TEST: Centurion Dowrich, bowlers put WI in control

Wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich struck his second Test hundred as West Indies declared on 414-8 late on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad, on Thursday.

The total represents a remarkable recovery after they were reduced to 147-5 midway through the opening day after electing to bat.

In reply, Sri Lanka closed on shaky grounds at 31-3 as West Indies bowlers, especially Shannon Gabriel, bowled with menacing pace. Gabriel removed Kusal Mendis for four, Kemar Roach got rid of Kusal Perera without scoring and Jason Holder picked up Angelo Mathews for 11.

Skipper Dinesh Chandimal and Roshen Silva are not out on three and one respectively.

Dowrich, the diminutive right-hander, ended on a marathon 125 not out, an innings spanning 325 balls and including 12 fours.

He shared in a 102-run, seventh wicket partnership with Devendra Bishoo, who made 40 (160 balls; 5x4s), and a 75-run, eight wicket stand with Roach, who scored 39 (96 balls; 6x4s, 1×6).

Dowrich had spearheaded the rebuilding effort on the opening day, sharing in a 90-run, sixth wicket partnership with skipper Holder (40).

Lahiru Kumara picked up 4-95 and Suranga Lakmal 2-55 for Sri Lanka.