MILAN - Former England Under-20 back-row David Sisi will earn his first cap for Italy in their Six Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Sisi, 25, who moved from English club Bath to Italian Pro 14 side Zebre in 2017, made 14 appearances for England’s youth team between 2012 and 2013.

Veteran captain Sergio Parisse -- capped 134 times -- returns after missing the November Tests through injury, with hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini set for his 100th cap.

Sisi will make his debut alongside Dean Budd with Ghiraldini joined on the front row by Simone Ferrari and Andrea Lovotti.

The Italians are on a run of a record 17 straight Six Nations defeats with their last win in the tournament against Scotland at Murrayfield in 2015.

Conor O’Shea’s side host Wales at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Saturday week.

– AFP

PARIS - Wales captain Alun-Wyn Jones says he's ready to tackle "the most French side possible" in the Six Nations opener on Friday.

Jones, 31, faces France for the 12th time since his first meeting against Les Bleus in 2007.

Jacques Brunel has named two sons of former internationals in Romain Ntamack and Damien Penaud in his back-line for the game at the Stade de France.

They will line up behind a monstrous pack with second-rows in Paul Willemse and Sebastien Vahaamahina both measuring taller than two metres.

In front of them is giant tight-head prop Uini Atonio and mobile loose-head Jefferson Poirot as well as captain Guilhem Guirado at hooker.

"It's one of the most French sides I've ever played against. You look at the players they've picked in the backline, a few players coming into the side, a new cap in Ntamack in the centre as well," he said in Paris on Thursday.

"We're fully aware of the strengths they have and the way they're likely to play with a pack who like to drive a lot and some ball players behind."

The former British and Irish Lions captain will lead a side which includes Six Nations debutant Tomos Williams at scrum-half.

Jones praised 1.55m Williams's recent performances for the Cardiff Blues, scoring four tries in 14 games for the region this season.

"People say small in stature but he's had big games for the Blues, hopefully he can maintain the form he has had into the red jersey," Jones said.

– AFP

Tokyo, Friday: Tokyo 2020 organisers on Friday unveiled plans for a centre to monitor extreme weather, after concerns the city's scorching summer could cause heatstroke or even deaths during the Games.

The next Olympics will also overlap with Japan's typhoon season, and the potential for extreme conditions has become a major headache for the event after a string of weather-related disasters.

Organisers will work with a private weather company and the government's meteorological agency to analyse climate data in areas with Olympic venues, a Tokyo 2020 official told AFP.

The centre will send warnings about weather-related emergencies, including the risk of heatstroke and even evacuation information if necessary, she added. Last year Japan was rocked by a number of weather emergencies, including record rainfall in the west of the country that killed more than 200 people. A deadly heatwave also gripped the country during the summer, raising concerns about outdoor events during the Games, particularly the marathon.

Japanese medical groups have warned the event could "lead to deaths" from heatstroke.

In December, Tokyo 2020 officials announced they would move back the start of the marathon to "between 5:30am and 6am". They had previously moved it back to 7am. Organisers have toyed with various ways of beating the heat including the introduction of daylight saving time -- an idea that appears to have fallen by the wayside.

Last time Japan hosted the Olympics, in 1964, the competition was held in October to avoid the hot summer conditions.

IOC Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi told reporters later Friday that what 2020 organisers were doing in terms of heat countermeasures was "stunning".

"I feel that only in Japan would you go to that kind of detail," he said, citing preparations for providing shade and water for athletes and spectators. - AFP

London, Thursday: Spanish football top flight La Liga will sponsor tennis' Davis Cup finals under the tournament's new guise led by Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique's investment group, the ITF announced on Thursday.

In an unusual cross-sport move, La Liga will promote the Davis Cup during broadcasts of its live matches. "The cross-sport partnership with La Liga is innovative for the Davis Cup," said ITF president David Haggerty in a statement. "This will widen our reach to not only tennis fans but other sports enthusiasts." The 119-year-old Davis Cup competition has traditionally been structured around a 16-nation World Group, contested over four weekends during the year, but will now switch to an 18-team finals, with the inaugural edition in Madrid in November.

On Wednesday, Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt criticised Pique, whose investment group Kosmos proposed the planned changes.

"I haven't been a supporter since they first flagged the possible changes," Hewitt said ahead of his team's qualifying tie this week against Bosnia.

"I think having the finals in one place is ridiculous. I personally don't think all the top players will play.

"Now we're being run by a Spanish football player... that's like me coming out asking to change things for the Champions League -- it's ridiculous."

The qualifying ties start on Friday, with the 12 winners to join the six automatic qualifiers -- Croatia, France, United States, Spain, Argentina and Britain -- in November's finals.

AFP

Los Angeles, Friday: LeBron James made a triumphant return to the court on Thursday, breathing new life into the floundering Los Angeles Lakers with a 123-120 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

James, who missed 17 games due to a groin injury, scored a team-high 24 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and delivered nine assists in his first NBA game since Christmas Day.

Showing no sign of the injury that resulted in the longest absence of his 16-year career, James played 40 minutes and scored the go-ahead basket with 1:15 left in overtime after the Lakers blew a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter.

James called the 36-day absence some of the darkest days of his career.

"I worked my ass off to get back to this point," James said. "It was the toughest stretch of my career not being out on the floor."

James said he is at "80 percent" fitness and will see how he feels in the morning when he wakes up. He played more than he expected with the game going into overtime.

"I am at 80 percent right now. But I was good enough to feel confident to just keep pushing throughout the game," he said.

"I want to see how my body reacts tomorrow. That's the tell-tale sign for me is how my body feels after having to play 40 minutes unfortunately with the overtime." AFP

A High standard of rugby is expected at today’s game at Race Course between the CH and FC and Kandy Sports Club. Kandy has always had the knack of making the smallest of events into a big celebration. And so there's yet another time for good cheer just around the corner when both clubs battle for honours in the Dialog sponsored second round match. As things stand at present it appears as if the CH & FC players who got off to an envious start are beginning to show signs of uneasiness whenever they play with Kandy. Kandy SC have admirably risen to a position of optimism and this is something the CH & FC lads should make note of. Both teams produced their best performance in the last outing, Kandy defeated Navy SC, and CH & FC defeated Police SC playing at full strength. Despite playing at home CH & FC enter the match as rank underdogs. Both sides are blessed with good coaches, who learnt their rugby in Kandy, Sean Wijesinghe and Ronnie Ibrahim. Kandy’s forte is their powerful forwards who give a good display in attack and defence. They also have a set of experienced hands in the back line, who have been doing a good job and their full back has been outstanding in his job in defence, attack and goal kicking. CH, forwards will be under pressure more in this game, than they have experienced in the last outing. They have some good players, to contain possession in scrums and line outs. Both teams have played 11 matches, KSC has won ten and lost one, and CH & FC has won 7 and lost four.

