| 0.0 : Dhananjaya de Silva, the skipper of Sri Lanka says that there is always swing in the first hour. Adds that Pathum Nissanka has been in good form in white-ball cricket. Mentions that they need to pick up 20 wickets to win and they have brought in Lahiru Kumara for his experience. Ends by saying that they need to execute better in this Test. |
| Ollie Pope, the captain of England says that they would have batted anyway. Adds that when you are in Lord's, you look up and then look down, that's what they say. Mentions that they are happy to bat and got what they wanted in both games. Ends by saying that the conditions are slightly different, more English and quicker outfield. |
| Just moments away from the start of the 2nd Test, but before that, the players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Sri Lanka's first followed by the national anthem of England. |
| All in readiness now! The sun is out here at Lord's and it is the perfect English weather, great for a Test match. Ben Duckett and Dan Lawrence are the openers for England. Asitha Fernando has the new red cherry in his hand and is raring to go. Let's play... |
| 0.1 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, Fuller, a little bit of shape in. On off. Duckett drives it towards mid off and takes one. England are off the mark and so is Duckett. |
| 0.2 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Some shape away again. This is just outside off. Lawrence leaves it alone. |
| 0.3 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 0.4 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, On the pads. Dan Lawrence looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. |
| 0.5 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Good stuff from Fernando! Length and outside off. A little bit of shape away. Left alone. |
| 0.6 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 0.0 : Who will bowl from the other end? |
| 1.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, Length and around off. Duckett leans forward and keeps it out. |
| 1.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, No run. |
| 1.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, Back of a length and on middle. Duckett plays it to mid on. |
| 1.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, On the off pole. Duckett gets right behind the line and defends. |
| 1.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, Another one on a good length and on off. Duckett pushes it to mid off this time. |
| 1.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, Good stuff! Tidy to begin with! Another one on a length and around off. This is pushed past cover. A run taken. |
| 2.1 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, Four! |
| 2.2 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, Four! |
| 2.3 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, On the pads. Duckett misses out. He gets hit on the pads as he tries to flick. |
| 2.4 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, Width on offer. Outside off. He loves it there but this time, he ends up chopping it to the keeper. |
| 2.5 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, Four! |
| 2.6 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, Dot to end but the damage was done earlier on! Length and around off. Kept out. |
| 3.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, 4 Byes. |
| 3.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, Just outside off. Lawrence leaves it alone. Better. Need to bowl here a lot more. |
| 3.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, Good stuff again. Length again and around off. A little bit of shape away. Blocked. |
| 3.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, On the off pole. Duckett lunges and keeps it out. |
| 3.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, A slight midfield! A run taken! Angled into the pads. Lawrence flicks it to mid-wicket. The fielder fumbles and a run is taken. |
| 3.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, Around off. Length. Blocked. |
| 4.1 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Fuller and on off. Lawrence drives but to cover. |
| 4.2 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Four! |
| 4.3 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 4.4 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, On off. Lawrence blocks it out. |
| 4.5 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 4.6 : Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Good leave! Outside off. Dan shoulders arms to this one. |
| 5.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, Two again! On middle. Duckett works it through square leg. Takes two. Easy runs. |
| 5.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, Length again and around off. Duckett gets behind it solidly and blocks. |
| 5.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, On the pads. Duckett misses the flick again. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken. |
| 5.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, FOUR! That is pure timing! There could have been a better effort in the field but once he beat the fielder, there was no chance of stopping it! On middle. Lawrence pushes it past the diving mid on fielder and it races away. |
| 5.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, On off. Length. Defended. |
| 5.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, Dot to end the over! On middle. Lawrence works it to mid on. |
| 6.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Ben Duckett, Nicely played! |
| 6.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 6.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 6.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Dan Lawrence, No run. |
| 6.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Dan Lawrence, OUT! c Nishan Madushka b Lahiru Kumara. |
| 0.0 : The skipper, Ollie Pope walks out to the middle. |
| 6.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Ollie Pope, No run. |
| 7.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, No run. |
| 7.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, 4 Byes. |
| 7.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, 1 run. |
| 7.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Ollie Pope, No run. |
| 7.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Ollie Pope, 1 run. |
| 7.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, No run. |
| 8.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Ollie Pope, No run. |
| 8.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Ollie Pope, PEACH! Lahiru Kumara is making the ball talk here at Lord's! |
| 8.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Ollie Pope, No run. |
| 8.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Ollie Pope, No run. |
| 8.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Ollie Pope, Fuller one and on middle, Ollie Pope prods out and blocks it out. |
| 8.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Ollie Pope, Maiden over! On a length and on off, Ollie Pope plays a solid front foot defense. |
