Brian Lara is back in the runs again, he scored 117 not out to complete his 16th Test century. In doing so he has made good on a promise made to the West Indies team coach that he would make runs on their tour of Sri Lanka.
Lara said: "The coach asked me what I want to do this series and I told him that I want to make plenty of runs and spend a lot of time in the middle. It is nice to go out there, work on something, and eventually get the results. Hopefully, I can go on to get something bigger." He guided his side to 316 for three after the first day of the First Test in Galle.
Lara comprehensively won the opening skirmishes, in what promises to be a compelling battle between him and Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. But Lara was full of praise for the Sri Lankan bowler: "It's a great competition between us and I appreciate his ability to bowl off-spin."
Filed by John Raftery