Bandaranayke to lead Trinity

Reshan Bandaranyake has been appointed the captain of the Trinity senior rugger team and his deputy will be Dhiren Ratwatte. Trinity with a new set of coaches, and Scrummage management with the principal’s good support are all-out to produce a good talented side.

This year their first round fixtures are - 2nd March vs. Zahira College in Colombo, 10th March vs. Isipathana College at Pallekale, 15th March vs. St. Anthony's College at Pallekele, 22nd March vs. St. Joseph's College in Colombo, 30th March vs. Science College at Pallekele and the Bradby against Royal is on the 11th and 25th of May.

Milan captains Kingswood

Kingswood College has appointed their forward, who can fit in as a prop or hooker Milan Weerasinghe as the captain for this season. He is in his fourth year.

Last season he played for the Kandy Reds’ in the match against Colombo Blues This time Kingswoodians are in Group I A along with Royal College, St. Peter’s College, Wesley College, S Thomas’ College and Maliyadeva College. Their first game is on Sunday (tomorrow Feb 3) against Wesley College, with whom they play the traditional match for the Blaze trophy.

St. Anthony’s appoints Makarim as captain

St. Anthony’s College will play their first rugby match against Isipathana College in Group II A in Kandy.

Antonians have appointed Mohammed Makarim as captain and Lashan Mahindaratne as the vice captain. They are coached by one of the top coaches Ronnie Ibrahim.

Vidyartha will be led by Kavinsha

Vidyartha College rugby side this season will be led by Kavishka Bandara, and their first game will be with C.W.W. Kannangara Vidyalaya on March 2 in Kandy. They are coached by one of their products Sumedha Malawana.

Donald Steel Golf today

The Digana Rajawella Victoria Golf and Country Resort where over 70 men and women golfers will play in the Donald Steel Golf Championship organised by the Victoria Golf and Country Resort at the award winning Victoria golf course at Rajawella off Kandy today.

Trinity old and present boys at rugby

The annual, rugby game Trinity plays before the season between the present and the old boys will be played at Pallekele grounds today, kick off at 4 pm. The old Trinitians team will be picked from Anuka Boyagoda, Dilusha Dange, Pasan Samarawickrama, Pravinda Wijeythilaka, Keshawa Randil Palayangoda, Rashen Bandaranayake, Naween Rajaratnam, Aveesha Priyankara, Kanisha Alwis, Mohammad Ghazali, James Suneth Peiris, Rajith Samarasekara, Isuru Ratnayake, Sachintha Dissanayake, Dhirendra Ratwatte, Ryan Weerakoon, Dhuli Samarakoon, Basu Karunathilaka, Sanjay Somasiri, Darshana Udalagama, Shahim Singalaxana, Halique Wadood, Tushan Dharmasena, Madura Hettiarachi, Rehaan Weerakoon.

Antonians to meet Prince of Wales in semis

St. Anthony’s College entered the semi-finals of the inter schools under 13 cricket tournament by beating St. Joseph’s College. Antonians batted the whole day at MD grounds at Kodigamuwa grounds to score, 229-8 and Joes did not get a batting turn. Antonians won by the new bonus points system.

Antonians will meet Prince of Wales in the semi-finals on Sunday at Veyangoda. 

Proud young Sri Lankan who plays for Moorabbin cricket club, Australia, standing beside the ICC cricket world cup during the trophy tour, with a dream to hold the world cup one day representing his motherland Sri Lanka, Renaldi Dias is a product of Presley Polonowita founder, CEO/Head coach of desert Cubs cricket academy, Dubai, Renaldi Dias joined DCCA at the age of 6 years and wend his way to captain U 17 tour of his motherland. He emerged player of the tour, his award was presented by legendary cricketer Sidath Wettamuny Chief Guest and the world's highest wicket taker Muttiah Muralitheran guest of honour during a gala dinner at the Kingsbury Colombo.

Renaldi Dias left for Australia from Dubai to join Deakin University, named in honour of Alfred Deakin a remarkable Australian statesman, Three times Prime Minister of Australia. Renaldi graduated with distintion in Commerce. He played cricket for Morabbin Cricket Club, his father Sujeewa Dias is a banker in Dubai, who captained St. Joseph College, Colombo Rugby team in 1989 Grandfather Telesphor Dias is awaiting for the D. Day to see Grandson wearing the Sri Lanka Cap.

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, Thursday: West Indies' surprising dominance of England continued on the opening day of the second Test with the home side's fast bowlers bundling out the visitors for 187 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Thursday.

Already 1-0 up in the three-match series, the Caribbean team's openers negotiated 21 testing overs to the close and the pair of Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell will resume on the second morning at 30 without loss in reply.

Thrashed by the comprehensive margin of 381 runs in the first Test in Barbados less than a week earlier, England again struggled to cope with the combined assault of the home side's pacers.

As in the first innings of the first Test when they were routed for just 77, Kemar Roach again led the assault with four wickets.

He was ably supported by the fastest of the quartet, Shannon Gabriel (three for 45) while Alzarri Joseph and captain Jason Holder combined for the remaining three wickets as they effectively exploited a green, sporting track to justify Holder's decision to put England in on winning the toss.

Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow struck contrasting half-centuries to avert a complete and abject capitulation again by the pre-series favourites whose captain suffered most from the vagaries of an uneven surface.

Facing fierce criticism in the wake of his side's abysmal showing in the series-opener, Joe Root was left in an even more rueful state midway through the morning session when Joseph produced a sharp lifter which looped from the handle of Root's bat for a back-pedalling Campbell at third slip to parry the ball upwards, allowing Shai Hope running around from gully to take a diving catch.

By then both openers had perished to Roach and Joseph, and when Holder chimed in with the wicket of Jos Buttler via a more comfortable slip catch to Campbell, England were in desperate need of resuscitation at 55 for four.

Bairstow offered a bit of breathing space towards the end of that first two hours' play, counter-attacking impressively to reach 52 off 64 balls with nine fours and a six only to fall in the very first over after lunch, Roach trapping him leg-before.

His demise brought Ali to the crease and while he saw Ben Stokes succumb to Gabriel at the other end, the off-spinning all-rounder found an able partner in Ben Foakes, the wicketkeeper-batsman contributing 35 useful runs and featuring in an 85-run partnership for the seventh wicket to lift their team from the depths of 93 for six.

FELL AWAY

Under pressure to deliver with the bat after failing to score in both innings of England’s humiliation in the first Test, Ali benefited from playing positively without being at his most fluent.