| 9.1 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, Back of a length and around off, Ben Duckett waits for it, uses the pace of the ball to steer it away towards third man, the fielder chases it and slides to stop it. Three runs taken! |
| 9.2 : Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, OUT! TAKEN! Asitha Fernando strikes now! This is really a nothing shot from the English skipper but the Lankans won't mind that one bit. |
| 0.0 : Joe Root comes out next. |
| 9.3 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, FOUR! As easy as you like! |
| 9.4 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, No run. |
| 9.5 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, No run. |
| 9.6 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Short of a length and around off, Joe Root keeps it out to the off side. End of a successful over for Sri Lanka! |
| 10.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Ben Duckett, Fuller delivery, on off, Ben Duckett stays in his crease and blocks it down the pitch. |
| 10.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Ben Duckett, 2 runs. |
| 10.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Ben Duckett, On a length and around leg, Ben Duckett clips it through square leg for a single. |
| 10.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Good length and on off this time, shaping in, Joe Root stays back and steers it towards point. |
| 10.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, FOUR! Classy from Joe Root! Lahiru Kumara overpitches this one, on middle, Root takes a good stride towards the line of the ball, presents the full face of the bat and plays the perfect on-drive beating mid on for a boundary. |
| 10.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Pulls hie lenght back a bit, on leg, Joe Root nudges it towards deep square leg for one. |
| 11.1 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Fuller one and around off, shaping away, Joe Root takes a couple of steps forward to cut the swing and drives it through cover-point for a single. |
| 11.2 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, Back of a length and on leg Ben Duckett swipes it towards fine leg for a run. |
| 11.3 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Hits the hard length this time, on middle, shaping in, Joe Root looks to play at it but gets an inside edge through mid-wicket for another run. |
| 11.4 : Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, 1 run. |
| 11.5 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Asitha Fernando bangs it hard onto the pitch again, outside off this time and shaping away, Joe Root leaves it alone. |
| 11.6 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Short again but down the leg side now, Joe Root lets it go, Nishan Madushka dives to his left to collect it. This is not going to bother Root at all. |
| 0.0 : Drinks! Players are getting their refreshments in the middle. Sri Lanka made a proper start picking two wickets in the first 10 overs and they would love to capitalize on the situation. Ben Duckett and Joe Root has huge duty on their shoulders to anchor the innings and try not to lose any wickets before lunch break. |
| 12.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Ben Duckett, Beauty! Lahiru Kumara comes from 'round the wicket and bowls on a length just outside off, nipping it away from the left hander. Ben Duckett hangs back and looks to play it inside the line but gets beaten on the outer edge. |
| 12.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Ben Duckett, No run. |
| 12.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Ben Duckett, No run. |
| 12.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Ben Duckett, Fuller and outside off, around sixth stump. Ben waits for the delivery and cuts it late towards deep backward point. Excellent work at the deep as the fielder dives to his right and saves the boundary. Only double taken in between. |
| 12.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Ben Duckett, Four! |
| 0.0 : Milan Rathnayake comes back into the attack now. |
| 12.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Ben Duckett, 1 run. |
| 13.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, On a length and on middle, Ben Duckett stays back in his crease and knocks it towards mid on. |
| 13.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, Absolute beauty! |
| 13.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, No run. |
| 13.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, Uppish... but safe! |
| 13.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, No run. |
| 13.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, Full-length delivery around off. Ben Duckett lunges and blocks it down to the pitch. |
| 14.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Pitches up, outside off. Joe Root camps back and dabs it towards cover for no runs. |
| 14.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Play and a miss! |
| 14.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Appeal goes round, once again but Umpires says nothing! Lahiru Kumara has a word with DDS and they take the review! |
| 14.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, No run. |
| 14.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, No run. |
| 14.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 15.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 15.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, On a length, swinging it away from the batter, outside off. Joe Root punches it towards backward point. |
| 15.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Full-length deliveyr, sprays it down the leg. Joe Root goes for a glance but misses. |
| 15.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 15.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Full-length delivery on off. Joe Root decides to stay back and dabs it down to the pitch. |
| 15.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Pitches up, on off and middle, angling in. Joe Root rocks back and uses his wrist to tickle it away, between the gap of mid-wicket and square leg. The ball doesn't have enough legs to roll towards fence, but the batters takes three runs in the middle. |
| 16.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Good-length delivery on off, shaping in. Joe Root hangs back and places his willow down to defend the delivery back to the bowler. |
| 16.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 16.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Ben Duckett, 1 run. |
| 16.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Full, on middle and leg. Joe Root flicks it towards right of the square leg fielder. Dhananjaya de Silva dives to his right and makes a stop. No runs from the ball. |
| 16.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Back of a length, on off and middle. Joe Root blocks it down. |
| 16.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, No run. |
| 17.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, Fullish on off. Ben Duckett leans on the delivery and rests it down. |
| 17.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, Hard-length delivery just outside off. Ben Duckett shuffles across the stump and knocks it towards mid on. |
