| 0.0 : Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal (WK), Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Milan Rathnayake (On debut). |
| England's players will honour the late Graham Thorpe with a tribute before the start of the match, donning black armbands throughout the game as a mark of respect for the cricketing legend. |
| The two umpires make their way out to the middle followed by both teams who are lining up for the national anthems. It will first be Sri Lanka's national anthem followed by England's anthem. |
| With all the pre-match formalities completed, it's now time for the action to unfold! James Anderson, the local star rings the bell and marks the start of play! The English side led by Ollie Pope for the very first time spread out in the field. Nishan Madushka and Dimuth Karunaratne stride out to the middle set to open the innings for Sri Lanka. Chris Woakes has the new ball and will start proceedings for England. Away we go! |
| 0.1 : Chris Woakes to Nishan Madushka, No run. |
| 0.2 : Chris Woakes to Nishan Madushka, No run. |
| 0.3 : Chris Woakes to Nishan Madushka, BEAUTY! Keeps the length a tad full and angles the ball onto the stumps, getting it to straighten off the deck. Madushka gets squared up and the ball zips past the outside edge. Good carry through to the keeper as well. |
| 0.4 : Chris Woakes to Nishan Madushka, Just loses his line does Woakes and angles a length ball down the leg side. |
| 0.5 : Chris Woakes to Nishan Madushka, No run. |
| 0.6 : Chris Woakes to Nishan Madushka, No run. |
| 0.0 : It will be Gus Atkinson to share the new ball from the other end. |
| 1.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, Starts from over the wicket to the left-hander and dishes out a full and wide one at 132 kph, slanting it away, Dimuth Karunaratne leaves it alone. |
| 1.2 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, Hits the deck hard this time and bowls it around the top of off, Karunaratne hops onto the back foot and solidly defends it towards cover. |
| 1.3 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, Pitches the ball up on middle and leg stump, Karunaratne looks to flick it away but ends up just blocking it with a straight bat to mid on. |
| 1.4 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, Good-length delivery, around off stump and swinging away from the left-hander, Karunaratne shoulders his arms at it. |
| 1.5 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, Immaculate length, just a shade full and on a tight line around off, Karunaratne looks to lean on but opts to pull out of the shot and leave it alone. |
| 1.6 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, That's loose from Dimuth Karunaratne and England begin with back-to-back maidens. Gus Atkinson bangs the ball in short and wide, angling it away, Karunaratne just throws his arms at it looking to cut but is well beaten. |
| 2.1 : Chris Woakes to Nishan Madushka, On a good length, angled onto the pads and trying to swing it across, Nishan Madushka lets the ball come on and just tucks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 2.2 : Chris Woakes to Nishan Madushka, There's that surprise inswinger and Nishan Madushka was late on it. |
| 2.3 : Chris Woakes to Nishan Madushka, Nishan Madushka and Sri Lanka are underway! Just short of a good length and around off stump, Madushka stays put and blocks it down in front of covers with soft hands before picking up a single. |
| 2.4 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, Hard length in and around the off pole, getting the ball to shape back into the left-hander, Karunaratne is a bit late on it but manages to jam it out on the off side. |
| 2.5 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, Woakes keeps hitting that good length again and again. |
| 2.6 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, Good length again and on middle and leg, tucked away neatly towards square leg by Karunaratne. |
| A slight delay in play as Ollie Pope opts for a short leg fielder. |
| 3.1 : Gus Atkinson to Nishan Madushka, Top delivery! Fuller in length and on off stump, just nipped away a touch and Nishan Madushka ends up playing inside the line of this one. |
| 3.2 : Gus Atkinson to Nishan Madushka, Pitched up on off again, this time, Nishan Madushka prods halfway and eases it into the gap at covers to pick up an easy single. |
| 3.3 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, Nagging length, in and around off stump and just angling across off, Karunaratne leaves it alone. |
| 3.4 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, A good-looking stroke from Dimuth Karunaratne and he's off the mark as well now. Fuller in length and outside off, Karunaratne gets forward well and plays a pleasant drive through covers for a couple of runs. |
| 3.5 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, On a hard length around off and middle, this one pitches and nips away prodigiously as Karunaratne makes another comfortable leave. |
| 3.6 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, Pitched up in the channel around off, this one goes straight on with the line and Karunaratne shoulders his arms. |
| 4.1 : Chris Woakes to Nishan Madushka, Floats the ball up around off stump, shaping away, Nishan Madushka with a solid front-foot block, right off the middle of the bat and the ball goes firmly towards cover. |
| 4.2 : Chris Woakes to Nishan Madushka, Pulls the length back a couple of inches and attacks the off stump, Nishan Madushka gets an inside edge onto the pads as he looks to block and the ball rolls towards point. They pick up a quick single. |
| 4.3 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, Back of a length and angling across the left-hander, Dimuth Karunaratne hops back and eases it away to the man just behind point. |
| 4.4 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, Oh, that's done Karunaratne all ends up! Woakes pushes the ball up on middle and leg, deliberately angling it away from the left-hander, Karunaratne is drawn forward and loses hs balance a bit as the ball squares him up and goes past the off stump. |
| 4.5 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, On a dragged length, pushed well wide of the off stump line, left alone by Karunaratne. |
| 4.6 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, Brings the line closer to off now and bowls it on a good length, Karunaratne shoulders arms as it is angling away. |
| 5.1 : Gus Atkinson to Nishan Madushka, Good length, on the fifth stump line and zipping straight through at 136 kph, left alone by Madushka. |
| 5.2 : Gus Atkinson to Nishan Madushka, Drop and run! Dragged length over middle and angling into the body, Nishan Madushka tucks it gently in front of mid-wicket and scampers through for a single. |
| 5.3 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Gus Atkinson draws first blood for England and Dimuth Karunaratne is a goner! A short ball out of nowhere by Atkinson, dug in over off stump and just angling across, Karunaratne's eyes light up as he looks to take it on but gets rushed and a feather of an outside edge is found. The ball goes through quickly to the keeper and Jamie Smith makes no mistake. A bit more of an edge and that would have flown over the keeper and the slip |
| Kusal Mendis walks out to bat at number 3 for Sri Lanka. |
| 5.4 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, Bowled back of a length and in the channel around off, Kusal Mendis gets right behind the line and blocks it off towards cover. |
| 5.5 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, Oh, that's rocketed off the deck and left the batter bamboozled. Nagging length around off stump, this one nips away quickly after pitching and Mendis is beaten past the outside edge. |
| 5.6 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, On a good length and outside off, swinging away a lot gently this time and Kusal Mendis shoulders arms. |
| 6.1 : Chris Woakes to Nishan Madushka, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Oh, dear! A moment that Nishan Madushka will be thinking about on his way back but for now, England have got rid of both the Lankan openers and pretty cheaply as well. |
| 0.0 : Angelo Mathews steps up to the crease as the next batter, with Sri Lanka finding themselves in a bit of early trouble here. |
| 6.2 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, A touch short and around the hips, Angelo Mathews nudges it down behind square leg. |
| 6.3 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, The length is quite fuller this time but again Woakes pushes the ball down the leg side, Angelo Mathews misses the tuck as well. |
| 6.4 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Oh, that's a ripper! |
| 6.5 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Good length around the top of off stump, Angelo Mathews watchfully blocks it out on the off side. |
| 6.6 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, OUT! LBW! Oh, wow! Angelo Mathews has just shouldered arms at a delivery that jagged back in a long way and gets pinged on the pads. A huge appeal and up goes the finger but Mathews does review it. |
| 0.0 : Dinesh Chandimal walks out to bat next. |
| 7.1 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, No run. |
| 7.3 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, Hard length, on a tighter line around off and angling away, Mendis leaves it alone. |
| 7.2 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, Flailed away! Fuller in length and outside off stump, Kusal Mendis throws his hands at it and gets it uppishly through the gap at cover-point for three runs. |
| 7.4 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, No run. |
| 7.5 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, No run. |
| 7.6 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, Hard length in and around the off stump, Kusal Mendis watchfully blocks it off. |
| 8.1 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 8.2 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Good running! Good length around off stump, Dinesh Chandimal jams the ball out in front of covers and scampers through for a single. |
| 8.3 : Chris Woakes to Kusal Mendis, Back of a length and outside off, Kusal Mendis leans on the back foot and punches it away, not with stellar timing but through covers for a sngle. |
| 8.4 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 8.5 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Hard length around off stump, just eased away off the toes and wide of covers for a single by Dinesh Chandimal. |
| 8.6 : Chris Woakes to Kusal Mendis, Goes wider on the crease now and dishes out a fuller delivery, around off and angling it back in, Kusal Mendis gets on the front foot and punches it away through the mid off region for a couple of runs. |
| 9.1 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, Hits the deck hard, bowling it around the top of off stump, Kusal Mendis presses back to defend. |
| 9.2 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, Through him! Gus Atkinson bangs it in on a hard length at 140 kph, it is the scrambled seasm delivery, bowled around off and holding its line. Kusal Mendis is setting up for the pull but the ball skids through and beats the bat. |
| 9.3 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, No run. |
| 9.4 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, Good length around the top of off and brings the line close to the off stump now, Kusal Mendis watches it well and blocks it off. |
| 9.5 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, Good fielding! Just back of a length, around off and angling back in, Kusal Mendis makes a bit of room and dabs it late and wide of gully where Ollie Pope dives to his right and makes a fine stop. Saved at least two there. |
| 9.6 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, No run. |
| 0.0 : Matthew Potts comes into the attack now. |
| 10.1 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Starts off nice and full, attacking the stumps right away, Dinesh Chandimal plays it away towards mid on. |
| 10.2 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Good length, in the channel around off and angling away, Dinesh Chandimal presses back and leaves it alone. |
| 10.3 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Hits the deck hard and slants the ball back into the pads, Dinesh Chandimal tucks it neatly off the hips and past square leg for a couple of runs. |
| 10.4 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Bowled with an upright seam, on a nagging length and outside off, Dinesh Chandimal stays on the back foot and taps it away in front of covers for a quick single. |
| 10.5 : Matthew Potts to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Nice, soft hands from Kusal Mendis. |
| 10.6 : Matthew Potts to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! And the second boundary follows right away, much streakier this time though. Banged in on a hard length and outside off, Kusal Mendis gets a bt tangle up but manages to slash it away wide of the slip cordon and into the dence. |
| 11.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 11.2 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 11.3 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, FOUR! Gus Atkinson drifts down leg with a fuller delivery, Dinesh Chandimal just glances it off the legs and the ball runs away into the fine leg fence. |
| 11.4 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, Good length around off stump, Dinesh Chandimal watches it well and lets it through to the keeper. |
| 11.5 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, Good stop from Chris Woakes. |
| 11.6 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, Hits the deck hard over middle, gets it to angle back in wth some additional bounce, Dinesh Chandimal does well to fend it away past short leg. |
| 12.1 : Matthew Potts to Kusal Mendis, Nagging length outside off and angling back in, this one keeps a bit low and Kusal Mendis is able to block it out. |
| 12.2 : Matthew Potts to Kusal Mendis, No run. |
| 12.3 : Matthew Potts to Kusal Mendis, Bowled on a hard length and just outside off, Kusal Mendis gets on his toes and plays it away towards point. |
| 12.4 : Matthew Potts to Kusal Mendis, Hard length again and around off stump, Kusal Mendis backs away to open up the off side and eases it towards point. |
| 12.5 : Matthew Potts to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Lovely shot from Kusal Mendis and Sri Lanka are looking far more relaxed now. Matthew Potts goes wide on the crease and drops it short and wide, Kusal hangs back and taps the ball away not the gap at point and gully for a boundary. |
| 12.6 : Matthew Potts to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Driven nicely! Potts goes full and wide now and delivers a half-volley, Kusal Mendis gets on the front foot and hammers the ball away through covers for another boundary. Mendis moves into the 20s now. |
| 12.5 : Ollie Pope seems to have an issue with the shape of the ball but the umpire Paul Reiffel, feels it's still in good condition and asks for the play to continue. |
| 0.0 : Drinks! In the opening hour of play, England have dominated, claiming three quick wickets and putting Sri Lanka on the defensive. The challenge seems less about pitch conditions and more about poor shot selection and misjudgments from the visiting side. Kusal Mendis has offered a glimmer of hope with a couple of exquisite shots, and his partnership with Dinesh Chandimal now seems to have settled in and will be crucial for Sri Lanka to stabilize and build strong. England however will be aiming |
| 13.1 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Wow! What a way to start the over! |
| 13.2 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Another one! Short of a length down the leg. Dinesh Chandimal crouches down to leave it alone. |
| 13.3 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, On a length around off. Dinesh Chandimal punches it towards cover for a single. |
| 13.4 : Mark Wood to Kusal Mendis, Play and a miss! Back of a length, pitching it just outside off, angling it in towards the batter. Kusal Mendis hangs back and looks to dab it down but gets beaten on the outer edge. |
| 13.5 : Mark Wood to Kusal Mendis, Hard-length delivery on off and middle. Kusal Mendis camps back once again and blocks it towards the cover region and sprints quickly to take a single. |
| 13.6 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Full-length delivery on middle, shaping in. Dinesh Chandimal prods halfway and works it towards wide mid on for no runs. |
| 14.1 : Matthew Potts to Kusal Mendis, Fullish just outside off. Kusal Mendis lunges halfway to ease it from the outer part of his willow towards backward point. |
| 14.2 : Matthew Potts to Kusal Mendis, Now that one stays low! Good-length delivery wide outside off. Kusal Mendis extends his arms to perform a cut but the ball skids through after pitching and gets beaten on the inner edge. |
| 14.3 : Matthew Potts to Kusal Mendis, Fullish, around off. Kusal Mendis eases it towards his off side. |
| 14.4 : Matthew Potts to Kusal Mendis, Chaos in the middle, but that costs nothing! Back of a length on off, shaping in. Kusal Mendis miss times his pull towards the right of mid on fielder. There's a bit yes and no between the batters in the middle but they decide to cancel the plan to take a run. |
| 14.5 : Matthew Potts to Kusal Mendis, No run. |
| 14.6 : Matthew Potts to Kusal Mendis, On a length on off. Kusal Mendis pushes it towards cover for a single. |
| 15.1 : Mark Wood to Kusal Mendis, OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! |
| 0.0 : Skipper, Dhananjaya de Silva walks in with his side in a spot of bother. |
| 15.2 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 15.3 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Short of a length once again on middle. Dhananjaya de Silva pulls it towards deep backward square leg and gets a single. |
| 15.4 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Short on middle. Dinesh Chandimal stays low to leave it alone. |
| 15.5 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, On a length, pitching it on off and angling it in. Dinesh Chandimal looks to clip it but misses and thumps his upper thigh pad. |
| 15.6 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Fullish to end the over, on off and middle. Dinesh Chandimal with no footwork eases it back to the bowler. |
| 16.1 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, Beautiful shot and good running between the wickets! |
| 16.2 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 16.3 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Back of a length on off. Dinesh Chandimal eases it back to the bowler. |
| 16.4 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, FOUR! TOP SHOT! |
| 16.5 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 16.6 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Back of a length just outside off. Dinesh Chandimal punches it towards mid off for no runs. |
| 17.1 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Pitches up, on off. Dhananjaya de Silva works it across the line towards mid-wicket for no runs. |
| 17.2 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, 50 comes up for Sri Lanka! On a length on middle, shaping it in. Dhananjaya de Silva camps back and tucks it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs. |
| 17.3 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Short just outside off. Dhananjaya de Silva pats it towards the right of the gully fielder for no runs. |
| 17.4 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, FOUR! Streaky but will work for Dhananjaya de Silva as well as Sri Lanka! |
| 17.5 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Bangs a short one on off and middle. Dhananjaya de Silva pulls it towards deep fine and gets a single. |
| 17.6 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, On a length on off. Dinesh Chandimal pushes it towards mid on for no runs. |
| 18.1 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, Pitches up just outside off. Dhananjaya de Silva with no footwork blocks it towards the short cover. |
| 18.2 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, Hard-length delivery just outside off. The ball once again skids through. Dhananjaya de Silva withdraws his blade back and makes another leave. |
| 18.3 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a length outside off, on sixth stump. Dhananjaya de Silva dabs it towards cover-point for no runs. |
| 18.4 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, Fullish now, on off. Dhananjaya de Silva eases it eases it once again towards his off side. |
| 18.5 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, Four! |
| 18.6 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, 2 runs. |
| 19.1 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Hard-length delivery on off. Dinesh Chandimal opens the face of his willow at the end to eases it outside off. |
| 19.2 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, On a length on middle, shaping in. Dinesh Chandimal tucks it towards right of fine leg for a single. |
| 19.3 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Tap and run! Good-length delivery on off and middle. Dhananjaya de Silva tucks it towards the right of short mid-wicket for a single. |
| 19.4 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Full length now on off, angling in. Dinesh Chandimal drives it gently towards mid off. |
| 19.5 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Pitches up once again. Dinesh Chandimal pushes it towards vacant cover-point for a single. |
| 19.6 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Hard-length delivery on middle. Dhananjaya de Silva hops and nudges it towards mid-wicket for no runs. |
| First signs of spin as Shoaib Bashir now comes into the attack. |
| 20.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Shoaib Bashir comes from over the wicket and bowls fuller on off. Dinesh Chandimal eases it back to the bowler. |
| 20.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Flatter and fuller on off. Dinesh Chandimal shuffles a bit and nudges it towards short mid-wicket for no runs. |
| 20.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Flatter and pitches up on middle. Dinesh Chandimal flicks it off his pads towards square leg and gets a single. |
| 20.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, Tossed up fuller just outside off. Dhananjaya de Silva drives it towards extra cover for a single. |
| 20.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Sharp turn! |
| 20.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Flatter and fuller, outside off, spinning in. Dinesh Chandimal strides out but thumps his pads. The ball loops towards short fine leg but no runs taken. |
| Change, |
| 21.1 : Chris Woakes to Dhananjaya de Silva, Full-length delivery just outside off. Dhananjaya de Silva rocks back and pushes it towards cover. |
| 21.2 : Chris Woakes to Dhananjaya de Silva, FOUR! Excellent shot! Dhananjaya de Silva is up and running! Back of a length from Chris Woakes outside off. Dhananjaya de Silva extends his arms and cuts it well towards deep backward point for another boundary added into his account. |
| 21.3 : Chris Woakes to Dhananjaya de Silva, 1 run. |
| 21.4 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Good leave! Good-length delivery outside off, no movement on the delivery. Dinesh Chandimal prods and looks to perform something but ends up withdrawing his short and ends up leaving. |
| 21.5 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 21.6 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, On a length wide outside off. Dinesh Chandimal dabs it towards cover for no runs. |
| 22.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, Flat and fuller just outside off. Dhananjaya de Silva leans on the delivery and blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 22.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, A bit flight to offer and fuller on middle. Dhananjaya de Silva pushes it towards mid on for a quick single. |
| 22.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, OUT! LBW! A huge shout of LBW and the umpire once again raises his finger! Dinesh Chandimal had a chat with his partner and opted for a review in the very last second. |
| 0.0 : Kamindu Mendis is in at number 7 for Sri Lanka. |
| 22.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, From around the wicket to the left-hander, Bashir fires it full and on leg, Kamindu Mendis gets back and tucks it down the deck. |
| 22.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 22.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Tossed up, on middle, Kamindu Mendis lunges out and pushes it to point. |
| 23.1 : Chris Woakes to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 23.2 : Chris Woakes to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a length on middle. Dhananjaya de Silva tucks it from the inner part of his willow towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 23.3 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, On a length and just outside off, shaping it away. Kamindu Mendis leaves it alone. |
| 23.4 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Full and just outside off. Kamindu Mendis plants his front foot and eases it towards cover. |
| 23.5 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, 1 run. |
| 23.6 : Chris Woakes to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a length, angling in towards the stump. Dhananjaya de Silva clips it toward the right of the square leg fielder and gets a brace. |
| 24.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Flatter and fuller just outside off. Kamindu Mendis strides out and blocks it down to the pitch. |
| 24.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Tossed up fuller, and outside off. Kamindu Mendis drives it well through cover region towards sweeper cover and gets a couple of runs. |
| 24.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Drags his length back on off. Kamindu Mendis eases it towards his off. |
| 24.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, 2 runs. |
| 24.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 24.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Fuller on stump. Kamindu Mendis lunges and blocks it out well. |
| 0.0 : DAY 1, LUNCH BREAK! A brisk first session on Day 1 of the first Test match and at the end of it, hosts England have done a huge amount of damage after Sri Lanka opted to bat first. Five wickets fell and it didn't even look that difficult of a pitch to bat on with 80 runs being scored in 25 overs. |
| The day began with fairly blue skies but the English opening bowlers made the new ball talk well. Chris Woakes kept hitting the right lengths and Gus Atkinson used the scrambled seam to good effect. The par had the opposition reeling at 6/3 after which there was some resistance. Kusal Mendis and the experienced Dinesh Chandimal then stitched together a steady stand as the new ball bowlers wore and Mendis then took on the inexperienced Matthew Potts. |
| However, Mark Wood then came into the attack and he started firing on all cylinders right away, bowling in excess of 145 kph for fun and he made the ball really shoot off the deck. Kusal Mendis was on the receiving end of a nasty delivery that caught him on the already injured right thumb and the Lankans had to rebuild yet again. |
| Dinesh Chandimal continued to hold up one end as skipper Dhananjaya de Silva took on the mantle of keeping the scoreboard ticking and another budding partnership was formed only to be broken less than 10 minutes before the Lunch break as a ball from Shoaib Bashir kept really low and caught Chandimal on the pads right in front of the stumps. This halted Sri Lanka yet again and they went into the interval having lost half their side. |
| Right then, plenty of action in the first session but this is just the beginning and now both teams will look to find some consistency in the post-Lunch session. England will look to get through to the Lankan tail whereas DDS and Co will look to lose as few wickets as possible while mustering up some vital runs. Join us at 6.10 pm IST (12.40 pm GMT) for the second session on Day 1. |
| ... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ... |
| We are back for the post-Lunch session on Day 1! The umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of England. Sri Lankan skipper, Dhananjaya de Silva is all set to resume his stay on the crease alongside Kamindu Mendis. It will be Gus Atkinson who will get proceedings underway with the ball after the interval. Let's play... |
| 25.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, Starts from over the wicket and bowls it full and attacking the off stump line, Dhananjaya de Silva gets right behind the line and pushes it to mid on. |
| 25.2 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, Nearly chopped it back onto the stumps! |
| 25.3 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, 2 runs. |
| 25.4 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, Continues to keep the line on the hips and pushes the length a bit forward, Dhananjaya de Silva dabs it to the leg side. |
| 25.5 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, 2 runs. |
| 25.6 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 26.1 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Starts from over the wicket and hits the length right, in and around off, Kamindu Mendis gets his front leg across and pats it down in front of point. |
| 0.0 : Chris Woakes to operate from the other end. |
| 26.2 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Fuller one from Woakes, on middle and off, Kamindu Mendis jams it to the left of gully who dives and makes a good stop. |
| 26.3 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Nicely left! Woakes bangs it on a length, outside off and gets the ball to shape back in, Kamindu Mendis puts his front leg out and watches the ball very closely before making the leave. |
| 26.4 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, On a length and on the stumps, Kamindu Mendis opens up his stance and tucks it back onto the strip. |
| 26.5 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 26.6 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, On a back of a length and angling away, outside off, Kamindu Mendis rides the bounce initially but then withdraws his pull letting it go past to the keeper. A maiden from Chris Woakes to start this session! |
| 27.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, Atkinson lands it full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva looks for the flick but gets an outside edge that flies all along the turf straight to gully. |
| 27.2 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, Length, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva offers a solid front foot defence. |
| 27.3 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, Slightly short of a length and outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva gets across and lifts his front leg before pulling it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 27.4 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Nice shot from Kamindu Mendis! On a back of a length and width offered outside off, Mendis quickly goes back in the crease and punches it through cover-point for three good runs. |
| 27.5 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 27.6 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, A beauty to end the over! Nails the toe-crushing yorker on middle and off, Dhananjaya de Silva is equal to the task and manages to dig it out in time. |
| 28.1 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Angling across on a fuller length, outside off, Kamindu Mendis is happy to leave it alone. |
| 28.2 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Short of a good length and onto the stumps, Kamindu Mendis blocks it down the deck. |
| 28.3 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Bowls it nicely, on a good length just in and around off and gets the ball to nip back in, Kamindu Mendis plays for the line going away but gets pinged on the inner half of the bat with the inward movement. |
| 28.4 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, On a length and on off, Kamindu Mendis defends it out. |
| 28.5 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! Top shot from Kamindu Mendis! Chris Woakes errs in both line and length this time and pays the price. Bowls it short and wide outside off, Kamindu Mendis hangs back and punches it through point for a boundary. |
| 28.6 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Chris Woakes follows up with a nice delivery and gets the better of Kamindu Mendis! |
| 0.0 : Prabath Jayasuriya is the new man in. |
| 29.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, Short and over middle and leg, Dhananjaya de Silva ducks underneath. |
| 29.2 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 29.3 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, 1 run. |
| 29.4 : Gus Atkinson to Prabath Jayasuriya, Keeps the line straight and bowls it fuller, Prabath Jayasuriya pushes it to mid on. |
| Gus Atkinson to Prabath Jayasuriya, Back of a length and on off, Prabath Jayasuriya pushes it to point. |
| 29.5 : Gus Atkinson to Prabath Jayasuriya, FOUR! A bit streaky but still a nice way to get off the mark!  Short of a length again and outside off, Prabath Jayasuriya hangs back and cuts it very late. Gets an outside edge flying over the slip cordon for a boundary. |
| 29.6 : Gus Atkinson to Prabath Jayasuriya, No run. |
| 30.1 : Chris Woakes to Dhananjaya de Silva, Good-length delivery on off. DDS blocks it outside off. |
| 30.2 : Chris Woakes to Dhananjaya de Silva, Back of a length on middle. DDS hangs back and blocks it down the pitch. |
| 30.3 : Chris Woakes to Dhananjaya de Silva, FOUR! 100 up for Sri Lanka. Woakes comes from over the wicket and bowls fuller and wide outside off. DDS slaps the delivery from the middle of his willow through the gap of the cover region to get another boundary added into his account. |
| 30.4 : Chris Woakes to Dhananjaya de Silva, Short of a length on off. DDS tucks it towards the right of the mid-wicket for a single. |
| 30.5 : Chris Woakes to Prabath Jayasuriya, Back of a length on off. Prabath Jayasuriya nudges it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 30.6 : Chris Woakes to Dhananjaya de Silva, Full and on off. DDS works across the line towards wide of mid on for a single. |
| 31.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a length and on off, Dhananjaya de Silva presses ahead and pushes it to mid off. |
| 31.2 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 31.3 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, Short of a length and on middle and leg, Dhananjaya de Silva tucks it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 31.4 : Gus Atkinson to Prabath Jayasuriya, Keeps it full this time, on middle and off, Prabath Jayasuriya pushes it with soft hands straight to mid off. |
| 31.5 : Gus Atkinson to Prabath Jayasuriya, Back of a length and outside off, Prabath Jayasuriya looks to steer it on the off side but pushes it to gully. |
| 31.6 : Gus Atkinson to Prabath Jayasuriya, 1 run. |
| 32.1 : Chris Woakes to Prabath Jayasuriya, No run. |
| 32.2 : Chris Woakes to Prabath Jayasuriya, Angles it into the pads, on a fuller length, Prabath Jayasuriya clips it to deep square leg for a brace. |
| 32.3 : Chris Woakes to Prabath Jayasuriya, On a length and on off, Prabath Jayasuriya pushes it straight and Woakes on his follow through sticks his hand out and half stops it. |
| 32.4 : Chris Woakes to Prabath Jayasuriya, No run. |
| 32.5 : Chris Woakes to Prabath Jayasuriya, Drags the length short and outside off, Prabath Jayasuriya punches it to covers. |
| 32.6 : Chris Woakes to Prabath Jayasuriya, Full and outside off, Prabath Jayasuriya drives it though covers for couple more. |
| 33.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, Digs it short and angling in, on middle and leg, Dhananjaya de Silva gets low and pulls it well to fine leg for a single. |
| 33.2 : Gus Atkinson to Prabath Jayasuriya, With a short leg in place and the fine leg in the circle, Atkinson digs it even shorter and over the stumps, Prabath Jayasuriya ducks down and leaves it alone. |
| 33.3 : Gus Atkinson to Prabath Jayasuriya, Continues to provide some sweet chin music does Atkinson! Bangs it short and over middle and off, Prabath Jayasuriya leaves it alone. |
| 33.4 : Gus Atkinson to Prabath Jayasuriya, Short again, over middle, Prabath Jayasuriya covers the line, gets his bat high and stabs it down the deck. |
| 33.5 : Gus Atkinson to Prabath Jayasuriya, Oh dear! Just when it felt like Gus Atkinson had provided another crucial breakthrough and his string of short balls had done the trick for England, the umpire rechecks for the height and deems it a No-ball! He bangs it short and over off, Prabath Jayasuriya plays a nothing shot off it and just chips it in the air towards gully where Root settles and takes a simple catch. |
| Gus Atkinson to Prabath Jayasuriya, On a short of a length and over the stumps, Prabath Jayasuriya makes room and looks for the big slog straight over the bowler's head but misses. |
| 33.6 : Gus Atkinson to Prabath Jayasuriya, OUT! c Jamie Smith b Gus Atkinson. |
| 0.0 : The debutant, Milan Rathnayake is the new batter out in the middle. Also, Shoaib Bashir has been brought back into the attack. |
| 34.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 34.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 34.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, Another one that is tossed up a bit, fuller and on the stumps, Dhananjaya de Silva blocks it off. |
| 34.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, Drags the length back, bowling it onto the pads, DDS rocks back nicely and tucks it around the corner for a single. |
| 34.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 34.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Fires it quicker and on a nagging length around off, Milan Rathnayake with absolutely no foot movement looks to push it out but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 35.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, FOUR! It looks like the skipper will now switch gears and will do so quickly! Short again from Atkinson, on leg, Dhananjaya de Silva makes room and slaps it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 35.2 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, Bangs it short and over middle, Dhananjaya de Silva pulls it to fine leg for a single. |
| 35.3 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, Angling away, on a back of a length and outside off, Milan Rathnayake leaves it alone. |
| 35.4 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, Continues to keep it short and over the stumps, Milan Rathnayake ducks underneath and leaves it alone. |
| 35.5 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, 1 run. |
| 35.6 : Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, WIDE! too short and over middle and off, Dhananjaya de Silva leaves it alone. |
| Gus Atkinson to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a back of a length and just outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva gets closer to the line and steers it wide of gully to rotate the strike over. |
| 36.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 36.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, FIFTY for the Sri Lankan skipper Dhananjaya de Silva! This has been a crucial knock for his side! Floated full and on off, Dhananjaya de Silva taps it to wide of mid off and gets the single. |
| 36.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Drifts it full and on middle and leg, Milan Rathnayake does enough to keep it out. |
| 36.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Lopped right up, around off, Milan Rathnayake dead bats it down the deck. |
| 36.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, 1 run. |
| 36.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, FOUR! Nicely done! Too short from Bashir, outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva hangs back and waits for the ball before slashing it through point for a boundary. |
| 37.1 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| Mark Wood bowled 4 overs in the first session and bowled with some hostility as well. Can he clean up the tail for England? |
| 37.2 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, Short of a length and just outside off, Milan Rathnayake sways out of the line and opts to let this one be. |
| 37.3 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, FOUR! Lovely shot to get his first boundary in Test cricket! Fractionally short in length and outside off, Milan Rathnayake frees his arms and crisps his punch through cover-point for a boundary. |
| 37.4 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 37.5 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, Bowls it on a hard length and over off, Milan Rathnayake stabs it down the deck with an angled bat. |
| 37.6 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, Too full and on the stumps, Milan Rathnayake gets his bottom hand into play and cuts it well to deep point for a couple of runs. |
| 0.0 : Drinks break! Another hour of play has gone by on Day 1 and not much has changed from the first session. England have dominated proceedings with the ball once again and even though Sri Lanka have managed to muster up some runs, they are in serious danger of being bundled out inside the first two sessions. Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva has been the only shining light so far and he will look to do as much possible with the tail in order to get the Lankans close to the 200-run mark. Let's find out |