He reached his half-century just before the tea interval, slashing at another short ball from Roach to find the third man boundary. However that sense of adventure got the better of the left-handed batsman as he miscued an attempt to heave the same bowler to the leg-side where Gabriel held the comfortable catch at midwicket. His top score of 60 (104 balls, eight fours, one six) would have gone some way towards rebuilding his confidence although the innings fell away quickly thereafter, the last four wickets fell for just nine runs. As anticipated, England recalled Stuart Broad to the final eleven after the senior seamer was surprisingly dropped for the first Test with leg-spinner Adil Rashid, who failed to have any impact in Barbados, making way for the holder of 433 Test wickets.

Joe Denly was the other England change from the first Test, the 33-year-old replacing Keaton Jennings at the top of the batting order.

However the manner in which his debut innings ended, caught behind chasing a wide long-hop from Joseph, seemed to typify another difficult day for the English on this tour.

– AFP

Canberra, Friday: Joe Burns and Travis Head plundered Australia's first centuries of the home summer Friday in a stirring fightback as they ruthlessly exposed Sri Lanka's inexperienced attack in the second Test at Canberra.

Australian skipper Tim Paine won the toss at the Manuka Oval and put his side in on a flat track conducive to batting, a gambit that paid off after some early wobbles.

At stumps, they were a commanding 384 for four with Burns not out 172 and Kurtis Patterson, who was dropped first ball, on 25.

Head fell for 161 after a 308-run stand with Burns -- Australia's first stand over 200 since Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh achieved the feat in the third Test against England in December 2017.

Vishwa Fernando was the best of the bowlers with 3-99.

On a cool, overcast day, Burns and Head dug Australia out of a hole after they lost Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne cheaply to be in trouble at 28 for three.

After weathering the storm and as the new ball lost its shine, the pair started cashing in on a Sri Lankan attack missing their top bowlers and fieldsmen who put down a host of chances.

"We knew the first hour was going to be tough, bit of grass on the wicket, so despite losing the three wickets we just knew we had to absorb the pressure," said Burns.

"We also knew they were an inexperienced bowling attack that was going to present scoring opportunities if we got through those tough periods. Hopefully we can come out tomorrow and do much the same."

Back in the side after being overlooked for series against Pakistan and India, opener Burns survived a dropped catch on 34, but was otherwise invincible and brought up his fourth Test ton off 147 balls with a single.

His 172 surpassed his previous high score of 170 against New Zealand in 2016.

Burns' knock was the first century for Australia since Khawaja's 141 against Pakistan in Dubai in October and only the second an Australian has scored since the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney almost 13 months ago.

Vice-captain Head soon followed suit, reaching his maiden hundred off 155 balls in his eighth Test, capitalising on Dilruwan Perera dropping him on 87.

It puts the pair in prime position to be selected for the Ashes series later this year, with the Canberra Test -- the first-ever in the nation's capital -- Australia's last before their tour of England.

Their partnership followed a dire start against a team they had beaten by an innings and 40 runs in the first Test at Brisbane.

Pace duo Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera picked up injuries in that rout, with the inexperienced Kasun Rajitha and Fernando taking their place in Canberra.

And in a big blow, Suranga Lakmal, their best bowler in Brisbane, was ruled out on the morning of the Test with a stiff back, with debutant Chamika Karunaratne stepping in.

The three newcomers have only five Tests of experience between them, but they initially rose to the challenge. "First hour the ball moved a bit and our bowlers were hitting the right areas," said Karunaratne. "But after the first session... almost every over we gave a boundary. We have to stop that."

Harris fell for 11 with a poorly executed square drive off Fernando caught at point by Karunarante.

The out-of-form Khawaja soon followed, lasting just three balls before being caught at slip by Kusal Mendis for nought, leaving Australia on 15 for two.

The gloom continued when Karunaratne struck with his fourth ball in Test cricket, removing Labuschagne with an excellent angled delivery for six, caught behind by Niroshan Dickwella.

Burns watched the carnage at the other end and dug in, playing only the loose balls as he bided his time and waited for the bowlers to wilt.

Head did the same with both men accelerating the run rate once the pressure of scoring centuries was past. Head was finally undone by Fernando, who snared him lbw. AFP

Angelo Perera completed a double hundred for NCC in their traditional match against rivals SSC on the second day of the SLC Major League Tier ‘A’ Inter Club Super 8 match played at the P Sara Oval yesterday.

Perera’s 201 helped NCC total 444 but SSC replied strongly with 290-2 with Sandun Weerakkody leading the way with an undefeated 167.

At SSC, Colts ran up a massive total of 615 against Tamil Union who were 67-2 at the close. Gamindu Kanishka of Saracens SC was the other centurion of the day against Army CC. Matches will be continued today on day three.

DAY TWO SCORES:

lAt P. Sara Oval: NCC: 444 (376/8 o/n) in 103.3 overs (Angelo Perera 201, Pathum Nissanka 95, Sachintha Peiris 28, Lasith Embuldeniya 26, Mahela Udawatte 23, Hasitha Boyagoda 20, Dhammika Prasad 3/81, Akash Senaratne 2/78)

SSC: 290/2 at close in 74 overs (Sandun Weerakkody 167 n.o., Krishan Arachchige 48, Kavindu Kulasekara 37 n.o., Kaushal Silva 26, Lasith Embuldeniya 2/59)

lAt Colts: Chilaw Marians CC: 186 and 227/7 at close in 61.3 overs (Yashodha Lanka 89, Harsha Cooray 80, Risith Upamal 30 n.o., Lahiru Madushanka 2/34, Wanindu Hasaranga 2/42)

CCC: 206 (123/6 o/n) in 60.3 overs (Lahiru Madushanka 51 n.o., Minod Bhanuka 40, Ashan Priyanjan 22, Sagar Paresh 5/38, Thikshila de Silva 3/99)

lAt SSC: Colts CC: 615 (414/2 o/n) in 154.2 overs (Avishka Fernando 223, Sangeeth Cooray 142, Hashan Dumindu 70, Jehan Daniel 61, Nisal Tharaka 38, Priyamal Perera 34, Jeevan Mendis 4/192, Kamindu Mendis 2/53)

Tamil Union: 67/2 at close in 23 overs (Sithara Gimhan 25 n.o.)

lAt Katunayake: Army CC: 350 (318/7 o/n) in 98.5 overs (Himasha Liyanage 116, Dilshan de Soysa 101, Sanjika Ridma 56, Sachithra Perera 3/42, Chamikara Edirisinghe 3/81)

Saracens SC: 255/5 at close in 65.5 overs (Gamindu Kanishka 103 n.o., Andy Solomons 62, Nipun Karunanayake 39 n.o., Navindu Vithanage 29, Dushan Vimukthi 3/58)

Major League Tier ‘A’ Cricket Plate

Third hundred for Negombo CC’s Prasansana Jayamanne

Prasansana Jayamanne of Negombo CC scored his third century of the season with 108 against Moors SC in their SLC Major League Tier ‘A’ Inter Club Plate match played at BRC grounds yesterday.

