Burgess 98 makes SL bowlers toil

Sri Lanka's bowlers were given another testing workout ahead of the Test series, as Michael Burgess, on first-class debut for Leicestershire, fell two short of what would have been an elegant maiden century. Burgess's efforts helped Leicestershire to 304 for 5 in their reply and left the Sri Lankans to dwell most fondly on the morning session, when Dasun Shanaka completed his fourth first-class century.

Burgess, whose six previous appearances had come for Loughborough MCCU, did not profit from a Sri Lankan attack going through the motions. He faced two overs from a sharp Dushmantha Chameera when he first came to the crease and then, with a start to his name, battled Suranga Lakmal and Rangana Herath in tandem. A tall presence at the crease, Burgess was quick on anything short, while also able to turn decent length balls into half-volleys with little more than a forward stride.