Sri Lanka feel the heat of Mustard

Durham 469 Sri Lanka 92-3

Sri Lanka endured a miserable second day here yesterday thanks to an excellent batting display from the Durham youngster Phil Mustard and the England one-day international Paul Collingwood. The pair put on 130 for the eighth wicket as Durham added 250 in 41 overs to their overnight total of 219 for 4.

With the morning session lost to rain, Sri Lanka had had hopes of wrapping up the Durham innings after the hosts slumped to 298 for 7. Ashley Thorpe (29), Marc Symington (8), and Ian Hunter (16) were the wickets to fall.

However, the departure of Hunter brought Mustard to the crease and Collingwood, on course for a career-best 190, watched on in admiration for much of the afternoon as the 19-year-old, making his first-class debut, hit a magnificent half-century. Mustard was eventually dismissed by Chaminda Vaas for 75 after hitting 11 fours and one six from 77 balls.

Ruchira Perera accounted for Collingwood, but his knock of 190 off 212 balls with 22 fours and five sixes was impressive. Vaas was the only bowler to emerge with any credit after taking 3 for 79.

In reply, Sri Lanka closed on 92 for 3 with Russel Arnold and Kumar Sangakkara dismissed cheaply by Hunter while Mahela Jayawardene was snared by Symington for a brisk 28. Marvan Atapattu provided some cheer for the visitors with an unbeaten 40.