| 38.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, 1 run. |
| 38.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 38.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Fuller in length now and around off, drifting back in, Rathnayake leans on to make the block. |
| 38.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Another one that is drifted in, a smidge fuller and onto middle, Milan Rathnayake solidly blocks it off. |
| 38.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Drags the length back a bit and angles it into the stumps, Rathnayake looks to p;ay from the crease but gets an inside edge instead. |
| 38.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Floated up on middle and leg stump, Milan Rathnayake stays on the front foot and defends it down the pitch. |
| 39.1 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Pitched up on the legs of the batter at 145 kph, Dhananjaya de Silva gets inside the line and flicks it down to fine leg for a single. DDS trusting his partner with a single off the first ball. |
| 39.2 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 39.3 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, Another one that is dug in halfway at around 145 kph but it is just down the leg side and Rathnayake ducks under it with ease. |
| 39.4 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, The hard length now, around leg stump and slanting across, Milan Rathnayake hangs back and plays all over the ball, getting hit on the thigh pad. |
| 39.5 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 39.6 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, Good length, on off and sliding on, Rathnayake gets nicely on the front foot and plays it gently to covers. |
| 40.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, 1 run. |
| 40.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, 1 run. |
| 40.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, Dhananjaya de Silva is early to come down the pitch, Shoaib Bashir sees him coming and flights it up into the pads, DDS ends padding it away. |
| 40.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, FOUR! Firmly struck! |
| 40.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, FOUR! Nicely done again by the Lankan skipper. |
| 40.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, Uh, oh! That's a stumping opportunity missed! Dhananjaya de Silva advances early again and Shoaib Bashir manages to drift one full and past the off stump, DDS can't get bat on it but luckily for him, Jamie Smith is unable to gather the ball cleanly. |
| 41.1 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 41.2 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, Really well played by the debutant. Banged in short over the stumps and angling away, Rathnayake has a bit of time as he leans back and pulls it flat and in front of square for a couple of runs. |
| 41.3 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, Oh, that must have stung and Milan Rathnayake is calling for the physio right away. |
| 0.0 : Milan Rathnayake has been hit on the glove and seems to be in pain! The physio comes sprinting out as Rathnayake gets some medical attention. Right then, he now looks good to resume his stay at the crease. |
| 41.4 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, Mark Wood goes for the yorker but overpitches it outside off at 147 kph, Milan Rathnayake frees his arms and squeezes it away through the cover-point region for three more runs. The 150 is now up for Sri Lanka. |
| 41.5 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Short of a length and just angling down, Dhananjaya de Silva tucks it off the body and down to fine leg for a single. |
| 41.6 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, Comes from around the wicket now and angles in a short ball at the body, Rathnayake gets inside the line and awkwardly keeps the pull shot down to fine leg for one more. |
| 42.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Flighted delivery, angled into the pads, Rathnayake plays it with and open stance and blocks it in front of short leg. |
| 42.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Pulls the length back and drifts it onto middle, Rathnayake gets right behind the line and makes another good block. |
| 42.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Flghted up on the pads, a bit of drift in and holding in the pitch as well, Rathnayake blocks it down the pitch. |
| 42.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 42.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 42.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Maiden! Nagging length, darted in on middle, Milan Rathnayake stays watchful and blocks it off. |
| 43.1 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, A firm call of 'No' from Dhananjaya de Silva and it is the right call. Hard length, angling into the off pole, DDS presses back and blocks it to covers and the batters look for one but DDS sends Rathnayake back. |
| 43.2 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Almost the perfect yorker but equalled well kept out by Dhananjaya de Silva. |
| 43.3 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Hard length around off stump, DDS punches it away towards the cover region and picks up a single. |
| 43.4 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, Rathnayake doing more than a fair job for now. Hard length, angled in from around the stumps, Rathnayake presses back to defend and gets an inside edge towards backward square leg for one. |
| 43.5 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Bowled back of a length and outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva gets up on his toes and glides the ball away wide of deep third for a couple of handy runs. |
| 43.6 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Hard length, a bit wide of the off stump, Dhananjaya de Silva stands tall and plays it on the up but straight to cover-point. |
| 44.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 44.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 44.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Drops the length short now on off, turning it away, Milan Rathnayake rocks back and punches it away in front of point for no runs. |
| 44.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Nagging length around off, quicker through the air and Rathnayake again solidly blocks it off. |
| 44.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Gives it a tad more ar and flights it up on middle and leg, Rathnayake watchfully blocks it off. |
| 44.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Back-to-back maidens for Shoaib Bashir. Fuller in length, tossed up a bit and on off, Rathnayake eases it away on the off side. |
| 45.1 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, Potts comes back into the attack and bowls it a bit short and well wide, Dhananjaya de Silva with a back-foot drive and he gets it off the outer half of the bat behind deep point for a single. |
| 45.2 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, Banged in short over middle, Milan Rathnayake hangs back and gets on top of the bounce before pulling it down straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 45.3 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, Another short ball over middle, well-directed this time and Rathnayake arches back to let this one through to the keeper. |
| 45.4 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, And again! Over middle and at 136 kph, a bit more short and Rathnayake does well to sway out of the way of the ball. |
| 45.5 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, A fourth straight short ball but this is spilled down the leg side a bit, Rathnayake ducks under it with ease. Is the full and straight one coming now? |
| 45.6 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, No, Matthew Potts bangs in another short ball! This is dug in outside off and angling away, Rathnayake fetches and pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 46.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 46.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Straight up... lands safely though! Drifted in full and on middle and leg, Milan Rathnayake looks to break the shackles with a big heave against the turn and ends up slicing it straight back over the bowler's head. The fielders from mid off and mid on run back but it falls out of reach. A single is taken. |
| 46.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, Tossed up a bit fuller and at the stumps, Dhananjaya de Silva tucks it away to the leg side. |
| 46.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, Slows it up now on a length and floats it on middle, DDS defends it out. |
| 46.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 46.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, Shortens the length over middle, Dhananjaya de Silva presses back and pushes it down in front of mid-wicket. |
| 47.1 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, Matthew Potts hasn't quite been able to show the same control as the rest of his teammates. Banged in well short and down the leg side, a bit of an exercise for Jamie Smith as he has to really dive across to reach that one. |
| 47.2 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 47.3 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, FOUR! That's well played! Too short around off and angling away, Milan Rathnayake gets up on his toes and uppercuts the ball away wide of deep third for a boundary. The 50-run stand is also up between these two. |
| 47.4 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, Extra effort put into that one by Potts as he grunts in and bangs in another bumper but gets it down the leg side. |
| 47.5 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, Finally, Matthew Potts goes full and on off and middle, Milan Rathnayake is ready for it and drives it right back at the bowler. |
| 47.6 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, Ends the over with another bumper, over middle and leg and doesn't get up quite high, Rathnayake manages to duck under it though. |
| 48.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, Flights the ball up a lot slower at just 79 clicks, bowled on the pads and turning well down leg, good keeping from Jamie Smith as well. |
| 48.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, Tossed up on the stumps, not quite full and Dhananjaya de Silva just blocks it off. |
| 48.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, 1 run. |
| 48.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, FOUR! Milan Rathnayake is playing some fine shots out there. Fractionally short and wide, Rathnayake rocks back and latches onto the width before playing the square cut right past point for a boundary. |
| 48.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Tossed up, quite full and on middle, Rathnayake watchfully keeps it out. |
| 48.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Slows it up now, bowling it on a length and at the pads, Rathnayake manages to block it off. |
| 49.1 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a good length and sliding onto the pads, Dhananjaya de Silva with a lovely wristy flick through the mid-wicketn region and he picks up a couple of runs. |
| 49.2 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, Bowled quite short and over middle, attacking the body, DDS camps back and nudges it down with soft hands past short leg. |
| 49.3 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, Goes a bit wide on the crease and angles it back in on off and middle on a fuller length, Dhananjaya de Silva gets on the front foot and blocks it to the off side. |
| 49.4 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, Good length around middle, Dhananjaya de Silva squeezes it off the outer half of the bat towards cover for one as Matthew Potts now falls over on the followthrough. |
| 49.5 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, FOUR! That is so well controlled by Milan Rathnayake. |
| 49.6 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, A bumper now, over the stumps and this time, Rathnayake ducks under it. |
| 50.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, Flighted delivery, on a nagging length and on the pads, DDS just nudges it around the corner with soft hands. |
| 50.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, OUT! c Dan Lawrence b Shoaib Bashir. |
| 0.0 : Vishwa Fernando walks out to bat next for Sri Lanka. |
| 50.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 50.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 50.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, Oh, that is a lovely delivery! Hang on, Ollie Pope has gone for the review but there wasn't much of a reaction initially for a caught behind and the skipper seems to have just thrown caution to the win here. Shoaib Bashir flights it up on a nagging length around off and gets this one to straighten and drift away from the right-hander. Vishwa Fernando gets squared up as the ball zips past the outside edge into the hands of the keeper. The third umpire ch |
| 50.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, Tossed up full and on the stumps, Vishwa Fernando leans on to defend. |
| 51.1 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, On a fullish length around off and slanting away, Milan Rathnayake stays put and defends it out towards point. |
| 51.2 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, Banged in on a hard length and around the pads, Rathnayake hangs back and tucks it away to the leg side. |
| 51.3 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, On a good length around off, shaping away from the left-hander, Rathnayake leaves it alone. |
| 51.4 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, Hits the deck hard, bowling it a bit fuller and attacking the off stump, Rathnayake gets the front leg across and makes another solid block. |
| 51.5 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, Dishes out a full ball now, angling it across the off stump, Milan Rathnayake brings out the expansive drive and gets it off the outer half of the bat down to deep third for a couple of runs. |
| 51.6 : Matthew Potts to Milan Rathnayake, Goes full and straight, Milan Rathnayake does well to dig it out back to the bowler and that will be TEA ON DAY 1! |
| 0.0 : TEA, DAY 1 - Session Summary - 27 overs, 98 runs, 3 wickets. The start after the Lunch break was once again in the favour of the Three Lions. Just after a couple of overs, Chris Woakes picks his third wicket of the innings in the 29th over dismissing Kamindu Mendis. Prabath Jayasuriya walked up in the middle as six-man down but no positive results were popping up from the Lankan batters. Prabath got a golden lifeline in the 34th over but failed to capitalize on it but was dismissed in the |
| The English bowlers were doing exceptional to pick up wickets on a regular event but it was a huge task for them to hunt DDS down. They tried to attack with spin as well as pace on the opposite ends but they are just not finding their results. There was no visible swing lately and hence, the pitch evolved into a surface where patience and application were crucial for both the batting and bowling sides. But Shoaib Bashir helped his team to get the most wanted breakthrough and won the game of pa |
| Right then! The Lankan tail-enders would like to pursue their partnership for the next couple of hours. They would certainly want to survive till the end of the day and keep their scoreboard ticking. On the other side, the English bowlers would like to wrap things up as quickly as possible. Stay tuned, as an enthralling final session on Day 1Â will be up next shortly. |
| However, the storms were blowing all hopes for Sri Lanka, but their skipper stood out tall to defend his wicket and kept on caressing the deliveries to trigger the scoreline towards the 200-run mark. Dhananjaya de Silva outstandingly paved his way from a crumbled situation and also achieved his 15th test half-century in Test cricket format. His inning has been very crucial for his nation as he was the only batter left in their batting lineup. He also got lucky in the 41st over as the English ke |
| ... DAY 1, SESSION 3 ... |
| We are back for the third and final session on Day 1! The umpires have taken their places out in the middle as the English players stride out to the middle, hoping that it will be a quick jog back to the dressing room. Milan Rathnayake and Vishwa Fernando are all set to resume their stay and keep the fight going for Sri Lanka in this first innings. It will be Shoaib Bashir to continue from the James Anderson end after the break. Let's go... |
| 52.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, Short of a length just outside off. Vishwa Fernando defends it down. The ball bounces and loops to keeper. |
| 52.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, Fuller outside off. Vishwa Fernando prods and block it outside off but gets beaten on the outer edge. |
| 52.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, Flatter and fuller outside off. Vishwa Fernando once again prods to push it towards his off side but gets a slight nick on the outer edge. The ball rolls towards deep third man Double taken! |
| 52.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, Drags his length back outside off. Vishwa Fernando opens his face of willow and guides it towards right of slip. |
| 52.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 52.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 0.0 : Gus Atkinson to bowl from the other end. |
| 53.1 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, Gus Atkinson comes from over the stump and bowls fuller just outside off. Milan Rathnayake leans on the delivery and eases it towards short cover. |
| 53.2 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, Good-length delivery on middle. Milan Rathnayake hops and tucks it towards deep fine leg for no runs. |
| 53.3 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, Hard-length delivery on middle. Milan Rathnayake jumps and dabs it down to the pitch. |
| 53.4 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, FOUR! NICELY PLAYED! A bit slower from Gus Atkinson, and bowls it on back of a length on middle. Milan Rathnayake rocks back and pulls it towards deep square leg fence to get his fifth boundary of the inning. |
| 53.5 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, Shortish and angling it away from the batter. Milan Rathnayake offers nothing to it. |
| 53.6 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, On a length, pitching it just outside off and angling it away. Milan Rathnayake drives it towards sweeper cover. The fielder at cover has a chase and backhands the rolling ball just before it touches the fence. Three runs taken in the middle. |
| 54.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Short and outside off. Milan Rathnayake eases it outside off. |
| 54.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 54.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Tossed up fuller on leg. Milan Rathnayake blocks it towards his leg side. |
| 54.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Drags his length back and darts it down the leg. Milan Rathnayake lifts his willow up and makes a leave. |
| 54.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Tossed up fuller, on middle. Milan Rathnayake plants his front foot to defend the ball towards the right of the bowler. |
| 54.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, A bir more flight to offer from Shoaib, on middle. Milan Rathnayake flicks it from his pads towards mid-wicket region to get a comfortable single. |
| 55.1 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, WIDE! Bangs short length delivery but it flies well above from the batter. Milan Rathnayake ducks and leaves it alone. |
| Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 55.2 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, Hard-length delivery on leg, towards the ribs of the batter. Milan Rathnayake crumbles a bit for room but does well to dab it towards the left of the square leg fielder. |
| 55.3 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 55.4 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, 1 run. |
| 55.5 : Gus Atkinson to Vishwa Fernando, Fullish on off. Vishwa Fernando eases it down. |
| 55.6 : Gus Atkinson to Vishwa Fernando, Shortish on stump. Vishwa Fernando hops and defends it towards left of short leg. |
| 56.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Tossed up, much fuller on middle. Milan Rathnayake flicks it towards deep mid-wicket region and gets a couple of runs. |
| 56.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Short of a length just outside off. Milan Rathnayake hangs back and punches it towards cover. |
| 56.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Full-length delivery on off. Milan Rathnayake uses his botttom hand to loft if over mid off fielder. The power is not enough to cross the fence. The fielder at mid off does well to chase it down and only single taken in between. |
| 56.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 56.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 56.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, Fuller and on middle. Vishwa Fernando eases it back to the bowler. |
| 57.1 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, Hard-length delivery on leg. Milan Rathnayake hops and looks to clip it but gloves the delivery towards square leg. |
| 57.2 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 57.3 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, SHort and outside off. Milan Rathnayake pulls it toward deep mid-wicket and gets a couple of runs. |
| 57.4 : Gus Atkinson to Milan Rathnayake, 1 run. |
| 57.5 : Gus Atkinson to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 57.6 : Gus Atkinson to Vishwa Fernando, Bangs short one, on off and angling in. Vishwa Fernando is quick to duck and makes a leave. |
| 0.0 : Halt! |
| 58.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 58.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Full and on leg. Milan Rathnayake flicks it from the inner part of his blade towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.  |
| 58.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Quicker and short on off. Milan Rathnayake hangs back and fends it solidly. |
| 58.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 58.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 58.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Six! |
| 59.1 : Gus Atkinson to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 59.2 : Gus Atkinson to Vishwa Fernando, Short of a length outside off. Vishwa Fernando tries to dab it outside off but gets a blow on his gloves. |
| 59.3 : Gus Atkinson to Vishwa Fernando, Short and outside off. Vishwa Fernando ducks under the delivery to make a leave. |
| 59.4 : Gus Atkinson to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 59.5 : Gus Atkinson to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 59.6 : Gus Atkinson to Vishwa Fernando, Slower to end the over, fuller and on off. Vishwa Fernando pushes it outside off. |
| 60.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Flatter and fuller on off. Milan Rathnayake prods and fends it down. |
| 60.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Fullish once again just outside off. Milan Rathnayake lunges and defends it towards his off side. |
| 60.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 60.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Sharp turn! Short of a length on off and spins it in vigorously. Milan Rathnayake looks to crumbles for room and thumps his pad. |
| 60.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 60.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Tossed up fuller just outside off. Milan Rathnayake lunges and pushes it towards extra cover for a single. |
| 61.1 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, Tossed up fuller on off. Milan Rathnayake rests it down. |
| 61.2 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, A bit flatter and fuller on off. Milan Rathnayake drives it gently towards right of mid off for one run. |
| 61.3 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 61.4 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 61.5 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 61.6 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, Fullish on off. Vishwa Fernando eases it outside off. |
| 62.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Full-length delivery just outside off. Milan Rathnayake lunges and rests it down to the pitch. |
| 62.2 : It has gone considerably darker out in the middle and hence, the umpires are allowing just the spinners to bowl now. |
| Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 62.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Tossed up fuller outside off. Milan Rathnayake eases it towards cover. |
| 62.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Fullish on middle and leg. Milan Rathnayake pushes it towards mid on for a single. |
| 62.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, Short and outside off. Vishwa Fernando prods to cover the stump and makes a leave. |
| 62.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 0.0 : Mark Wood is seen warming up and he seems ready to bowl but now the two on-field umpires are coming together to have a chat. This time, they reckon that Wood bowling at 145 kph plus would be dangerous under the fading light and have asked Ollie Pope to continue with spin. Hence, Joe Root to continue. Also, the light meter is now out and the umpires are taking a reading from both ends of the pitch. |
| 63.1 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, Fullish delivery outside off. Milan Rathnayake punches it hard but straight towards short cover for no runs. |
| 63.2 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, Fuller on middle. Milan Rathnayake rests it down. |
| 63.3 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, Pitches up once again on middle. Milan Rathnayake blocks it down to the pitch. |
| 63.4 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, Flatter and fuller on middle. Milan Rathnayake places his full face of bat to block it down. |
| 63.5 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, Pitches up just outside off. Milan Rathnayake stands tall and punches it towards cover for no runs. |
| 63.6 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, Does that carry? No, just short it seems. |
| 64.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, Fuller on off. Vishwa Fernando defends it down. |
| 64.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, Fullish on middle. Vishwa Fernando eases it from the crease. |
| 64.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 64.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 64.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, Drats this one down the leg. Vishwa Fernando makes a leave. |
| 64.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, Short of a length, pitching it on middle, spinning it down the leg. Vishwa Fernando does offers nothing to it. |
| 65.1 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 65.2 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, Six! |
| 65.3 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, Fuller on off. Milan Rathnayake drives it back to the bowler. |
| 65.4 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 65.5 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 65.6 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, Short of a length on middle and leg. Milan Rathnayake pulls it from the top of his willow towards short fine leg for a couple of runs. |
| 66.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, Full and on off. Vishwa Fernando steers it towards backward point for a single. |
| 66.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 66.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 66.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 66.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Flatter and fuller on stump. Milan Rathnayake blocks it from the crease. |
| 66.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, On a length on leg. Milan Rathnayake soft hands it towards short leg. |
| 67.1 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 67.2 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 67.3 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, Pitches up on the stumps. Vishwa Fernando once again brings his defence. |
| 67.4 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, From over the wicket bowls it full and on off, Vishwa Fernando strides out and blocks it. |
| 67.5 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 67.6 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, A maiden over! Root darts it very full and on the stumps, Vishwa Fernando jams it out well. |
| 68.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Fullish on off. Milan Rathnayake strides out to ease it towards his off side. |
| 68.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Short and just outside off. Milan Rathnayake stands tall and punches it towards mid off. |
| 68.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, FOUR! Beautifully played! Full-length delivery just outside off. Milan Rathnayake plants his front foot, leans on the delivery and drives it gently from the middle of his willow to guide the delivery towards sweeper cover fence for another boundary. |
| 68.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Tossed up fuller, down the leg. Milan Rathnayake pushes it towards mid-wicket. |
| 68.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Now this one stays low! Fuller delivery just outside leg. Milan Rathnayake hangs back and pushes it towards his leg side from the toe end of his blade. |
| 68.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Drags his length back down the leg. Milan Rathnayake clips it towards left of short leg. |
| 69.1 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, Pitches up on off. Vishwa Fernando lunges and eases it back to the bowler. |
| 69.2 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, FOUR! TOP SHOT! Tossed up fuller on off and middle. Vishwa Fernando gets down on his one knee and sweeps it up and over the mid-wicket region to get his first boundary of the inning. |
| 69.3 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, Fuller delivery on middle. Vishwa Fernando clips it towards his leg side. |
| 69.4 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 69.5 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 69.6 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, Pitches up on the stumps. Vishwa Fernando eases it back to the bowler. |
| 70.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Pushes it quicker and fuller, on middle and leg, Milan Rathnayake dead bats it down the deck. |
| 70.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, 2 runs. |
| 70.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, Flatter and fuller, on middle, Milan Rathnayake blocks it. |
| 0.0 : Asitha Fernando is the last man in for Sri Lanka. |
| 70.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Milan Rathnayake, OUT! c Chris Woakes b Shoaib Bashir. |
| 70.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Asitha Fernando, No run. |
| 70.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Asitha Fernando, Straighter this time and on off, Asitha Fernando defends it off the back foot. |
| 71.1 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, Nicely bowled! Darts this one quick and full, on off, Vishwa Fernando shuffles back and manages to keep it out. |
| 71.2 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, 1 run. |
| 71.3 : Joe Root to Asitha Fernando, Pushes this one straight and full on off, Asitha Fernando blocks it out. |
| 71.4 : Joe Root to Asitha Fernando, Full again and on middle and leg, Asitha Fernando tucks it in front of short leg. |
| 71.5 : Joe Root to Asitha Fernando, Flighted up, on middle and off, Asitha Fernando gets low and looks to sweep but miscues it back onto his pads. |
| 71.6 : Joe Root to Asitha Fernando, No run. |
| 72.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 72.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, Turns this one sharp, from outside off and a tad shorter in length, Vishwa Fernando rocks back for the cut but is totally undone by the sharp spin. |
| 72.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, 4 Byes. |
| 72.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 72.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 72.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Vishwa Fernando, Quicker this time, full and on off, Vishwa Fernando steers it through third man region for a single. |
| 73.1 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, Straight and on off, Vishwa Fernando blocks it down the deck. |
| 73.2 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 73.3 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, No run. |
| 73.4 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, Four! |
| 73.5 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, With the round arm action, bowls it full and straight on off, Vishwa Fernando blocks it to covers. |
| 73.6 : Joe Root to Vishwa Fernando, OUT! RUN OUT! A mixup against the run of play and Sri Lanka get bundled out for 236 runs. |
| What began as a struggle and persisted through much of the second session saw a remarkable turnaround from Sri Lanka's lower order, who showed tremendous resilience to push the score to 230 runs, a recovery that seemed unlikely when they were teetering at a much lower total. Despite this late resistance, England will still be pleased with their bowling performance on a pitch that offered minimal assistance. Their relentless attack was justly rewarded, taking full advantage of the lackluster batt |
| 0.0 : Milan Rathnayake continued his impressive debut into the final session, reaching a well-deserved half-century with strong support from Vishwa Fernando, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking for Sri Lanka. England's pace attack remained the highlight, with Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson leading the charge, taking three and two wickets respectively. The rest of the bowling unit also delivered disciplined performances. However, they faltered slightly in the later stages of the second session and the |
| With 236Â runs on the board, Sri Lanka will be slightly disappointed with their batting display. They now face the challenge of making the most of the overhead conditions and the remaining session to make a significant impact with the ball. The pitch remains conducive to batting, and England will be eager to build a substantial first-innings lead and tighten their grip on this match. However, with the fading light, the umpires take another reading before going off and the possibility of further |
| ... SECOND INNINGS ... |
| We are back and the good news is that the English first innings will start right away! |
| 0.1 : Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett, No run. |
| 0.3 : Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett, FOUR! England and Ben Duckett are underway! Too full from DDS, outside off, Ben Duckett frees his arms and lofts it over covers for a boundary. |
| 0.2 : Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett, Attacks the stumps on a good nagging length, Ben Duckett makes room and punches it to covers. |
| 0.4 : Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett, Quicker this time, full and on off, Ben Duckett punches it to covers. |
| 0.5 : Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett, 1 run. |
| 0.6 : Dhananjaya de Silva to Dan Lawrence, 1 run. |
| 0.0 : Prabath Jayasuriya, the main spinner in the side, to operate from the other end. |
| 1.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Starts from around the wicket and flights it up, on the stumps, Dan Lawrence defends it with a straight bat. |
| 1.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, 1 run. |
| 1.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ben Duckett, Jayasuriya switches to over the wicket for the left-hander and tosses it up on middle and off, Ben Duckett prods out and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 1.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ben Duckett, Fractionally shorter in length and on off, Ben Duckett presses ahead and eases it to covers. |
| 1.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ben Duckett, Fires it quicker and fuller, just outside off, Ben Duckett rocks back and punches it to long on for a single. |
| 1.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Stright and on the stumps, Dan Lawrence just nudges it to mid-wicket and the batters set off for the run. Angelo Mathews collects the ball and has a shy at the stumps at the bowling end but misses. The overthrow allows the batters to jog back and steal a second run. A chance goes down for Sri Lanka! |
| 2.1 : Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett, Four! |
| 2.2 : Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett, No run. |
| 2.3 : Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett, An arm ball, darted straight and full, Ben Duckett eases it back to the bowler. |
| 2.4 : Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett, Floated full, Ben Duckett looks for the sweep but gets a top edge to fine leg region for three handy runs. |
| 2.5 : Dhananjaya de Silva to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 2.6 : Dhananjaya de Silva to Dan Lawrence, Slants it on a nagging length and into the pads, Dan Lawrence hangs back and tucks it to square leg for a single. |
| 3.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, From around the wicket, lands it full and on middle and off, Dan Lawrence pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 3.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Angling in, on a fuller length and into the stumps, Dan Lawrence opens up and tucks it to mid on. |
| 3.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 3.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 3.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 3.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, FOUR! Runs coming thick and fast for England! Full and into the pads from Jayasuriya, Dan Lawrence takes a step down to the pitch of the ball and flicks it beautifully through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 0.0 : UPDATE 10.23 pm IST (4.53 pm GT) - Uh, oh! What we feared most has happened! PLAY HAS STOPPED DUE TO BAD LIGHT! If the players do not come back out by 10.30 pm IST (5 pm GMT) which is just a few minutes away from now, that will be it for Day 1. So, in all likeliness, this will be it for the first day of play as Dhananjaya de Silva sees not much reward in wasting the spinners with the brand-new ball. |
| Right then, it is official now and STUMPS have been called on DAY 1! A total of 29 overs were bowled in that final session with a couple of wickets falling and at the end of it all, England trail by 214 runs with all wickets in hand. |
| After some late resurgence from the lower order, Sri Lanka managed to go from 6/3 and 113/7 to 236 all out which is something they wouldn't be too unhappy about. However, given the fading light, Sri Lanka weren't able to use their pacers late on Day 1 which is always a sort of a phase that could be tricky for the openers given the overhead conditions. |
| Rather, skipper Dhananjaya de Silva took the new ball himself given Prabath Jayasuriya was the only proper spinner in the lineup and the two of them bowled just 4 overs before DDS decided that spin wasn't cutting it with the new ball and the umpires were forced to take the players off the field. In short, the visitors took a gamble which didn't pay off and this could negatively impact the pacers at the start of Day 2. |
| England on the other hand will be decently pleased with how things eventually played out on Day 1 and they will look to build with the bat on Day 2 and wipe off the pretty meager deficit that they have. However, there is a forecast for rain early on Day 2 which could make things interesting if the Lankan pacers get it right. Day 2 will begin on Thursday, 22 August at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT) but you can tune in early to our build-up as well. Cheers! |
| ... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ... |
| Welcome back to the second day of this thrilling Test match between England and Sri Lanka! Day 1 was nothing short of a rollercoaster, with Englandâs bowlers making the most of the early conditions to have Sri Lanka in all sorts of trouble. But credit to the Sri Lankan lower order, who showed grit and determination to push the total to 236, giving their side something to bowl at. |
| As we head into Day 2, England find themselves at 22 without loss, having safely negotiated the final phase with the bat really well, but it could have been trickier if the seamers were allowed to have a go with the new ball for the visitors. Thats wasn't the case, due to bad light on offer. With plenty of action still to come and both teams eager to make their mark, today promises to be another captivating day of Test cricket. |
| All eyes will be on their top order to see how they handle the Sri Lankan bowlers, especially under potentially helpful morning conditions. A solid start could put England in a commanding position, while early wickets for Sri Lanka could swing the momentum back in their favor. The key for Sri Lankan bowlers will be to exploit any swing or seam movement available, especially with the new ball still relatively fresh. Test cricket is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one. Expect both side |
