Jayasuriya hammers century against England

LONDON, June 20 (Reuters) Sanath Jayasuriya scored 120 to inspire Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 319 for eight after they opted to bat against England in the second one-day international today.

It was Sri Lanka's highest one-day score against their hosts.

The touring side, leading the five-match series 1-0, survived a fine opening burst from strike bowler Steve Harmison before the 36-year-old Jayasuriya and Mahela Jayawardene (66) cut loose against England's young pace attack.

The pair put on 160 in just over 23 overs for the second wicket.

It was Jayasuriya's 61st half-century in 359 one-day internationals.

Harmison, by far the best of seven bowlers, took three for 31.

Sajid Mahmood, meanwhile, was smashed to all parts as he conceded 80 off seven overs, taking two consolation wickets late on.

England's stand-in skipper Andrew Strauss must have wished he had had a few more Harmisons to call on at The Oval.

Better known for pace than accuracy, Harmison produced an exemplary opening burst. His first six-over spell cost nine runs and accounted for Upul Tharanga, who snicked to first slip with 34 on the board.

It was a one-man show, though. Liam Plunkett conceded 12 runs off his first over -- even though both boundaries came off thick edges -- while Mahmood, dropping short and wide, was smashed out of the attack immediately, conceding 26 off his first dozen balls.

EXQUISITE TOUCH From 42 for one after 10 overs, Sri Lanka went into overdrive, the left-handed Jayasuriya carving anything short over point while Jayawardene, who had got off the mark with a flicked six over square leg off Mahmood, looking in exquisite touch. The pair rattled up a century stand off 84 balls.

When Strauss gambled by bringing Mahmood back for the third powerplay, Jayasuriya pulled him for two fours and a six off a single over as 49 runs came off five overs.

It took a run-out to get rid of Jayawardene as he failed to beat Ian Bell's throw after backing up too far.

Jayasuriya, though, continued attacking. His only quiet spell came in his late 90s. Three runs short of his century, he chipped a leading edge to Kevin Pietersen at mid-wicket but the fielder immediately gestured he had taken the ball on the bounce.

England managed to stem the flow late on, taking six wickets in the last eight overs. Jayasuriya fell in the 43rd over, going for another of his off-side carves off Harmison only for Tim Bresnan to complete a diving catch running in from the boundary.

Kumar Sangakkara was dropped at third man next ball but took advantage to craft a fine 51 off 41 balls.

REUTERS AY PM1957