Colombo (News 1st) – Ireland recovered from a wobbly start to post a respectable 319/4 versus Sri Lanka at stumps on Day 1 of the 2nd Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

A captain's knock by Andy Balbirnie, who led from the front with 95 off 163 balls with 14 boundaries, helped Ireland recover from 89 for 3, as he teamed up with Paul Stirling, who scored 74 before retiring hurt off 133 balls inclusive of six boundaries and three sixes, to put on 115 runs for the fourth wicket.

The visitors will look to pile up a big score on Tuesday with Lorcan Tucker not out on 78 off 102 balls with ten fours at stumps along with Curtis Campher on 27. Sri Lanka is looking to register its 100th Test win and already leads the 2-match series 1-0.

Prabath Jayasuriya was the pick of the Lankan bowlers with two for 95 off 32 overs.

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