| UPDATE 2:57Â pm IST (9.27 am GMT)Â - Uh, oh! It looks like rain gods are not in a good mood. First overnight rain and now it's drizzling in Old Trafford. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope the rain takes a break, as we get closer to the start time. |
| UPDATE 3.13 pm IST (9.43 am GMT) - Manchester, often dubbed the Rainy City, has a reputation for its frequent showers. And once again it is living up to its reputation. The slight drizzle has turned into persistent shower now and by the looks of it, we could have a delayed start here on Day 2, but we still await for any confirmation from the officials. Stay tuned for further updates. |
| UPDATE - 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT) -Â Well, the official word is in, Day 2's start has been delayed due to rain. It certainly has eased out a bit but is not the most ideal situation, hopefully, the weather clears up soon so we can get back to action. Stay tuned for further updates! |
| UPDATE - 3.53 pm IST (10.23 am GMT) -Â Great news! The rain has stopped for now, and the ground staff are busy clearing the waterlogged areas over the covers. Although the cloud cover is still lingering, these signs are definitely encouraging. The weather forecast for later in the day looks promising, and weâre hopeful it stays true. Stick around for further updates! |
| 0.8 : UPDATE - 4.08 pm IST (10.38 am GMT) - An official inspection is scheduled for 4:30 pm IST (11 am GMT), and weâre staying hopeful that this could mark the beginning of clearer conditions. We should have an official update on the status of the first session of Day 2, so letâs keep our fingers crossed! |
| 0.0 : UPDATE - 4.28 pm IST (10.58 am GMT) - Unfortunately, the rain has made a return, bringing the covers back on and undoing the progress we had seen earlier. We're back to square one, but let's hope it's just a brief shower and that we can get back to action soon after this halt. Stay tuned for more updates! |
| Well then, early lunch has been called for Day 2, and unfortunately, we've lost an entire session to rain. Itâs not the ideal start to what was expected to be an exciting day, but we remain hopeful that the weather clears up and we can resume play after lunch. Although we have the luxury of an extended play today, the bad light seen last evening could still pose a risk and affect playtime. However, with a promising weather forecast for the rest of the day, we stay optimistic and hope it holds |
| On Day 1, the pitch favoured the batters, prompting Sri Lanka to bat first without hesitation. However, they struggled to implement their strategy as the English pacers were exceptional with their precise line and length, reaping the rewards. As we await the resumption of play, it will be intriguing to see whether the pitch continues to offer good batting conditions or if the overhead weather and strong breeze will give the bowlers an edge. We eagerly anticipate some positive news following this |
| UPDATE 5.21 pm IST (11.51 am GMT) - Finally, some good news coming our way! The early Lunch taken, has been a blessing in disguise, as the Sri Lankan players have started their warmups in the hoodies. The groundstaff is on their toes as well improving the outfield conditions. We have a start time as well which is 5.45 pm IST (12.15 pm GMT). So gear up for an exciting session of red-ball cricket. Stick around. |
| ... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ... |
| After an extended interlude, we are finally ready to resume the game on Day 2. The revised schedule for the remaining two sessions is as follows, the second session will be from 5.45 pm IST to 8.30 pm IST, and the third session will be 8.50 pm IST to 11.30 PM IST. As the umpires take their positions, the Sri Lankan players head out to the field. Ben Duckett and Dan Lawrence, the opening batters for England, step back onto the pitch to continue their innings. Asitha Fernando will start the pro |
| 4.1 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, Ben Duckett gets running straightway. Asitha Fernando starts way too full, wide outside off. Ben Duckett hangs back, reaches out and just guides it through covers. They take two runs. |
| 4.2 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, A bit shorter this time, close to the body as well. Ben Duckett stays back and short jabs it through point for one. This is the first time Sri Lanka are using their seamers in this innings, it will be interesting to see, if England openers feast on them or not. |
| 4.3 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, LEG BYE! Asitha Fernando fires it full, swinging into the right-hander. Dan Lawrence looks to flick it away but misses. It pings him on the pads and rolls out into the leg side. Fernando makes an appeal but the umpire thinks this is going down leg. Meanwhile, the batters collect a leg bye. |
| 4.4 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, Good length, on the fifth stump line. Duckett pushes it into covers, but fails to find the gap this time around, the first dot ball of the afternoon then. |
| 4.5 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, Length ball, stays straight, on the pads. Ben Duckett tickles it down towards fine leg and gets a single for it. |
| 4.6 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Much fuller this time, around off, this is jags away a bit. Dan Lawrence gets on his front foot and brings out a solid defensive play. |
| Vishwa Fernando will bowl from the other end. |
| 5.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Ben Duckett, Vishwa Fernando fires it full, around off. Ben Duckett blocks it back to the bowler off the front foot. |
| 5.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Ben Duckett, A bit shorter this time, around middle. Duckett stays back and flicks it to square leg. WAIT ON - is the shout after playing it from Ben. |
| 5.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Ben Duckett, Gets squared up a bit this time. This is fuller, around middle and off. Ben Duckett works it towards point off the outer half. One run taken. |
| 5.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Vishwa Fernando strays down the leg side this time, looking for the moment back into the right-hander, but errs in his line completely. |
| 5.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, It is full, angling across, around the fourth stump line. Dan Lawrence gets on his front foot and drives it towards extra covers along the ground. Two dots on the trot here. |
| 5.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Good length, around off. Dan Lawrence stabs it into covers and takes off for a quick single. |
| 6.1 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Asitha Fernando with a solid start to his second over. He appeals and the umpire raises his dreaded finger. Dan Lawrence though thinks he has been hit high on the pads and this could be missing the stumps. He has a chat with his partner and takes the review. Looking at the delivery, it is a good-length ball that jags back in sharply from outside off. Dan Lawrence takes a blow on his knee roll here, with some extra bounce. The third umpire has a closer loo |
| 6.2 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, A length ball, outside off. Dan Lawrence knocks it towards point for one. |
| 0.0 : Is that out? Dhananjaya de Silva sends it upstairs at the last second for an LBW check which was deemed NOT OUT by the onfied umpire. The UltraEdge shows no spike and all three reds come up. The onfield call is overturned and Sri Lanka get their first breakthrough! |
| 6.3 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, OUT! LBW! Asitha Fernando could not send Dan Lawrence two deliveries prior, but this time he gets rid of the big fish in Ben Duckett. Asitha Fernando and Sri Lanka are pumped up here and why not, they needed an early wicket and they have got one. |
| 0.0 : Skipper, Ollie Pope walks out to bat at number 3 for England |
| 6.4 : Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, Ollie Pope gets off the mark instantly. This is a length ball, outisde off. Pope knocks it into the off side for one. |
| 6.5 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, 1 run. |
| 6.6 : Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, Brilliant comeback from Fernando, he went for few runs in the first over, but has found his rhythm in no time. He dishes a length ball, outside off. The ball nips away and Pope does not chase it either. |
| 7.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Much fuller, around middle and leg. The ball moves back into the right-hander. Dan Lawrence gets his blade down in time and tickles it towards fine leg for one. |
| 7.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Ollie Pope, FOUR! Here we go. Pope making his intentions pretty clear. A short ball, wide outside off. Very easy for Pope, as he set himself up nicely and crunches it through point for a boundary. |
| 7.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Ollie Pope, A length ball, around off. Pope tries to defend it out with soft hands. The ball catches the outside edge and sneaks past third slip. One taken. |
| 7.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Fuller one, around off. Dan Lawrence works this one towards deep point for one. |
| 7.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Ollie Pope, Back of a length, outside off, angling across. Pope leaves it alone. |
| 7.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Ollie Pope, Much fuller this time, outside off. Pope shoulders arms at it. |
| 8.1 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Back of a length, outside off. Dan Lawrence leaves it alone for the keeper. |
| 8.2 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Full this time, angled into the pads. Dan Lawrence flicks it towards deep square leg for one. |
| 8.3 : Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, Good length, wide of off, shaping away a bit. Ollie Pope has nothing to do with it. England cannot afford to lose another wicket so early. |
| 8.4 : Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, OUT! TIMBER! Oh dear! Have I jinxed it? Sorry England. Asitha Fernando is dictating the terms here. A dream wicket for any seamer, as the ball kisses the top of off. |
| 0.0 : Joe Root walks in at number 4 for England. |
| 8.5 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Joe Root gets off the mark instantly here. This is a length ball, on the pads. Joe Root flicks it to square leg for one. |
| 8.6 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, 1 run. |
| 9.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Vishwa Fernando goes for the yorker here, but it comes off as a low full toss. Dan Lawrence knocks it down the park, but only to find mid off. |
| 9.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Back of a length, around off, it comes back in. Dan Lawrence stands tall, and hangs his blade pretty high and close to his body. The ball catches the inner half and goes towards square leg. One taken. |
| 9.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Shorter ball, angling across, outside off. Joe Root hangs back inside the crease and leaves it alone for the keeper. |
| 9.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, A bit fuller this time, but way wide of off. Joe Root just watches it sail past him for another dot. |
| 9.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Joe Root now rotates the strike as he dabs this length ball in front of backward point and hares to the other end for a quick single. |
| 9.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Good length, around off. Dan Lawrence knocks it into point for none. |
| 10.1 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, A length ball, on the fifth stump line. Joe Root prods and blocks it into the off side. |
| 10.2 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, FOUR! Through the gap. It is a good-length ball, outside off. Joe Root hangs back, opens the face late and guides it through the gap between slips and fine gully. Exceptional shot this. |
| 10.3 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Good length, outside off. Joe Root hangs back and defends it out watchfully. |
| 10.4 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, On a good length once again, Root presses forward this time and stabs it into covers. |
| 10.5 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Asitha Fernando serves a length ball this time, around middle. Joe Root tucks it through square leg for a single. |
| 10.6 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Fuller one, angled into the pads. Dan Lawrence flicks it to the right of mid on. The batters take two runs. 50 IS UP FOR ENGLAND. They trail by 185 runs. |
| 0.0 : The debutant, Milan Rathnayake comes into the attack now. |
| 11.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Milan Rathnayake starts with a full ball, on off. Joe Root gets on his front foot and defends it solidly. |
| 11.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, This is a bit fuller, angled into the pads. Joe Root flicks it to square leg for one. |
| 11.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, Another single now as Dan Lawrence clips this length ball behind square on the leg side for one. |
| 11.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, A length ball, around off, getting it to shape away this time. Joe Root prods and blocks it to covers. |
| 11.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Two dots on the trot! This is much fuller, fires it around off. Root looks to drive it away, but it unable to time it well. |
| 11.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, A length ball, at 133 clicks. Joe Root shuffles a bit and blocks it away watchfully. Milan Rathnayake with a strong start, as he gives away just two runs. |
| 12.1 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, It is a full ball, angled in around off. Dan Lawrence gets on his front foot and eases it towards point. |
| 12.2 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, FOUR! Asitha Fernando will be unhappy with this one. It is a short ball, outside off. Dan Lawrence stands tall, and rides the bounce really well as he pulls it towards deep mid-wicket. There is a fielder in the deep, but Lawrence manages to find the vacant region and the boundary. |
| 12.3 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, FOUR! Dan Lawrence is trying to take the charge here and shift the momentum a little bit. Incredible placement this time. It is a short ball, on off. Dan Lawrence swivels a bit and pulls it behind square on the leg side. The ball races away. |
| 12.4 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, A length ball, around middle. Dan Lawrence knocks it towards mid on. |
| 12.5 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Fuller in length, on the pads. Dan Lawrence flicks it to deep square leg for a single. The stand moves to 22. |
| 12.6 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, A dot ball to end the over. Good length, outside off, at 131 clicks, moving away as well. Joe Root just leaves it alone. |
| 13.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, Good length, outside off, shaping away. Dan Lawrence stands tall and looks to cut it away but it catches the under-edge in the process and takes a bump towards the slip cordon. |
| 13.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, A length ball, on the pads. Dan Lawrence flicks it to the right of mid on for one. |
| 13.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fuller one, on off. Root pushes it to mid off. |
| 13.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Back of a length, outside off. Root stays back, takes the extra bounce on the consideration. Gets on his toes, and slaps it past the flying gully fielder towards deep third. The batters take two runs. |
| 13.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fuller one, outside off. Joe Root prods and defends it out. |
| 13.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, A single to end the over as Joe Root tucks this short ball into mid-wicket and crosses. |
| Vishwa Fernando gets a change of ends. |
| 14.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Vishwa Fernando comes from over the wicket and bowls fuller just outside off. Joe Root prods and flicks it from the inner part of his willow towards square leg for a single. |
| 14.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Full-length delivery once again on middle, shaping it away from the batter. Dan Lawrence eases it towards cover for no runs. |
| 14.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! The change of ends worked for him! |
| 0.0 : Drinks! |
| 14.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Pitches up just outside off. Harry Brook lunges and eases it back to the bowler. |
| 14.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, On a length on middle. Harry Brook rocks back and nudges it towards deep backward square leg for a comfortable single. |
| 14.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Nicely bowled! Pitches up, once again on middle and shapes it in a shy bit. Joe Root nudges it from the inner part of his blade towards square leg. SIngle taken. |
| 15.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Back of a length outside off. Joe Root stands tall and shoulder arms the delivery. |
| 15.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, FOUR! TOP SHOT! |
| 15.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fullish on off. Joe Root drives it gently back to the bowler. |
| 15.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Good-length delivery just outside off. Joe Root plants his front foot and blocks it towards off side for no runs. |
| 15.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No ball! |
| Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Good-length just outside off. Joe Root eases it outside off. |
| 15.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 16.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Hard-length delivery on off, angling it away. Joe Root drops his stance and leaves it alone. |
| 16.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Lovely from Joe Root! Full-length delivery on off. Joe Root pushes it towards the left of the bowler towards long off and gets a couple of runs as the fielder at mid off chases the rolling ball. |
| 16.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, No run. |
| 16.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Hard-length delivery, once again outside off. Joe Root stands tall and cuts it from the inner part of his willow towards the deep point region for an easy single. |
| 16.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Pitches up now, wide outside off, shaping it away. Harry Brook drives it gently towards the right of the mid off fielder. The fielder slides to his right and gets the ball. |
| 16.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, On a length outside off. Harry Brook punches it towards sweeper cover for a couple of runs. |
| 17.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fullish on pads of the batter. Joe Root flicks it from his pads towards deep square leg for a comfortable single. |
| 17.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, FOUR! That is beautiful from Brook! |
| 17.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, On a length outside off. Harry Brook taps it towards cover for no runs. |
| 17.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, 1 run. |
| 17.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, FOUR! Runs are coming thick and fast for England! Fuller delivery on middle, shaping it in. Joe Root punches it to beat the diving mid on fielder and gets another one more boundary in the same over. |
| 17.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Four! |
| 0.0 : Prabath Jayasuriya (2-0-8-0) comes back into the attack. |
| 18.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Flatter and on middle. Harry Brook nudges it towards mid-wicket for no runs. |
| 18.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Fuller and on off. Harry Brook drives it towards vacant cover and gets a single. |
| 18.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 18.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, 2 runs. |
| 18.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Short of a length on leg. Joe Root clips it towards square leg for another single. |
| 18.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, 100 comes up for England! Short of a length on middle and leg. Harry Brook tucks it towards deep mid-wicket and gets a couple of runs. |
| 19.1 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Pitches up on off and middle. Joe Root prods and flicks it across the line towards deep square leg for a single. |
| 19.2 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, FOUR! That is so simple, yet so beautiful from Harry Brook! Asitha Fernando comes from over the wicket and bowls fuller just outside off, on fifth stump. Harry Brook plants his front foot, leans on the delivery and transfers his body weight on his drive to guide the delivery towards the gap of wide mid off and short cover to get another boundary added into his account. |
| 19.3 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, On a length on off. Harry Brook looks to defend it across the line but gets the leading edge and the ball rolls towards his off side. |
| 19.4 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, 1 run. |
| 19.5 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, No run. |
| 19.6 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, No run. |
| 20.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, 1 run. |
| 20.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up, in and around off, Joe Root pushes it to covers. |
| 20.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Flighted full and on the stumps, Joe Root blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 20.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 20.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 20.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Straight with the arm, full in length, Harry Brook keeps it out. |
| 21.1 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Hard-length delivery, just outside off. Joe Root hops a bit and dabs it down. |
| 21.2 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Good-length delivery on middle and leg. Joe Root clips it towards deep fine leg and gets an easy single. England are doing great to rotate their strike to keep the scoreboard ticking! |
| 21.3 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Back of a length just outside off. Harry Brook rides the bounce and fends it towards his off side. |
| 21.4 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 21.5 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Pithces up, once again on off. Harry Brook pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 21.6 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Much fuller, just outside off. Harry Brook plants his front foot and jams it towards cover for no runs. |
| 22.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Flatter and fuller on middle. Joe Root strides out and blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 22.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Flatter and fuller, darting angling it down the leg. Joe Root gets on his one knee and paddles it pretty late towards fine leg and gets a couple or runs. |
| 22.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 22.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, 1 run. |
| 22.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 22.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up on middle. Joe Root plants his front foot and watchfully blocks it out. |
| 23.1 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Hard-length delivery just outside off. Harry Brook gets on his toes and dabs it towards point. |
| 23.2 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, A bit fuller now, outside off, on the sixth stump. Harry Brook opens his face of willow and taps it late and low towards backward point. |
| 23.3 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Full-length delivery on off and middle. Harry Brook rests this delivery down to the pitch. |
| 23.4 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Good running in between! Fullish once again outside off. Harry Brook steps forwards and rolls his wrist to slice it easily towards the left of deep backward point fielder and rushes back for the second run. |
| 23.5 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, On a length on leg. Harry Brook flicks it towards deep square leg for a single. |
| 23.6 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, A round of applause from the English spectators as these two batters have formed a 50-runs partnership! Hard-length delivery on leg. Joe Root hops and nudges it towards mid-wicket and gets a single. |
| 24.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Comes back to the attack and bowls from over the wicket. Lands it on a good length and on off, Joe Root just nudges it to gully and gets to the other end. |
| 24.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, On a hard length just outside off, Harry Brook looks for the expansive drive away from his body but miscues it down the deck. Milan Rathnayake has overstepped and a No ball is called. |
| Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Follows up with a tight line around the channel on off, and on a good length, Harry Brook blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 24.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Continues to keep it tight around fourth stump line, and on a nagging length, Harry Brook cuts it down the strip and to the off side off the inner half of the bat. |
| 24.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Nice shot but the ball just dies down in the outfield. Too full this time from Rathnayake, on off, Harry Brook drives it beautifully through the gap at covers for three runs. |
| 24.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 24.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Digs it slightly short of a good length and on the bodyline, Joe Root tucks it to deep backward square leg for a single. |
| 25.1 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Leg bye. |
| 25.2 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, On a length and outside off, Harry Brook pushes it through point for a single. |
| Is that caught behind? The Sri Lankan players think so. The umpire takes it upstairs to confirm if it is a fair catch or not. |
| 25.3 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Asitha Fernando gets his third and this is a big, big wicket for Sri Lanka! Joe Root will be very disappointed with this dismissal as he trudges back to the pavilion. |
| 25.4 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Classic way to get off the mark! Asitha Fernando looks for the yorker straight up but serves a very low dipping full toss on the pads. Jamie Smith is equal to the task and flicks it well and fine past fine leg for a boundary. |
| 0.0 : DRINKS - Just when things were starting to look promising for England, they have lost another wicket here, and this time it is Joe Root who has to walk back on 42 runs. He batted brilliantly so far, keeping his calm and composure, but one mistake has cost him his wicket here. Sri Lanka strike back out of nowhere, and will be hoping to get another one before the Tea break. Now, Jamie Smith walks out at number 6. |
| 25.5 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 25.6 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Full and on the stumps, Jamie Smith gets his bat down and keeps it out towards cover. |
| 26.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, On top of off, and on a length, Harry Brook hangs back, waits for the ball and just glides it to deep third for a couple of runs. |
| 26.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Keeps the length right and plans it around off, Harry Brook looks for the drive but miscues it back to Rathnayake. Oh dear, a late call for No Ball again from the third umpire. This is the third overstepped delivery from the debutant. |
| Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Full and on off, Harry Brook pushes it to cover. |
| 26.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, 2 runs. |
| 26.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, On a length and on off, Harry Brook tries to do something different and looks for the scoop shot. Doesn't get the shot right and the ball just brushes the outside edge and rolls back onto hos arms before falling down the deck. |
| 26.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Good length again, on off, Harry Brook presses ahead and blocks it to covers. |
| 26.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Slightly shorter in length but the line stays around off, Harry Brook punches it to covers. |
| 27.1 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Full and on off, Jamie Smith drives it to deep cover-point for a couple of runs. The deficit is down to 100 runs now. |
| 27.2 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, On a length and on off, Jamie Smith slaps it to covers. |
| 27.3 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Anglign in, on a short of a length and over the stumps, Jamie Smith gets his bat ahead and dead bats it to mid off. |
| 27.4 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, On a hard length and on off, Jamie Smith watches the ball closely and offers a solid block to point. |
| 27.5 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Attempted yorker, but another low full toss on the toes, Jamie Smith flicks it well to fine leg for a single. |
| 27.6 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, A genuine full toss this time. Asitha Fernando is probably just pushing in a bit too hard! Harry Brook clips it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 28.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, A touch fuller in length and outside off, Harry Brook extends his arms and looks for the slash but mistimes it back to the bowler. Brook has started to look a bit uncomfortable in the middle! |
| 28.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Rathnayake drags the length short and on top of off, Harry Brook cuts it well to deep point for a single. |
| 28.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, A very nice shot that from Smith! Fuller in length from Rathnayake, on off, Jamie Smith takes a couple of steps out and across the line before flicking it through mid-wicket for three handy runs. |
| 28.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Play and a miss! On a length and outside off, Harry Brook looks to cut it square on off but gets beaten on the outside edge. |
| 28.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, FOUR! A freebie and Harry Brook pounces on it! Should get his confidence back now! Too full from Milan Rathnayake on the stumps, Brook just drives it gracefully past mid off for a boundary. |
| 28.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Short of a length and just outside off, Harry Brook cuts it straight to fine gully. |
| 29.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 29.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Gives the ball good revs and bowls it full, on the stumps, Jamie Smith rocks back on the back foot and blocks it with a straight bat. |
| 29.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, On a fuller length and on middle and off, Jamie Smith pats it to the off side. |
| 29.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Shaping in, on middle and leg, on a fuller length, Jamie Smith hangs back and works it to mid-wicket. |
| 29.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 29.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Maiden over! His first off the match! This is full and on the stumps, Jamie Smith watchfully blocks it out. England now trail by 90 runs. |
| 30.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Comes back into the attack and steams in from over the wicket. Hurls it full and on the pads, Harry Brook clips it to fine leg for a single. |
| 30.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Bowls it straight and full, on the stumps, Jamie Smith takes a step out before covering the line and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 30.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Attempted yorker on the pads. Jamie Smith takes it on the full and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 30.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Angling away, on middle and off, on a length, Harry Brook watches the line closely and just eases it to the off side. |
| 30.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Full and attacking the stumps, Harry Brook drives it to mid off. |
| 30.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Keeps the length short and lands it on the pads, Harry Brook flicks it to deep square leg for a single and will retain the strike. |
| 31.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, From around the wicket, loops it full and on the stumps, Harry Brook digs it to backward square leg for a single. |
| 31.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 31.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Flatter and fuller, on middle, Jamie Smith blocks it with a straight bat. |
| 31.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Tossed up, on middle and leg, Jamie Smith tucks it of the back foot in front of square leg for a single. |
| 31.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Fuller and on off, Harry Brook keeps it out. |
| 31.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Darts this one quicker and fuller on middle and off, Harry Brook pushes it through cover-point for a single. |
| 32.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, FOUR! How good a shot was that? Vishwa Fernando looks for the swing and bowls it full, on the stumps, Harry Brook with a high elbow punches it with utmost timing through mid on for a boundary. |
| 32.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, On a length and on middle, Harry Brook flicks it to mid-wicket for a couple more. |
| 32.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Keeps it very tight this time does Vishwa Fernando! On a good length and over off, Harry Brook watches it closely and blocks it out. |
| 32.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Length and on off, Harry Brook offers a solid block right under his eyes. |
| 32.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 32.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Back of a length and on off, Harry Brook dabs it past gully for a couple of runs. 8 runs come off this over and England now trail by 76 runs. |
| 33.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Full, on off, Jamie Smith drives it to cover. |
| 33.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, SIX! Picks the bones out of that one! Tossed up, on middle and off, Jamie Smith skips down the track and tonks it over mid on for a biggie. |
| 33.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Full and on middle and leg, Jamie Smith gets his bat ahead and pushes it to mid on. |
| 33.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 33.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, 1 run. |
| 33.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Fired in full, on off, Harry Brook drives it to long on for a single. |
| 34.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, FIFTY FOR Harry Brook! Fuller delivery just outside off, on sixth stump. Harry Brook plants his front foot and drives it towards the sweeper cover but the ball doesn't have enough legs to roll to the fence. But Harry Brook successfully takes three runs in the middle to get his half century. |
| 34.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 34.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 34.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 34.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Slower now, on a length outside off. Jamie Smith looks to heave it across the line trusting the bounce but fails to get the connection as he ball skids low due to lack of pace. |
| 34.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Fullish on off. Jamie Smith eases it outside off. |
| 35.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Tossed up fuller on leg Harry Brook strides out and tucks it towards vacant square leg for a single. |
| 35.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Drags his length back on leg, spinning it a shy bit towards the middle. Jamie Smith opens his stance and swats it towards long on for a single. |
| 35.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Fullish on leg. Harry Brook defends it towards his leg side. |
| 35.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Tossed up fuller on leg and middle. Harry Brook lunges and ease it down to the pitch. |
| 35.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, 1 run. |
| 35.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Short of a length on leg. Jamie Smith nudges it towards square leg for a single. 50 runs partnership for these two lads batting for the Three Lions! |
| 36.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, PItches up on off. Jamie Smith pushes it towards mid off for no runs. |
| 36.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Fullish once again on off. Jamie Smith taps it back to the bowler with no footwork. |
| 36.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Pitches up on off. Jamie Smith pushes it towards point. A bit of miss field costs Sri Lanka a single. |
| 36.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 36.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Lovely bit of fielding! Short of a length on off. Harry Brook slices it towards the right of gully fielder. The fielder sprints a bit and dives to stop the ball bouncing towards deep backward point. No runs taken by the batters. |
| 36.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Fullish on middle. Harry Brook pushes it towards mid on. That will be Tea on Day 2! |
| 0.0 : Weâve reached the Tea break on Day 2, and what a session itâs been! The rain may have delayed the start, but once play resumed, it was Sri Lanka who made the early breakthroughs, with Asitha Fernando striking twice in quick succession, by getting the better of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, putting Sri Lanka firmly in the driver's seat. |
| However, a gritty 27-run stand between Joe Root and Dan Lawrence helped stabilize the innings, and Root then found solid support from Harry Brook. Together, they added a crucial 58 runs for the fourth wicket, showing a calculated approach against some sharp bowling. As the session progressed, Sri Lankaâs bowlers began to tire, and Brook, along with Jamie Smith, took advantage, comfortably rotating the strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking. |
| As we head into the final session, England trails by just 60 runs, with Brook and Smith well set at the crease. Expect a fascinating contest as Sri Lanka will be eager to break this partnership and keep the lead manageable, while England will look to build on their momentum and edge closer to Sri Lankaâs total. The final session promises to be an intriguing battle, donât miss it. The start of the final session is at 3.20 pm GMT. Do join us then. |
| ... DAY 2, SESSION 3... |
| We are back with the final session! The umpires are out in the middle and so are the Sri Lankan players who spread out to take the field yet again. Harry Brook and Jamie Smith are striding out to resume their partnership for England. |
| 37.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, An arm ball, full and on off. Smith knocks it down to long on for an easy single. |
| 37.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, This is tossed up, full and outside off. Brook leans into it and pushes it to covers. |
| 37.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Quicker and fuller, on middle. Brook pushes it down towards long on and crosses. |
| 37.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Floated and full, outside off. Smith drives it gently into covers |
| 37.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Cracking shot. It is pitched up, wide of off. Jamie Smith leans into it and creams it through the gap at covers for a boundary. |
| 37.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Pushed through quicker, on off. Smith prods and defends it out watchfully. |
| 0.0 : Asitha Fernando (10-0-46-3) will bowl from the other end. |
| 38.1 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Asitha Fernando starts with a full ball this time, around middle. Brook pushes it down to long on. |
| 38.2 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Full again, around off, swinging in a bit. Brook prods and defends it with full face of the bat. |
| 38.3 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Good length ball, in the channel. Brook stays back and dabs it towards gully for a quick single. |
| 38.4 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Pitches it up this time, outside off. Smith leans into it and drives it through the gap at covers. The batters take three before the fielder cuts it out. |
| 38.5 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, 1 run. |
| 38.6 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Full once again, on the stumps. Smith gets on his front foot and knocks it to mid off, not in the gap though. |
| 39.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, OUT! CLEANED UP! Prabath Jayasuriya gets some turn on offer this time around and gets a huge wicket here. Harry Brook is stunned here. |