Yohan de Silva of Ports Authority CC also made a hundred an unbeaten 137 runs against BRC. All matches will be continued today on day two.

FIRST DAY SCORES

lAt BRC: Negombo CC: 242/9 at close in 90 overs (Prasansana Jayamanne 108, Ashen Silva 41, Angelo Jayasinghe 24 n.o., Shehan Jayasuriya 20, Ramesh Mendis 4/52, Chanuka Dilshan 2/33) vs Moors SC

lAt Moors: Sri Lanka Ports Authority CC: 237 in 79.3 overs (Yohan de Silva 137 n.o., Ishan Rangana 38, Maduka Liyanapathiranage 3/49, Duvindu Tillakaratne 2/21)

BRC: 37/0 at close in 12.4 overs.

lAt Bloomfield: Badureliya CC: 277 in 78.5 overs (Pethum Madushanka 76, Denuwan Rajakaruna 44, Sachith Pathirana 42, Salinda Ushan 36, Buddika Sanjeewa 28, Nishan Pieris 6/88, Amila Aponso 3/62)

Ragama CC: 60/0 at close in 11 overs (Janith Liyanage 30 n.o., Shehan Fernando 30 n.o.)

- (YK)

Kavindana Perera hit a fine 115 for Wesley College on the first day of their Singer Trophy Under 19 inter-schools cricket match against Richmond College Galle played at Campbell Park yesterday.

Wesley were dismissed for 309 with Dilum Sudeera taking five wickets for 106. By stumps Richmond had scored 29 without loss.

In the matches completed yesterday Mahinda College Galle beat Maris Stella College Negombo by 7 wickets at Galle. Piliyandala Central beat Siri Piyaratana MV, Padukka by 8 wickets, Gamini NS Bentota beat Sandalanka Central College by an innings and 69 runs, St. Joseph’s Bandarawela beat Vijitha Central Dickwella by 33 runs, Sri Rahula Katugastota beat Madeena Central Madawala Bazar by an innings and 62 runs, Hindu Jaffna beat Union College Thellippalai by 139 runs and Nalanda Boys Minuwangoda beat Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda by 9 wickets.

RESULTS:

lAt Kurunegala: Match drawn.

Maliyadeva: 99 and 257/7 in 65 overs (Muditha Premadasa 79, Supun Sumanarathne 66, Kaveen Bandara 40, Shaluka Atapattu 26, Vidath Batepola 20, Dileep Chamara 3/25, Vihanga Iranjana 2/37)

Gurukula Kelaniya: 239 (159/7 o/n) in 88.5 overs (Vihanga Iranjana 56, Praveen Nimesh 33, Kemira Nayanatharu 33, Sithija Chamod 33, Likshan Sasanga 23, Kaveen Bandara 3/58, Maduranga Naveen 2/84)

lAt Katuneriya: Match drawn.

De Mazenod: 83 and 230/9 decl. in 78.1 overs (Pasindu Rajamunindra 50, Romal Fernando 47, Ashen Silva 25, Nimna Fernando 24, Asitha Silva 26, Sithum Dissanayake 5/40, Ravishka Wijesiri 3/90)

Lumbini: 158 (156/9 o/n) in 61.2 overs (Prabath Sirinda 41, Pasindu Anagipura 32, Mark Mathayas 3/22, Saliya Jude 3/31, Romal Fernando 2/33) and 74/1 in 10 overs (Ravishka Wijesiri 58 n.o.)

lAt Galle: Mahinda won by 7 wickets.

Maris Stella Negombo: 136 and 199 in 65.1 overs (Ravindu Fernando 69, Amantha Perera 40, Chathura Anuradha 35, Ashen Kandambi 2/17, Nipun Malinga 2/33, Navod Paranavithana 2/33)

Mahinda: 275 (218/8 o/n) in 63.3 overs (Kaveesha Malliyawadu 55, Navod Paranavithana 54, Nipun Malinga 50, Subanu Rajapaksa 31, Hansika Welihinda 28, Dhanuja Induwara 23, Shenash Fernando 3/42, Ashen Fernando 2/18) and 61/3 in 10.1 overs (Navod Paranavithana 25 n.o., Ravindu Fernando 2/32)

lAt Meegoda: Piliyandala Central won by 8 wickets.

Siri Piyaratana MV, Padukka: 133 and 74 (33/2 o/n) in 32.4 overs (Sasanka Lakshan 6/26, Heshan Madusanka 2/30)

Piliyandala Central: 143 and 68/2 in 13.3 overs (Heshan Madusanka 26 n.o., Chamod Sandaru 25 n.o.)

lAt Dehiwala: Match drawn.

S. de S. Jayasinghe Central Dehiwala: 212 and 181/8 decl. in 53 overs (Dilshan Dias 54, Isuru Ushantha 24, Sahan Santhush 32 n.o., Janula Indusara 4/44, Rahul Rashmika 3/83)

Asoka Colombo: 180 (97/5 o/n) in 61.3 overs (Sanush Madeesha 44, Hirun Matheesha 29, Kusal Perera 23, Udesh Elvitigala 20, Rangana Lakshan 3/14, Yeshuwa Deshitha 3/32) and 12/2 in 6 overs (Shehan Santhush 2/6)

lAt Bentota: Gamini NS Bentota won by inns & 69 runs.

Gamini NS Bentota: 200;

Sandalanka Central: 91 and 40 (18/4 o/n) in 28 overs (Pasindu Kannangara 7/4, Omila Nilupul 3/6)

lAt Dickwella: St. Joseph’s Bandarawela won by 33 runs.

St. Joseph’s Bandarawela: 205 and 149 in 35.1 overs (93/5 o/n) (Shamidu Hasheem 39, Avishka Rangana 22, Ruchira Dilshan 21, Prabath Siriwardhane 5/58, Menusha Dinu 3/26, L. Dissanayake 2/50)

Vijitha Central Dickwella: 122 and 199 in 42.1 overs (R. Wickramasinghe 45, Prabath Siriwardhane 35, Menusha Dinu 30, Vinuja Kesara 28, Lahiru Kosala 22, Pasan Hirudika 4/51, Malith Thilanka 4/53)

lAt Katugastota: Sri Rahula Katugastota won by inns & 62 runs.

Madeena Central Madawala Bazar: 112 and 77 in 33.3 overs (M. K. Harith 33, Lahiru Wijerathne 4/11, Dilshan Arambegedara 3/30, Akash Gardiyawasam 2/24)

Sri Rahula Katugastota: 251 (217/8 o/n) in 75 overs (Dilshan Arambegedara 112 n/o., Lahiru Wijerathne 41, Kushan Senarath 23, Mohamed Yasir 3/37, M. Sahal 2/27)

lAt Jaffna: Hindu Jaffna won by 139 runs.

