cover to leave the Sri Lankans precariously placed on 53 or three.

But Mendis and Ramyakumara then knuckled down. Mendis, from St. Thomas College, impressed during the recent Under 19 series in Pakistan, where he won two man of the match awards. Considered the best batsmen in the Under 19 pool, the left-hander looked the part, with his confident body language, an organised technique and strong wrists. He showed good patience too, as he batted for just under four hours for his 79.

Ramyakumara wasn't due to play, but celebrated his birthday yesterday with a bizarre call up after the match had started following an injury to Anushka Polonowita. Both captains agreed to the late replacement, but Zimbabwe may be ruing their generousity after the Tamil Union left-hander stroked an elegant hundred, the fourth first-class ton of his career, as he cracked 13 fours and two sixes. He did, though, enjoy some good fortune, being dropped on six at silly point and surviving a vehement bat-pad appeal when on 49.

After the dismissal of Mendis, wicket-keeper Prassana Jayawardene, who boasts the neatest glovework in the country, re-opened the debate about whether he is worthy of a place in the Test side, with an entertaining 26 run cameo that included four boundaries.

Zimbabwe will now be hoping that the Board XI declare early tomorrow morning to give their batsmen a chance to practice on a wearing third day wicket.