Windies pacer Shannon Gabriel and Sri Lankan middle-order batsman Dinesh Chandimal both played starring roles on the opening day of the second Test at the Darren Sammy Stadium in St. Lucia, but it was advantage West Indies at stumps.
Gabriel claimed his third five-wicket haul in Test cricket as he captured 5 for 59 and combined with Kemar Roach, who picked up 4 for 49, to dismiss the visitors for 253 after they elected to bat first.
Captain Chandimal spearheaded his teams’ fightback with an unbeaten 119, however his 11th Test century was by no means flawless as he was dropped by Devon Smith while on 14.
He struck 10 fours and a six in his inning while facing 186 balls.
Chandimal in spearheading the Sri Lankan fight-back shared in a half century 4th wicket partnership with Kusal Mendes who hit 45. Kusal Perera (32) was the other main contributor for Sri Lanka.
The West Indies at the close reached 2 without loss after facing two overs with Kraigg Braithwaite on 2 and Smith not yet off the mark.
Scores at the close of day one, Sri Lanka 253, West Indies 2/0.