| 0.0 : Chris Woakes walks out to bat at number 7 for England. |
| 39.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Floated and full, around off, Woakes blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 39.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 39.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 39.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Four dots on the trot! This is an arm ball, full and on the pads. Woakes jams it into the deck. |
| 39.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Quicker and fuller, angled into the pads. Woakes dances down the track, and tries to defend it out but he takes a blow on the pads. |
| 40.1 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Good length, outside off. Smith stays back, taps it to point and crosses for one. |
| 40.2 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, It is a full ball, sliding down leg. Woakes tries to flick it away but misses. |
| 40.3 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Back of a length, around off. Chris Woakes gets behind the line and blocks it out watchfully. |
| 40.4 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Goes full this time, tailing in around middle. Chris Woakes gets his bat low quickly and knocks it towards mid on for no run. |
| 40.5 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Quicker and fuller, outside off. Woakes slashes it through covers. He gets it through the gap. The batters take three before the fielder cuts it out. |
| 40.6 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, A good over from Asitha Fernando comes to an end. This is fuller, wide of off. Smith crunches it towards deep backward point for just a single. |
| 41.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Floated and full, on middle. Smith gets on his front foot and blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 41.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Darted on the pads this time, Jamie Smith remains solid in his defense. |
| 41.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, A bit shorter, on middle. Smith pulls it to deep wide long on for one. |
| 41.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Quicker and fuller, around off. Woakes backs away and taps it to point. |
| 41.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, An arm ball, on middle and leg. Woakes uses the depth of the crease to defend this one. |
| 41.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Fuller one, around middle, drifting in. Woakes prods and jams it into the deck. A probing over from Prabath Jayasuriya comes to an end here. |
| 42.1 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Back of a length, on the body. Jamie Smith swivels and pulls it to deep mid-wicket. They take three before Angelo Mathews cuts it out. |
| 42.2 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, A single now as Woakes guides this length ball towards deep third. |
| 42.3 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, It is very full, angled into the pads. Woakes steps outside the crease and blocks it back towards the bowler. |
| 42.4 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Asitha Fernando dishes a length ball this time, angled in around off. Woakes prods and defends it out solidly. |
| 42.5 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 42.6 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Full one, on off. Woakes steps out of the crease and defends it back towards the bowler. |
| 43.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Short ball, wide of off. Smith goes back and cuts it towards deep point. |
| 43.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Darted on the pads. Woakes goes back and tucks it to deep square leg for a single. 200 IS UP FOR ENGLAND. |
| 43.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Shorter one, outside off. Smith stays back and punches it through covers for one. |
| 43.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, An arm ball, full, around middle and leg. Woakes gets on his front foot and blocks it out watchfully. |
| 43.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Chris Woakes prods to this full ball outside off and works it into covers, without any hesitation. |
| 43.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, A length ball, around middle and leg. Woakes goes back and tucks it square leg for none. |
| 44.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Good length, wide of off. Smith punches it to mid off on his front foot, but only to find the fielder. |
| 44.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Four! |
| 44.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, A length ball, outside off. Jamie Smith strides across and pushes it to point. |
| 44.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Back of a length, outside off. Jamie Smith stands tall and tries to punch it away. The ball catches the inside edge once again, but it runs down to fine leg for one. Milan Rathnayake has started to trouble the batters now. |
| 44.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Chris Woakes, Good length, on top of off. Chris Woakes gets behind the line and defends it out watchfully. |
| 44.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Chris Woakes, On a length, outside off, shaping away a bit. Chris Woakes taps it towards deep point for one. |
| 45.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, It is floated and full, outside off. Woakes leans in and pushes it into the off side. |
| 45.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 45.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 45.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Darted on the pads, Woakes remains solid in his defense. |
| 45.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, An arm ball, fuller one, on middle and leg. Woakes gets it back to the bowler with a straight bat. |
| 45.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, A loud appeal for LBW but turned down. This is an arm ball, full and on leg. Chris Woakes tries to defend it out but gets beaten on the inside edge and takes a blow on his pads. The umpire though thinks it is going down leg. |
| 46.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, A fuller ball, on the fifth stump line. Smith gets on his front foot and deals with it quite defensively. |
| 46.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Milan Rathnayake goes full again, on the fourth stump line. Smith blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 46.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Good length, outside off. Smith shuffles and blocks it with full face this time. |
| 46.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Milan Rathnayake dishes a length ball, on the fifth stump line. Smith gets on his front foot, opens the face a bit and works it into covers. |
| 46.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Short ball, outside off. Smith cuts it in front of deep point for one. |
| 46.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Chris Woakes, Good length, outside off. Woakes knocks it to deep point for one. A good over from Milan Rathnayake comes to an end here. |
| 47.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Attacks the stumps, full, Chris Woakes makes room and nudges it with soft hands to the off side. |
| 47.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Flighted full, on middle and off, Chris Woakes eases it to mid off. |
| 47.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Darts this one quick and full, on off, Chris Woakes manages to dig it out to the off side. |
| 47.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Straight and full, on middle and off, with extra revs on the ball, Chris Woakes prds out and blocks it well. |
| 47.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, 1 run. |
| 47.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Pushes it full and on off, Jamie Smith drives it to long off for a single. |
| Vishwa Fernando rejoins the attack now. |
| 48.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Comes from around the wicket and lands it full and slanting onto the pads, Jamie Smith tucks it all along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 48.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Chris Woakes, FOUR! Chris Woakes helps it on the way! Vishwa Fernando errs in line and serves it onto the pads on a length, Woakes covers the line and tickles it past fine leg for a boundary. The trail is now down to just 20 runs. |
| 48.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Chris Woakes, Four! |
| 48.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Chris Woakes, Length, on off, Chris Woakes offers a solid front foot block to the off side. |
| 48.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Chris Woakes, A tad fuller and on off, Chris Woakes gets his bat ahead and stabs it to cover. |
| 48.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Chris Woakes, Ends the over with good three balls does Fernando! This is on a good length and on top of the stumps, Chris Woakes gets right behind the line and keeps it down the deck. |
| 49.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 49.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Beaten in flight! Tossed up around off and gets the ball to turn away, Jamie Smith looks for the push through off but gets beaten on the outside edge. |
| 49.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Full and on the stumps, Jamie Smith keeps it out. |
| 49.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, With the arms, straight and full, Jamie Smith with a straight bat blocks it down to the bowler. |
| 49.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 49.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Maiden over! Jayasuriya darts this quicker and fuller, on middle and leg, Jamie Smith tucks it to mid on. |
| 50.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Chris Woakes, Angling in, on the pads, on a fuller length, Chris Woakes clips it behind the square on the leg side and rotates the strike over. |
| 50.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Attacks the stumps, on a hard length, Jamie Smith dead bats it back to the bowler. |
| 50.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Comes from over the wicket and bowls it straight and on middle, Jamie Smith watchfully keeps it out. |
| 50.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Angling across on a fuller length, outside off, Jamie Smith takes a step out and then blocks it to covers. |
| 50.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 50.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Goes full this time, angling away, outside off, Jamie Smith frees his arms but doesn't quite time his drive right. Hits it straight to mid off. |
| 51.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Tossed up, on middle and leg, Chris Woakes gets a good stride in and blocks it out. |
| 51.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 51.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Bowls it flatter and on a shorter length slanting into the stumps, Chris Woakes makes room and whips it to mid off. |
| 0.0 : Drinks! There's a brief pause in play as Jayasuriya appears to have cut his left thumb and requires medical attention from the physio. The umpires have decided to call for a drinks break as well. The players are receiving some refreshments in the middle. The Lankan bowlers are trying to get the important breakthrough as England are trail by just 15 runs and they still have 5 wickets in hand. Chris Woakes and Jamie Smith would like to remain unscathed till the Stumps here on Day 2, which migh |
| 51.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 51.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Darts it quick and full, on middle and leg, Chris Woakes eases it off the inner half of the bat to the leg side. |
| 51.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Too full from Jayasuriya, on middle and off, Chris Woakes drives it to mid off and gets to the other end. |
| 52.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Chris Woakes, From over the wicket, angles it across on a nagging length, just outside off, Chris Woakes hangs back and just guides it to deep third for a single. |
| 52.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, On the stumps, on a good length, Jamie Smith blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 52.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, On a short of a good length and outside off, Jamie Smith waits for the ball to come to him and swats it to cover for a single. |
| 52.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Chris Woakes, Keeps the line tight and length hard, over off, Chris Woakes hops back and makes a block. |
| 52.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Chris Woakes, Fuller this time, on off, Chris Woakes pushes it to mid off. |
| 52.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Chris Woakes, Length delivery, on middle and off, Chris Woakes gets right behind the line and blocks it down the deck. |
| 53.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Loops it full, on off, Jamie Smith pushes it to the bowler. |
| 53.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Alides it down leg, on a nagging length, Jamie Smith tries to tuck it fine but doesn't get it right. |
| 53.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Straight and full, Jamie Smith blocks it down the deck. |
| 53.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Fires it in, on middle and leg, Jamie Smith gets an inside edge trying to play at it straight. The ball goes behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 53.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Floted up, on middle, Chris Woakes prods ahead and blocks it straight. |
| 53.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Drags the length short and turns it in, around middle and leg, Chris Woakes makes room and punches it to cover. |
| 54.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Full and angling away, on off, Jamie Smith with a full face of the bat drives it straight. Fernando on his follow-through does well to cut it out. |
| 54.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Short of a length and on off, Jamie Smith waits on and cuts it to point for a single. |
| 54.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Chris Woakes, On a good length, outside off, Chris Woakes with not much of foot movement looks to fetch it away from his body but misses out due to the lack off bounce. |
| 54.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Chris Woakes, Length, on off, Chris Woakes firms it to mid off. |
| 54.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Chris Woakes, On a good length and just outside off, Chris Woakes cuts it very late to the right of gully who dives and stops a certain boundary. |
| 54.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Chris Woakes, FOUR! Glorious from Chris Woakes! Too full from Fernando, on off, Chris Woakes leans on and times his drive through cover-point to perfection for a boundary. England's trail is now down to just 6 runs. |
| 55.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Fuller and on middle, Jamie Smith pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 55.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, FIFTY for Jamie Smith! This has been a solid knock from the English keeper. Short and on middle and off, Jamie Smith hangs back and punches it to long off for a single. |
| 55.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 55.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 55.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Keeps it short and on middle and leg, Chris Woakes tucks it down to the on side. |
| 55.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Fired in, full and on the stumps, Chris Woakes blocks it out. |
| 0.0 : Kamindu Mendis joins the attack now. |
| 56.1 : Kamindu Mendis to Jamie Smith, Starts from over the wicket and bowls it full, on off, Jamie Smith watchfully blocks it out. |
| 56.2 : Kamindu Mendis to Jamie Smith, Floted full, with width outside off, Jamie Smith drives it well through covers. Angelo Mathews gives the dying ball a chase and keeps it down to three runs. |
| 56.3 : Kamindu Mendis to Chris Woakes, 1 run. |
| 56.4 : Kamindu Mendis to Jamie Smith, FOUR! That boundary gets England in the lead now! They lead by 3 runs! Too full from Mendis on off, Jamie Smith leans on and drives it beautifully through covers for a boundary. |
| 56.5 : Kamindu Mendis to Jamie Smith, On a nagging length around off, Jamie Smith pushes it to covers. |
| 56.6 : Kamindu Mendis to Jamie Smith, Shorter in length and on off, Jamie Smith punches it back to the bowler. |
| 57.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Short of a length on off. Chris Woakes goes deep into the crease and punches it towards short cover. |
| 57.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Flatter and fuller on middle. Chris Woakes lunges to block it down. |
| 57.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, OUT! b Prabath Jayasuriya. |
| 0.0 : Gus Atkinson comes in to bat now. |
| 57.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, An arm ball, angled into the pads. Gus Atkinson goes back and tucks it into the leg side. |
| 57.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Short this time, on off. Gus Atkinson goes back and punches it towards mid off. |
| 57.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Darted on the pads, Gus Atkinson stays back and blocks it from inside the crease. |
| 58.1 : Kamindu Mendis to Jamie Smith, Tossed up fuller outside off. Jamie Smith lunges and drives it across the line towards long on for a comfortable single. |
| 58.2 : Kamindu Mendis to Gus Atkinson, Fullish on middle. Gus Atkinson prods and puts his bat down. |
| 58.3 : Kamindu Mendis to Gus Atkinson, 1 run. |
| 58.4 : Kamindu Mendis to Jamie Smith, Short on middle and leg. Jamie Smith hangs back and eases it towards the front and wide of long on fielder. |
| 58.5 : Kamindu Mendis to Gus Atkinson, Pithces up on off. Gus Atkinson prods and pushes it towards vacant cover for a single. |
| 58.6 : Kamindu Mendis to Jamie Smith, Full-length delivery outside off. Jamie Smith punches it towards sweeper cover for another single and retains the strike for the next over. |
| 59.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Short of a length, drifting down the leg. Jamie Smith rocks back and pushes it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. |
| 59.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Fullish on off. Jamie Smith stays in his crease to push it back o the bowler. |
| 59.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, 2 runs. |
| 59.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, 2 runs. |
| 59.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Pitches up around middle and leg. Jamie Smith presses forward to ease it towards long on for one. |
| 59.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Tossed up, much fuller on leg. Gus Atkinson clips it off, from his pads towards square leg for another single. |
| 60.1 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Asitha Fernando comes from over the wicket and bowls on a length but sprays down the leg. Gus Atkinson misses the flick on a thin air. |
| 60.2 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Pitches up just outside off. Gus Atkinson knocks it towards the vacant cover region for a single.  |
| 60.3 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, WIDE! Bangs a short one, but the delivery flies well over the batter. Jamie Smith leaves it alone. |
| Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Short and punished! |
| 60.4 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Hard-length delivery on off. Jamie Smith punches it towards cover. |
| 60.5 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Back of a length outside off. Jamie Smith camps back and punches it towards cover-point for a single. |
| 60.6 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 0.0 : UPDATE 5.05 pm GMT - Oopsie! It has started to drizzle here in Old Trafford. Will it remain the same way though? Only time will tell, but the umpires don't want to waste much time here. The light-o-meter comes out once again. Dhananjaya de Silva wanted to go for his seamers, but just like yesterday the umpires suggest that he needs to stick with just the spinners, and eventually the players get asked to walk off the field here. Meanwhile, the rain starts to intensify a little bit, and the groun |
| UPDATE - 5.33 pm GMT - Well, the news we were hoping to avoid is confirmed, Stumps have been called on Day 2 as the weather once again disrupted the final phase of play. |
| Despite losing an entire session to rain earlier, the remainder of the day provided some captivating cricket until the conditions became too gloomy and dark, forcing the players off the field. England have managed to erase the deficit and now hold a lead of 23 runs with 4 wickets still in hand, and Jamie Smith well set at 72 off 97 balls. |
| Prabath Jayasuriya provided a crucial breakthrough early in the session, dismissing Harry Brook with a brilliant delivery that gripped and turned, a much-needed wicket given how well Brook was playing, breaking the 62-run stand. Chris Woakes then joined Jamie Smith at the crease, and the pair capitalized on the weary Sri Lankan bowlers, forging another valuable 52-run partnership that pushed England past the deficit. However, Prabath Jayasuriya struck again with a nearly identical delivery |
| Earlier in the second session of the day, the momentum shifted back and forth, leaving the game finely poised with England at 176/4. Harry Brook and Jamie Smith were well set at the crease, with England trailing by just 60 runs at the end of the session. Asitha Fernando bowled brilliantly for the visitors, claiming three crucial wickets early on, despite stabilizing contributions from Dan Lawrence and Joe Root. However, Brook and Smith took advantage of the tiring Sri Lankan bowlers, steadil |
| Right then, with the game finely poised, Day 3 could very well be the turning point of this Test match, determining the direction it will take. England will look to add crucial runs to their total, while Sri Lanka will be eager to return fresh and work through to get rid of the remaining 4 wickets as quickly as possible. The pivotal 'Moving Day' action kicks off on Friday, 23 August at 10 am GMT, but be sure to join us earlier for all the build-up. Until then, cheers and goodbye! |
| ⦠DAY 3, SESSION 1 ⦠|
| Hello and a warm welcome to the third day's play of this gripping first Test match between England and Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. With the game perfectly balanced, we're set for an exciting day of red-ball cricket that could prove decisive, living up to the anticipation of the so-called 'Moving Day'. Be certain to expect a day full of twists, turns, and immersive cricket as both teams strive to gain the upper hand. |
| England will be pleased to have erased the deficit and secured a narrow 24-run lead by the close of Day 2. Just as things seemed to be going smoothly for them, the day was unfortunately cut short by bad light and weather, reminiscent of the interruptions on Day 1. Jamie Smith remains at the crease, intent on building England's advantage, with the tail-enders playing a vital role in adding crucial runs. Donât be surprised if England adopts an aggressive approach today to pile up runs quickly an |
| On the other hand, the Sri Lankan bowlers and fielders will come into Day 3 rejuvenated after enduring a long and grueling day in the field. Despite the challenges, they've done remarkably well to maintain their discipline, preventing England from running away with the game. As the spinners look to play a more decisive role, Dhananjaya de Silva will be hoping his bowlers can quickly dismantle the remaining four wickets, allowing Sri Lanka to get back to the crease and make amends for their modes |
| The weather forecast for the day looks more promising, despite the presence of heavy cloud cover and a slight chance of light showers early on. Fortunately, interruptions are expected to be minimal as the day progresses, and we're hopeful for a full day's play. With the match finely balanced, today could be pivotal, and by the end of it, weather permitting, we should have a much clearer picture of which direction this Test match is heading. So, brace yourself for another thrilling day of cricket |
| In all readiness to start the day's play! To make up for the lost overs, the first two sessions will include a 15-minute extension and an additional 30 minutes will be added at the end of the day to bowl the designated 98 overs. The umpires and players are now making their way back onto the field, ready to resume play. Jamie Smith is joined by Gus Atkinson! |
| 61.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Prabath Jayasuriya starts the day from around the stumps, lands it full and on the middle, Jamie Smith pats his front leg ahead and works it along the carpet for a single at long on. First run of the day for England. |
| 61.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Nice and full, tossed and pushed through in front of the pegs, Gus Atkinson leans on the ball and defends it watchfully. |
| 61.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Gets a lot of drift due to the strong winds out there. Down leg on a length. Gus Atkinson lets it pass. |
| 61.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Pushed through, full and around off, Gus Atkinson covers the line, leans ahead and blocks. |
| 61.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 61.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 0.0 : Vishwa Fernando (13-0-51-1) will share the attack from the other end. |
| 62.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 62.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Vishwa angles it across off on a nagging length, Jamie Smith gets in line of the ball, drawing his front leg ahead, and drives it to mid off. |
| 62.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Nicely driven and they will get two easily! Full and angling on the pads, Jamie Smith flicks it solidly towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Smith moves to 75. |
| 62.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 62.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Fractionally full and outside off, Jamie Smith drives it through covers for a single. |
| 62.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Slash and a miss! Vishwa Fernando pitches it outside off and fuller in length. Gus Atkinson squats at it and tries an expansive drive through the covers with almost a horizontally angled bat, but misses as the ball whispers past his edge to the keeper. |
| Asitha Fernando (14-0-68-3) comes into the attack now. |
| 63.1 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Asitha Fernando is treated with a glorious straight drive first up! |
| 63.2 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Full again and angling in on the stumps, Smith pushes it straight to mid on. |
| 63.3 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Some quick runs for England early on! Good running! Good-length delivery outside off, Jamie Smith plants his front leg ahead and drives it firmly through the mid off and covers gap for a brace. The fielder from cover chases the ball as it loses its steam midway through in the deep. |
| 63.4 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Length-delivery, on off, Jamie Smith pushes it back to the bowler on the front foot. |
| 63.5 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Quicker one, but angling down the leg stump line, Jamie Smith goes for a wristy-flick but gets rapped on the pads as the wind deviates the ball a bit extra. |
| 63.6 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Pleasing to the eyes! Jamie Smith confidently cruising towards his century. |
| 64.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Pitched down leg, full in length. Gus Atkinson misses to flick it away. The ball whizzes past through to the keeper. |
| 64.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Runs again! England have came out with intent this morning. Vishwa Fernando lands this straight and outside off on a fuller length. Gus Atkinson responds this with a firm push off the front foot through cover-point for a couple of more runs. |
| 64.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Tap and run! Percentage cricket! Good-length delivery on the top of middle, Gus Atkinson, on the back foot, guides the ball towards deep backward point for a single. |
| 64.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Across off, on a length, Jamie Smith drives it straight to deep covers for a single. |
| 64.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, EDGED AND FOUR! Atkinson moves into the double figures! |
| 64.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Length ball, around off, Gus Atkinson responds with a front foot push to mid off. England lead by 45 runs. |
| Prabath Jayasuriya comes back into the attack. |
| 65.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Jayasuriya bustles from around the stumps. Lands a flighted one, drifting on middle and leg, Jamie Smith leans ahead and steers it to mid-wicket. |
| 65.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Tossed up, full and on middle, Jamie Smith lunges ahead and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 65.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, An arm ball, angling into the middle on a length, Jamie Smith punches it back to the bowler. |
| 65.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Dropped short and around off, Jamie Smith goes deep inside the crease, and cuts it through covers. Angelo Mathews from deep point runs to his right and mops it up. Two taken in the meantime. |
| 65.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 65.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, On middle, tossed up, full in length, Jamie Smith strides out to defend this one. |
| 66.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Good length, on middle, Gus Atkinson presents a solid front foot block to the short cover fielder. |
| 66.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 66.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Another one that deviates away with the angle. Starts from the middle and leg and swings wildly away and outside off, Gus Atkinson sees it closely and decides to offer no shot on it. |
| 66.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Length ball, nipping away after pitching, angling outside off, Gus Atkinson lets it through. Dinesh Chandimal collects it low just above the grass. |
| 66.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 66.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Stays around the stumps. Lands it quite full and this time, attacks the off-pole. Gus Atkinson gets on the front foot and drives it solidly but straight to the cover fielder. First maiden over of the morning for Sri Lanka. England now lead by 47 runs. |
| 67.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Slower through the air, drifting on the leg stump line on a fuller length, Jamie Smith steers it through square leg for an easy single. |
| 67.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 67.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Pushed through, full and on leg, Gus Atkinson pushes it to the leg side with soft hands. |
| 67.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Flattens the trajectory and pulls his length, on middle, Gus Atkinson blocks it on the back foot. |
| 67.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Tossed up, nice and full, utilizing that drift nicely. Gus Atkinson leans on and defends. |
| 67.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Fuller in length, at off, Gus Atkinson takes a good stride forward and eases it to the off side. The first half an hour surely belongs to England - they lead by 48 runs. |
| 68.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Stays around the stumps does Vishwa Fernando, lands it full and the ball leaves the batter from outside off, Jamie Smith slices it through covers for a single. |
| 68.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Back of a length, on the top of off, Gus Atkinson alertly blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 68.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Short and at 81 mph, around off, Gus Atkinson stays rooted in the crease, taps it to the off side. |
| 68.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, A bit closer to the body, on a length and on a tight line in that middle and leg corridor, Gus Atkinson eases it to the leg side with soft hands. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva seems unhappy with the shape of the ball. |
| 68.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Too full, around off, moving away gently, Gus Atkinson drives it straight to mid off. |
| 68.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Vishwa Fernando pulls his length a bit, bowls on a good length at 135 kph, angling on middle. Gus Atkinson gets behind the line and blocks it nicely. |
| 69.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Jayasuriya continues from around the stumps. Tossed up, full and on middle. Jamie Smith eases it back to the bowler. |
| 69.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, 1 run. |
| 69.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Down leg, full in length. Gus Atkinson tries to tickle it to the leg side but misses. |
| 69.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Tossed up nicely, full and outside off, Gus Atkinson drives it straight to Kusal Mendis stationed at silly point. The ball deflects and parries to the cover fielder. |
| 69.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Full and on off, Gus Atkinson defends on the front foot. |
| 69.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Nice and full, flighted around middle, Gus Atkinson leans ahead and defends it to the right of the bowler. |
| 70.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, An off-cutter around off, at 118 kph, Smith looks to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Chandimal collects it on a bounce. |
| 70.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 70.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, 1 run. |
| 70.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Goes fuller this time, at off, Gus Atkinson prods ahead and drives it back to the bowler. |
| 70.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Keeps bowling in that tight line and length, on the middle and leg from around the stumps, Gus Atkinson responds it with a front foot block. |
| 70.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Attacks the off-pole does Vishwa Fernando, on the back of a length, Gus Atkinson punches it off the back foot to the cover region. |
| 71.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Jayasuriya loops it full and on off, Jamie Smith gets his front leg away and drives it well to long on for a single. |
| 71.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Drags the length down and drifts it onto the pads, Gus Atkinson gets his bat ahead and blocks it out. |
| 71.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Nicely bowled! Gus Atkinson just about manages to get his bat down in time! |
| 71.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 71.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 71.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Keeps the line tight and flights it up, on middle, Gus Atkinson this time offers a solid front foot block. |
| 72.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 72.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Lands it on a length and just around off, Jamie Smith prods ahead and punches it to mid off. |
| 72.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Angles it in, on a good length and over middle and leg, Smith watches the ball closely and tucks it to the on side. |
| 72.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, 1 run. |
| 72.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, On a back of a length and on off, Gus Atkinson punches it to deep cover-point region for one. |
| 72.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Hits the deck hard, on a good length and on top of off, Jamie Smith looks to drive but gets it off the inner half of the bat and straight to mid-wicket. |
| 73.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 73.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Too full this time, on off, Gus Atkinson drives it on the full but straight to mid off. |
| 73.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, A huge appeal for LBW, but the umpire deems it Not Out! Looked to be going down leg! Jayasuriya fires this one fuller and on leg, Gus Atkinson tries to tuck it along the ground but misses and gets rapped on the front pad. |
| 73.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Fuller and on the pads, Gus Atkinson blocks it on the front foot. |
| 73.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 73.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Bowls it nice and full, on middle and leg, Gus Atkinson works it in front of square leg for a single. |
| 74.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, On a good length and around the off-stump line, Gus Atkinson blocks it off the middle of the bat and straight to covers. |
| 74.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, A stifled appeal for LBW and this certainly was going down leg. The players did have some conversation about sending it upstairs but DDS decides against it and rightly so! Rathnayake bowls it full and on leg, with the angle coming into the right-hander. Gus Atkinson fails to connect his flick and the ball brushes his pads and rolls to the left of the keeper. The batters scamper a leg bye off it. |
| 74.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, On a length and on middle, Jamie Smith clips it beautifully through mid-wicket for a couple more runs. |
| 74.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 74.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 74.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Three dots to end the over. Continues to bowl the length right and hurls it on off, Jamie Smith watchfully blocks it out. England's lead now 58 runs. |
| 75.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, 1 run. |
| 75.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, With a flatter trajectory, Jayasuriya lands it full and on middle and off, Jamie Smith takes a step out and firms his drive to long off for one. Moves to 98 now! |
| 75.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Tossed up, on middle and off, Gus Atkinson pushes it to the off side off the back foot. |
| 75.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Another appeal for LBW, but the umpire shakes his head! |
| 75.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, 3 runs. |
| 75.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Bowls it nice and full, on off, Jamie Smith pushes it to covers. |
| 76.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 76.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, Rathnayake lands this one full and angling into the pads, Gus Atkinson clips it neatly between the gap at mid on and mid-wicket. Angelo Mathews sprints back and cuts it out for three runs. |
| 76.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, HUNDRED for Jamie Smith! This has been a tremendous knock from the English keeper and is only the first off many to come! |
| 76.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, On a length, just in and around off, Jamie Smith guides it to deep point for a single. |
| Is that caught behind? A huge loud appeal for caught behind from the Sri Lankan players but the umpire shakes his head in denial. Paul Reiffel debates with his fellow umpire and they summon the TV umpire to check whether Chandimal has taken it cleanly. |
| 76.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND!  A crucial wicket against the run of play, providing much-needed relief for Sri Lanka. Milan Rathnayake claims his first Test wicket, and while it wasnât his finest delivery, it still does the job for the visitors, securing a valuable breakthrough. |
| 0.0 : Drinks break! |
| 76.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Matthew Potts, A confident shot right off the middle of the bat to start from Potts. Milan Rathnayake bowls it full and on off, Matthew Potts leans on and firms his drive to mid off. |
| 77.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Four! |
| 77.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, 2 runs. |
| 77.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 77.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Jayasuriya loops it full, outside off, Jamie Smith cuts it to deep cover for a single. |
| 77.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Matthew Potts, No run. |
| 77.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Matthew Potts, Gets the length better this time, on middle and off, fuller, Matthew Potts rocks back and punches it back to the bowler. |
| 78.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, On a back of a length and on off, Jamie Smith swats it to mid off. |
| 78.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 78.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Shorter in length and over off, not too high to trouble the batter. This sits up nicely for Smith who pumps his pull over mid-wicket and gets three more runs. |