Hindu Jaffna: 162 and 200 (20/2 o/n) in 38.1 overs (N. Koodiram 46 n.o., N. Sailaruban 24, S. Anthawan 24, N. Iyangaran 23, S. Mathisan 3/44, S. Jathursan 2/8, Anton Yukesh 2/30)

Union Tellippalai: 106 and 117 in 37.4 overs (S. Matheeshan 37, L. Sajash 21, M. Kodiram 5/16, U. Milukshan 3/23)

lAt Veyangoda: Nalanda Boys Minuwangoda won by 9 wickets.

Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda: 117 and 90 in 32.3 overs (Kalindu Kaudeesha 35, Kavindu Maduranga 6/44, Mahindu Malinda 2/10)

Nalanda Boys Minuwangoda: 167 (122/7 o/n) in 50 overs (Mahindu Malith 55, Chanuka Sameera 36, Kavishka Madumal 4/50, Arana Dabare 3/35) and 42/1 in 5.1 overs (Nandun Kalhara 23)

DAY ONE SCORES

Matches will be continued today on day two.

lAt Kotahena: St. Benedict's: 169 in 65.5 overs (Kaveesha Jayathilake 52, Maheesh Theekshana 48 n.o., Janishka Perera 3/26, Thashik Perera 2/38)

St. Sebastian's: 120/1 at close in 31 overs (Nishitha Abilash 59 n.o., Dunith Jayatunge 56)

lAt Galle: Moratu Vidyalaya: 173 in 59.1 overs (Nishan Madhushka 41, Vishwa Didulana 29, Rashan Kavishka 25 n.o., Hashen Adithya 20, Niduk Abishek 4/38, Adithya Yapa 3/47)

St. Aloysius Galle: 72/5 at close in 36 overs (Vishwa Didulana 2/11, Eran Hansamal 2/18)

lAt Asgiriya: Ananda: 230 in 62.2 overs (Kamesh Nirmal 78, Kamidu Gimhana 38, Janidu Jayawardane 32, Daminda Reshan 26, Adeesha Perera 20, Kavishka Senadeera 5/89)

Trinity: 112/7 at close in 32 overs (Pubudu Bandara 49, Saviru Bandara 3/9, Nadeesha Karunarathne 2/18)

lAt Katugastota: St. Joseph’s: 213 in 45 overs (Johanne de Silva 59, Dunith Wellalage 42, Dineth Jayakody 38, Lakshan Gamage 22, Nimnaka Jayathilake 5/66, Asitha Wanninayake 3/11)

St. Anthony’s Kandy: 119/3 at close in 43 overs (Theekhana Gunasinghe 35 n.o., Thamashana Abeykoon 28 n.o., Chamindu Wickramasinghe 21, Tharindu Lamahewage 21)

lAt Campbell Park: Wesley: 309 in 82.3 overs (Kavindana Perera 115, Movin Subasinghe 59, Shenal Dangalle 35, Thisuraka Akmeemana 29, Dilum Sudeera 5/106, Amshi de Silva 2/57)

Richmond: 29/0 at close in 10 overs

lAt Panadura: Kegalu Vidyalaya: 99 in 37 overs (Sandaru Shehan 21, Achintha Nimesh 20, Sashitha Manupriya 4/18, Chamidu Niwarthana 3/25, Ashan Dilhara 2/22) and 22/2 at close in 16 overs

St. John's Panadura: 180 in 37.4 overs (Praveen Sandamal 53, Sanjaya Ravishan 31, Sachin Dhananjaya 26, Punsara Gimhana 5/55, Madushan Munasinghe 3/54, Ruchira Chamara 2/24)

lAt Kalutara: Tissa Central: 171 in 45.5 overs (Janith Lakruwan 67, Ashen Nawanjana 30, Malshan Dissanayake 5/50, Lahiru Dadigama 2/24, Kavishka Jayalath 2/34) and 43/2 at close in 12 overs (Ramesh Madhusanka 25)

Dudley Senanayake Central Tholangamuwa: 93 in 33.5 overs (Mihindu Madushan 27, Rohan Sanjaya 7/27, Heshan Ominda 2/21)

At Karandeniya: Kingswood: 183 in 57.3 overs (Achala Bogodawatte 58, Dinindu Damishka 36, D. Bandara 25, Ravindu Milan 3/44, Ishara Maduwantha 2/25)

Karandeniya Central Karandeniya: 137/4 at close in 37 overs (Samith Isuru 68 n.o.)

At Matugama: De La Salle:114 in 28 overs (Kavindu Bimsara 42, Ulindu Prabashwara 3/15 , Dilhara Pramod 3/28, Yasiru Dilhara 2/27) and 76/3 at close in 18 overs (Imeshaka Perera 35, A. W. Sahan 2/10)

Ananda Sastralaya Matugama: 117 in 34 overs (Shehan Hirudika 33, Ravindu Chanaka 26, Gimahana Wijesooriya 5/54, Subashitha Soyza 3/20)

At Ruwanwella: Gonsalves College, Pamunugama: 65 in 23.4 overs (Kalana Madushanka 4/22, Amodya Heshan 2/8, Buddhi Madushan 2/22) and 115/2 at close in 24 overs (Pethum Priyasad 59 n.o., Dilshan Perera 43 n.o., Buddhi Madushan 2/35)

Seethawaka Central Avissawella: 128 in 42.3 overs (Buddhi Madhushan 37, M. Dilukshan 20, Ulara Jayawardane 4/34, Dilshan Perera 2/18, Divudu Jayawardane 2/24)

At Ratgama: Vidyaloka Galle: 267 in 78.1 overs (Sanju Lakshan 55, Sachindu Saumya 45, Lakshan Sandeepa 39, Hansaka Pramosh 38, Chandeera Yasawin 6/79, Pasindu Kamesh 3/30)

Lyceum Wattala: 27/2 at close in 19 overs (Sonal Ransara 2/5)- (YK)

The junior cricket selection committee that was disbanded by the former Sri Lanka Cricket administration has been reappointed by Minister of Sports Harin Fernando.

A nine-member panel has been appointed headed by former Sri Lanka off-spinner Ranjith Madurusinghe for a period of one year from January 29, 2019. The panel includes two other former Sri Lanka cricketers Gamini Wickremesinghe and Farveez Maharoof.

The Junior Selection panel comprises: Ranjith Madurusinghe (chairman), Ranjan Paranavithana, Gajaba Pitigala, A.S. Nishanthan, K.H. Nandasena, Gamini Wickremesinghe, Dilshan de Silva, Nilantha Ratnayake and Farveez Maharoof.

