Sri Lanka in deep trouble against West Indies

Saturday April 5, 10:28 PM

By Simon Evans

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (Reuters) - Sri Lanka were reeling at 78 for five at lunch on the third day of the second and final test against West Indies on Saturday.

After spinner Muttiah Muralitharan (5-79) picked up two of the last three wickets in the morning session to dismiss West Indies for 294, a first-innings lead of 16 for the hosts, Sri Lanka had the chance to put Chris Gayle's side under pressure.

But the tourists slumped to four for two, Malinda Warnapura caught by debutant Sewnarine Chattergoon at third slip for a duck as he poked at a rising delivery from Jerome Taylor.

Taylor then ran out Michael Vandort for one in superb style, pouncing on a ball pushed to mid-on by Kumar Sangakkara and producing a direct hit which left the opener stranded.

Sri Lanka's woes continued when skipper Mahela Jayawardene (12) chopped at a ball from Fidel Edwards only to get an inside edge on to his stumps.

Daren Powell claimed the next victim when Sangakkara (14) cut a rising delivery for Marlon Samuels to take a fine diving catch in the gully.

Tillakaratne Dilshan, who held together Sri Lanka's batting in the first innings, set about steadying the ship and he put on 41 with Thilan Samaraweera for the fifth wicket.

Taylor then cut a ball back between his bat and pad to bowl Dilshan for 25.

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