| 78.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Matthew Potts, Continues to keep the length short does Milan Rathnayake! Just around off, Matthew Potts punches it to cover off the back foot. |
| 78.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Matthew Potts, No run. |
| 78.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Matthew Potts, Attacks the stumps, on a nagging length, Matthew Potts gets right behind the line and blocks it with a dead straight bat. |
| 79.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Flighted full, on middle, Jamie Smith eases it to mid on. |
| 79.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 79.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Stright and full, on middle, Jamie Smith gets his bat out and tucks it to mid on. |
| 79.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Prabath Jayasuriya gets his third and pulls out the biggest fish in Jamie Smith. |
| 79.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Mark Wood, Tossed up, on middle, Mark Wood blocks it on the front foot. |
| 0.0 : Mark Wood is the new batter in. |
| 79.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Mark Wood, Flighted full on middle and leg, Mark Wood takes a step out and clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| Woah! New ball is available now and it has been taken instantly by Sri Lanka. Now, Dhananjaya de Silva decides to give the second new ball to Asitha Fernando. He comes back into the attack with the figures of 15-0-78-3. |
| 80.1 : Asitha Fernando to Mark Wood, Four! |
| 80.2 : Asitha Fernando to Mark Wood, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries off the new cherry! England's lead is now up to 88 runs. Fernando bowls it full and on off with a hint of away swing, Mark Wood drives it with an open face and steers it through backward point region for another boundary. |
| 80.3 : Asitha Fernando to Mark Wood, Short of a length and outside off, Mark Wood looks for another slash away from his body but misses. |
| 80.4 : Asitha Fernando to Mark Wood, Leg bye. |
| 80.5 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, Bowls an away swinger, outside off, Matthew Potts leaves it alone. |
| 80.6 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, Nice shot that! Fernando bowls it full, into the pads, Potts flicks it neatly to deep mid-wicket for a couple more runs. |
| 81.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Mark Wood, FOUR! Cracking shot. New ball is getting some valuable runs for England here. Short one, wide of off. Wood hangs back, extends his arms and crunches it through the gap at covers for a boundary. |
| 81.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Matthew Potts, 1 run. |
| 81.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Mark Wood, 1 run. |
| 81.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Mark Wood, No run. |
| 81.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Mark Wood, A bit short, around off. Wood punches it into covers and takes off for a quick single. |
| 81.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Matthew Potts, This one is flatter, down the leg side. Potts tries to clip it away but misses. |
| 82.1 : Asitha Fernando to Mark Wood, Six! |
| 82.2 : Asitha Fernando to Mark Wood, Asitha Fernando follows the batter this time, around leg with a length ball. Wood clears his front leg and eases it towards mid on for one. |
| 82.3 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, Bit shorter this time, on the bodyline. Potts stays back and clips it to square leg for a brace. |
| 82.4 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, FOUR! Matthew Potts now with a glorious drive down the park. It is a length ball, around off. Potts gets behind the line and knocks it past the bowler. It races away to the long off boundary. |
| 82.5 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, Back of a length, outside off. Potts pulls it to deep square leg for one. 14 runs have come in this over so far. |
| 0.0 : Shoaib Bashir is the last man to walk out to bat. |
| 82.6 : Asitha Fernando to Mark Wood, OUT! b Asitha Fernando. |
| 83.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Matthew Potts, No run. |
| 83.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Matthew Potts, Way too full, but sliding down the leg side. Potts tries to tickle it away but misses. |
| 83.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Matthew Potts, Shorter one, on middle. Potts eases it back to the bowler. |
| 83.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Matthew Potts, Length ball, around off. Potts pushes it into covers for one. |
| 83.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Shoaib Bashir, Pitched up this time, wide of off. Bashir gets on his front foot and drives it towards deep point. The fielder in the comes across and keeps it down to two runs, but he concedes an overthrow which eventually allows the batters to sneak in another single. |
| 83.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Matthew Potts, Just a single to end the over here. Vishwa Fernando goes very full, around leg. Potts gets some bat on it and works it to the left of the keeper. Dinesh Chandimal times his dive to perfetion, and makes a really important stop to keep it down to just a single. |
| 84.1 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, Good length, around off. This one flies off the deck. Matthew Potts comes across the line, and goes for the scoop shot here, but gets no bat on it. Dinesh Chandimal gathers it above his head. This one carried really well. |
| 84.2 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, Very full this time, on the stumps. Potts backs away a bit and knocks it into covers, along the ground as well for one. |
| 84.3 : Asitha Fernando to Shoaib Bashir, Asitha Fernando dishes a length ball this time, outside off, moving away a bit. Bashir hangs back and pushes it into the off side. |
| 84.4 : Asitha Fernando to Shoaib Bashir, Another dot ball now, as Fernando goes short but errs in his line as it goes down leg. Bashir leaves it alone. |
| 84.5 : Asitha Fernando to Shoaib Bashir, Three dots on the trot. Fuller one, angled in around off. Bashir tucks it towards mid on. |
| 84.6 : Asitha Fernando to Shoaib Bashir, Asitha Fernando continues to keep things tight. Good length, in the channel. Shoaib Bashir hangs back and eases it into the off side for no run. England now lead by 118 runs. |
| 85.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Matthew Potts, Full ball, angling across, outside off. Potts pushes it to mid off for no run. |
| 85.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Matthew Potts, FOUR! Innovation at its best. Fuller one, outside off. Potts shuffles, sets himself up nicely and scoops it down to fine leg for four runs. The crowd is on their feet here. They are loving it. |
| 85.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Matthew Potts, OUT! CAUGHT! Vishwa Fernando picks up his second wicket and England have been all out for 358 runs. They head into the innings break with a healthy lead of 122 runs. |
| 0.0 : England have set themselves up for success in the first innings, securing a substantial lead of 122 runs. A series of small but crucial partnerships have propelled the Three Lions forward, with special credit due to the middle order. Notably, Root, Brook, and Smith contributed significantly, turning the tide in England's favour. Jamie Smith deserves particular praise for his maiden century, a well-crafted 111 runs off 148 deliveries. The lower order also played a vital role, adding valuable ru |
| On the other hand, the Lankan bowlers began their innings on a promising note, claiming 4 wickets for 125 just runs. However, as the game progressed, things started to unravel for them. They struggled to find breakthroughs, and even when they managed to take a wicket, they couldn't capitalize on it. A much-needed respite finally came late in the day when they broke the partnership between Atkinson and Smith, triggering a mini-collapse. From there, they were able to take successive wickets, event |
| Right then, with the game finely poised it will be fascinating to see how Sri Lanka approaches their second innings. Can they dig out a big second innings lead, or will the English bowlers rise to the challenge once again? The stage is set for a riveting third innings, where every run and wicket will shape the narrative of this encounter. |
| ... THIRD INNINGS ... |
| We are back! |
| 0.1 : Chris Woakes to Nishan Madushka, No run. |
| 0.2 : Chris Woakes to Nishan Madushka, This one is on a length, drifting in around off, and shaping away sharply. Nishan Madushka waits for it and guides it towards point. |
| 0.3 : Chris Woakes to Nishan Madushka, OUT! b Chris Woakes. |
| 0.0 : Kusal Mendis walks out to bat at number 3 for Sri Lanka! |
| 0.4 : Chris Woakes to Kusal Mendis, A length ball, outside off. Mendis stays back and pushes it into the off side. |
| 0.5 : Chris Woakes to Kusal Mendis, Good length, outside off, swinging away. Mendis leaves it alone for the keeper. |
| 0.6 : Chris Woakes to Kusal Mendis, JAFFA! Kusal Mendis gets squared up here. It is a good-length ball, that lands outside off, and straightens a bit. Kusal Mendis attempts to defend it away but ends up playing the wrong line here. A wicket-maiden for Woakes to start with. |
| Gus Atkinson will be bowling from the other end. |
| 1.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, Much fuller, around off. Dimuth Karunaratne presses forward and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 1.2 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, Gus Atkinson serves a short ball, outside off, shaping further away. Dimuth Karunaratne just watches it sail past him. |
| 1.3 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka are finally off the mark here. It is a length ball, on middle. Dimuth Karunaratne closes the face of the bat and tucks it into square leg for just a single. |
| 1.4 : Gus Atkinson to Kusal Mendis, OUT! c Jamie Smith b Gus Atkinson. |
| 0.0 : Angelo Mathews walks up to the middle as second down for Sri Lanka. Will he be able to neutralize the situation for his team? |
| 1.5 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Angelo Mathews gets off the mark instantly. It is very full, on off. Mathews gets behind the line and drives it towards long off. The outfield is a bit damp, which does not allow the ball to reach the ropes. The batters are able to take three runs in the process. |
| 1.6 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, Fuller one, outside off. Dimuth Karunaratne prods and blocks it into covers. |
| 2.1 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, A length ball, in the channel. Angelo Mathews prods and jams it back to the bowler. |
| 2.2 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Shorter one, on middle. Angelo Mathews shuffles and clips it to square leg for two runs. |
| 2.3 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Much fuller, on leg. Angelo Mathews gets his blade down and works it past mid on. They take a single. |
| 2.4 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, Back of a length, around leg. Dimuth Karunaratne stays back and tucks it through square leg for a brace. |
| 2.5 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, Chris Woakes serves a length ball this time, around off, angled across as well. Dimuth Karunaratne steps outside the crease and defends it out watchfully. |
| 2.6 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, Shortish this time, angled in around off as Woakes comes 'round the wicket for this one. Dimuth Karunaratne hangs back and clips it to square leg for one. Sri Lanka now trail by 112 runs. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 3. |
| 0.0 : Wow, what an eventful session we've witnessed! A total of 27.3 overs, 109 Runs and 6 Wickets. After a strong batting performance that secured a 122-run lead, England have carried that momentum into their bowling. They've made an ideal start, picking up two big wickets in just 3 overs while conceding only 10 runs heading into Lunch on Day 3. |
| Early in the day, Sri Lanka appeared unsettled from the outset, struggling with inconsistent line and length, which allowed Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson to comfortably resume their established partnership from the previous evening. Both batters capitalized on the first hour of play, steadily accumulating runs with ease. Jamie Smith reached a significant milestone, notching his maiden Test century, but soon after, Atkinson was dismissed by Milan Rathnayake, who claimed his first Test wicket. |
| Prabath Jayasuriya then broke through, dismissing Smith for 111, a crucial wicket that alleviated much of the pressure on the visitors. Once the second new ball was introduced, Mark Wood exploited its hardness, contributing a quickfire cameo of 22 off just 13 balls before being bowled by Asitha Fernando. Vishwa Fernando then wrapped up the innings, taking the final wicket. |
| With momentum firmly on their side, the English duo of Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson returned with intent, delivering hard lengths that resulted in the dismissals of Nishan Madushka and Kusal Mendis in successive overs, further tilting the game in England's favour. Sri Lanka's top order once again failed to navigate the challenging early phase, as they had in the first innings. With a break in play, the visitors will need to regroup and approach the next session with caution and strategy. En |
| ... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ... |
| We are back with the afternoon session of this 'Moving Day'! The umpires are out in the middle and England are in a tight-knit huddle alongside the ropes before they spread out to take the field. Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews stride out set to resume their stay at the crease. Looks like, Ollie Pope has decided to start with spin and has tossed the ball to Shoaib Bashir who will begin the proceedings for England. Here we go.. |
| 3.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dimuth Karunaratne, Four! |
| 3.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Dimuth Karunaratne, Short and outside off. Dimuth Karunaratne cuts it towards deep cover for a single. |
| 3.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Full-length delivery on off, turning it in. Angelo Mathews lunges and blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 3.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, A bit flight and fuller just outside off. Angelo Mathews works it across the line towards mid on for one. |
| 3.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Dimuth Karunaratne, No run. |
| 3.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Dimuth Karunaratne, Flatter and fuller once again, just outside off, on fifth stump. Dimuth Karunaratne strides out and eases it towards his off side. |
| 4.1 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Chris Woakes comes from over the wicket and bowls on a length just outside off. Angelo Mathews stands tall and pushes it towards cover for a quick single. |
| 3.6 : Chris Woakes to bowl from the other end. He already has a wicket to his name. Can he strike early in this session as well? |
| 4.2 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, Huge appeal from the English players but the umpire shakes his head. Chris Woakes discusses with Pope and he decides to opt for a review! Chris Woakes bowls a good-length delivery on middle, angling it away but shapes it back in on the middle. Dimuth Karunaratne hangs back and looks to push it away but gets squared up and the ball attacks the middle and he thumps his upper pad. The review shows that there's no bat involved in UltraEdge and the Ball Tra |
| 4.3 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, No run. |
| 4.4 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, No run. |
| 4.5 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, FOUR! This is glorious from Dimuth! Full-length delivery just outside off, shaping it away. Dimuth Karunaratne plants his front foot and drives it from the middle of his willow towards far left of wide mid off fielder for four more runs. |
| 4.6 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, No run. |
| Change. |
| 5.1 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Pitches up on middle and leg. Angelo Mathews tickles it away from his pads towards fine leg for no runs. |
| 5.2 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Fullish outside off. Angelo Mathews crouches a bit to drive it straight to the short cover fielder. |
| 5.3 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Full-length delivery on off. Angelo Mathews prods and puts his bat down. |
| 5.4 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Tad fuller outside off. Angelo Mathews pushes it towards short cover for another dot. That's four dots in a row! |
| 5.5 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, On a length on leg. Angelo Mathews flicks it towards fine leg and gets a single. |
| 5.6 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, Pitches up on off, angles it away. Dimuth Karunaratne looks to block it outside off but gets nicked on the outer edge. The ball rolls towards the right of the gully fielder where he dives and makes a stop. |
| 6.1 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Tad fuller on middle. Angelo Mathews prods halfway and tickles it towards square leg for no runs. |
| 6.2 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Uneven bounce! |
| 6.3 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 6.4 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Back of a length on off. Angelo Mathews eases it towards cover. |
| 6.5 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Hard-length delivery outside off. Angelo Mathews lifts his bat high to leave it alone. Things are getting spicy in the middle as Chris Woakes looks at Angelo and gives a big smile! |
| 6.6 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Back of a length, once again just outside off. Angelo Mathews dabs it towards his off side for no runs. A maiden for Chris Woakes. |
| 7.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, FOUR! Streaky, but will work for the batter! |
| 7.2 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, No run. |
| 7.3 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, No run. |
| 7.4 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, FUller now, on off. Dimuth Karunaratne eases it towards mid off for no runs. |
| 7.5 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, Bangs short one, once again, and shaping it away from the batter. Dimuth Karunaratne arches back and makes another leave. |
| 7.6 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, FOUR! Oh... that sounded so well from his willow! Back of a length, pitching it on off and shaping it away from the batter. Dimuth Karunaratne trusts the width and bounce of the delivery to cut it through point to get his fourth boundary of the inning. |
| 8.1 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! Just away! |
| 8.2 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 8.3 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, On a length on stump. Angelo Mathews nudges it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 8.4 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, No run. |
| 8.5 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, Hard-length delivery just outside off, angling in. Dimuth Karunaratne rides the bounce and blocks it down to the pitch. |
| 8.6 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, Pithces up on middle. Dimuth Karunaratne tickles it towards square leg. |
| 9.1 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Tad fuller, just outside off. Angelo Mathews nudges it across the line towards mid on for no runs. |
| 8.6 : This has been a really good patch for Sri Lanka. Two of the most experienced campaigners out there in the middle for the visitors. |
| 9.2 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Angelo Mathews is finding a bit difficulty in middling the deliveries! Back of a length around off. Angelo Mathews punches it from the outer part of his willow towards the left of the bowler. |
| 9.3 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, On a length around off. Angelo Mathews eases it towards mid off. |
| 9.4 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, And again! |
| 9.5 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, On a length on middle and leg. Angelo Mathews taps it towards mid on. |
| 9.6 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, 1 run. |
| 10.1 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Back of a length on off. Angelo Mathews rides the bounce and rests it outside off. |
| 10.2 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Top delivery! Chris Woakes comes from over the wicket and bowls fuller outside off and swings it away from the batter. Angelo Mathews prods and looks for a front defence but misses on the outer edge. Yet again a big smile from Chrish to Angelo! |
| 10.3 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 10.4 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Short and outside off. Angelo Mathews cuts it towards deep point. The ball doesn't have enough legs to crawl to the fence. But the batters collects three runs in the middle. |
| 10.5 : Chris Woakes to Dimuth Karunaratne, Full-length delivery on off, shaping in. Dimuth Karunaratne tries to block it to the front but he ball connects the inner part of the bat and rolls towards fine leg leg. Single taken. |
| 10.6 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, FOUR LEG BYES! A bit of fortune written over the head of Angelo! On a length on middle and leg, angling down the leg. Angelo Mathews looks to flick it but misses and brushes the upper thigh pad of the batter. The ball rolls towards far of leg slip fielder for four more runs. |
| 11.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, 3 runs. |
| 11.2 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, 1 run. |
| 11.3 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, Fullish and angling it down the leg. Dimuth Karunaratne tickles it towards fine leg for another single. |
| 11.4 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, On a length on middle and leg. Angelo Mathews nudges it towards mid on for no runs. |
| 11.5 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Good-length delivery on leg. Angelo Mathews clips it towards deep square leg and gets a single to get 50 runs on the board for his nation. |
| 11.6 : Gus Atkinson to Dimuth Karunaratne, Pithces up, to end the over just outside off. Dimuth Karunaratne covers the stump and blocks it from the inner part of his willow towards his leg side. |
| 0.0 : Shoaib Bashir (1-0-6-0) comes back into the attack. |
| 12.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, LEG BYE! Sharp turn from Shoaib Bashir! Short of a length on off, turns it in vigorously. Angelo Mathews pads the delivery towards fine leg and gets a single. |
| 12.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Fuller on off. Angelo Mathews knocks it towards his off side. |
| 12.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Short and on leg. Angelo Mathews nudges it towards square leg for no runs. |
| 12.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Drags his length back once again on leg. Angelo Mathews tucks it a bit late towards right of square leg and gets a single this time. |
| 12.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Dimuth Karunaratne, Short of a length outside off. Dimuth Karunaratne rides the bounce and punches it towards cover-point for a single. |
| 12.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Pitches up now, on middle. Angelo Mathews strides out and blocks it back to the bowler. |
| Is that caught behind? Mark Wood thinks so, there is a loud appeal, and extended one as well. The umpire thinks about it for a while and raises his finger eventually. |
| 13.1 : Mark Wood to Dimuth Karunaratne, OUT! CAUGHT! Mark Wood comes in and breaks the partnership! What an impactful change this has been for England! |
| 13.2 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, 1 run. |
| 13.3 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Angles it in, on leg, Angelo Mathews looks for the flick but misses. |
| 13.4 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Angling in again, on middle and leg, Angelo Mathews covers the line and tucks it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 13.5 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Nicely bowled! Hits the deck hard and short over middle and leg, Dinesh Chandimal ducks underneath. |
| 13.6 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Follows up with another short delivery over off, Dinesh Chandimal gets right behind the line and pulls it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for three runs. |
| 14.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, 3 runs. |
| 14.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, SIX! BANG! Angelo Mathews goes big! Too full, in the arc on middle and off, Angelo Mathews shimmies down the track and slogs it over mid off for a biggie. |
| 14.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Drifts this one back into the batter, from middle and leg, Angelo Mathews adjust well and tucks it behind to fine leg for a single. |
| 14.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Quicker through the air, fuller and on off, Dinesh Chandimal offers a solid front foot block. |
| 14.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Pushes it through, full and on middle and off, Dinesh Chandimal taps it to mid off. |
| 14.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Chandimal takes the aerial route now. This is full and flat on middle and leg, Dinesh Chandimal skips down the track and whips it off the cue end over mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 12 runs come off that over and Sri Lanka now trail by just 54 runs. |
| 15.1 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Angling into the pads, at 145 kph, on a length, Dinesh Chandimal flicks it to fine leg for a single. |
| 15.2 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Attacks the stumps on a good length, at 148 kph, Angelo Mathews manages to cover the line before getting the bat down and keeping it out. |
| 15.3 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, And again! Wood bowls at the stumps at a great pace, on a length, Angelo Mathews blocks it to mid on. |
| 15.4 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 15.5 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Nicely timed! Wood bowls this just outside off and on a good length, Angelo Mathews hangs back and punches it to the right of mid off and gets three handy runs. |
| 15.6 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, On top of off, on a good length, Dinesh Chandimal sees it out toward mid on. |
| 0.0 : Change? Yes, Chris Woakes (6-2-20-1) is back into the attack. |
| 16.1 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Bowls it full and on off, Angelo Mathews with soft hands just taps it to mid off who half stop the ball allowing the batters to sneak in a single. |
| 16.2 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Attacks the stumps, on a good length, Dinesh Chandimal flicks it to deep backward square leg for a single. |
| 16.3 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Nicely bowled! Keeps it straight with a wobble seam and gets the ball to skid through, Angelo Mathews manages to get his bat low and keep it out. |
| 16.4 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, On a length and on the stumps, Angelo Mathews taps it to mid off. |
| 16.5 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 16.6 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Attacks the stumps, on a length, Angelo Mathews defends it to the on side. |
| 0.0 : Drinks! The players are getting some refreshments in the middle. |
| 17.1 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Steams in from over the wicket and hurls it on a nagging length just down leg. Dinesh Chandimal tries to tickle it down but misses. |
| 17.2 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 0.0 : Halt! Dinesh Chandimal wears one nasty blow on his right thumb and calls out for the physio straight away. |
| Ouch! Dinesh Chandimal is looking in some discomfort and is unable to continue. A blow to the batting team as Dinesh Chandimal is retired hurt. |
| 17.3 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Right on the money! Bowls it full and on middle and leg, Dhananjaya de Silva looks to flick it off his pads but gets it off the inner half of the bat back onto his pads. |
| 17.4 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Length around off, Dhananjaya de Silva blocks it well to mid off. |
| 17.5 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 17.6 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Wood tries to attack the pads and bowls it on a length, Dhananjaya de Silva clips it behind square on the leg side for a single to get off the mark. |
| 18.1 : Chris Woakes to Dhananjaya de Silva, Bowls this short of a good length, with a hint of away movement around middle and off, Dhananjaya de Silva looks to play it straight but gets an outside edge past slip cordon for a single. |
| 18.2 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Length in and around off, Angelo Mathews watchfully blocks it out. |
| 18.3 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Bowls it fractionally fuller in length and just outside off, Angelo Mathews with an angled bat keeps it out. |
| 18.4 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Gets enough off it does Angelo Mathews! This is full and on middle, Angelo Mathews is last eon his drive but gets enough bat to get it past the bowler. Shoaib Bashir chases the ball as the batters comfortably scamper three runs.  |
| 18.5 : Chris Woakes to Dhananjaya de Silva, Too full from Woakes, on off, DDS firms his drive to the right of mid off who dives and gets some finger to it. The batters get two runs. |
| 18.6 : Chris Woakes to Dhananjaya de Silva, Attacks the stumps, on a length, Dhananjaya de Silva covers the line and tucks it around. Sri Lanka trail by 41 runs. |
| 19.1 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Hard length on middle, Angelo Mathews awkwardly sticks his bat out and just about manages to keep it out. |
| 19.2 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, In total control this time! Length around middle and off, Angelo Mathews taps it to mid on. |
| 19.3 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Goes a touch fuller this time, on off, Angelo Mathews drives it firmly to mid off. |
| 19.4 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Well directed bouncer that was pretty close to the glove! Wood digs it short over leg, Angelo Mathews looks for the pull but misses out by just a little. |
| 19.5 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Keeps the length tight and on the stumps, Angelo Mathews eases it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 19.6 : Mark Wood to Dhananjaya de Silva, Aims the top of off, on a length, DDS gets right behind the line and keeps it out to mid on. |
| 20.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 20.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, A tad short and outside off, Angelo Mathews dabs it to the off side. |
| 20.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Too full this time just around off, Angelo Mathews gets a long stride out and tucks it to mid on and sets off for the run. A slight confusion between the batters in the middle but they get through with ease. |
| 20.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a nagging length around middle and off, Dhananjaya de Silva blocks it solidly. |
| 20.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, Quicker through the air, fuller and on middle and off, Dhananjaya de Silva pushes it to mid off. |
| 20.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, Bowls with the arm and darts it full, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva blocks it right under his eyeline off the back foot. |
| 21.1 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, Starts from over the wicket and launches it full, on off, Angelo Mathews gets a good stride in and blocks it to mid off. |
| 21.2 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, On a short of a length and on middle and leg, Angelo Mathews clips it in front of mid-wicket and rotates the strike over. |
| 21.3 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, Goes full, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva punches it off the cue end to mid off. |
| 21.4 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, Length on off, Dhananjaya de Silva offers a solid block off the back foot. |
| 21.5 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 21.6 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, Good start from Matthew Potts! Lands it full, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva watchfully keeps it out. |
| 22.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 22.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, 1 run. |
| 22.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 22.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, FOUR! Gets the screws out of this one right! Tossed up, on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva dances down the track and lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary. |
| 22.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 22.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, Gives the ball some more air, and hurls it outside off, fuller too, Dhananjaya de Silva drives it neatly but picks the man at mid off. |
| 23.1 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, Matthew Potts starts this over with a length ball, tailing into the right-hander. Angelo Mathews hangs back, closes the face and tucks it towards backward point. |
| 23.2 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, Fuller this time, but the line is similar, attacking the pads. Angelo Mathews reads it well and nudges it into the leg side. |
| 23.3 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 23.4 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 23.5 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, 1 run. |
| 23.6 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, WIDE! A sharp bumper this time, on middle. This one takes off after hitting the deck and flies way over DDS's head. The umpire signals a wide. |
| Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 24.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, 1 run. |
| 24.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, It is tossed up, full and outside off. Dhananjaya de Silva leans in and drives it through extra covers. The batters take two runs. |
| 24.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Dhananjaya de Silva, 1 run. |
| 24.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 24.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 24.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Fuller and on off. Angelo Mathews gets on his front foot this time and jams it into the deck. |
| 25.1 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, No run. |
| 25.2 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, A length ball, outside off, nips in off the deck. Dhananjaya de Silva presses forward and defends it watchfully. |
| 25.3 : Matthew Potts to Dhananjaya de Silva, OUT! LBW! Matthew Potts finds the breakthrough. It is a good-length ball, outside off. This one stays low and nips in as well off the deck. |
| 0.0 : Kamindu Mendis walks up to the middle. |
| 25.4 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 25.5 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 25.6 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 26.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 26.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, 1 run. |
| 26.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, 2 runs. |
| 26.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Fuller and on off. Mendis blocks it on his front foot. |
| 26.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Length ball, on off. Mendis steps out of the crease and blocks it with soft hands. |
| 26.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Tossed up, full and on off. Mendis brings out his defensive touch once again. |
| 27.1 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, Flatter, and on the pads. Angelo Mathews stays back and nudges it into the leg side. |
| 27.2 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, Length ball, around off. Angelo Mathews pushes it gently into covers and gets a single. |
| 27.3 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 27.4 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Short ball, around off. Kamindu Mendis stays back and defends it to backward point. |
| 27.5 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Matthew Potts hares in and goes short this time, on top of off. Kamindu Mendis hangs back and defends it out under his eyes. |
| 27.6 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Just a single coming from this over. Matthew Potts comes 'round the wicket and angles in a length ball, on off. Kamindu Mendis uses the depth of the crease to deal with it. |
| 28.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Fuller one, angling across outside off. Mathews gets drawn into a shot and he ends up driving it towards extra covers but straight to the fielder. |
| 28.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Floated, around leg this time. Angelo Mathews tucks it towards mid on and crosses. |
| 28.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 28.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 28.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Quicker and fuller, on leg. Mendis prods and tries to defend it but ends up taking blow on his front pad. A stifled appeal made for lbw but the umpire shows no interest. |
| 28.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 29.1 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 29.2 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews,This is fuller one, wide of off. Angelo Mathews tries to punch it through point, but it catches the outside edge and flies past backward point for three runs. |
| 29.3 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Good length, around off. Mendis defends it to mid off. |
| 29.4 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 29.5 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Length ball, on the pads. Mendis closes the face and flicks it to deep square leg. They get two runs for it. |
| 29.6 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Potts continues with the same length, but dishes it outside off this time. Mendis hangs back and punches it through cover-point for two runs. |
| 0.0 : TEA, DAY 2 - Session Summary -  27 overs, 97 runs, and 2 wickets. Just after the end of the tea, Sri Lanka lost two of their top-order batters. But things have got better for the Lankan after the Lunch break. Dimuth Karunaratne and the veteran, Angelo Mathews shook hands and built a firm strand of 51 runs off 69 deliveries. |
| However, Mark Wood makes sure to put an end to the long partnership. Pope and Co. tried their best to get back-to-back wickets but the Lankan duo of Angelo and Dinesh Chandimal did well to bring some composure onto the pitch. But as things were cooking well for Sri Lanka, Dinesh retired hurt on the 18th over. After this event, the skipper, DDS attempted to replicate his first innings but things went towards southways. |
| After a shaky start, Angelo Mathews has bounced back strongly and is now standing tall against the odds, having scored 48 unbeaten runs. Not only has he been effectively contributing to the scoreboard, but he has also been a guiding force, motivating his partners to provide the solid support he needs, which has been lacking so far. |
| England will be targeting Angelo Mathews as a key wicket after the break, aiming to dismantle the remaining Sri Lankan batting lineup and make significant inroads. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will be focused on overcoming the 15-run deficit and building a robust total. Another thrilling session of play is undoubtedly on the horizon. Stick around as the action resumes in a bit. |
| ... DAY 3, SESSION 3 ... |
| 30.1 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, 2 runs. |
| 30.2 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Short ball, sliding down leg. Angelo Mathews lets it be. |
| 0.0 : We are back with the final session of the day! The players and umpires are all back and have taken their positions. Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis are marking back their guards and are all set to resume their stay at the crease. Ollie Pope goes to Mark Wood straight away in an attempt to find a breakthrough. Away we go.. |
| 30.3 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Fuller one, tailing back into the right-hander. Angelo Mathews stays back and nudges it into the leg side for none. |
| 30.4 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, 1 run. |
| 30.5 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, A sharp bouncer this time, around middle. Mendis goes for the wild heave across the line, but misses it completely. |
| 30.6 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, Six! |
| Who will bowl from the other end? |
| 31.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Fuller in length, outside off. Angelo Mathews prods and pushes it into covers with hard hands. They take a single. |
| 31.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Floated and outside off, turning away. Mendis looks to punch it through covers, but it travels towards short third off the outside edge. |