| 17.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Ben Duckett, On a length just outside off, angling a shy bit in. Ben Duckett shuffles once again and tickles it towards deep square leg for a single. |
| 17.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, 2 runs. |
| 17.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 17.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fullish and around off. Joe Root pats it towards backward point for no runs. |
| 0.0 : We will see spin for the first time as Prabath Jayasuriya replaces Lahiru Kumara. |
| 18.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ben Duckett, Prabath Jayasuriya starts with a loopy delivery, full and on off, Ben Duckett knocks it past the diving short mid-wicket fielder and towards mid on for a single. |
| 18.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, FOUR! Put away! Prabath Jayasuriya goes quicker but drifts down the leg side, fuller as well, Joe Root goes down and paddles it away beautifully towards the deep fine leg fence for a boundary. |
| 18.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Flatter, short and on leg, Joe Root flicks it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 18.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Ben Duckett, OUT! TAKEN! Prabath Jayasuriya strikes in his very first over! Introduction of spin has worked for the visitors and to be honest, this is another unforced error from the batter. |
| 0.0 : Harry Brook comes out to the middle. |
| 18.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Flighted, full and on middle, Harry Brook drills it towards mid on. |
| 18.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, A low full toss, on middle, Harry Brook drives it wide of mid on for a quick run. |
| 19.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Fuller and on middle, angling in, Harry Brook tucks it to short mid-wicket. |
| 19.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, On a length and on off, Harry Brook stabs it towards point. |
| 19.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Pitched up, on middle, Harry Brook blocks it down the pitch. |
| 19.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Goes full again and just outside off, Harry Brook looks to drive it away but gets an inside edge to the leg side. |
| 19.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Good length and on the fifth stump line, shaping in, Harry Brook watches it through and lets it go to the keeper. |
| 19.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, FOUR! Lovely shot! Back of a length and around off, Harry Brook waits for it, keeps his weight on the back foot, uses the pace of the ball and opens the face of his bat to guide it sweetly past point for a boundary. He made it look easy! |
| 20.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, On a length and on middle, angling in, Joe Root hops up and dabs it towards point. |
| 20.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Length again but a bit outside off, shaping in, Joe Root takes his front foot towards the ball and then leaves it alone. |
| 20.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, FOUR! Easy pickings! Lahiru Kumara goes a bit too full this time, on off, Joe Root leans on nicely on to his drive and creams it through covers for a sweet boundary. He is looking in fine touch here! |
| 20.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Back of a length and around off, Joe Root stabs it out towards short covers. |
| 20.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Hard length and on off, Joe Root punches it straight to point. |
| 20.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Good shot, but gets no reward! Pitched up, on middle, Joe Root drives it firmly down the pitch, Lahiru Kumara goes down on his follow-through but fails to get any hand on that, the ball hits the stumps at the non-striker's end but Brook was alert anyway. |
| 21.1 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Short of a length and outside off, Harry Brook cuts it away towards deep point for a single. |
| 21.2 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Goes fuller now, on off, Joe Root lets it go to the keeper. |
| 21.3 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Rolls his fingers this time, takes pace off and bowls this full, outside off, Joe Root once again offers no shot at it. |
| 21.4 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, On a length and on off, Joe Root pats it wide of point for a run. |
| 21.5 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Back of a length and outside off again, Harry Brook once again cuts it away to deep point for one. |
| 21.6 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Touch fuller, on off, Joe Root keeps it out to the off side. |
| 22.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, Back of a length and on off, takes off a bit, Harry Brook adjusts well and pushes it towards short covers. |
| 22.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, Fuller and on off, Harry Brook drives it towards wide of mid off for a single. |
| 22.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 22.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 22.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, Back of a length and on middle, angling in, Harry Brook nudges it towards mid-wicket. |
| 22.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, 1 run. |
| 23.1 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Good-length delivery just outside off. Harry Brook prods, leans on the delivery and defends it right under his eyesight. |
| 23.2 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Fullish, around off. Harry Brook leans on the delivery and drives it gently towards mid off. |
| 23.3 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Some movement! Back of a length outside off, on the sixth stump. Harry Brook looks to push it outside off but some extra bounce from the track of Lord's, helped the ball to bounce over the willow. |
| 23.4 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 23.5 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Good leave! |
| 23.6 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Fullish and straighter, on middle and leg. Harry Brook flips it towards mid-wicket. That will be it for LUNCH of Day 1! |
| 0.0 : SESSION SUMMARY - A good session of Test cricket! Sri Lanka will be happy with the three wickets theyâve got but England will be pleased with the rate they have scored at. Duckett batted freely, he scored at a brisk rate but Pope and Lawrence couldnât hang around with him. Root and the opener then put up a good stand to get the innings back on track but that was broken too as Duckett fell 10 short of a half-ton. Root though is set now and Brooks has looked solid. England will hope the two ca |
| Sri Lanka bowled well, they managed to take wickets at regular intervals. Except for Rathnayake, every bowler has a wicket at least. They would want to keep chipping away at the wickets. The second session we believe will be a lot better to bat so Lanka will have to be patient and hit the right lines and lengths. An important second session coming up at 12.40 GMT. |
