Wood puts Somerset in command

Sri Lanka A 37 for 0 trail Somerset 372 (Wood 128*) by 335 runs
Scorecard

An unbeaten century from Matthew Wood helped Somerset to a commanding total of 372 after the opening day of their tour match against Sri Lanka A at Taunton. Wood scored 128 not out and, with help from the top-order batsmen, put Somerset into a strong position, with Sri Lanka A then closing at 37 for no loss.

After Peter Bowler, the acting Somerset captain, won the toss and batted, Neil Edwards and John Francis put on 46 for the opening wicket before Edwards was caught by Malintha Gajanayake off Thilan Thushara Mirando for 24. Gajanayake then soon had another catch to dismiss Francis for 35, and then had a third when Bowler fell for a quick 22.

However, Wood and Arul Suppiah then put on a stand of 87 which provided the backbone of the innings. Suppiah made a steady 33 before he was caught off Kaushal Lokuarachchi, but if Sri Lanka A thought they were through the back of the innings, Ian Blackwell made them think again with a typically beefy 38 off only 32 balls, including three fours and two sixes. He was run out, though, but Aaron Laraman and Carl Gazzard chipped in down the order to keep Wood good company.

However, Wesley Durston was then run out for five, and Gareth Andrew and Richard Johnson both fell for ducks to leave Wood stranded on 128, including 16 fours.

Gajanayake and Ian Daniel were left fighting it out for Sri Lanka A at the close, but they still trail by 335 runs.