| 31.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, This is flighted and full, on off. Angelo Mathews prods and blocks it into the deck. |
| 31.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 31.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Full and on off, blocked out solidly. |
| 31.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Flatter and quicker, on the pads. Angelo Mathews waits for it and defends it out solidly. |
| 32.1 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, Mark Wood starts with a length ball, angled in on off. Mendis hangs back and blocks it from inside the crease. |
| 32.2 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, 1 run. |
| 32.3 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, It is a short ball, on off. Angelo Mathews swivels and pulls it to deep square leg for another single. Mark Wood is sticking to his short ball ploy here. Will he go full on the next one? |
| 32.4 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, Back of a length, on middle. This one flies off the deck. Mendis ducks under this one. |
| 32.5 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 32.6 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, As expected, it is a bumper, on middle. Mendis ducks under this one. |
| 33.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Darted on the pads, Angelo Mathews tucks it into the leg side for one. |
| 33.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 33.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Fuller one, on off. Mendis prods and blocks it into the deck. |
| 33.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, An arm ball, full and around middle, turning away. Mendis gets on his front foot and blocks it solidly. |
| 33.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Much straighter this time, on off. Mendis blocks it out watchfully. |
| 33.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Five dots on the trot to end the over. This is quicker and flatter, on off. Mendis hangs back and deals with it. |
| 34.1 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Wood sticks to his short ball play, and bangs the deck hard. This is takes off the deck. Angelo Mathews wisely decides to duck under this one. |
| 34.2 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Back of a length, angled down the leg side this time. Angelo Mathews leaves it alone this time. |
| 34.3 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Back of length, down the leg side, Angelo Mathews leaves it alone for the keeper. |
| 34.4 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Wood comes 'round the wicket, but the idea is the same. A bumper, down the leg side. Angelo Mathews decides to bend his knees here. |
| 34.5 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Short again, way down the leg side this time. Angelo Mathews is not interested at all. |
| 34.6 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Good length, but once again down leg. Angelo Mathews is not bothered by it. |
| 35.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, 2 runs. |
| 35.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 35.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Full, angled into the pads. Mendis nudges it to short leg. |
| 35.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, An appeal for lbw but turned down. This is an arm ball, full and around leg. Kamindu Mendis tries to flick it away but misses. The ball sneaks through and brushes his pads. Ollie Pope has a long chat with the bowler and the wicket-keeper, Jamie Smith. He eventually decides to take it upstairs. To the naked eye it looked as if it is going down leg. We will though wait for the third umpire here. He states that it is a no ball. This is not what England were |
| Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Full and on off. Mendis prods and blocks it out. |
| 35.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 35.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, It is tossed up, on off. Mendis presses forward and blocks it out. |
| 36.1 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, A short ball, on the pads. Angelo Mathews tucks it to square leg for one. |
| 36.2 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, Wood bends his back hard once again and goes short, down leg. Kamindu Mendis lets it be. |
| 36.3 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, A sharp bumper, on middle. Mendis ducks under this one. |
| 36.4 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 36.5 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, Back of a length, outside off. Mendis hangs back and blocks it to point. He gets it in the gap and finds the single. |
| 36.6 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Two runs then coming from this over. It is way too full, around off, with some reverse swing here. Angelo Mathews jams it into the leg side. |
| 37.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Another single now as Angelo Mathews presses forward to this full ball and clips it to the right of mid on. |
| 37.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Flatter and shorter, outside off. Mendis stays back, pushes it through covers for one. |
| 37.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Full and on off. Mendis blocks it out watchfully. |
| 37.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Four! |
| 37.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 37.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, An arm ball, sliding down leg. Mendis tucks it to square leg for a quick single. The lead now moves to 11 runs. |
| Gus Atkinson comes back into the attack now. |
| 38.1 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, It is full, down the leg side. Mendis stays back and clips it to square leg for one. |
| 38.2 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Gus Atkinson dishes a full one, sliding down leg. Angelo Mathews flicks it to deep square leg for one. |
| 38.3 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Another single now as Mendis works this short ball to deep square leg. |
| 38.4 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Good length, on the pads. Angelo Mathews hops and clips it behind square for one. This partnership now has surely started to frustrate the hosts. |
| 38.5 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Back of a length, with plenty of bounce. Mendis rocks back, extends his arm and cuts it through the gap at point. Two runs taken. |
| 38.6 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Short one, outside off. Mendis punches it through the line towards deep point. The batters come back for the second run with ease. |
| 39.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, On the pads, clipped to short leg for one. |
| 39.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, This is floated and full, outside off. Mendis dances down the track and tries to smack it through covers, but it catches the inside edge instead, stays low, and ends up hitting Jamie Smith on his pads. |
| 39.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Short and outside off. Mendis chops it to point. |
| 39.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Four! |
| 39.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 39.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Flighted and outside off, turning away as well. Mendis leaves it alone for the keeper. Sri Lanka's lead up to 24 runs now. |
| 40.1 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, From over the wicket Atkinson lands it on a good length just outside off, Angelo Mathews with absolutely no foot movement looks to keep it out but the ball jags back in to catch an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 40.2 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Down leg, on a length, Angelo Mathews looks for the flick but misses. |
| 40.3 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 40.4 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Attacks the body, on a short of a length, Angelo Mathews hops a bit before tucking it down to square leg. |
| 40.5 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Hits the deck hard over off, Angelo Mathews dabs it down the strip. |
| 40.6 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Maiden from Atkinson! Keeps the length tight and lands it around off, Angelo Mathews punches it to mid on. |
| 0.0 : It seems that the seam of the ball is damaged and the umpires are having a check. So they decided to change the ball and they also called for drinks. |
| 41.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 41.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 41.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Loops this one up, right in front of the crease, Kamindu Mendis drives it firmly to deep covers for a single. |
| 41.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Angelo Mathews, Keeps it full and on middle, Angelo Mathews taps it in front of long on and gets to the other end. |
| 41.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 41.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, A drag down delivery on off, Kamindu Mendis hangs back and slaps it straight to point again. |
| 42.1 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, On a good length, on off, Angelo Mathews offers a solid block with a straight bat. |
| 42.2 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 42.3 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Keeps the length right, and angles it in, slightly over middle and off, Angelo Mathews tucks it to square leg. |
| 42.4 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! Angelo Mathews has grown in confidence and it is certainly showing! Atkinson digs it short over middle and leg, Angelo Mathews with deft hands pulls it over the keeper for a boundary. |
| 42.5 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Goes back to the tight length and keeps it around off, Angelo Mathews blocks it to covers. |
| 42.6 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, A short one to conclude the over, on leg, Angelo Mathews gets across the line and helps it all along the turf to long leg for a single. |
| 43.1 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, Comes from over the wicket and sprays it slight down leg, on a length, Angelo Mathews covers the line and tries to tickle it away but misses. |
| 43.2 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, Length on off, Angelo Mathews offers a front foot block to the off side. |
| 43.3 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, At the stumps, a touch fuller in length, Angelo Mathews dead bats it to mid on. |
| 43.4 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, Continues to keep the line and length tight and lands it just around off, Angelo Mathews carefully pats it to short cover. |
| 43.5 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 43.6 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, On a good length and on the stumps, Angelo Mathews sees it out well. |
| 44.1 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Angles it across on a hard length but down leg, Kamindu Mendis leaves it alone. Jamie Smith does very well to make the stop to his right. |
| 44.2 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Hurls it nice and full, on middle, Kamindu Mendis pushes it to point. |
| 44.3 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Keeps the length right and just turns the line outside off, around the fifth stump, Kamindu Mendis stands tall and punches it to covers. |
| 44.4 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Around off, on a length again, Kamindu Mendis dabs it down the deck off the glove. |
| 44.5 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Angling in, on middle and off, Kamindu Mendis tucks it to short mid-wicket. |
| 44.6 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! Errs in line and Kamindu Mendis gets enough to send it through. Sri Lanka lead by 35 runs. Atkinson bowls it on leg with the angle coming into the left-hander on a short of a length, Kamindu Mendis gets across a step and just tucks it fine. The ball races through to fine leg fence for a boundary. |
| 0.0 : Drinks! England needs a wicket as soon as possible, or this lead might get stretched which might not please them at all. However, Sri Lanka are fighting back superbly. |
| 45.1 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 45.2 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, Goes full and just outside off, Angelo Mathews drives it straight to cover. |
| 45.3 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, A tad fuller than a good length and in and around off stump line, Angelo Mathews stays deep in the crease and pushes it to covers. |
| 45.4 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, Nagging length, just around middle and off, Angelo Mathews is squared up a bit but adjust well and pokes it out. |
| 45.5 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 45.6 : Matthew Potts to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 46.1 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 46.2 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, On a length and on the pads, Kamindu Mendis clips it to deep square for a single. |
| 46.3 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 46.4 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, No run. |
| 46.5 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Fuller and outside off, Angelo Mathews looks for the drive but misses. |
| 46.6 : Gus Atkinson to Angelo Mathews, Nice bowl to end the over! Gets it right up there around off and on a hard length with some movement off the deck, Angelo Mathews is cramped up in the crease as he pulls out his bat in time. The ball whizzes past the outside edge. |
| 47.1 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Was that another dropped catch? Oh yeah, it certainly was! This time it was Gus Atkinson who drops Kamindu Mendis on 39! Width outside off from Potts on a shorter length, Kamindu Mendis drives it away from the body and chops it to left of Atkinson at gully who gets low to his left but makes a mess of the ball. |
| 47.2 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, 4 Leg byes. |
| 47.3 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, FIVE WIDES! Oh dear, this just went from bad to worse in a matter of three balls! This is short and down leg, swinging further more as it passes the batter and the diving keeper. |
| Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 47.4 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 47.5 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Keeps the length short, on leg, Kamindu Mendis tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 47.6 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Angling in, on middle and leg, back of a length as well, Kamindu Mendis tucks it to fine leg for a single. |
| 48.1 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Comes from over the wicket and hurls it on a good length, over off, Kamindu Mendis eases it down to covers. |
| 0.0 : Change? Yes, Chris Woakes is back in the attack. |
| 48.2 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Into the pads, on a length, Kamindu Mendis tucks it in front of fine leg for a single. |
| 48.3 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, On a length, slightly down leg, Angelo Mathews moves across the line and tries for the flick but misses out on making any connection. |
| 48.4 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Hits the deck hard on a length, just outside off, with a hint of away movement, Angelo Mathews looks to poke at it away from the body but gets beaten on the outside edge. |
| 48.5 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, On top of off, the length stays tight, Angelo Mathews knocks it to mid on. |
| 48.6 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, An absolute peach of a delivery! Woakes bowls this on a length and on off, gets the ball to nip away just enough to beat Angelo Mathews's bat as he looks to keep it out. |
| 49.1 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Angles it across on a length, just over off, Kamindu Mendis punches it to cover. |
| 49.2 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 49.3 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Fullish on middle. Kamindu Mendis nudges it towards short mid-wicket for no runs. |
| 49.4 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, On a length on leg. Kamindu Mendis tickles it from his pads towards square leg. |
| 49.5 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Back of a length on middle. Kamindu Mendis hangs back and cramps a bit for room and pushes it towards short cover for no runs. |
| 49.6 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! Cracked! Oh my... that sounded so well from the willow! Good-length delivery, pitching just outside off and shapes it outside off. Kamindu Mendis rocks back and cuts it hard through point towards the fence for four more runs. |
| 50.1 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Full-length delivery on off. Angelo Mathews prods and rests it down to the pitch. |
| 50.2 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Back of a length just outside off. Angelo Mathews opens the face of the bat and eases it towards short cover for no runs. |
| 50.3 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, Hard-length delivery outside off, and swings it a bit away from the batter. Angelo Mathews plays it inside and misses on the outer edge. |
| 50.4 : Chris Woakes to Angelo Mathews, OUT! TAKEN! England gets the important breakthrough! |
| 0.0 : Milan Rathnayake is the new batter in. |
| 50.5 : Chris Woakes to Milan Rathnayake, Pitches up on off. Milan Rathnayake drives it towards cover for a couple of runs. Milan Rathnayake opens his account well now! |
| 50.6 : Chris Woakes to Milan Rathnayake, OUT! LBW! That one nipped back in sharp and the umpire raises the finger with absolutely no hesitation. Milan Rathnayake sends it upstairs for a review. |
| 0.0 : Sri Lanka need Milan Rathnayake to repeat the heroics of the first innings. He needs to capitalize on this lifeline. |
| 51.1 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, On a length outside off. Kamindu Mendis stands tall and plays it from the inner part of his willow. |
| 51.2 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, Hard-length delivery on middle. Kamindu Mendis camps back and shows the full face of his blade to dab the delivery down to the pitch. |
| 51.3 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, And again! Back of a length on off. Kamindu Mendis dabs it back to the bowler. |
| 51.4 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, 3 runs. |
| 51.5 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, FOUR! TOP SHOT! Full-length delivery outside off. Milan Rathnayake swings hard and drives it towards deep cover-point fence for four more runs. |
| 51.6 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, No run. |
| 52.1 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Back of a length on off, shaping it away. Kamindu Mendis blocks it toward his off stump. |
| 52.2 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, England were roaring for the appeal and up goes the finger of the umpire! Kamindu Mendis opts for a review now! Fuller delivery pitches on the middle, and shapes it back towards the batter. It looks like an out but the Ultra Edge shows that there is a clear connection on the inner edge as the ball passes the inner edge. The umpire reverted his decision and Kamindu Mendis stays! |
| 52.3 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, On a length on off. Kamindu Mendis blocks it out. |
| 52.4 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 52.5 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Fullish delivery outside off. Kamindu Mendis goes for a drive but gets beaten on the outer edge. |
| 52.6 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Good leave! On a length, pitching just outside off and shaping it away. Kamindu Mendis lunges to cover the stump and lifts his bat high to make a leave. |
| 53.1 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, Fires this one on a length down the leg, no movement on the delivery. Milan Rathnayake looks to flick and misses on the inner edge. |
| 53.2 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, Bangs a short one on middle and leg. Milan Rathnayake tries for a hook but misses the connection. |
| 53.3 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, Good-length delivery on leg, towards the batters lane. Milan Rathnayake hops and flicks it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 53.4 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! Quality shot from the quality player! What a way to reach the half-century! |
| 53.5 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 53.6 : Mark Wood to Kamindu Mendis, On a length outside off. Kamindu Mendis blocks it outside off. |
| 54.1 : Chris Woakes to Milan Rathnayake, Fullish on off. Milan Rathnayake puts his bat down and eases it down the pitch. |
| 54.2 : Chris Woakes to Milan Rathnayake, 2 runs. |
| 54.3 : Chris Woakes to Milan Rathnayake, Fullish on middle and leg. Milan Rathnayake drives it from the inner part of his willow back to the bowler. |
| 54.4 : Chris Woakes to Milan Rathnayake, 1 run. |
| 54.5 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 54.6 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Full-length delivery wide outside off, swinging in. Kamindu Mendis prods and leaves it to the keeper. |
| 55.1 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, Hard-length delivery on middle, shaping it away. Milan Rathnayake punches it but straight to the short cover fielder. |
| 55.2 : Mark Wood to Milan Rathnayake, On a length just outside off. Milan Rathnayake defends it towards cover. |
| 55.3 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, Flatter and fuller just outside off. Milan Rathnayake lunges and eases it down. |
| 0.0 : Mark Wood seems to have pulled a muscle midway through the run-up. Oh dear, off he goes! It doesn't look to be anything serious as he walks off. It will now be Joe Root to complete the rest of the over. |
| 55.4 : Joe Root to Milan Rathnayake, OUT! CAUGHT! Joe Root gets the job done! |
| 0.0 : Great signs! Dinesh Chandimal walks back to bat after getting his scans done and cleared earlier. |
| 55.5 : Joe Root to Dinesh Chandimal, 1 run. |
| 55.6 : Joe Root to Kamindu Mendis, Full and outside off. Kamindu Mendis drives it towards mid off. |
| 56.1 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Back of a length just outside off. Dinesh Chandimal hops and dabs it down. |
| 56.2 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Short of a length just outside off. Dinesh Chandimal ducks quickly and allows the ball to travel to the keeper. |
| 56.3 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Back of a length down the leg. Dinesh Chandimal pulls it from the inner part of his bat towards deep fine leg for a single. |
| 56.4 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, On a length outside off. Kamindu Mendis looks to slap but connects the inner edge to it. The ball bounces towards short cover. |
| 56.5 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! He gets it this time! |
| 56.6 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, On a length just outside off. Kamindu Mendis eases it outside off. |
| 57.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Fuller and just outside off. Dinesh Chandimal drives it towards mid on. |
| 57.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 57.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 57.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Tossed up fuller on off. Dinesh Chandimal leans on the delivery and eases it down. |
| 57.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Flatter and fuller outside off. Dinesh Chandimal prods and drives it gently through the cover region towards sweeper cover for a couple of runs. |
| 57.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Full and on off. Dinesh Chandimal gets behind the line and blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 58.1 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Fullish delivery outside off. Kamindu Mendis covers the stump and steers it towards backward point for no runs. |
| 58.2 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Pitches up on off. Kamindu Mendis presses forward to perform a defense. |
| 58.3 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Short of a length outside off. Kamindu Mendis dabs it towards cover for no runs. |
| 58.4 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, A bit slower now, on a length just outside off and shaping it in. Kamindu Mendis works across the line towards his leg side. |
| 58.5 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Good-length delivery on middle and leg. Kamindu Mendis clips it towards square leg. |
| 58.6 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Fuller delivery on middle. Kamindu Mendis nudges it towards mid on for no runs. |
| 59.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Fuller delivery on middle. Dinesh Chandimal tickles it towards square leg for no runs. |
| 59.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, 200 up for Sri Lanka! |
| 59.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Flatter on off. Dinesh Chandimal lunges and works it across the line towards mid on. |
| 59.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Full-length delivery on middle. Dinesh Chandimal clips itt towards short mid-wicket for no runs. |
| 59.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Short of a length on middle and leg. Dinesh Chandimal opens his stance and flicks it towards square leg. |
| 59.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, FOUR! What a way to end the day! Sri Lanka are fighting as hard as they can and end the day with a lead of 82! With the fielders in the circle, Bashir bowls this fuller and on off and middle. Dinesh Chandimal takes a step out and lofts the delivery over the mid on region for a boundary.  |
| Uff! What a way to end the moving day. Dinesh Chandimal got retired hurt and then came back at the fag end to make sure his side head back into the dressing room with some momentum on their side. |
| 0.0 : Sri Lankaâs innings began on a shaky note, with their top order struggling against the new ball. The early pressure saw them falter, but experienced campaigners Angelo Mathews and Dimuth Karunaratne took charge, stabilizing the innings. The duo forged a vital 51-run partnership, setting a solid foundation for the middle order. However, their promising stand was cut short when Mark Wood caught Dimuth Karunaratne by surprise with a sharp bouncer, breaking the partnership just as it seemed to be |
| Dinesh Chandimal then joined Angelo Mathews at the crease, and the pair looked poised to take the game further away from England. They focused on rotating the strike, keeping the scoreboard ticking with well-placed singles and doubles. Just as things were starting to go in Sri Lankaâs favor, an unfortunate injury to Chandimal, caused by a nasty blow to his right hand, forced him to retire hurt with a swollen finger. Despite the setback, Mathews maintained his composure and found another capab |
| The final hour of play saw England's bowlers struggle to maintain pressure. Milan Ratnayake then joined in and got off to a decent start. It felt like he could be able to repeat the heroics of the first innings, but it wasn't the case as Joe Root was forced to step up to fill the void, making an immediate impact by claiming his wicket on his second delivery. Yet, Mendis held firm, ensuring Sri Lanka reached stumps without further damage and with a lead of 82 runs. It was a captivating end to |
| .... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ... |
| Hello and a warm welcome, folks! Day 4 is upon us, and it could very well be the final day of this intriguing first Test. After three days of gripping action, England have their noses in front and will be confident of wrapping things up today. As for Sri Lanka, they arenât completely out of the contest, but it will take a monumental effort to turn the tide in their favour. |
| Jamie Smithâs maiden Test century was the standout performance for England, guiding them to a solid first-innings lead of 122 runs. In response, Sri Lanka were rocked early and suffered further setbacks as the English pacers chipped away at the wickets. The situation looked bleak for the visitors when Dinesh Chandimal had to walk off after taking a blow to his right thumb. |
| However, Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis showed immense grit, digging deep to erase the deficit and even push Sri Lanka into the lead. But as weâve seen so often during this and the previous English summer, the replacement ball did a lot more than the previous one, and yesterday was no exception. However, the English fielders couldnât fully back up their bowlers, giving reprieves to both Mathews and Mendis. |
| JUST IN - England have been dealt a blow ahead of the start of play as Mark Wood will not take the field on Day 4 due to a right thigh muscle injury. Wood, who walked off the field late yesterday, will continue to be assessed by the England medical team. |
| Mathews couldnât capitalise on his lifeline, but Mendis continued to battle, keeping Sri Lankaâs hopes alive. Having returned with a clear X-ray, Chandimal came back to the crease and, along with Mendis, guided Sri Lanka through to the close of play with a lead of 82 runs. Today, the visitors face two key challenges - first, surviving the crucial first hour, and then handling the second new ball, which is 20 overs away. England, on the other hand, will be eager to dismiss these two set bat |
| In all readiness for the action on Day 4 to begin! The two umpires stride out to the middle, followed by the English team as they take their positions. Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis, who now bear the crucial responsibility of guiding their side forward, also make their way to the crease to resume their innings. Chris Woakes will start the proceedings with the ball for England. Away we go.. |
| 60.1 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Beats the bat straight away! |
| 60.2 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, A hint of inward movement off the deck, on a good length, on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis gets right behind the line of the ball and defends it down the deck. |
| 60.3 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Serves it in the channel on off, on a length, Kamindu Mendis makes a watchful leave as he shoulders arms. |
| 60.4 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Brings the line closer to the batter, on the sixth stump line, on a good length, Kamindu Mendis hangs back and dabs it square in front of point. |
| 60.5 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! Kamindu Mendis and Sri Lanka are away on Day 4! A hint of width on offer by Woakes, on a length, Kamindu Mendis stays leg side of the ball and angles the bat face perfectly to drive it square and to the left of the man at short point for a boundary. A desperate dive by the man chasing the ball but in vain. |
| 60.6 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, At 127 kph, on a hard length, on off, Kamindu Mendis defends it right under his eyeline. |
| Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Gus Atkinson! |
| 61.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, With two slips in place, Atkinson charges in from over the wicket and goes full. Gets a hint of shape towards the batter. Dinesh Chandimal lets the ball go through to the keeper. |
| 61.2 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, Drags the length back and angles it into the right-hander, Dinesh Chandimal gets on his toes and tries to glance it away off his pads but misses and wears it high on the thigh pad. |
| 61.3 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, A leg gully in place now for Atkinson as he pitches it right up to the batter, on middle, Dinesh Chandimal presses forward and drives it without much timing to mid on. |
| 61.4 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, Half a shout for LBW but that is heading down leg! Serves it on a nagging length, slanting into the pads, Dinesh Chandimal plays all around it and wears it high on the front pad. |
| 61.5 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 61.6 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, Slightly fuller and on middle and leg, Dinesh Chandimal stays balanced in the crease and brings his wrists into play. Clips it through mid-wicket and collects three runs as Ollie Pope gives it a chase and mops it up. |
| 62.1 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Nipping back into the right-hander from wide of the crease on the over-the-wicket angle, on a nagging length, Dinesh Chandimal covers the line of the ball and stabs it down on the leg side. |
| 62.2 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, So nearly went to hand! |
| 62.3 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 62.4 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, 2 runs. |
| 62.5 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, This straightens a bit off the deck, on a length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal shows the full face of the bat to keep it out but gets an outside edge that rolls past backward point for a single. |
| 62.6 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, In and around the off stump line, on a back of a length, Kamindu Mendis is unable to free his arms and chops it down on the deck. |
| 63.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 63.2 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, Bangs it on a hard length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal stays leg side of the ball and dabs it in front of cover. |
| 63.3 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, Slanting into the pads, on a short of a good length, Dinesh Chandimal is late on the flick again and wears it high on the thigh pad. |
| 63.4 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 63.5 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, Delivers it at 137 kph with a scrambled seam and gets the ball to skid through and jag back in, on a good length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal shapes up to play it square of the wicket on the off side and gets an inside edge on the pads. |
| 63.6 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, Another one that beats the batter for pace, on a hard length, on middle and leg, Dinesh Chandimal fails to help it away off his pads and catches it high on the thigh pad. |
| 64.1 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Comes from around the wicket for the first time today does Woakes and zones it in at the stumps, on a short of a good length, Kamindu Mendis is solid in defence as he keeps it out with a straight bat. |
| 64.2 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Goes slightly wide of the crease and lands it in the channel on off, on a length, Kamindu Mendis firms the drive but picks out the man at cover. |
| 64.3 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, 2 runs. |
| 64.4 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Fuller and attacking the stumps, Kamindu Mendis gets his head over the ball and blocks it out with a straight bat. |
| 64.5 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Woakes takes all the pace off and serves it at 102 kph, on a length, on middle, Kamindu Mendis reads it a bit well and almost went into the flick early. Adjusts well in the end to nudge it in front of mid-wicket. |
| 64.6 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 65.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, FOUR! Ungainly but it fetches Chandimal a boundary! |
| 65.2 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 65.3 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, Atkinson digs it in short, over middle, Dinesh Chandimal lifts his front leg and pulls it along the ground behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs. Sri Lanka now lead by 100! |
| 65.4 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, FOUR! Streaky but Sri Lanka will take it! |
| 65.5 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, Hurls it on a nagging length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal lunges to drive it through covers but the ball seems to stop in the surface. As ar result, Chandimal has to check his shot and pushes it wide of cover for one. |
| 65.6 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Around the wicket for the left-hander, on a length, on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis positions himself to clip it through mid-wicket but has to delay his shot. Hits it uppishly but well wide of mid-wicket and collects two runs. |
| 66.1 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, This straightens off the deck and comes on slower than the batter anticipated, on a length, on middle, Dinesh Chandimal plays it well in front of his body and pushes it half-heartedly to mid on. |
| 66.2 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Angling in, on a length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal gets right behind the line of the ball and taps it to mid on. |
| 66.3 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 66.4 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 66.5 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Fuller but the line stays the same, just outside off, Dinesh Chandimal gets his bat out in front of the pads and keeps it close to the front pad in defence. |
| 66.6 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 67.1 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Atkinson sprays it down leg, Kamindu Mendis lets it go. |
| 67.2 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Goes wide of the crease and bowls it on a good length, on middle, Kamindu Mendis keeps it out with a straight bat. |
| 67.3 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, At 141 kph, on a shortish length, on off, Kamindu Mendis hops and rides the bounce nicely and opens the bat face to glide it through gully. Dan Lawrence gives it a chase and keeps it down to three. Lawrence seems to have tweaked something in his right ankle after releasing the throw and limps back to his position. |
| 67.4 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, 1 run. |
| 67.5 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Four! |
| 67.6 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! Two in two for Kamindu Mendis! Atkinson digs it in short but not short enough to trouble the batter. Kamindu Mendis rolls his wrists nicely on the ball and pulls it all along the ground towards deep backward square leg for four more runs. |
| 68.1 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 68.2 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Woakes takes pace off but slips it down leg, fuller in length, Dinesh Chandimal misses the tickle. |
| 68.3 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Good running! Another off-pace delivery by Chandimal, on a back of a length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal waits for the ball to arrive and steers it to the right of Joe Root at first lip. Chandimal comes charging back and completes the second run. |
| 68.4 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 68.5 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Fuller and on off, Dinesh Chandimal firms the drive with a straight bat back to the bowler. |
| 68.6 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, FOUR! Short and punished! Woakes goes wide of the crease on the over-the-wicket angle and bowls a slower bumper, on off, Dinesh Chandimal stands tall and hammers the pull through square leg for a boundary. Sri Lanka's lead is now 125. |
| 69.1 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Potts starts from around the wicket and bowls it on a hard length, on off, Kamindu Mendis cuts it hard but can't beat the dive of the man at backward point. |
| 68.6 : Matthew Potts (11-4-26-1) comes back into the attack. |
| 69.2 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Short and wide on off, cut in front of square to deep cover for a single by Mendis. |
| 69.3 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, With a silly mid on in place, Potts angles it into the right-hander, on middle and leg, on a length, Dinesh Chandimal gets his bat out in front of the pads in defence. |
| 69.4 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Half a shout but it is heading down leg! Another one on the pads, on a length, Dinesh Chandimal plays all around it and wears it on the pads. Potts gestures that the ball is sliding down leg and England do not contemplate the review. |
| 69.5 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, 1 run. |
| 69.6 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Comes from around the wicket for the left-hander and bowls it in the channel on a fuller length, Kamindu Mendis shoulders arms. |
| 0.0 : Shoaib Bashir is tossed the ball. |
| 70.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Starts from over the wicket and keeps it short, on middle and leg, Dinesh Chandimal gets low and pulls it all along the ground to deep square leg for a single. This also brings up 250 runs for Sri Lanka. |
| 70.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Fires it full and on middle and off, the ball keeps low off the deck, Kamindu Mendis adjusts well and gets his bat down in time to jam it out. |
| 70.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Flighted up, on the stumps, Kamindu Mendis presses ahead and blocks it stright back to the bowler. |