| ... 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 Sri Lanka. Joe Root is all set to resume his stay on the crease alongside Harry Brook. It will be Lahiru Kumara who will get proceedings underway with the ball after the interval. Let's play... |
| 24.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Starts well! Back of a length just outside off, angling it a shy bit in. Joe Root looks to cut but no room to perform one and gets beaten on the outer edge. |
| 24.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Chance of a run out... but wide from the stump! |
| 24.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 24.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 24.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 24.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, 1 run. |
| 25.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, 2 runs. |
| 0.0 : Milan Rathnayake will be bowling from the other end. |
| 25.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Four! |
| 25.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 25.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 25.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, FOUR! Casual fielding at the deep! |
| 25.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, 1 run. |
| 26.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, 2 runs. |
| 26.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 26.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, 1 run. |
| 26.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Pitches up outside off. Joe Root drives it well but straight to the cover fielder. |
| 26.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 26.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, Fuller, outside off, on the fifth stump, shaping it in. Harry Brook lunges and looks to perform another drive but gets the inner edge and the ball thumps his own pads. |
| Prabath Jayasuriya rejoins the attack now! |
| 27.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 27.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Flatter and fuller, once again on off. This time Root lunges and drives it towards mid off. |
| 27.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Flatter and yorker, on leg. Joe Root sweeps it late towards towards deep fine leg to get a single. |
| 27.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Pitches up on middle and off. Brook prods and rests it down. |
| 27.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, No run. |
| 27.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Fuller and on middle. Harry Brook hangs back and defends it down. |
| 28.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, No run. |
| 28.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Bangs a short one, on off. Joe Root gets on his toes to pull it low, towards deep square leg for a single. |
| 28.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, FOUR! Short and punished! |
| 28.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, Back of a length outside off. Harry Brook taps it towards gully. |
| 28.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, FOUR! Beautifully done! Harry Brook is up and running! |
| 28.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Brook, Back of a length just outside off. Harry Brook dabs it towards gully. |
| 29.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 29.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 29.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 29.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, FOUR! Oh... that is such a beauty to watch! |
| 29.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 29.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 30.1 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, On a length on middle. Harry Brook goes deep into his crease and tickles it towards mid-wicket for no runs. |
| 30.2 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Back of a length just outside off. Harry Brook punches it towards the vacant cover region and hurries for a single. |
| 30.3 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, No run. |
| 30.4 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Fuller on leg. Joe Root flicks it towards deep fine leg and gets a single. |
| 0.0 : Who will walk out next? |
| 30.5 : Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, OUT! LBW! Asitha Fernando cries for appeal and Umpire raises his finger this time! Harry Brook opts for a review! |
| 30.6 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, 1 run. |
| 31.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Slower and around off. A little bit of turn. Defended. |
| 31.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, A little too full this time and on middle. It is clipped to mid on. |
| 31.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Pushes this one through around off. Smith blocks. |
| 31.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Nicely flighted and around off. Smith keeps it out nicely. |
| 31.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Good stuff! Yet again, gives it a little bit of air and lands it on middle. Smith plays it to mid on. |
| 31.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, The one that comes in with the arm now! On middle. Smith hangs back and blocks. |
| 32.1 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Length and around off. Root stays back and defends. |
| 32.2 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, 8 dots in a row now! Good length again and on off. Root lunges and plays to towards gully. |
| 32.3 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 32.4 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Beaten! Another one on a length and around off. This lands and moves away. Smith is beaten as he looks to defend. |
| 32.5 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Off the outer half! It was all along the ground through. Smith's first boundary! Fuller and around off. Smith drives, this goes more off the outer half, past point and it goes to the fence. |
| 32.6 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, The inside edge saves him! Length and around off. This lands and jags back in. Smith looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 33.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 33.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Yet again, takes a long stride forward and keeps this ball on off out towards cover. |
| 33.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, 2 runs. |
| 33.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Quicker this time and around off. Root pushes it to cover. |
| 33.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Slower and around off. Blocked. |
| 33.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Just the two from the over then! Floats it up on off. Kept out. |
| 34.1 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Really good stuff from Fernando! He's bowling quite well here. Amidst a really good spell! On middle. Good length. This is played back to the bowler. |