The eagerly awaited second round confrontation between CH and FC and Kandy SC in the Dialog ‘A’ Division league rugby match at Race Course grounds should turn out to be a thriller today.

A mammoth crowd is expected at 4:00 pm to witness this grand game in the 2018/19 League Rugby Tournament.

Today’s match should turn out to be a battle between CH and FC’s power-packed forwards and Kandy’s speedy three quarters.

CH’s forwards especially seasoned campaigner cum former Sri Lanka national captain Yoshitha Rajapaksa who is an excellent player in the loose along with Sasanka Ariyarathna, Prasath Madushanka, Matheesha Sarathchandra, Kalindu Kariyawasam, Nivanka Prasad and Chathura Dilshan have given a terrific display throughout the season in the loose and should maintain their supremacy.

In the set scrums CH and FC’s hooker Madushanka will have the edge against Kandy hooker Uchitha Jayasuriya while the line outs should be shared between CH’s Matheesha Sarathchandra, Sajith Saranga and the Kandy duo of Shehan Pathirana and Soyuru Anthony.

Kandy Sports Club have a fine set of speedy three quarters but their halves combination have to hit it off smoothly as they are playing together for the first time this season.

Also they should punch holes in the CH and FC defence and to do that their full back Thilina Wijesinghe should join the line to form the overlap. The biggest threat to the Maitland Crescent club will be posed by winger Anurudda Wilwara with his power-packed runs down the flank.

The CH and FC lads have to make the maximum use of the ‘good ball’ that comes their way through their halves combination of Sudam Sooriarachchi and vice captain Rohitha Rajapaksa and they must not delay their passes for their two hard running centres in strongly built Austrailian Adam Gauder and Hirantha Perera to hit the gaps without being ‘nailed’ by their opposite numbers.

They should also come up with a similar performance like they did in their last game played against Police sports club as they have two strong runners in winger Anuradha Herath on the open side wing while they will also have the services of Nishon Perera or Naveen Heenakankanamge who has impressed with their sizzling runs in addition to an attacking full back in Samuel Maduwamtha Kandy beat CH and FC by 38 points to 22 in the first round game at Nittawala , hence another thriller is on the cards today.

CH and FC: (Probable XV): Kalindu Kariyawasam, Prasath Madushanka, Sathya Ranathunga , Matheesha Sarathchandra, Sajith Saranga, Yoshitha Rajapaksa or Sasanka Ariyaratne, Nivanka Prasad, Chathura Diulshan, Sudam Sooriyarachchi and Rohitha Rajapaksa (Captain), Anuradha Herath, Hirantha Perera, Adam Gauder, Navin Henakankanamge, Samuel Maduwantha

Kandy Sports Club : (Probable XV) Yakoob Ali, Uchitha Jayasuriya, Ganuka Dissanayake, Shehan Pathirana, Suhiru Anthony, Jason Dissanayake, Buwaneka Udangamuwa, Heshan Silva, Roshan Weeraratne, Nigel Ratwatte, Vishvamithra Jayasinghe, Dhanushka Ranjan, Richard Dharmapala (captain), Anurudda Wilwara, Tilina Wijesinghe

CR out to sink sailors

CR & FC will go all out to overcome Navy Sports Club in their Dialog ‘A’ Division League second round rugby match at Longden Place today. Kick off will be at 4.00 pm.

CR forwards along with their speedy three quarters gave a superb performance against Army sports club last week where they pulled off a stunning 53-33 win,hence they will have to come up with a repeat performance if they hope to overcome the Sailors on their home grounds

The lads from Welisara lost to Kandy after a poor performance in their second round game played at Nittawala in Kandy last week and another terrific tussle for supremacy can be expected today. And it won't be a surprise if red shirts pull off a stunner against the Navy outfit .

CR & FC (Probable Team) Hafiz Adahan, Supun Warnakulasuriya, Udara Gayan, Charana Chamikara, Shemal Weerasekara, Joel Perera, Mithila Perera, Omalka Gunaratne (Captain),Rahul De Silva, Tharinda Ratwatte, Reeza Rafaideen, Rehan Silva, Janindu Dilshan, Chamod Fernando, Kevin Dixon

Navy SC (Probable Team)* Kasun de Silva, Amith Gunasinghe, Charith Silva, Nirosh Perera, Gavin Patrick, Adeesha Weeratunga, Radeesha Seneviratne, Raveen De Silva, Hashan Maduranga, Mohamed Abzal, Buddhika Piyaratne, Mushin Faleel, Thanuja Malimbada, Chatura Seneviratne, Thilina Weerasinghe (Captain)

Army have the edge over Airmen

In another game today the Army Sports club will have the upper hand against Air Force Sports Club in their Dialog ‘A’ Division League second round rugby match at Air Force grounds in Ratmalana. Kick of will be at 4.00 pm.

Army SC (Probable Team):* Aravinda Karunathilake, N. Ranasinghe, Sugath Nanayakkara, D. Adikaram, Nalan Premanath, P. Kumara, Upul Abeyratne (captain), Danuka Wijethilake, Mohamed Risvi, Ashan Bandara, J. Janaka, Kasun Maduranga, S. Bulathsinhala, M. Nuwan, Gayan Salinda

Air Force SC (Probable XV) Ranuka Medagedera, Lahiru Udayanga (Captain), Charley Praveen, Thilina Bandara, Nilantha Jayaweera, Rumesh Wasantha, Abishek Fernando, Saraka Warella, Gayantha Iddamalgoda, Ishara Madhushan, Padmasanka Weerasinghe, Jero Dananjaya, Surya Krishan, Kaushal Manupriya, Rumesh Ramdas

Sri Lanka Basketball Federation said that Sri Lanka has been included in the National Federations Long Term Development Program of FIBA International from 2019-2023. Out of 213 national federations only 13 are selected for this program from all over the world and Sri Lanka is the only country from Asia.

The good news was conveyed to the local basketball body by Florian Pasquet - National Federations & Sports Manager, FIBA International and Ms. Andrea Paoli - National Federations & Sports Manager, FIBA Asia who travelled to Sri Lanka on a short visit.

During their visit they met the following officials Chulananda Perera - Secretary, Ministry of Telecommunication, Digital Infrastructure, Foreign Employment & Sports, Suresh Subramanium - President, NOC, Sri Lanka, Maxwell de Silva -Secretary General, NOC, Sri Lanka and SLBF officials Dr. Chula Senaratne - Secretary General, Wing Cmdr (Rtd) Chandana Liyanage - Vice President, Paul Newman -Vice President, Hashendra Fernando - Vice President, Dr. (Mrs) Samantha Nanayakkara -Vice President, SSP T. Ganeshanathan - Asst. Treasurer and Ajith Kuruppu - Senior National Coach/President -Sri Lanka Coaches Association. - KR

World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar won their first ever Asian Cup with a 3-1 victory over four-time winners Japan.

