HOVE (England), July 20: James Kirtley’s four wickets and Ollie Rayner’s three helped Sussex dismiss Sri Lanka A for 225 on the opening day of the three-dayer. Electing to bat, Sri Lanka A had an early setback when they lost Michael Vandort to Kirtley for 4 before a second-wicket stand of 76 between Mahela Udawatte and Malinda Warnapura levelled the balance.

Both fell in quick succession to Kirtley, however, and Sri Lanka’s middle-order batting struggled against Rayner and Chris Liddle, though the wicket-keeper Kaushal Silva did struck five fours in an unbeaten 49 to edge his side past 200.

Sussex, in reply, got off to a brisk start with Richard Montgomerie and Carl Hopkinson taking particular liking to Chanaka Welegedara.

And although Akalanka Ganegama bowled Hopkinson for 21, Sussex had hustled to

78 for 1 at stumps, trailing by 147.

Summarised scores:

SRI LANKA ‘A’ first innings 225 (Kaushal Silva 49 not out; James Kirtley 4-44); SUSSEX 78-1.—Agencies