| 34.2 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, And again, around off, length. Smith plays it to point. |
| 34.3 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Angled into the pads. Smith works it through square leg and gets to the other end. |
| 34.4 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Fullish and on middle. Root drives but back to the bowler. |
| 34.5 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, FOUR! Too short and put away! That is too easy for Root! On the body. Root rocks back and pulls it past square leg. This one races away to the fence. |
| 34.6 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Angled into the pads. Root looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the leg side. A run taken. |
| 35.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Around off. Defended. |
| 35.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 35.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Slower through the air and on off. Root pushes it to covers. |
| 35.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Angled into the pads. Root works it through square leg. Takes one. |
| 35.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Floats it up on off. Smith leans forward and blocks. |
| 35.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Fuller and on middle. Smith works it to mid on. |
| 36.1 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, On a length and around off. Root pushes it to mid off. |
| 36.2 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Down the leg side. Root looks to flick but misses. |
| 36.3 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, On the pads again. Root clips it through square leg for one. |
| 36.4 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Around off. Good length. Smith pushes it to mid off. |
| 36.5 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Another solid block to this ball on the middle pole. |
| 36.6 : Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Outside off. Length. Smith opens the face of the bat and guides it to point. |
| 37.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Slower and on off. Root pushes it to mid off. |
| 37.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Angled into middle. Root looks to defend but it goes off the inner half through square leg for one. |
| 37.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, On middle. Smith blocks it solidly. |
| 37.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Slower and on middle. Smith keeps it out again. |
| 37.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, On off. Loopy delivery. It is pushed to cover. |
| 37.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Around off. Defended. |
| 0.0 : Drinks! Once again Sri Lanka succeeded in breaking the rugged partnership of Joe Root and Harry Brook which might turn into a dangerous one. After the loss of the wicket England have made a passive approach and clearly they want the situation to calm down. Jamie Smith and Joe Root will be looking to rotate their strikes now and keep the scoreboard ticking. |
| 38.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fuller one and on off, Joe Root looks to drive it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls down the pitch. |
| 38.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, FIFTY FOR ROOT! Yet another fine knock from the master batter from England! Full again and on middle, Joe Root nudges it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Root holds the key for the hosts in this first innings. |
| 38.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Great timing! Back of a length and around off, Joe Root hops up, opens the face of his bat and punches it past point for three comfortable runs. |
| 38.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Goes full again, on off, Jamie Smith strides out and knocks it towards mid on. |
| 38.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Pitches it up around off, Jamie Smith drives it firmly but straight to mid off. |
| 38.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Another full delivery, on middle and off, Jamie Smith uses his feet and drills it towards mid on this time. The fielder hits the stumps at the bowler's end but Root is inside his crease. |
| 39.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up, full and on off, Joe Root pushes it towards covers. |
| 39.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Floated, full and on middle, Joe Root prods forward and blocks it out solidly. |
| 39.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, 3 runs. |
| 39.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 39.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 39.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 40.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Good length but well outside off, Joe Root walks across and leaves it alone. |
| 40.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, On a length and on off, angling in, Joe Root works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for a single. |
| 40.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Back of a length and on off, Jamie Smith punches it from the toe-end of his bat towards mid off. |
| 40.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Hard length and on off again, Jamie Smith once again slaps it straight to mid off. |
| 40.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Touch fuller, on middle, Jamie Smith stays back and pats it towards covers. |
| 40.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Four dots in a row to end the over then! Goes fuller again, on off, Jamie Smith drives it with a straight bat but fails to beat mid off once again. |
| 41.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Quicker, short and on middle, Joe Root stays back and tucks it to short mid-wicket. |
| 41.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Floated, full and on middle, Joe Root goes down and sweeps it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 41.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Gets it through this time! Prabath Jayasuriya drags his length back, on off, Jamie Smith quickly moves on his back foot and punches it away sweetly through covers for a boundary. He was never going to miss out there! |
| 41.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 41.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Darts this oen full and angling in, Jamie Smith clips it to short mid-wicket. |
| 41.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Flighted, full and on off, Jamie Smith goes inside out and drives it straight to mid off. 5 runs off the over! |
| 42.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, FOUR! Oh..very lucky for the batter! |
| 42.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 42.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Tocuh fuller, on off, Joe Root strides out and push it towards covers. |
| 42.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Good-length delivery, on off, Joe Root dabs it down to point. |
