Sri Lanka pace bowler Thushara strikes twice

MIAMI, March 24 (Reuters) - Fast bowler Thilan Thushara struck twice to reduce West Indies to 107 for four at lunch on the third day of the first test against Sri Lanka in Georgetown, Guyana, on Monday.

Vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, returning after a six-month injury absence, provided the main resistance with an unbeaten 57.

All-rounder Dwayne Bravo, dropped on one at slip off Muttiah Muralitharan, was unbeaten on six.

West Indies reached the interval still 369 runs in arrears after Sri Lanka had compiled 476 for eight declared on the first two days.

Thushara, playing his second test, had both Devon Smith (14) and Marlon Samuels (five) caught behind early on the third morning to put the hosts under pressure.

Off-spinner Muralitharan also picked up an important wicket minutes before lunch when Shivnarine Chanderpaul was caught at short cover off a leading edge for 23.

At the interval Thushara had two for 32 from 13 overs. (Editing by John Mehaffey)