| 70.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 70.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 70.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! Nicely done by Mendis! Basir darts this one flatter and fuller on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis plats his front leg across and sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a boundary. Sri Lanka now lead by 132 runs. |
| 71.1 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 71.2 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Fullish once again on off and middle. Dinesh Chandimal presses forward to block it down to the pitch. |
| 71.3 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Good running between the wickets! Pitches up on off, shaping it in. Dinesh Chandimal clips it through square leg and shouts for a double. That's some positive intent of running from both of the batters! |
| 71.4 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 71.5 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Full-length delivery on off and middle. Dinesh Chandimal lifts his back foot, presses on his front and flicks it towards wide mid-wicket to get a single. |
| 71.6 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Another fullish on stumps to end the over. Kamindu Mendis pushes it towards deeps square leg for a couple of runs. |
| 72.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, FIFTY FOR Dinesh Chandimal! He was retired hurt, went to hospital for scanning, came back on the pitch and scored a half-century! Tossed up fuller on off. Dinesh Chandimal eases it towards his off side and gets a single. |
| 72.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Four! |
| 72.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 72.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 72.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Slower and fuller, outside off, turning it away from the batter. Kamindu Mendis leaves it alone. |
| 72.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Darted in, full and on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis lunges and keeps it out. |
| 73.1 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 73.2 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Full-length delivery on off. Dinesh Chandimal eases it towards the right of the silly mid on for no runs. |
| 73.3 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Fires fuller on middle, shaping in. Dinesh Chandimal with no footwork flicks it towards the left of mid-wicket fielder and sprints for a single. |
| 73.4 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 73.5 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Not a leave that Kamindu Mendis was opting for! Matthew Potts bowls back of a length outside off, angling it a shy bit in. Kamindu Mendis first looks to play at it but withdraws his willow back. However, the ball catches the inner edge and the ball bounces off towards the left of the keeper. |
| 73.6 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Short of a length just outside off. Kamindu Mendis dabs it down. |
| 74.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Short of a length on off, turning it in. Dinesh Chandimal shuffles to cover the stump and nudges it towards square leg. |
| 74.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Tossed up fuller on off. Dinesh Chandimal strides out and closes the face of the bat to ease it towards right of the square leg fielder to get a single. |
| 74.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Full and on off. Kamindu Mendis blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 74.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, 2 runs. |
| 74.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Tossed up fuller outside off, turning it away from the left hander. Kamindu Mendis strides well out and leaves it alone to the keeper. |
| 74.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Yet again! Flatter and touch fuller outside off, spinning it away. Kamindu Mendis lunges and shoulder arms the delivery. |
| 75.1 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Bangs a short one on off and middle. Dinesh Chandimal detects the short delivery and ducks underneath the delivery pretty quickly. |
| 75.2 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Hard-length on off, angling it in. Dinesh Chandimal pulls it well towards deep backward square leg for a comfortable single. |
| 75.3 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 75.4 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Hard length once again coming up from Potts, on middle. Kamindu Mendis gets on his toes and dabs it down. |
| 75.5 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Back of a length, on middle and shaping it away. Kamindu Mendis crouches down and makes another leave. |
| 75.6 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, 2 runs. |
| 0.0 : Drinks break! Sri Lanka have dominated the proceedings so far, adding to the scoreboard at a brisk pace. In the 16 overs of play so far, they have added 67 runs, taking their lead to 149 runs. Both Chandimal and Mendis have looked solid, seamlessly continuing from where they left off last evening. England, missing Mark Wood, haven't posed much of a threat so far, and their leg-side field trap has yet to produce the desired results. The second new ball which is 4 overs away will be key for both |
| 76.1 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Tossed up fuller just outside off. Dinesh Chandimal lunges and puts his willow down before the ball turns. |
| 76.2 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, A bit flatter an fuller on middle. Dimuth Karunaratne comes down the track and eases it back to the bowler. |
| 76.3 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Fuliish on off and middle. Dinesh Chandimal nudges it towards his leg side. |
| 76.4 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 76.5 : Shoaib Bashir to Dinesh Chandimal, Tossed up fuller on off. Dinesh Chandimal comes dancing down the pitch and drives it towards long off and gets three runs in the middle. |
| 76.6 : Shoaib Bashir to Kamindu Mendis, Fuller and wide outside off, turning it away from the batter. Kamindu Mendis lunges and lifts his wilow up to leave it alone. |
| - |
| 77.1 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, 1 run. |
| 77.2 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Bangs a short one on middle and angling it in. Kamindu Mendis detects the short delivery and ducks under it. |
| 77.3 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Slower bounce now, wide outside off. Kamindu Mendis goes deep into his crease expecting a short one. But ends up missing the delivery on the inner half of his willow due to lack of pace on the ball. |
| 77.4 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 77.5 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Fires a short one on off. Kamindu Mendis ducks and makes another leave. |
| 0.0 : UPDATE - 11.25 am GMT - The drizzle has intensified and it is absolutely lashing down. The umpires take the players off and on come the ground staff with the hover cover. England won't be too concerned with this break, as it offers their pacers some rest ahead of the second new ball. So far, it has been Sri Lanka's morning, and theyâll aim to build on their current lead of 153 when play resumes. Letâs hope this is just a passing shower. Stay tuned for further updates. |
| UPDATE - 11.45 am GMT - Good news! As we had hoped, it was indeed a passing shower and the covers are coming off. The ground staff are running the rope over the outfield to clear the excess water. More promising signs as the umpires are out to inspect the outfield. We have a restart time, folks - Play will resume at 11.55 am GMT with Lunch to be taken at 12.15 pm GMT. |
| 77.6 : Matthew Potts to Kamindu Mendis, Comes from around the wicket and digs it short, over middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis ducks below and leaves it alone. |
| 0.0 : We are all set for play to resume! We'll have 20 minutes of play before Lunch. The sun is shining, and let's hope there are no more interruptions today. Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal stride out to resume their innings. Matthew Potts is ready to complete his over. |
| 78.1 : Dan Lawrence to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 78.2 : Dan Lawrence to Dinesh Chandimal, Goes fuller this time and on off, Dinesh Chandimal eases it out to the point region and gets to the other end. |
| 78.3 : Dan Lawrence to Kamindu Mendis, 2 runs. |
| 78.4 : Dan Lawrence to Kamindu Mendis, A hint of width outside off, short too, Kamindu Mendis punches it to deep cover and gets a single. |
| 78.5 : Dan Lawrence to Dinesh Chandimal, Flighted up, on middle and off, Dinesh Chandimal knocks it to long on and rotates the strike over. |
| 78.6 : Dan Lawrence to Kamindu Mendis, Turns it away slightly from around off, on a shorter length, Kamindu Mendis waits deep in the crease and cuts it well but finds the fielder at cover. |
| 79.1 : Joe Root to Dinesh Chandimal, Root comes from around the wicket and bowls it full, on the stumps, Dinesh Chandimal presses out and whips it to long on for a single. |
| 0.0 : One over left before the second new ball is due. It will be Joe Root to bowl it. |
| 79.2 : Joe Root to Kamindu Mendis, 1 run. |
| 79.3 : Joe Root to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 79.4 : Joe Root to Dinesh Chandimal, Continues to keep it full does Root, on off, Dinesh Chandimal taps it to long on for a single. |
| 79.5 : Joe Root to Kamindu Mendis, Looped fuller in length and outside off, Kamindu Mendis with an extended arm drives it in front of deep cover and gets to the other end. |
| 79.6 : Joe Root to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 80.1 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Woakes charges in from over the wicket and bowls it on a length and on the pads, Kamindu Mendis with deft hands tucks it in front of fine leg and gets two handy runs off it. |
| 0.0 : The second new ball is now due. Surely, England take it straight away? Yes, they are taking it. It will be Chris Woakes to make the first use of it. With not much time left for Lunch, can England break the stand before the break? Let's find out. |
| 80.2 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 80.3 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! HUNDRED from Kamindu Mendis! This is a magnificent knock from Mendis and came just at the right time for his side. Woakes errs in line and bowls it outside off, on a short of a good length as well, Kamindu Mendis extends his arms and cuts it past gully for a boundary. |
| 80.4 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 80.5 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Bowls an inswinger, on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis keeps it out to the leg side. |
| 80.6 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, Good three balls to end the over! This is on a length and on top of off, Kamindu Mendis checks his shot to cover. |
| It will be Gus Atkinson to operate with the new cherry from the other end. |
| 81.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, Steams in from over the wicket and hits the length right, on middle and leg, Dinesh Chandimal coves the line and dabs it behind square on the leg side and gets a single. |
| 81.2 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Lands it on a good length and shapes it away, just outside off. Kamindu Mendis trusts the line and the bounce and holds his bat high making a confident leave. |
| 81.3 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Launches this one fuller and on the stumps, Kamindu Mendis prods his bat out and blocks it right in front. |
| 81.4 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Looks for the swing and lands it full, just around off, Kamindu Mendis leans on and firms the drive straight to covers. |
| 81.5 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Nice looking shot but goes straight to the fielder again. Atkinson offers width, outside off and digs it marginally short of a good length, Kamindu Mendis cuts it hard and hits it to the fielder at point. |
| 81.6 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Beauty to end the over! Atkinson keeps it short of a length and angles it away on off, Kamindu Mendis rides the bounce and looks to play it on the off side but the ball misses his bat and whizzes past the outside edge to the keeper. That will be LUNCH on Day 4! |
| 0.0 : Sri Lanka take the honours of the morning session on Day 4! The visitors dominated the session, adding 87 runs from 22 overs without losing a wicket. Starting the day with an 82-run lead, Sri Lanka made an encouraging start. Both Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal batted with intent, capitalizing on loose deliveries and keeping the scoreboard ticking. The surface seemed to have slowed down, offering no major alarms as both went about their business nicely. Even the brief rain interruption coul |
| On the other hand, England have been left scratching their heads, struggling to find a way to break this partnership. The absence of Mark Wood, sidelined for the day due to a right thigh muscle injury, was clearly felt as the hosts lacked the penetrative edge needed to create consistent pressure. The lack of help from the surface made the job even more challenging for them. |
| With a lead of 169 runs, Sri Lanka will not want to think too far ahead. They will be focused on starting well after Lunch and then take it from there. England, on the other hand, have a lot of work to do and will need to make the most of the new ball, which is just 2 overs old, when play resumes after Lunch. Join us back at 12.55 pm GMT for what promises to be another enthralling session of Test cricket. |
| ... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ... |
| 82.1 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 0.0 : Welcome back for the start of the second session on Day 4. The sun is shining in all its glory as the two umpires make their way out to the middle. Dinesh Chandimal marks his guard and gets ready to face Chris Woakes first up after Lunch. Here we go! |
| 82.1 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Full and shaping away from the right-hander, Dinesh Chandimal shoulders arms. |
| 82.2 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Dinesh Chandimal gets right behind the line of the ball and defends it with a straight bat. |
| 82.3 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 82.4 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Bowls it full and outside off, tempting the batter to go for the drive. Dinesh Chandimal leaves it alone. |
| 82.5 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, On a length outside off, Dinesh Chandimal is happy to leave it alone. |
| 83.1 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, No run. |
| 83.2 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! An absolutre gift and Kamindu Mendis makes the most of it. Atkinson serves it full, outside off, Mendis leans on and drives it firmly through the gap at covers for a boundary. |
| 83.3 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Goes wider than the previous one and on a fuller length, Kamindu Mendis leaves it alone. |
| 83.4 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Four! |
| 83.5 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Follows up with a straight one, on the stumps, Kamindu Mendis blocks it down the deck. |
| 83.6 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, Four! |
| 84.1 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 84.2 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 84.3 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Woakes continues to get the away movement off the deck, on a good length, around off, Chandimal hangs on the back foot and stabs it down with a straight bat. |
| 84.4 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Good-length delivery, on off, Dinesh Chandimal gets on the back foot to punch it to cover. |
| 84.5 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Woakes goes wide of the crease but sprays it on the pads, on a nagging length, Dinesh Chandimal misses the tickle as the ball rolls off his thigh pad on the leg side for a leg bye. |
| 84.6 : Chris Woakes to Kamindu Mendis, This is on a short of a good length, on off, Kamindu Mendis pushes it back to the bowler from the crease. |
| 85.1 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, The break doesn't seem to have bothered both these batters. Timing right up there! This is full from Atkinson, on off, Dinesh Chandimal firms his drive through covers. The ball dies down just in front of the ropes and the batters scamper three runs. |
| 85.2 : Gus Atkinson to Kamindu Mendis, OUT! c Joe Root b Gus Atkinson. |
| 0.0 : Prabath Jayasuriya walks in at number 9. England into the tail now with Sri Lanka leading by 185 runs. |
| 85.3 : Gus Atkinson to Prabath Jayasuriya, No run. |
| 85.4 : Gus Atkinson to Prabath Jayasuriya, Lands it on a back of a length and around off again, Prabath Jayasuriya opens the bat face and guides the ball past slip cordon for three runs to get off the blocks. |
| 85.5 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, Atkinson hurls this one full, and on off, Dinesh Chandimal leans ahead and blocks it to the off side. |
| 85.6 : Gus Atkinson to Dinesh Chandimal, FOUR! Not an ideal length to be bowled at Chandimal who is looking solid at the crease. Atkinson offers width outside off and drags the length short, Dinesh Chandimal waits deep back in the crease and slashes it over point for a boundary. Sri Lanka's lead is now 192 runs! |
| 86.1 : Chris Woakes to Prabath Jayasuriya, Woakes serves this on the full, outside off, the ball stays low off the pitch. Prabath Jayasuriya leaves it alone. |
| 86.2 : Chris Woakes to Prabath Jayasuriya, Attacks the stumps on a good length, Prabath Jayasuriya just about manages to stick his bat down and keep it out to point. |
| 86.3 : Chris Woakes to Prabath Jayasuriya, Into the pads, on a nagging length, Prabath Jayasuriya tucks it in front of square leg. |
| 86.4 : Chris Woakes to Prabath Jayasuriya, Tries to nip one away, on a good length and over middle and leg, Prabath Jayasuriya opens up his stance and dead bats it down the deck. |
| 86.5 : Chris Woakes to Prabath Jayasuriya, Woakes surprises Jayasuriya with a sharp bouncer, angling in, over leg, Prabath Jayasuriya quickly ducks under. |
| 86.6 : Chris Woakes to Prabath Jayasuriya, Woakes bowls this on a good length, in the corridor on off, Prabath Jayasuriya looks for the drive away from his body and gets it off the inner half. Hits it to the right of mid off and the batters steal two runs. |
| 87.1 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Charges in from over the wicket and straight up, lands it full at the stumps, Dinesh Chandimal drives it firmly to cover. |
| 87.2 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 87.3 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, FOUR! Gets it right off the screws this time! Too full from Potts, on off, Dinesh Chandimal gets his front leg out, leans on and times his drive through the gap at covers for another boundary. |
| 87.4 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Tap and run! Similar line and length from Potts, Chandimal with soft hands taps it in front of mid off and gets to the other end. |
| 87.5 : Matthew Potts to Prabath Jayasuriya, With a scrambled seam, Potts hurls this one and outside off, Prabath Jayasuriya looks for a poke at it but misses on the outside edge. |
| 87.6 : Matthew Potts to Prabath Jayasuriya, OUT! EDGED AND CAUGHT by Harry Brook! He fumbles on the first attempt but secures it on the second. A crucial breakthrough for Potts. |
| 88.1 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal pushes it to the leg side. |
| 0.0 : Asitha Fernando walks up to the middle. |
| 88.2 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 88.3 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, No run. |
| 88.4 : Chris Woakes to Dinesh Chandimal, Takes pace off and bowls it fuller in length, on middle, Dinesh Chandimal nudges it in front of mid on and takes a quick single. Sri Lanka's lead is now 200! |
| 88.5 : Chris Woakes to Vishwa Fernando, Survives the first one! Woakes hurls this fuller in length and gets the ball to shape away, from outside off, Vishwa Fernando gets closer to the line and leaves it alone. |
| 0.0 : Asitha Fernando is the last man in for Sri Lanka. |
| 88.6 : Chris Woakes to Vishwa Fernando, OUT! LBW! Fernando doesn't service the second time! Dinesh Chandimal suggests sending this upstairs and Fernando does. |
| 89.1 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, FOUR! Nicely hit! Chandimal may just opt to go all out now. Fuller in length from Potts, on off, Dinesh Chandimal tonks it over mid off for a boundary. |
| 89.2 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, Drags the length down does Potts, on off, Dinesh Chandimal waits back and cuts it to deep point but doesn't take the run. |
| 89.3 : Matthew Potts to Dinesh Chandimal, OUT! CAUGHT! Matthew Potts claims his third wicket as England finally manage to bowl Sri Lanka out for 326 runs. Chandimal, who could have stayed longer at the crease, opts to go big but ends up throwing his wicket away. Matthew Potts hurls this nice and full, in and around off, Dinesh Chandimal looks for the big heave through the off but doesn't quite get the timing right. Hits it high in the air over covers. Harry Singh the substitute fielder charges |
| 0.0 : Sri Lanka have bowled out for 326 in their second inning, ending with a lead of 204 runs! Given they were 1 for 2 yesterday, this has been a good fight from the visitors. |
| Right then, England need 205 runs to win and take the lead in the series. While time is on their side, they'll have to be cautious with a long tail waiting in the wings. |
| 0.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Ben Duckett, On a back of a length, shaping away, around off, Ben Duckett hangs on the back foot and taps it wide of cover for a single. Ben Duckett and England are underway. |
| 0.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, 5 Wides! |
| Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Keeps it on a hard length, at the hips, Dan Lawrence gets on his toes and nudges it off his hips to deep square leg for a single. |
| 0.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Ben Duckett, Angling in, on a back of a length, on middle, Ben Duckett works it off his pads in the vacant mid-wicket region for a single. |
| 0.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 0.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Slight hesitation but no harm done! Fuller and it tails back into the right-hander, on off and middle, Dan Lawrence gets on the front foot and times the drive to the right of mid off. The fielder dives to his right but parries the ball away from him. Lawrence wants to take the single but Ben Duckett is caught ball watching, resulting in Lawrence to retreat. |
| 0.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Leg bye. |
| 1.1 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Fernando comes from over the wicket and lands it on a back of a length, outside off, Dan Lawrence pushes it to covers. |
| 1.2 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Bowls it outside off, on a length with a hint of away movement, Dan Lawrence leaves it alone. |
| 1.3 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Nearly nicked that one did Lawrence. |
| 1.4 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, On a length and just outside off, Dan Lawrence takes a step out and covers the line before patting it down to mid on. |
| 1.5 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Digs it short and over middle and leg, Dan Lawrence shuffles across and pulls this off the inner half of the bat behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| Has that been taken cleanly? |
| 1.6 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, A valiant effort from Kusal Mendis behind the stumps and Ben Duckett survives an early scare! |
| 2.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, 1 run. |
| 2.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Ben Duckett, 2 runs. |
| 2.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Ben Duckett, Fernando bowls this outside off, on a length, Ben Duckett pushes it to deep backward point for a single. |
| 2.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, FOUR! Not a very convincing shot but it does fetch Dan Lawrence four runs. |
| 2.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 2.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Bowls it on a good length and outside off, Dan Lawrence is happy to make the leave. |
| 3.1 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, No run. |
| 3.2 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, A half-hearted appeal for LBW but it seemed to be going down leg. Asitha Fernando bowls this full and on middle and leg, with a hint of inward movement. Ben Duckett looks to tuck it across the line but misses and gets pinged flush on the front pad. |
| 3.3 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, On a length and outside off, Ben Duckett punches it to deep point and rotates the strike over. |
| 3.4 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Hits the deck hard, on a back of a length, over off, Dan Lawrence gets right behind the line of the delivery and stabs it down the strip. |
| 3.5 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Keeps the length right, but serves it on the hips, Dan Lawrence clips it with ease through mid-wicket for a couple more runs. |
| 3.6 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Lands it on a hard length and attacks the stumps, Dan Lawrence knocks it to mid on. |
| 4.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ben Duckett, Starts from over the wicket and floats it right up, on off, Ben Duckett with a good stride out pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 4.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ben Duckett, FOUR! That's a shot and a half from Ben Duckett! |
| 4.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ben Duckett, Darts this one quicker does Jayasuriya, fuller too, Ben Duckett attempts the reverse sweep again but misses. The ball brushes the toes end of the bat and rolls over his arms before falling short of the fielder at slip. |
| 4.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ben Duckett, 1 run. |
| 4.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Six! |
| 4.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Pulls the length down and bowls it flatter, on middle and leg, Dan Lawrence punches it to long on and gets a single. 12 runs come off that over and England are just 172 runs away now. |
| 5.1 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 5.2 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, So nearly dragged it on! Shaping away from the batter, on a back of a length, around off, Dan Lawrence pokes at the delivery and gets an inside edge that sneaks past the stumps for a single. |
| 5.3 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, No run. |
| 5.4 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, OUT! c Kusal Mendis b Asitha Fernando. |
| 0.0 : English skipper, Ollie Pope comes out to bat at number 3. |
| 5.5 : Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, No run. |
| 5.6 : Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, Short and not close enough to make the batter play, Ollie Pope leaves it alone. |
| 6.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Darted in, full and at the stumps, Dan Lawrence gets his bat out in front of the front pad and keeps it out. |
| 6.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Speared in again, on a nagging length, on off, Dan Lawrence gets a good stride in to block it out. |
| 6.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, This goes straight on, on off, on a length, Dan Lawrence plays for the angle as he looks to close the bat face and work it on the leg side. Gets a leading edge that rolls past point for a single. |
| 6.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, Way too short by Jayasuriya, around the pads, Ollie Pope gets on the back foot quickly and whips it in front of square on the leg side. Places it between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for three runs. |
| 6.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Fired in now, fuller and on off, Dan Lawrence lunges and opens the bat face to dab it wide of cover for a single. |
| 6.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, Slower through the air but not much turn on offer, short and on off, Ollie Pope goes back in his crease and tucks it in front of square leg. |
| 7.1 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Angling in, on a nagging length, on off, Dan Lawrence walks across his stumps and looks to clip it through in front of square but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 7.2 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, In the channel on off and it moves away off the deck, on a nagging length, Dan Lawrence makes the leave. |
| 7.3 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Fernando bowls it too straight, on the pads, on a back of a length, Dan Lawrence fails to help it away off his pads. The ball rolls off his pads to the right of deep fine leg for a couple of leg byes. |
| 7.4 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Serves it in the corridor on off, on a good length, Dan Lawrence shoulders arms. |
| 7.5 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Dan Lawrence gets behind the line of the ball and pats it to mid on. |
| 7.6 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, At 132 kph, on a hard length, on off, Dan Lawrence gets squared up as the ball moves away late but does well to keep it out on the off side off the back foot. |
| 8.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, No run. |
| 8.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, Slips it down leg, on a shorter length, Ollie Pope gets on the back foot and tickles it to deep fine leg for a single. |
| 8.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Looped up, full and on middle, Dan Lawrence shimmies down the track and whips it to the right of long on for a couple of runs. |
| 8.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, This keeps coming in with the angle, full and on middle and leg, Dan Lawrence makes room and times the drive to mid off. |
| 8.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 8.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Slightly slower and the length is pulled back on off, Dan Lawrence dabs it in front of cover-point for a single. |
| 9.1 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, At 134 kph, bowls it just outside off, on a length, Dan Lawrence gets on the front foot and firms the drive to mid on. |
| 9.2 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Strays on the pads does Asitha, on a back of a length, Dan Lawrence misses the tickle as the ball rolls away off his thigh pad and rolls down to fine leg for a leg bye. |
| 9.3 : Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, Short and wide on off, Ollie Pope frees his arms and cuts it along the ground to the left of deep point for a couple of runs. |
| 9.4 : Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, Serves it on a hard length, on middle, Ollie Pope stabs it down the deck with a straight bat. |
| 9.5 : Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, A hint of away shape off the deck, on off, on a back of a length, Ollie Pope gets on the back foot and pats it back to the bowler. |
| 9.6 : Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, Attacks the stumps, on a good length, Ollie Pope gets his head over the ball and presents the full face of the bat to keep it out. |
| 10.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 10.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 10.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, An optimistic shout for LBW but that is going down leg! Darted in, full and at the pads, Dan Lawrence plays all around it as he looks to clip it away and wears it on the pads. The Ball Tracking shows the ball to be missing the leg pole. |
| 10.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 10.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, 1 run. |
| 10.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, Shorter and on middle and leg, Ollie Pope clips it off the back foot to mid-wicket. |
| 0.0 : Drinks! England have made a strong start despite losing Ben Duckett. Ollie Pope has seamlessly joined the action, and together with Dan Lawrence, theyâve navigated the challenging initial phase. With just 156 runs left to defend, Sri Lanka urgently needs to take wickets in quick succession to build pressure, which, at the moment, seems to be slipping away. |
| 11.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, NO BALL! A false start for Milan Rathnayake! |
| Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, Tighter line, angling in, at the batter, on a length, Dan Lawrence defends it on the leg side. |
| 11.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, Shaping away, fuller and outside off, Dan Lawrence watchfully makes the leave. |
| 11.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, This is on a back of a length, around leg, Dan Lawrence gets on his toes and gets inside the line to glance it down to deep fine leg for a single. |
| 11.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Ollie Pope, At 128 kph, swinging away, full in length, Ollie Pope sees the width on offer and cracks the cut but it goes straight to the man at cover. |
| 11.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Ollie Pope, Delivers it in the corridor on off, on a back of a length, Ollie Pope lets it go through to the keeper. |
| 11.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Ollie Pope, Another one that swings away from the batter, outside off, on a good length, Ollie Pope defends it right under his eyeline. |
| 12.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, FOUR! Good proactive batting! Tossed up, full and on off, Dan Lawrence shuffles across and also walks down the track. Brings his wrists into play and whips it behind square leg for a boundary. |
| 12.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, 1 run. |
| 12.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, No run. |
| 12.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, Floated up, outside leg, Ollie Pope pads it away. |
| 12.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, OUT! c Dhananjaya de Silva b Prabath Jayasuriya. |
| 0.0 : Joe Root walks out to bat at number 4 for England! |
| 12.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Short and around the pads, Joe Root rocks on the back foot and tucks it behind square on the leg side and gets off the mark with a single. |
| 13.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Lands it on a good length, outside off, with a touch of away movement, Joe Root holds his stance and makes a leave. |
| 13.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Angles this into the pads, on a length, Root covers the line and tucks it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 13.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, Hits the deck hard, slightly short of a good length and gets the ball to jag back in a bit, over middle and leg, Dan Lawrence looks to keep it out but misses and gets hit high on the thigh pad. The ball rolls back down the deck and to the off side and the batters take a leg bye. |
| 13.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, 2 runs. |
| 13.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Continues to land it over off, on a good length, Joe Root just pushes it in front of deep point and gets a single. |
| 13.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, Attacks the stumps, on a length, Dan Lawrence clips it off his pads straight to mid-wicket. |
| 14.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 14.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Great running this! Tossed up on middle, Joe Root nudges it in front of square legal nd scampers across for a single. |
| 14.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Flighted up, on the stumps, Dan Lawrence sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a brace. |
| 14.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Bowls this short and on middle and leg, Dan Lawrence looks for a reverse sweep but misses and gets pinged flush on the front pad. There was slight appeal for LBW but it was pitched down leg. |
| 14.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, 1 run. |
| 14.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Joe Root joins the reverse sweep brigade too. Tossed up, on middle and leg, root hits it behind square on the off side and gets a single. |
| 15.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Swinging away from the right-hander, on a hard length, outside off, Joe Root rides the bounce nicely and dabs it late to deep backward point for a single. |
| 15.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, On a back of a length, outside off, Dan Lawrence stands tall and punches it to the left of the diving cover fielder and collects a couple of runs. |
| 15.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! Or is it? Dan Lawrence reviews straight away! Did he get some bat on it? Rathnayake bowls it with a scrambled seam and gets the ball to nip back in off a nagging length, on off. Dan Lawrence is caught on the crease as he looks to defend with a straight bat and gets beaten on the inside edge to ping him on the flap of the back pad. |
| 0.0 : Harry Brook steps out to bat next with England in a bit of trouble. |
| 15.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, On a good length, on the off stump line, Harry Brook gets his head over the ball and blocks it out. |
| 15.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, At 130 kph, on a back of a length, over middle, Harry Brook stays on the back foot and tucks it in front of square on the leg side and gets off the mark with a single. |
| 15.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Nipping back in a touch, on off, on a short of a good length, Joe Root defends it right under his eyeline. |
| 16.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, From over the wicket Jayasuriya pushes it through, short and at the stumps, Harry Brook gets on the back foot to defend. |
| 16.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 16.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Tossed up, on middle and leg, Harry Brook lunges and blocks it out on the leg side. |
| 16.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Jayasuriya gives the ball a bit of air and keeps it on middle and leg, Harry Brook gets forward and dead bats it with a straight bat. |
| 16.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Slows it up even more, full and on the pads, Harry Brook clips it but can't get it past mid-wicket. |
| 16.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, This is flat and short, on the pads, Harry Brook goes on the back foot and nudges it to square leg. |
| 17.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 17.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fuller and outside off, Joe Root walks towards the ball and stabs it down. |
| 17.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, 2 runs. |
| 17.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 17.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 17.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Short of a length and on off, Harry Brook cuts it to deep point for a single. |
| 18.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Floated full, on leg, Harry Brook lunges out and pats it to square leg. |
| 18.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Sees the batter make room, Jayasuriya follows him with a short one that bounces off the deck, Harry Brook adjusts well and keeps it out. |
| 18.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Just wide of the leg slip! |
| 18.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, An appeal for LBW, but the umpire turns it down. After a long discussion, DDS sends it upstairs. This is straight and full, on middle and leg, Joe Root looks for the reverse sweep but misses onto his front pad. There seemed to be some bat involved. The replays roll back on, and the UltraEdge shows some spike as the ball goes past the edge of the bat. Joe Root survives and Sri Lanka lose a review. |
| 18.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Fired it full, on middle and leg, Joe Root stabs it down the deck. |
| 18.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up, on the stumps, Joe Root gets a big stride out and blocks it right under his eyes. |
| 19.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Angles it into the pads, on a length, Harry Brook taps it with soft hands to the leg side and gets a single. |
| 19.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Bowls it fuller than a length, on off, Joe Root blocks it down the strip. Milan Rathnayake has overstepped again and that will be a No Ball. |
| Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Goes full, on off, Joe Root firms his drive but straight to cover. |
| 19.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Keeps it full and just outside off, Joe Root plays at it with soft hands and the ball goes off the other half to the fielder at gully. |
| 19.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Solid in defence! This is on a length and over off, Joe Root covers the line and dead bats it straight back to the bowler. |