| 42.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Goes back to his fuller length, on the sixth stump line, Joe Root walks across and blocks it out nicely. |
| 42.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down! |
| 43.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Slower through the air, full and on middle, turns away a bit, Jamie Smith uses his feet, almost gets beaten by the flight but blocks it well in the end. |
| 43.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Flighted, full and on middle, Jamie Smith defends it on the front foot. |
| 43.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 43.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Flatter now, short and on middle, Jamie Smith moves back and nudges it to mid-wicket. |
| 43.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Flighted, full and on middle, Jamie Smith keeps it out on the pitch. |
| 43.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Fine shot! |
| 44.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fuller delivery, on middle, jags back in a sharply, Joe Root watches it through and blocks it out. |
| Slight hailt! |
| 44.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, FOUR! Brilliant shot! |
| 44.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Short of a length and on off, Joe Root steers it away again but finds point this time. |
| 44.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Milan Rathnayake bangs this into the pitch again, outside off, inviting the batter, but Joe Root is not interested in playing at that. |
| 44.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 44.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, FOUR! Uppish but goes away! |
| 45.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, On middle. Smith works it to mid-wicket. |
| 45.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, On middle. Flatter. Smith goes right back and defends it into the ground. |
| 45.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 45.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, On middle. Fuller. This is worked to mid-wicket. |
| 45.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Angled into the pads. Smith pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 45.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Lobs it up on off. Smith pushes it back to from where it came. |
| 46.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fuller and on middle. Root takes a few steps forward and works it through square leg for one. |
| 46.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Lovely! The bowler did well though to get a boot on it. He saves one. Fuller and on middle. This is driven hard back to the bowler. Rathnayake hangs his right boot out. It hits it and goes towards the long off fence. Mid on runs after it, dives and saves a run for his side. Fifty run stand up. Much needed one for England as they were in trouble after they lost Brook. |
| 46.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Outside off. Left alone. |
| 46.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Outside off. This is guided past point for one. |
| 46.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, No run. |
| 46.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Lands short! Length and around off. This lands and moves away. Smith looks to drive but this goes off the outside half. Lands just short of the gully fielder. |
| 47.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Four! |
| 47.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 47.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 47.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, This is eased down to long off for one. |
| 47.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Fuller and on off. Smith pushes it to covers. |
| 47.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Gives it air and lands it on off. Defended. |
| 48.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Around off. Length. Defended. |
| 48.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Close! Gets this one to jag back in from around off and on a length. Root looks to defend but it goes off the inner half through square leg for one. |
| 48.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, On off. Back of a length. Defended. |
| 48.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Misses out! That's his favourite shot! Does not connect this time! Short and around off. Smith stands tall and looks to pull but misses. |
| 48.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, FOUR! In the air but in the gap! Fuller and on middle. Smith works it but wide of mid-wicket and this one gets to the fence. |
| 48.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, OUT! c Nishan Madushka b Milan Rathnayake. |
| 0.0 : Chris Woakes comes out to the middle now. |
| 49.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Around off. This is pushed down to long off for one. |
| 49.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, On middle. This is worked to mid-wicket. |
| 49.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Slower and on off. Woakes blocks. |
| 49.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, On the stumps. Kept out again. |
| 49.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, On the off pole. Blocked. |
| 49.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Quicker and on off. This is pushed to cover. |
| 50.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fuller and on off. Root drives it to mid on. |
| 50.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Good length again. Root is solid in defense. |
| 50.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fuller and on off. Root plays it to cover. |
| 50.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 50.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, On off. Length. Defended. |
| 50.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Good length again. Kept out. |
| 51.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, FOUR! Great use of the feet! Tossed up and around middle, Chris Woakes skips down the track to get to the pitch of the ball and just chips it over mid on, the ball trickles away for a boundary. He gets off the mark now! |
| 51.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 51.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 51.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Flighted, full and on off, Chris Woakes taps it towards short covers. |
| 51.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 51.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Pushed through quicker, full and on off, turns away a bit with bounce, Chris Woakes hangs his bat away to block, the ball hits the shoulder of the bat and drops dead on the off side. |
| 52.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, On a length and on middle, angling in, Joe Root clips it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 52.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Chris Woakes, Back of a length and around off, Chris Woakes punches it away wide of covers for a couple of runs. 200 up for England now! |
