Host West Indies extends lead to frustrate Sri Lanka

Nevertheless, it was a job well done as it ensured that the scoreboard did not stagnate, helping Windies to 209 for 7 at lunch on day four of the first Test in Port of Spain, leading by 438.

First up it was Suranga Lakmal and then Lahiru Kumara, who didn't allow Shane Dowrich to settle in. While Lakmal posed questions with his accurate outside-off lines, Kumara used the short of length deliveries to good effect and in doing so set Dowrich up for a leg-before by bowling one full. At the other end, Powell showcased solid technique, standing tall against the pacers to handle the short deliveries effectively and despite the pitch offering variable bounce, he was able to manoeuvre the ball well to keep the scorecard ticking. 

Rangana Herath didn’t cause too many problems and the batsmen made sure to target him with Powell and Holder managing a boundary apiece in the first hour. Despite being struck by short deliveries from Kumara, Powell was unperturbed as he accumulated steadily to take the lead past 400 in the first hour, with Holder's brisk approach lending good support.

There was one occasion when Dilruwan Perera got the leading edge of Holder's bat, suggesting that there was some grip from the pitch. But the off-spinner also leaked runs, with Holder smashing him for a six and a four.