Dilshan scores century in tour match
Opener Tillakaratne Dilshan retired on 101 as Sri Lanka moved to 276-4 at stumps on Friday on day two of the three-day match against the Australian Chairman's XI at Manuka Oval.
Kumar Sangakkara made 55 for Sri Lanka, who are preparing for the first of three tests against Australia beginning next Friday in Hobart.
Earlier, Chairman's XI opener Scott Henry completed his unbeaten double century before the hosts declared their first innings on 439-6 after 100 overs, as per the rules.
Dilshan said it was important to not only regain some ascendancy in the match, but to spend some time on Australian wickets before the first test.
"We only have one practice game, I needed to spend some time in the middle," he said. "The thing is the wicket is really slow. There's nothing for the bowlers."
Dhammika Prasad, who endured a tough time bowling on Thursday, picked up the wickets of Travis Head (35) and Sam Whiteman (4) to finish as the only multiple wicket-taker for Sri Lanka with 2-128.
The Chairman's XI claimed three early wickets, split evenly between young West Australian offspinner Ashton Turner, Victorian allrounder Glenn Maxwell and captain Usman Khawaja.
West Australian offspinner Ashton Turner (1-54) made the first breakthrough for the Chairman's XI, ending the 105-run opening partnership when he had Dimuth Karunaratne caught at mid-on by Marcus Harris for 40.
Sangakkara was in good touch before captain and part-time bowler Usman Khawaja (1-22) trapped him lbw.
Dilshan retired at tea to give other batsmen some time at the crease ahead of the test series.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Prassana Jayawardene added an unbeaten 24 while Dinesh Chandimal is 12 not out.
Sri Lanka rested four of their big names, including Angelo Mathews, star spinner Rangana Herath and middle-order batsman Thilan Samaraweera.