| 52.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Chris Woakes, Pitched up and on off, Chris Woakes looks to defend but gets an outside edge along the ground towards backward point. |
| 52.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 52.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Chris Woakes, Tooch fuller now, on off, Chris Woakes pushes it towards covers. |
| 52.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Chris Woakes, Pitched up again, on middle, Chris Woakes is solid in his defense again. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 1! |
| 0.0 : TEA, DAY 1 - Session Summary - 103 runs, 29 overs, and 2 wickets. Just after the start of the Lunch break, Harry Brook survived a run out in the very first over. But that incident shook both the batters pretty well to hold their focus on communicating better. They looked good and were stroking a couple of boundaries, but the change of end from Asitha Fernando once again lived up to the expectation to hunt Brook down. |
| After the arrival of Jamie Smith on the track, the intent of England was clear as water and the instruction was not to lose any more wickets till the end of the day. They started their passive approach and kept their composure on track. In the meantime, Root successfully bagged his 65th half-century in Test cricket format and continued to circulate the scoreboard. They both did an exceptional job of picking the score from 130 for 4 to 192 and formed a sturdy partnership of 62 runs. |
| Lankan bowlers were trying all sorts of spells but nothing was favoring them. There got a couple of edges but the English batters were escaping with a thin line. However, the story didn't continue as it was rolling, and all thanks to Milan Rathnayake. He caught Smith off guard and eliminated him off the pitch in the 49th over. |
| Right then! The Lankan bowlers have cleaned half of the opposition's batting unit and they would love to wrap things up as quickly as possible. But will the English batters shape themselves to go all guns out after the Tea break? Or, will they would be looking to pursue their partnership for the next couple of hours and survive till the end of the day? Stay tuned, as an enthralling final session on Day 1 will start at 3.00â¯pm GMT. |
| ... DAY 1, SESSION 3 ... |
| 53.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 53.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 0.0 : We are back for the third and final session on Day 1! The umpires have taken their places out in the middle as the Lankan players stride out to the middle. Chris Woakes and Joe Root are all set to resume their stay. |
| 53.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Quicker, full and on the pads, Joe Root clips it through square leg for a single. |
| 53.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Goes short and on off, Chris Woakes stays back and keeps it out on the pitch. |
| 53.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 53.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Gives it a bit more flights this time, full and on off, Chris Woakes fends it away once again. |
| 54.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, No run. |
| 53.6 : Lahiru Kumara will be bowling from the other end. |
| 54.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, No run. |
| 54.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Back of a length and on off, Joe Root dabs it away towards point. |
| 54.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, On a length and around off, Joe Root keeps it out to the off side. |
| 54.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, No run. |
| 54.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Pulls his length back a bit, outside off, Joe Root steers it to deep point for a single. |
| 55.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, FOUR! Poor delivery and gets the correct treatment! |
| 55.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, 2 runs. |
| 55.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up, full and on middle, Joe Root goes down and sweeps it towards deep square leg for a single. |
| 55.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 55.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 55.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 56.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, No run. |
| 56.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, On a length and on middle, angling in, Joe Root stays back and blocks it out solidly this time. |
| 56.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Fiery stuff! Lahiru Kumara bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer, on middle, Joe Root sways away from it. |
| 56.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Another good bumper, on middle, Joe Root lets it go as it flies well over his head. |
| 56.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 56.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Chris Woakes, Good length and on middle, Chris Woakes pats it down to mid-wicket. |
| 57.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up, full and on off, Joe Root taps it to short covers. |
| 57.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Four! |
| 57.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 57.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 57.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 57.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, No run. |
| 58.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Back of a length and on off, Joe Root winds up for the pull, but then decided to nudge it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 58.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Fuller one and on middle, ranging in, Joe Root blocks it out as the ball rolls towards short covers. |
| 58.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, No run. |
| 58.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, No run. |
| 58.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 58.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Chris Woakes, OUT! c Asitha Fernando b Lahiru Kumara. |
| 0.0 : Gus Atkinson comes out to the middle. |
| 59.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 59.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Flatter and fuller on off. Gus Atkinson prods and eases it towards mid off. |
| 59.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Fullish once again just outside off. Gus Atkinson goes deep into his crease and looks to dab it down but gets nicked on the outer edge and the ball rolls towards his off side. |
| 59.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Touch fuller on off. Joe Root lunges hard and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 59.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 59.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 60.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, No run. |
| 60.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Pitches up, just outside off. Joe Root brings his willow down to push it away from the crease. |
| 60.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, No run. |
| 60.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, No run. |
