Josh Philippe and Nic Maddison cracked half tons to put Australia ‘A’ on top against Sri Lanka ‘A’ to end the third day’s play on top in the first four-day match played at the Sooriyawewa Stadium.

Austraia ‘A’ batting the second time ended with a score of 212 for 5 for a lead of 317 runs. In fact Philippe’s knock was his second half -ton of the match having made a top score of 92 runs in the first innings. He made a 70 ball knock of 69 inclusive of ten boundaries while Maddinson hit 59 in 95 balls that included eight boundaries.

The pair put on a partnership of 111 runs for the fourth wicket after openers Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw who both made 32 runs each gave the side a solid start of 61 runs.

Earlier in the day Sri Lanka ‘A’ resuming their first innings from their overnight score of 250 for 8 added a further 24 runs to end with a score of 274 runs in reply to Australia ‘A’s score of 379. The match will be continued today.

Brief scores:
Australia A 379 and 212/5 (J Philippe 69, N Maddinson 59, L Manasinghe 2-83)
Sri Lanka A 274 (N Fernando 86, L Udara 50, T Murphy 4-67, M Steketee 3-51)

Photo: Josh Philippe scored a second half-century for Australia A in the first four-day match against Sri Lanka A (Picture courtesy Sri Lanka Cricket)