COLOMBO (Reuters)
Sri Lanka coach Dav Whatmore praised centurymaker Hashan Tillekeratne after his unbeaten 143 put West Indies on the back foot.

Tillekeratne celebrated his 100th Test innings in style as Sri Lanka piled up 477 for 5 replying to West Indies' 390 all out on the third day of the third and final Test.

The left-handed Tillekeratne has now scored four hundreds in seven Tests since his international comeback four months ago.

"Hashan has batted well for us since he came back. Perhaps he's been showing what we've been missing during the period over the last few Test matches by adding stability to the batting," said Whatmore.

"We are in a very healthy position with two days on a wicket that looks like it's wearing down but it is still good for batting."

Team manager Ajith Jayasekera revealed that Tillekeratne had batted through the pain barrier suffering from a hamstring strain in his left leg.

"Hashan is in severe pain. He received treatment at the end of the day and found it difficult to walk to the team coach," said Jayasekera.

"He may be able to resume his innings tomorrow possibly with the aid of a runner."

Sri Lanka lead the series 2-0.

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