- 145th Battle of the Blues brought to you live from the Brumbies Tent
Royal College won the toss and invited S.Thomas’ College to take first lease of the wicket at the 145th Battle of the Blues played at the SSC Grounds.
Royal skipper Sineth Jayawardena who spun the toss probably went with tradition in inviting the opposition to bat after winning the toss due to the historic first hour that prevails at the SSC where the ball swings both off the air and also off the pitch.
Former Royalists cricketer Gamini Perera who conducted the pitch report stated that this will be a good toss to lose, simply due to the fact that it looks a paradise of a wicket to bat on.
“But you need to see out the first 30 to 45 minutes where the Duke ball being used will be assisting the bowlers early on.” Perera said
He also predicted that session two and three will make batting even easier and whoever ends on top at the end of play on day one will hold the trump cards as day two and three unfolds.
As we publish this report, the Thomians have got off to a brisk start and are currently 54 for no loss after 13 overs and one wonders if the Royalists captain Sineth Jayawardena by winning the toss and inviting the Thomians to bat has in fact handed the advantage of this 145th encounter on a platter to the lads from Mount Lavinia.
The Morning Telegraph will bring you coverage post lunch, tea and at the end of play throughout this encounter live from the Brumbies Tent.
The Chief Guests invited for this encounter are Johann Pieris the Thomian centenary skipper and Royalist Ajith Devasurendra the former Royal College skipper.