Forward Almoez Ali broke the record of goals scored by a player at a single Asian Cup when he notched his ninth with a brilliant overhead kick.

Abdulaziz Hatem made it 2-0 with a 20-yard curled shot before Japan's Takumi Minamino fired in from inside the box.

It was 3-1 when Akram Afif converted from the spot after Southampton's Maya Yoshida had handled in the area. VAR confirmed that the Saints defender had intentionally handled, although TV replays suggested he was unfortunate to see the decision go against him.

Afif's penalty meant he scored one goal and provided 10 assists, including two in the final, during Qatar's seven games at the competition in the United Arab Emirates.

Coach Felix Sanchez Bas’ side had gone 10 hours and eight minutes without conceding a single goal at this year's competition prior to Minamino's strike.

The launch of the tournament was held at the MCA recently, where President of CMCA Mahes De Zoysa (centre) presented the Dr. R.A.H. De Zoysa Challenge Shield and the official players cap to the Captains (from left) Lasantha Perera (Colombo Masters), Deepal Madurapperuma (Nationalized Services), Roshan Iddamalgoda (MCA) and Thilak de Silva (State Services).  

The Senior Citizens (Over 50) inaugural Sri Lanka Masters T20 League quadrangular cricket tournament for the Dr. R.A.H. de Zoysa Challenge Shield will commence on February 3 at the Nationalized Services Cricket Association (NSCA) Grounds, Ratmalana.

The four cricket associations, namely Mercantile Cricket Association, (MCA), State Services Cricket Association (SSCA), Nationalized Services Cricket Association (NSCA) and Colombo Masters Cricket Association (CMCA) are believed to have gone into intensive fitness training for the past three weeks, also given their worn out pair of flannels for dry cleaning and have dusted their old pair of boots in preparation for the historic event.

The tournament which is the brainchild of former Anandian wicket-keeper/batsman and founder of Colombo Masters Cricket Association (CMCA) Mahes de Zoysa in 2017 to provide an opportunity to over 50 cricket enthusiasts to perform their talents.

They are expecting to form a senior citizen cricket team from mercantile institutions in the country and hope to conduct a tournament with South African senior citizens team in 2020. The event will be held annually and they expect teams will increase in the future.

The quadrangular will be continued on February 8 and 17 at the Bloomfield grounds and the two finals, including the play off for the third place will be held on February 24 at the MCA grounds.

The Match Programme (two matches per day, commencing at 9.00 am and 1.30 pm)

February 3 at NSCA grounds, Ratmalana

Morning: MCA v. Nationalized Services

Afternoon: State Services v. Colombo Masters

February 8 at Bloomfield grounds, Reid Avenue

Morning: State Services v. Nationalized Services

Afternoon: Colombo Masters Vs.MCA

February 17 at Bloomfield grounds, Reid Avenue

Morning: MCA v. State Services

Afternoon: Nationalized Services Vs. Colombo Masters

February 24 at MCA grounds

Morning: Play off for third place

Afternoon: Final

AD Sports Corner will provide the cricket gears while Atlas Hall will sponsor for the Dr. R.A.H. De Zoysa Challenge Shield. 

Canberra, Sunday: Usman Khawaja finally found form again to stroke a fine century Sunday and steer Australia into a massive lead over Sri Lanka as the tourists battle to stay in the second Test at Canberra.

At stumps, the visitors were 17 without loss, chasing a huge 516 to win with two days remaining after Tim Paine declared Australia’s second innings at 196 for three.

Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne were both unbeaten on eight, weathering some 30 minutes before bad light stopped play slightly early.

Sri Lanka had resumed the third day at 123 for three and in a hostile morning session lost four wickets and Kusal Perera, who retired after being hit on the head by a bouncer.

Their resistence folded in the second over after lunch, with Mitchell Starc taking five wickets to leave them trailing by 319 after Australia’s first innings 534 for five declared.

Paine opted against the follow-on in Australia’s last Test batting opportunity before the Ashes tour to England later this year.

Khawaja padded up knowing his place in that squad was in doubt after managing a high-score of just 72 across six Tests in a lacklustre summer.

He responded in emphatic fashion, smashing his eighth Test ton off 134 balls.

“Obviously getting a hundred and setting up another game that we can hopefully win, that’s the ultimate feeling for the team and for myself,” said Khawaja, who admitted it had been a tough few months on and off the field.

His brother was charged in December with trying to influence a witness over a case where he allegedly framed a love rival with a fake terror plot.

“It made it tougher to try and concentrate and go out and execute my skills,” he said, adding that it had been “very taxing mentally”.

It was Australia’s fourth century of the match after Joe Burns, Travis Head and Kurtis Patterson reached the milestone in the first innings.

Paine declared with Khawaja on 101 and Head not out 59, following his first innings 161.

But it was far from plain sailing. Marcus Harris again failed, out for 14 with Kusal Mendis taking a superb diving catch at slip off Kasun Rajitha, throwing his Ashes place into question.

Mendis held another catch to dismiss Burns for nine, this time off Vishwa Fernando, and Rajitha struck again to remove Marnus Labuschagne for four.

In an incident-packed morning, Jhye Richardson and Pat Cummins opened with a slew of bouncers.

Both Perera, who resumed on 11, and Dhananjaya de Silva, on one overnight, took blows to the head in the opening two overs.

Perera was then hit flush on the helmet ducking into a Richardson ball on 27.

The neck protector flew off and a physio rushed to his aid. He continued and added two more runs only to call the physio again four balls later.

Once again he opted to bat on but was feeling the effects and was helped off the field soon after.

Karunaratne returns

Ironically, the courageous Karunaratne replaced him after being declared fit again after being felled by a brutal bouncer on Saturday from Cummins.

He had laid prone on the ground for at least 10 minutes before being stretchered off in a neck brace, but after a hospital check was cleared of concussion and given the OK to resume his innings.

The opener returned on 46 and brought up his 22nd Test 50 before being caught at Patterson off Starc after adding nine more.

He was out just three balls after de Silva bizarrely hit his own wicket while attempting a pull shot off Starc. As his bat swung around it took one of the bails off and he was gone for 25.

The tail was quickly polished off with Starc doing the damage, ending with 5-54 to silence his critics after a lean spell.

“Certainly was a great start we had and we thought we could get a very reasonable score in the first innings.” Sri Lankan bowling coach Rumesh Ratnayake said.

“But things happened that didn’t help us and we are really disappointed with what they got.” AFP

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, Saturday - Kemar Roach and captain Jason Holder led another rout of the England batting line-up as the West Indies completed a crushing series-clinching 10-wicket victory after tea on the third day of the second Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Saturday.

