Colombo: New Zealand fast bowler Daryl Tuffey warmed up for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka with a five-wicket haul in a practice match on Saturday. Tuffey (5-55) was brilliantly supported by paceman Shane Bond (3-56) as the tourists restricted the Sri Lankan Board President's team to 258 in the first innings on the opening day of a two-day tour opener. New Zealand was 74 for no loss in reply at stumps, with Matthew Horneand Mark Richardson (27) at the crease. The hosts were reeling at 35-3 before being propped up by middle-order batsman Mahela Jayawardene, who slammed an impressive 108 to regain form after a dismal World Cup performance. Jayawardene, who made just 21 runs in seven Cup matches in South Africa, added 131 for the fourth wicket with skipper Romesh Kaluwitharana (55). He struck two sixes and 15 fours in his 137-ball knock before being caught by Richard Jones in the last over before tea to become Bond's second victim. Stephen Fleming's New Zealanders will play a pair of two-day practice matches before the opening Test, starting on April 25. The second and final Test begins at Kandy on May 3. The tourists will then figure in a triangular One-day series also featuring Pakistan.
Copyright AFP 2001
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