Jordan Johnson struck his second century of the ongoing tour as West Indies earned a hard-fought draw against Sri Lanka on the final day of the opening Youth Test on Friday.
Starting the final day 54, the left-hander made splendid 149 which helped the West Indies post 309 all out in response to the hosts’ 432-8 declared at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
The knock followed up his 105 in the second Youth One-Day International just over a week ago at the same venue. The 18-year-old Johnson faced 207 balls, struck 11 fours and a two of sixes.
Batting a second time, Sri Lanka Under-19s finished on 122-4 with Ravishan Nethsara making a breezy 50.
With West Indies U19s starting the day on 119-3, still 313 runs in arrears, they were still under pressure to produce a strong batting performance. Johnson rose to the occasion once again with a superb innings which ensured West Indies limited their first innings deficit to 123 runs.
He first extended his fourth wicket stand with fellow Steve Wedderburn (41) to 110 before putting on another 96 for the seventh wicket with Nathan Edward (36).
Wedderburn faced 104 balls and counted two fours and a six in a patient knock while Edward struck four fours in an 83-ball knock.
Once Johnson was seventh out, West Indies lost their last four wickets for 22 runs as off-spinner Vihas Thewmika claimed 6-78 while left-arm spinner Vishwa Lahiru finished with 3-61.
West Indies U19s then struck early when fast bowler Isai Thorne had captain Sineth Jayawardene caught at the wicket without scoring off the third ball of the innings with a run on the board.
The second and final four-day Youth Test starts on Tuesday 12 September at the same venue.
-CWI