| 19.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Continues to bowl it on off, and drags the length marginally short than the previous one, Joe Root offers another solid block to mid off. |
| 19.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Hurls this one on off too, on a length, Joe Root leans ahead and keeps it out. |
| 20.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Aims at the rough outside leg, full in length, Harry Brook goes for the sweep but gets a bottom edge onto the pads. |
| 20.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, With a leg slip in place, Jayasuriya pushes it through, full and on the pads, Harry Brook gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the front pad. |
| 20.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Was that a chance? Yes, a tough one though. We have seen such catches stick but it did not this time for Ramesh Mendis and Sri Lanka. Flat and sort, on middle and leg, Harry Brook nails the sweep and hits it flat towards backward square leg. The substitute fielder, Ramesh Mendis flings himself to his right but the ball hits him on the wrist and rolls behind for a couple of runs. |
| 20.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Full and fired in on the pads, Harry Brook misses the sweep and the ball strikes him on the front pad outside leg. |
| 20.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Another sweep attempted by Brook to a full delivery, outside the line of the leg and he misses again. |
| 20.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Flatter and fuller, on leg, Harry Brook gets his bat ahead and makes a solid block. |
| 21.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, On the off stump line, a hint of inward movement off the deck off a good length, Joe Root gets his bat close to the front pad and defends it out. |
| 21.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, On a back of a length, over middle, Joe Root tucks it off the back foot to mid-wicket. |
| 21.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Goes full does Milan and gets a good away shape, outside off, Joe Root uses his feet and pushes it with soft hands to cover. |
| 21.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, At 131 kph, on a length, outside off, Joe Root leans for the drive and with a high elbow, just times it through covers for a couple of runs. |
| 21.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Attacking the stumps with a full delivery, Joe Root shows the full face of the bat and times the drive to mid on. |
| 21.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Keeps it full, on off, Joe Root gets a good stride in and gets his head over the ball to stab it down on the off side. That will be TEA on Day 4! |
| 0.0 : Session Summary - 29.3 Overs, 117 Runs and 7 Wickets. Wow, what a thrilling session this has been! It kept us on the edge of our seats. For those who thought this game was heading in just one direction, itâs clear now that itâs far from over. Sri Lanka have made crucial inroads at just the right time, and this match is very much still alive for them. |
| With just 205 runs needed to win, England set out to bat through the session with an aggressive mindset. Ben Duckett and Dan Lawrence both made promising starts, but Duckett failed to make the most of a reprieve when keeper Kusal Mendis claimed a catch that was later deemed to have touched the ground, leading to Duckett's dismissal shortly after. Ollie Pope also struggled, falling to Prabath Jayasuriya, and Dan Lawrence, who looked set, was dismissed by Milan Rathnayake. This left England in |
| Shortly after Lunch, England made excellent use of the second new ball, executing their plans perfectly. Atkinson claimed the prized wicket of Kamindu Mendis, who had battled his way to a gritty 113. Matthew Potts and Chris Woakes maintained relentless pressure on the incoming batters, efficiently dismantling the tail. Dinesh Chandimal attempted to accelerate the scoring rate with just one wicket remaining but fell in the process, leaving Sri Lanka with a lead of 204 runs. Considering their s |
| With only 122 runs left to defend, Sri Lanka will be aiming for a couple of quick wickets at the start of the final session to gain control. England, on the other hand, need to build on their current partnership to make the chase more manageable. An exciting end to the day is on the horizon. Join us in 20 minutes for the action! |
| ... DAY 4, SESSION 3 ... |
| 22.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 0.0 : Welcome back for the third and final session of Day 4! Joe Root and Harry Brook walk down the stairs and they are followed by Dhananjaya de Silva and his men. Sri Lanka are starting with spin in the form of Prabath Jayasuriya. A slip and a leg gully in place. Let's play... |
| 22.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Sprays it down leg, fuller in length again, Harry Brook leaves it alone. |
| 22.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Attacks the pads, full, Harry Brook sweeps it well but Ramesh Mendis at square leg who does even better to make a sharp stop. |
| 22.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Flighted up, on middle, Harry Brook sweeps it to the fielder at square leg again. |
| 22.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 22.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Quicker and fuller, on off, Brook pushes it to mid off who fails to keep it out allowing the batters to steal a run. |
| 23.1 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Lands it on a good length, over off, Harry Brook knocks it down the deck. |
| 23.2 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, FOUR! Cut away hard! |
| 23.3 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Adjusts the line back to the off stump, and bowls it on a length, Harry Brook checks his shot to covers. |
| 23.4 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, A huge appeal for caught behind but from Asitha Fernando alone! Dhananjaya de Silva sends it upstairs for a check and Kusal Mendis doesn't seem too convinced about this. Fernando hits the deck hard, on a short of a length just outside off, the ball shoots off the deck a bit and Harry Brook misses out on making the desired connection trying to keep it out with a straight bat. The UltraEdge confirms there was absolutely nothing as the ball zipped past th |
| 23.5 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Keeps it tight on a length and outside off, Harry Brook leaves it alone. |
| 23.6 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, That one kept low! |
| 24.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Full and on middle and off, Joe Root knocks it back to the bowler. |
| 24.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Drags the length down and bowls it around the hips, Joe Root quickly goes deep in the crease and tucks it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 24.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Lands it full and on the stumps, Joe Root keeps it out. |
| 24.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 24.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 24.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Jayasuriya bowls this with some extra revs and lands it full, on leg, Joe Root looks for the flick but wears it on the pads. |
| 25.1 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, 1 run. |
| 25.2 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, No run. |
| 25.3 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, This is on a hard length, on off, Joe Root with an angled bat dabs it down the deck. |
| 25.4 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Bowls it into the pads, on a length, Joe Root clips it in front of deep mid-wicket and takes a run. |
| 25.5 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Angling in, straight and full, on middle and off, Harry Brook dead bats this right down the deck. |
| 25.6 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Drags the length short and bowls it over middle and off, Harry Brook blocks it right under his eyeline. |
| 26.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Jayasuriya looks for the loopy delivery on the pads, Joe Root lunges out and takes it on the full before sweeping it straight to the fielder at backward square leg. |
| 26.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Fuller and on off, Joe Root eases it through covers for a brace. |
| 26.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Gets the line tight and attacks the stumps, fuller, Joe Root watchfully blocks it out. |
| 26.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 26.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, FOUR! Connects well and gets it through! Floated full on leg, Harry Brook sweeps it behind square on the leg side for four more runs. |
| 26.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, 1 run. |
| 27.1 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, On a good length just outside off, Harry Brook pushes it to mid off. |
| 27.2 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Holds the pose with a solid defence does Brook! Asitha Fernando hurls this onto the stumps, on a length, Brook gets his front leg out and blocks it under his eyes. |
| 27.3 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Shorter than a good length, over off, Harry Brook cuts it to point. |
| 27.4 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 27.5 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Length, on off, Harry Brook punches it to cover. |
| 27.6 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Tap and run! Short of a length and angling in, over off, Harry Brook dabs it in front of backward point and squeezes a quick single. |
| 28.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Fuller in length and on middle and leg, from over the wicket angle, Harry Brook lunges out and makes a block. |
| 28.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 28.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, 3 runs. |
| 28.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 28.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Drgas the length short and on middle and off, Harry Brook quickly hops back and slaps it through covers for a couple more runs. |
| 28.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Goes straight and full, on the leg peg, Harry Brook blocks it confidently. |
| 0.0 : Vishwa Fernando returns to the attack. |
| 29.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Charges from around the wicket and bowls it on off, and on a good length, Joe Root knocks it down the deck. |
| 29.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Fractionally short in length and angling into the pads, Joe Root tucks it down to square leg for a single. England are just 100 runs away from sealing this game now. |
| 29.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Digs it in, on a short of a length, over off, Harry Brook stabs it down the deck. |
| 29.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Attempts a yorker, but lands it marginally short, just outside off, Harry Brook digs it out through the gap at point and cover for a couple of runs. |
| 29.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Length, on middle and off, Harry Brook offers another block down the deck. |
| 29.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, FOUR! Wow, Harry Brook makes it look very easy! Fernando bowls it full, on off, Harry Brook charges down the track, get to the pitch of the ball and creams his drive through covers for a boundary. |
| 30.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Flatter and fuller, pitching it down the leg. Joe Root lunges and rests it from the inner part of his willow towards his leg side. |
| 30.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Full-length delivery on leg. Joe Root goes deep into his crease and flicks it towards square leg for one. |
| 30.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 30.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 30.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 30.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Drags his length a shy bit, on leg and middle. Harry Brook sweeps it towards backward square leg for a single. |
| 31.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Good-length delivery on off, shaping it away from the batter. Harry Brook stays back and defends it on the outer part of his bat towards gully. |
| 31.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 31.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Back of a length on off, shaping away. Harry Brook cuts it towards deep point and gets a single. |
| 31.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, On a length on leg and middle. Joe Root rocks back and tickles it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs. |
| 31.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, No run. |
| 31.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Short of a length, just outside off. Joe Root dabs it towards his off side. |
| 32.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Flatter and fuller on middle. Harry Brook strides out to block it down but connects it on the inner half. |
| 32.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 32.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Touch fuller on middle and leg. Brook goes back and tickles it towards square leg. |
| 32.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Fuller delivery on off. Harry Brook plants his front foot and eases it towards cover fielder. |
| 32.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Tossed up fuller on middle and leg. Harry Brook rocks back and works it towards his leg side. |
| 32.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 33.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Good-length delivery wide outside off. Joe Root places his front foot to ease it towards his off side but ends up withdrawing his willow and makes a leave. |
| 33.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 33.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, NO BALL! |
| Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Full-length delivery just outside off. Joe Root lunges and places his bat in front of his eyeliner to perform a defense. |
| 0.0 : A change of bat for Joe Root as the bottom part of the current one has been damaged. Root makes the selection and we are all good to go. |
| 33.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 33.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Back of a length just outside off. Joe Root hops a bit and dabs it towards cover. |
| 33.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Hard-length delivery just outside off. Joe Root comes forward, stands tall and blocks it down to the pitch. |
| 34.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 34.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 34.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Full-length delivery just outside off. Harry Brook punches it towards vacant cover-point and gets a single. |
| 34.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Flatter and fuller, turning it in, from off. Joe Root lunges to perform a defence but gets a connection on the inner edge and to the pads. |
| 34.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 34.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Big wicket for Sri Lanka! They needed a wicket at this point of time and Prabath Jayasuriya provided it just in time! |
| 0.0 : Has that carried? Sri Lanka are celebrating, but Harry Brook is asked to wait by the umpires. The first replay is clear enough to show that Prabath Jayasuriya had his fingers clearly underneath the ball. |
| The centurion of the first inning, Jamie Smith walks out to the middle. |
| 35.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 35.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 35.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, On a length just outside off. Joe Root nudges it across the line towards off mid on for no runs. |
| 35.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 35.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 35.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Pithces up on leg. Joe Root inner edge the ball towards deep fine leg for single. |
| 36.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up fuller on off. Joe Root strides out and defends it towards his off side. |
| 36.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up fuller outside off. Joe Root blocks it towards cover. |
| 36.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 36.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 36.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 36.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Pitches up and just outside off. Joe Root punches it towards vacant cover and gets a single. |
| 37.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Milan Rathnayake comes from over the wicket and bowls fuller just outside off. Joe Root leans on the delivery and punches it but straight to the short cover fielder. |
| 37.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Now this one stays low! Good-length delivery wide outside off, on the seventh wicket. Joe Root hangs back to offer something but the ball skis low. Root does well to put his bat down and eases it towards cover gully |
| 37.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Pitches up just outside off. Joe Root places his front foot and performs a solid defense right under his eyesight. |
| 37.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 37.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Much fuller, on middle and leg. Joe Root flicks it towards deep square leg and gains a single. |
| 37.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, On a length and just outside off. Jamie Smith lunges and inner edges the delivery towards deep fine leg to get open his account. |
| 38.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 38.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Tossed up fuller on middle. Jamie Smith drives it a bit uppishly, but well away from the bowler towards long on for a single. |
| 38.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Low full toss on middle. Joe Root lap sweeps the delivery towards deep fine leg and gets a couple of runs. |
| 38.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Touch fuller on middle. Joe Root eases it towards vacant cover for another single. |
| 38.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 38.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Much fuller outside off. Jamie Smith jams it out towards his off side for no runs. |
| 39.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Full-length delivery on middle, angling in. Joe Root places his front foot and tickles it from his pads towards deep fine leg for a couple. |
| 39.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Pitches up on off. Joe Root defends it down solidly. |
| 39.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Back of a length in the channel of off. Joe Root hops a bit and dabs it towards cover-point for no runs. |
| 39.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Outswinger, on a length, pitching it well outside off Joe Root rolls his wrist to guide it through the point region for a brace. England are successfully rotating their strike! |
| 39.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 39.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Touch fuller on stump. Jamie Smith comes forward and nudges it towards square leg for another single. |
| 40.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Darted in, short and on off, Jamie Smith goes on the back foot and pats it back to the bowler. |
| 40.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Another one sliding on with the arm, fuller and on off, Jamie Smith lunges and defends it on the off side. |
| 40.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 40.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Short and around the pads, Jamie Smith goes on the back foot and dabs it in front of square leg. |
| 40.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Fuller and slanting in, on middle, Jamie Smith blocks it out off the front foot. |
| 40.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Slower and fuller, on off, Jamie Smith makes room and firms the drive but straight to cover. |
| 41.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Rathnayake gets a hint of away shape in the air, full and around off, Joe Root looks to play it square of the wicket on the off side but plays outside the line of the ball. Gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 41.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 41.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 41.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Fuller and outside off, Jamie Smith sees the width on offer and throws his hands at the delivery but miscues it off the toe end of the bat back to the bowler. |
| 41.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Keeps it full, on off, Jamie Smith checks his drive back to the bowler. |
| 41.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, At 129 kph, full and on off, Jamie Smith shapes up to drive it down the deck with a straight bat but gets it off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket. |
| 42.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up, full and on off, Joe Root presses forward and opens the bat face to ease it through covers for a single. |
| 42.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Jayasuriya comes from over the wicket now with a leg slip in place and bowls it on a nagging length, on the pads, Jamie Smith steps out and pushes it to mid-wicket. |
| 42.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Pushes it through, around the pads, Jamie Smith gets on the back foot and tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 42.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Jayasuriya drops it short and on leg, Jamie Smith uses the depth of the crease and brings his wrists into play to whip it to the right of mid-wicket for a couple of runs. |
| 42.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, A better length by Jayasuriya, forcing the batter to get on the front foot. Jamie Smith gets his bat out in front and keeps it out. |
| 42.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Aimed at the pads again, full in length, Jamie Smith works it off his pads to mid-wicket. |
| 0.0 : Vishwa Fernando (4-0-26-0) comes back into the attack. |
| 43.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Begins from over the wicket and bowls it on a back of a length, over middle and leg, Joe Root uses his feet and turns this one to mid-wicket. |
| 43.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Into the wicket again, over middle and leg, Joe Root hops and nudges it in front of mid-wicket. |
| 43.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, On a shortish length, on off, Joe Root stays back in the crease and dabs it in front of cover. |
| 43.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Fuller this time by Fernando as he slants it across the batter, Joe Root waits on it and glides it wide of backward point for a single. |
| 43.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, At 132 kph, on a nagging length, on middle, Jamie Smith presents a straight bat and knocks it down to mid off. |
| 43.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Too straight, at the hips, Jamie Smith gets inside the line of the ball and tucks it through square leg for a single. |
| 0.0 : Drinks! England are just 66 runs away from victory, and with both batters now well set, the task doesnât seem too challenging. Sri Lankan spirits have noticeably dipped over the past half hour, and theyâll need something to lift them up and rekindle their belief if they are to still make a fight of this. |
| 44.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 44.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 44.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Half a shout for LBW but turned down! Turning away, full and around middle, Jamie Smith looks to keep it out with a straight bat but gets beaten by the turn as it spins away to go past the bat and catch him on the back pad. |
| 44.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Jamie Smith sweeps and sweeps well! |
| 44.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, FOUR! A gift and Jamie Smith accepts it gleefully! Way too short by Jayasuriya, on middle and leg, Jamie Smith goes back in his crease and jabs it between mid-wicket and mid on for four more runs. |
| 44.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, 1 run. |
| 45.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, On a hard length, over middle, Jamie Smith walks into the shot and punches it back to the bowler. |
| 45.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Slanting across the batter, on a back of a length, around off, Jamie Smith dabs it square of the wicket but straight to point. |
| 45.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 45.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 45.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Gap picked to perfection! Fernando goes into the wicket, at the batter, the ball comes on slower than Jamie Smith anticipated. He rolls his wrists on the ball and pulls it to the right of deep backward square leg for a boundary. |
| 45.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, At 132 kph, on a length, on off, Jamie Smith pats it to the right of mid off and gets to the other end quickly. |
| 46.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Short and on middle, Jamie Smith pulls it hard towards mid-wicket where the fielder gets a hand to it and parries it in front of mid on for a single. |
| 46.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Looped up, down leg, Joe Root sweeps it down to deep backward square leg and rotates the strike. |
| 46.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, 3 runs. |
| 46.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Jayasuriya gives the ball air and bowls it full, on leg, Joe Root sweeps it slightly uppishly but well in front of deep backward square leg for a single. |
| 46.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, SIX! Dispatched! |
| 46.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Fired in now by Jayasuriya, on the pads, Jamie Smith sweeps it fine and gets it past the keeper for a couple of runs more. A productive over for England, 14 runs off it and that leaves them needing 38 more runs to win. |
| 47.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, No run. |
| 47.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Four! |
| 47.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, A big, big shout for LBW but turned down by the umpire! |
| 47.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Hard-length delivery, on the channel on off. Joe Root gets on his toes and punches it through point for a single. |
| 47.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, On a length just outside off. Jamie Smith eases it towards the left of the bowler. |
| 47.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Pitches up, on off. Jamie Smith plants his front foot and places his willow in front of his pads to perform a defence. |
| 48.1 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Full-length delivery on the channel of off. Joe Root prods, leans on the delivery and pushes it towards the huge gap at cover region for a single. |
| 48.2 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Good-length delivery on middle, angling it in. Jamie Smith presses forward and tucks it where Angelo Mathews at short mid-wicket dives to his right to make the stop. |
| 48.3 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, On a length just outside off. Jamie Smith eases it towards vacant cover and gets a single. |
| 48.4 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Back of a length on middle and leg. Joe Root rocks back and tucks it towards short square leg fielder for no runs. |
| 48.5 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, No run. |
| 48.6 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, On a hard length now, on middle, angling in. Joe Root works it across towards short square leg fielder. |
| 49.1 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, 1 run. |
| 49.2 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Pitches up on middle. Joe Root clips it a bit late towards deep fine leg for another single. |
| 49.3 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Good-length delivery on off. Jamie Smith pushes it on the off side. |
| 49.4 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, 1 run. |
| 49.5 : Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Back of a length just outside off. Joe Root guides it towards deep point and gets a single. |
| 49.6 : Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Oh... that sounded so well from his willow! |
| 50.1 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Angling into the pads, on a good length, Joe Root tucks it stright to short mid-wicket. |
| 50.2 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Fernando continues to keep it on the stumps, on a length, Joe Root takes a step out and across before blocking it to mid on. |
| 50.3 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, A touch fuller in length and on off, Joe Root leans on and drives it to deep point for a single. |
| 50.4 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, OUT! TIMBER! Asitha Fernando gets the better of Jamie Smith! |
| 0.0 : Chris Woakes makes his way out to the centre. |
| 50.5 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Attempts the yorker but bowls a low full toss, on leg, Chris Woakes flicks it right to deep square leg for a single and gets off the mark. |
| 50.6 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Continues to keep it full, honing at the stumps, Joe Root brings his bottom hand to play and just nudges it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 51.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, FIFTY for Joe Root! From around the wicket, Jayasuriya bowls it short and on off, Joe Root hangs back and cuts it to deep point for a single. |
| 51.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Flights it up, on middle and off, Chris Woakes takes a good stride out and pushes it to mid off. |
| 51.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Drifts it right in the rough, around off and gets the ball to bite and turn a bit, Chris Woakes watfully punches it out to the off side. |
| 51.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 51.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 51.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Bowls it on leg, fuller, Chris Woakes blocks it out with a straight bat. |
| 52.1 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Length, on off, Joe Root taps it in front of backward point and scampers across for a single. |
| 52.2 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Hurls this on a nagging length, on off, Chris Woakes with deft hands looks to glide it but can't get it past the fielder at gully. |
| 52.3 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, FOUR! In the air, but just away from the fielder. Fernando bowls this full, on the stumps, Chris Woakes with a strong bottom hand flicks it uppishly to the left of mid on for a boundary. Dhananjaya de Silva dives with an outstretched left hand but just cant reach. |
| 52.4 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 52.5 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Goes full again, on the stumps, Chris Woakes works it to mid-wicket. |
| 52.6 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Looks for the yorker at the stumps, but misses the length by a touch, Chris Woakes gets his bat down and digs it back to the bowler. |
| 53.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 53.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Coming in with the arm but this is slower, on a nagging length, Chris Woakes lunges and defends it with a straight bat. |
| 53.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Sliding on with the angle again, fuller in length, Chris Woakes keeps it out off the front foot. |
| 53.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Jayasuriya pushes it through, short and wide on off, Chris Woakes throws his hands at the delivery but misses. |
| 53.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, 1 run. |
| 53.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Looped up, on a fullish length, on middle, Joe Root takes it on the full and paddles it down to deep fine leg for a single. 11 more needed now for England. |
| 54.1 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, On a good length, honing in at the pads, Joe Root misses the flick and wears it on the front pad. |
| 54.2 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Fernando digs it in short and serves it around leg, Joe Root gets inside the line of the ball and lets the ball go through to the keeper. |
| 54.3 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Very full, attacking the stumps, Joe Root stays low and works it with a closed bat face to mid-wicket. |
| 54.4 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, No run. |
| 54.5 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, In the channel on off, fuller as well, Joe Root gets himself on the front foot and opens the bat face to guide it past backward point. He waits for the ball to go past the fielder there and then sets off for the run. |
| 54.6 : Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Well held but is there a bat or glove involved? Dhananjaya de Silva has a chat with the keeper and takes the review with a couple of seconds left on the timer. This is on a back of a length, around leg, Chris Woakes lifts his front leg to get the pull shot away but fails to lay any bat on it. The keeper, Kusal Mendis dives low to his left and takes a good catch. However, the UltraEdge shows no spike. |
| 55.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Darted in, on a nagging length, on middle, Joe Root presses forward in defence. |
| 55.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Slanting in, full and on middle, Joe Root lunges and stabs it down the deck. |
| 55.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Full and sprayed on the pads, Joe Root flicks it off his pads to deep square leg for a single. |
| 55.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Gives the ball air does Jayasuriya and gets a hint of away turn, on of, Chris Woakes makes room and knocks it down to long off for a single. |
| 55.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Flatter and shorter, coming in with the angle, on the pads, Joe Root goes deep in his crease and tucks it between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. England are just a hit away now. They need 6 more runs. |
| 55.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Speared in, fuller and attacking the pads, Joe Root gets a good stride in to keep it out on the leg side. |
| 0.0 : Change? |
| 56.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Chris Woakes, Milan starts from over the wicket and lands it outside off, on a good length, Chris Woakes waits on it and dabs it in front of deep backward point for a single. |
| 56.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, An optimistic shout for LBW but that is heading down leg and Sri Lanka have no reviews left! |
| 56.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Leading edge but Root gets away with it! Fuller and at the stumps, Joe Root shapes up to work it across the line but closes the bat face early and gets a leading edge that gets past the outstretched right hand of Rathnayake on his follow through. |
| 56.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Gets the yorker in, on off and middle, Joe Root squeezes it out in front of short square leg. |
| 56.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 56.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Bangs it on a shorter length and on the hips, Joe Root flicks it to deep fine for a single. England are just 4 runs away now. |
| 57.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up, full and on off, Joe Root lunges and blocks it out. |
| 57.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, FOUR! Launched down the ground and that will do nicely for England! Jayasuriya gives the ball air and gets the ball to drift in, on middle and leg, Joe Root puts the dancing shoes on and lofts it through the line. Gets it up and over mid on for a boundary to take his side over the line. England win by 5 wickets and go 1-0 up in this three-match series! |
| 0.0 : England secure the game with relative ease, taking a 1-0 lead in this three-match series with a five-wicket victory. Joe Root, with solid support from Harry Brook and later Jamie Smith, once again delivered crucial knocks at the pivotal moments, guiding this Ollie Pope-led English side to a comfortable win. |
| The final session of the day was tough for the visiting team, as their bowlers struggled to trouble the well-set batters, Joe Root and Harry Brook. The duo batted steadily, finding the occasional boundary and gradually taking the game deeper. They kept the scoreboard ticking until Prabath Jayasuriya broke the partnership by dismissing Brook against the run of play. However, Jamie Smith, the centurion from the first innings, seamlessly transitioned into his role, and alongside Root, almost brou |
| Earlier in the Test match, Sri Lanka had plenty to be pleased about by the end of Day 3. Jamie Smith kicked off the day with his maiden Test century, and with the English tail wagging effectively, the hosts built a strong 122-run lead. However, Angelo Mathews, the anchor of Sri Lanka's lineup, expertly steadied the innings after early wickets threatened their position. England started strong but were gradually worn down by Sri Lanka's resilience, further hindered by fielding lapses and a few ov |
| Day 4 was filled with its fair share of twists and turns, but it was England who held firm and emerged on top. The day began perfectly for Sri Lanka, with both Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis batting confidently and navigating the first session without losing a wicket. Kamindu went on to notch up his third Test century, but Englandâs pacers capitalized on the second new ball to limit Sri Lanka to 326, setting themselves a target of 205 runs. Though the English top order struggled to conv |
| Weather played spoilsport on Day 2, delaying the start and wiping out an entire session. England managed to surpass Sri Lanka's first-inning total, finishing with a 23-run lead while losing six wickets. Jamie Smith remained steady at the crease. Asitha Fernando made early inroads, claiming three crucial wickets despite stabilizing efforts from Dan Lawrence and Joe Root. Harry Brook then built a strong partnership with Smith, which was seamlessly continued by Chris Woakes after Brook's dismiss |
| On Day 1, Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat first only to stumble to 6/3 before Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal provided some stability. However, poor shot selection and execution led to continued wickets on a pitch that wasn't overly challenging for bowlers. Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva rescued the innings, supported by debutant Milan Rathnayake in the lower order, helping Sri Lanka reach 236 before being bowled out. England's bowlers kept things tight and were rewarded. As the l |
| It's time for the Presentation Ceremony... |
| Jamie Smith is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his outstanding batting contributions across both innings. He says that the maiden Test ton was a great milestone to tick off. Adds that having missed out on a hundred in the previous series, he is relieved to get the hundred. Tells that his main focus was to put the team in the lead and he feels proud to have done that job. Shares that Sri Lanka bowled nicely and made it difficult for them to score. Mentions that it has been an enjoyable journey so |
| Dhananjaya de Silva, the skipper of Sri Lanka says that he is happy with the performance of the team in the second innings but feels they didn't do well in the first innings which was the reason for them ending on the losing side. Adds that they didn't bowl well and credits Jamie Smith for the way he batted. Further says that he has a lot of faith in the batters but they will need to execute their plans according to the conditions. Appreciates Kamindu Mendis's contribution and says he is a key |
| The captain of England, Ollie Pope says that it was the kind of pitch that suited the new ball. Tells that they knew one could cash in after the first 15-20 overs. Lauds the bowlers for the way they bowled. Mentions that there was a sense of calmness when Joe Root came out to bat. Appreciates Jamie Smith for his maiden Test ton and says that he is happier for him. Shares that he enjoyed captaining the side and finding different ways to take 20 wickets. |
| Right then, that's a wrap for the first Test match, where England secured a 1-0 lead in this three-match series, clinching victory with five wickets in hand. Sri Lanka, despite the loss, have plenty of positives to draw from this game and will undoubtedly come back stronger in the next encounter. The second Test is set to take place at the Lord's in London on Thursday, the 29th of August, at 10 am GMT, and promises to be another thrilling red-ball contest. Hope you enjoyed our coverage! Until |
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