Cricket: Hampshire provide a Sri Lanka springboard

SRI LANKA'S middle-order batsman Chandika Hathurusingha pressed his claims for a place in this week's Test team to face England at The Oval with an unbeaten century against Hampshire.

Hathurusingha made 108 not out and Mahela Jayawardena hit 90 as the Sri Lankans reached their target of 309 with 17 balls to spare and by five wickets. Hampshire declared at their overnight 347 for 8, made on the first day after the second was washed out by rain.

With the Sri Lankans anxious for batting practice they declared their first innings at 39 for 4. Hampshire's captain Robin Smith forfeited his side's second innings, leaving the Sri Lankans 82 overs to reach their target.

For another Test contender, the opening batsman Russel Arnold, the day was a disaster. He was out twice without scoring in the space of 75 minutes - and nine balls. He faced four balls in the first innings and five in the second, being dismissed both times by Alex Morris.