Hunt, Peirson centuries carry Australia ‘A’ to 2-0 series sweep

South Australian captain Henry Hunt and New South Wales wicket-keeper/ batsman Jimmy Peirson struck contrasting centuries and shared a fifth wicket partnership of 151 to carry Australia ‘A’ to a creditable five-wicket win over Sri Lanka ‘A’ in the second four-day unofficial test played at Hambantota yesterday.

The pair came together with Australian ‘A’ struggling at 69-4 chasing 367 for victory and rescued the side with the partnership. Following Hunt’s dismissal for 107 off 212 balls (three fours), Peirson struck up another fruitful stand with Aaron Hardie to carry Australia ‘A’ to victory.Peirson who top scored in the first innings with 67* once again finished unbeaten on 128 scored off 189 balls (four fours). Hardie’s contribution in the partnership was 78* off 94 balls (six fours).

Australia ‘A’ who won the first unofficial test by 68 runs took the series 2-0.

Scores

Sri Lanka ‘A’ 330-9 decl and 290 Australia ‘A’ 254 and 370-5 (o/n 37-1) (Henry Hunt 107, Jimmy Peirson 128*, Aaron Hardie 78*, Lakshitha Manasinghe 3/116, Dilshan Madushanka 2/52)