Scott Borthwick cut a frustrated figure having fallen for 99 in England Lions’ third ‘Test’ against Sri Lanka A.
The Durham man played a key innings, supporting centurion Chris Woakes in a superb 197-run stand that took the tourists to a first-innings total of 461.
His knock continued a fine individual series with the bat, although Borthwick described himself as “gutted”.
“I am massively disappointed to get out for 99,” he said. “I think I got out for 99 last year at the start of the season as well.
“To miss out on another first-class hundred is obviously massively disappointing but I would have taken that yesterday.
“I don’t like being in the nineties so I was trying to get through them as quickly as possible. But, on 99, I missed a straight one and I am a bit gutted about that.
“But it is nice to get some runs and Woakesy played well as well. Luckily he kicked on and good a big hundred.”
In the end, it is difficult to imagine Borthwick looking back with too much regret.
His innings was a further indication of his recent improvement as a batsman, even if he has not enjoyed much luck with the ball on this trip.
He admitted: “It has been tough; the Sri Lankans play spin very well and it’s been tough for all of the spinners.
“It’s a massive challenge, though, and we are enjoying it.”
Yet Borthwick is hoping that, with the hosts having reached 166 for one in reply to England’s total, he can enjoy some reward tomorrow.
“There is a little bit of turn,” added the leg-spinner. “But it is just a good pitch and there isn’t much movement.
“We might see a little bit more spin tomorrow so hopefully me and Kerrigan can play a big part.
“I think we are in a good position and we are one-up in the series. Hopefully we can start well tomorrow, get a couple of wickets and see where that takes us.”