The first day of the Sri Lankan tour was an interesting day in wilds of Uxbridge. Middlesex won the toss and batted but arrived late at the ground to see that Robson had already gone caught behind. There was a Tamil protest outside the ground that kept up vocal criticism well into the afternoon session.
A good chunk of the home team was 2nd XI players so the game may not be that competitive, but nevertheless Strauss and Housego decided to make Dilshan's first day as captain a major headache. The two batted on and on, Strauss feeding off loose balls from Welegedera and Lakmal. Five of Sri Lanka's squad are still playing in the IPL meaning that Farveez Maharoof, who was the most consistent of the quicks, has been called up as cover. The mystery bowler Mendis had his variations ruthlessly thrashed by both players. They batted on until tea with Middlesex on 237-1 with Strauss reaching his hundred. Strauss finally fell for 151, with Middlesex 272-2. Housego then reached his hundred then fell to Herath.
This post-tea fightback by the Sri Lankans also acquired them the wickets of Rossington and Dalrymple. captain Malan and Simpson were left unbeaten with Middlesex on 321-5 from 93 overs.
This sets up an interesting next couple of days with Middlesex having to declare at 100 overs.
