Ireland enjoy strong start to second Sri Lanka Test as Andy Balbirnie hits 95

GREAT KNOCK: Andrew Balbirnie went close to a century. Pic: Bradley Collyer/PA

Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie fell five short of a maiden century as his side racked up an impressive score of 319 for four on the first day of their second Test in Sri Lanka.

Balbirnie made 95 in Galle before a misjudged paddle sweep cost him his wicket, but as a skipper he will have been delighted by what was surely his country’s most accomplished day of batting in their brief history in the format.