Trailing by 119 runs at the start of the second innings after Darren Bravo’s ultra-patient half-century extended the West Indies first innings total to 306 in the morning, England were demolished for 132 with Roach and Holder claiming four wickets each.

Openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell then enjoyed the formality of knocking off the 14 runs required for victory in 2.1 overs, Campbell sealing the result in style by hoisting James Anderson for six over midwicket.

Following on a 381-run hammering of the visitors in the first Test in Barbados a week earlier, the result gave the West Indies the series 2-0 with the final match of the rubber starting next Saturday in St Lucia.

West Indies have also reclaimed the Wisden Trophy, symbol of supremacy in Test series between the two teams, after almost 10 years in England hands.

These two comprehensive victories also mark the first occasion since the 1994 tour of the Caribbean that the West Indies have beaten England in successive Tests.

“We’re hungry for success,” said a delighted Holder.

“This group has been together for a while and we have been doing some exceptional things. The way we ended last year was disappointing and everyone wanted to turn things around.”

A dejected England captain Joe Root said: “It’s been frustrating. I think we’ve been outperformed once again and that’s quite hard to take.

“As a bowling group I thought we worked exceptionally hard. Scoring under 200 isn’t going to win you many games of cricket.”

While Roach (four for 52, match analysis of eight for 82) and Holder (four for 43) claimed the main bowling honours, fellow pacer Alzarri Joseph’s contribution was especially significant given that he decided to continue playing the match despite the passing of his ailing mother, Sharon, early in the morning.

He claimed the wickets of Root and debutant opener Joe Denly just before the end of the afternoon session after Holder made the first two breakthroughs in removing Rory Burns and Jonny Bairstow after an opening partnership of 35.

Roach, who earned the “Man of the Match” award, then took over in tandem with Holder after tea, triggering England’s final slide to humiliation by bowling Ben Stokes off the inside-edge as six wickets tumbled for 44 runs, Joseph taking a diving, sprawling catch at mid-on off his captain to dismiss Anderson and end another abject batting display by a team ranked number three in Tests.

“I started a bit slowly today but changed ends and that brought the luck,” said Roach of his contribution with the ball in the second innings. “A series win at home against England, the third best team in the world, is fantastic.”

SLOWEST-EVER

Most of the focus at the start of the day was on Bravo, the lone West Indies batsman to fail in both innings of the first Test. He made amends in a manner completely against his nature, his even 50 coming off 216 deliveries, the slowest-ever by a West Indies batsman in Test cricket in terms of balls faced.

In stark contrast to the watchful defiance which typified his near six-hour occupation of the crease, the left-hander was last out when he charged down the pitch at Moeen Ali to be stumped. - AFP

CANBERRA, Sunday - Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Perera was forced to retire hurt in a daze Sunday after being hit by an Australian bouncer, a day after Dimuth Karunaratne was hospitalised in a similar scenario.

Perera was on 27 when he was hit flush on the helmet ducking into a Jhye Richardson ball on day three of the second Test in Canberra.

The neck protector flew off and a Sri Lankan physio rushed to his aid. He continued and added two more runs only to call the physio again four balls later.

Once again he opted to bat on but after watching his partner Dhananjaya de Silva face another three balls, he was clearly feeling the effects and was helped off the field.

Ironically, Karunaratne replaced him after being declared fit again after being felled by a brutal bouncer on Saturday from Pat Cummins.

He had laid prone on the ground for at least 10 minutes before being stretchered off in a neck brace, complaining of pain in his neck and tingling in the hands.

After a hospital check, he was cleared of concussion and given the okay to resume his innings on Sunday, receiving warm applause as he made his way out at Manuka Oval. – AFP

DUBLIN, Saturday - Two tries by Henry Slade helped England to a deserved 32-20 victory over Six Nations champions Ireland at Lansdowne Road on Saturday, ending the hosts' hopes of back-to-back Grand Slams.

The visitors ran in four tries in a gripping and absorbing contest with England always seeming the most likely victors.

England's win ended a run of two successive defeats at the hands of the Irish.

For Ireland, who are ranked two in the world on the back of 18 wins in their preceding 19 Tests, the defeat brought to an end a record run of 12 successive home victories.

England rocked the Irish within two minutes, Jonny May going over in the corner after a superb long pass by Owen Farrell picked out Elliot Daly coming into the line.

The England fullback off-loaded to May who ran in unopposed and Farrell converted brilliantly from the touchline for 7-0.

Johnny Sexton reduced the deficit with a sweetly struck penalty from in front of the posts.

The hosts received a further boost when Jerome Garces did not hesitate to send England flanker Tom Curry -- making his Six Nations debut -- to the sin bin for a high tackle on Keith Earls.

Jack Nowell, who Eddie Jones had suggested could play at flanker, for the scrums at least moved from the wing to replace Curry in his absence.

Jones had promised his side would bring brutality Dublin and the unfortunate Earls was victim to it again when Maro Itoje went in high on him without any intent to take the ball. Ireland skipper Rory Best argued to Garces that it was worse than the Curry incident, but the French referee just awarded just a penalty.

Ireland sneaked ahead with 15 minutes remaining of the first period, veteran prop Cian Healy pushed over by his team-mates for his fifth try in 85 Tests after Sexton had gone for the corner instead of kicking at goal when the English conceded another penalty.

Sexton added a sublime conversion from the touchline for 10-7.

However, the English hit straight back almost immediately, Nowell harrying Jacob Stockdale into a handling error inside the Irish try area and Daly -- whose grubber kick had forced the Ireland wing to scurry back -- touched down.

Farrell converted superbly from the touchline to make it 14-10.

The Irish went in 17-10 down at half-time after Farrell slotted over a penalty on the stroke of the break, but Ireland had been relieved after Mako Vunipola had touched down over the line but it was adjudged to be a double movement.

The two sides traded blows early in the second half with the Irish relieving their 22 after sustained English pressure when Garry Ringrose's clattering tackle on Farrell.

Ireland came away with a Sexton penalty to leave them trailing by four points. England lost key lock Itoje after he went off injured although that balanced out as giant Irish second rower Devin Toner limped off.

Ireland's discipline had held really well through the pressure and when they conceded a rare penalty Farrell was unable to make them pay sending a relatively easy penalty wide of the posts.

However, the English produced the killer blow with 14 minutes remaining as May's kick ahead was gathered by Slade who touched down for 22-13 -- Farrell missing the conversion.

Farrell made no mistake, though, with a long range penalty attempt with 10 minutes remaining, pumping his fist in delight as he stretched the visitors' lead to 25-13.

Another brilliant piece of handling by Slade extended their lead and Farrell converted before the well-beaten Irish ran in a late consolation try.– AFP