Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene. - file

COLOMBO (Reuters):

FOUR SRI Lanka batsmen piled up centuries as Bangladesh conceded a huge 488-run first innings deficit on the second day of the first Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club yesterday.

The Bangladesh bowlers toiled through the day as Michael Vandort (117), Mahela Jayawardene (127), Prasanna Jayawardene (120 not out) and Chaminda Vaas (100 not out) all hit hundreds before Sri Lanka declared at 577 for six.

Bangladesh, bowled out for just 89 in their first innings, survived a short three-over session before stumps but were left facing a daunting three-day fight to save the match when they start day three on three for no wicket in their second innings.

Resuming on 227 for three after taking control on the opening day, Sri Lanka's batsmen adopted an aggressive approach from the outset and continued remorselessly throughout the afternoon.

17th Test century

Left-hander Vandort scored his 117 from 189 balls before Mahela cruised to his 17th Test century, finishing with 127 from 159 balls.

Middle-order batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan contributed a positive 79 before wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene and Vaas compiled a record unbeaten 223-run seventh-wicket partnership.

Vandort led the charge in the morning session with successive sixes off left-arm spinner Abdur Razzaq as he raced through the 90s to complete his third Test century in only his seventh match.

When Vandort was finally caught at bat-pad, Mahela Jayawardene resumed his innings having retired hurt the previous evening on 93 with severe leg cramps.

The 30-year-old Sri Lankan captain, who became the second-highest runscorer in Sri Lankan history on Monday, also rushed to three figures, bringing up his 17th Test hundred with a lofted boundary.

Left-arm spinner Mohammad Raffique was the only wicket-taker in the first session, snaring Vandort at short leg to end a 117-run partnership with Dilshan.

Dilshan was dismissed just before the interval, run out after a mix-up running between the wickets when Jayawardene rejected his call for a run.

Jayawardene fell soon after the lunch break as Mashrafe Mortaza, armed with the second new ball, drew him into a loose drive and he was caught at backward point.

However, Sri Lanka further tightened their grip on the game with Prasanna Jayawardene and Vaas, determined to cash in on a tiring attack, scoring freely through the rest of the afternoon.