Tremlett rips through Sri Lanka batting order

SOUTHAMPTON, June 17, 2011 (AFP) - Chris Tremlett marked his return to the Rose Bowl with a Test-best haul to leave Sri Lanka on 177 for nine when rain forced an early close to the second day of the third and final Test here on Friday. Fast bowler Tremlett took six for 42 in 18.2 overs, surpassing his five for 87 against Australia in Perth in December -- a match that marked his return to Test duty following a three-year absence since his debut in 2007.

The 29-year-old giant quick ripped through Sri Lanka's middle and lower order with four wickets for 16 runs in 32 balls here on Friday.

Nevertheless Sri Lanka's total represented a revival from the depths of 39 for four.

Dilhara Fernando was 33 not out and Chanaka Welegedara seven not out at stumps in a debut Test at the Rose Bowl that has been plagued by bad weather -- of the 180 overs scheduled for the first two days, only 61.2 have been bowled.

England bowling coach David Saker was delighted by Tremlett's analysis, which followed the 6ft 7in paceman's successful Ashes tour.

"When he gets his length right, he’s a huge handful," Saker told reporters. "He's challenging the stumps, the gloves, the splice of the bat.

"Batters really struggle against tall bow