Sri Lanka batsmen dominate England Lions in tour match

Dilshan fired a typically aggressive century at Derby

Sri Lanka's batsmen dominated the third day of their tour match against England Lions as the tourists, following on, built a lead of 165 by close of play.

With a 227-run first innings deficit, Sri Lanka were asked to bat again - and the tourists' opening pair took full advantage of a fine batting track.

Tillakaratne Dilshan (125) and Tharanga Paranavitana (117) shared a 200-run opening stand.

And Thilan Samaraweera (54no) hit out late on as Sri Lanka closed 392-6.

It was a far more composed batting effort from Sri Lanka after something of a crumble in their first innings.

Dilshan was typically flamboyant in his 110-ball innings, firing 17 fours and two sixes, while Paranavitana also tucked into some indifferent Lions bowling with 18 fours in his 216-ball stay.

Their innings did, however, provide plenty of opportunity for bowling for the likes of Graham Onions, Jade Dernbach and Ravi Bopara - though a wicket apiece for the trio from 50 overs was indicative of Sri Lanka's dominance.

Steve Finn bagged a couple of wickets but was by far the Lions' most expensive bowler, his 13 overs going for 63 runs, while Amjad Shazhad was England's other wicket-taker.

Samit Patel ended the day 0-53 from 14 overs.

The downsides on a positive day for the tourists were the failures once more of Kumar Sangakkara (18), Mahela Jayawardene (26), Dinesh Chandimal (5) and Prasanna Jayawardene (5) to make a score of note.

Still, Dilshan's side will feel they have batting to do on day four if they are at least going to save the tour match, with their lead still relatively slender on a decent pitch.