| 60.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Good-length delivery on off. Joe Root eases it towards the left of the bowler. Lahiru Kumara pouches to his left and makes a stop. |
| 60.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Fuller and outside off. Joe Root pushes it towards short cover. A maiden over and the crowd have to wait for his century! |
| 61.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Fuller on middle and leg. Gus Atkinson flicks it towards square leg and gets a single. |
| 61.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Full-length delivery just outside off. Joe Root eases it back to the bowler. |
| 61.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 61.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 61.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Fuller, outside off. Joe Root blocks it towards short cover fielder. |
| 61.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Drats fuller once again on off. Joe Root eases it towards mid off fielder and no runs. Root will have to wait for it. |
| 62.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, 1 run. |
| 62.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Pitches it up just outside off. Joe Root pushes it away towards his off side. |
| 62.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, FOUR! HUNDRED FOR ROOT! He had to wait for the final run, but he has got that in his own style. |
| 62.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Joe Root, Root is opening his stance now! Short of a length on middle. Joe Root pulls it from the inner part of his willow towards deep fine for a single. |
| 62.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, Pitched up, just outside off, on sixth stump. Gus Atkinson knocks it towards short cover for no runs. |
| 62.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, Fires a short one, over the helmet of the batter. Gus Atkinson looks to hook it away but misses. |
| 63.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, No run. |
| 63.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, A bit flatter around off. Joe Root pushes it outside off. |
| 63.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up fuller, on off. Joe Root goes deep into his crease and pushes it towards the vacant cover region and gets a single. |
| 63.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Six! |
| 63.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 63.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Tossed up, just outside off. Gus Atkinson eases it towards cover. |
| 64.1 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 64.2 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Back of a length, angling down the leg. Gus Atkinson turns a bit to pull it but ends up lifting his willow up and ends up making a leave. |
| 64.3 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, FOUR! This is some exceptional shot from Gus Atkinson! |
| 64.4 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 64.5 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Fullish just outside off. Gus Atkinson knocks it towards cover. |
| 64.6 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, On a length on middle and leg. Gus Atkinson rocks back and nudges it towards mid-wicket for no runs. |
| 65.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Touch fuller, on leg. Joe Root goes deep into his crease and tickles it towards square leg for a single. |
| 65.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, 2 runs. |
| 65.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Fullish, on stump. Gus Atkinson blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 65.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, SIX! Another biggie from Gus Atkinson! |
| 65.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Short of a length on off. Gus Atkinson dabs it down to the pitch. |
| 65.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Tossed up fuller, outside off. Gus Atkinson gets forward and defends it towards his off side. |
| 66.1 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, 2 runs. |
| 66.2 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, 250 for England! Pitched up, outside off. Joe Root lunges and pushes it towards cover-point and gets a single. |
| 66.3 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Short of a length on leg. Gus Atkinson pulls hard towards deep backward square leg fielder and gets a single. With that single, Gus Atkinson gets his best score in Test cricket format! |
| 66.4 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, 1 run. |
| 66.5 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Yorker, but wide outside off. Gus Atkinson swings but gets beaten on the outer edge. |
| 66.6 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Attempted yorker, but the ball slips from the hand of Asitha Fernando and he bowls a lower full toss on middle. Gus Atkinson looks to work it towards his leg side but get the major connection on the outer part of his willow. The ball rolls towards the vacant cover region and gets a single. |
| 67.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, Milan Rathnayake comes from over the wicket and bowls on a good length on middle. Gus Atkinson hangs back and dabs it back to the bowler. |
| 67.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, On a length, once again. Gus Atkinson places his willow to his front and defends it outside off. |
| 67.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, A bit fuller outside off. Gus Atkinson punches it hard toward deep cover-point fielder. The batters gets a comfortable single. |
| 67.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fullish, just outside off. Joe Root prods halfway and nudges it across the line towards mid on for no runs.  |
| 67.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Tad fuller, outside off, on the fifth stump. Joe Root lunges halfway toward the delivery and defends it solidly, right under his eyesight. |
| 67.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, FOUR! Simply outstanding from Root! |
| 68.1 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Bangs it short and on middle. This is pulled down to fine leg for one. |
| 68.2 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Root now takes one as he works it with the angle through square leg. He wanted two but had to settle for one. |
| 68.3 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, FOUR! That is lovely! This guy has played some sparkling shots. Another boundary for him. Length and outside off. He hits it on the up and this one races away to the fence. |
| 68.4 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 68.5 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Back of a length and on middle. Blocked. |
| 68.6 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Another dot  to end! On middle. Length again. Blocked solidly. |
| Change? Yes, Kamindu Mendis joins the attack now. |
| 69.1 : Kamindu Mendis to Joe Root, No run. |
| 69.2 : Kamindu Mendis to Joe Root, FOUR! That is a hit-me ball! It is short and outside off. Root says thank you very much and slaps it past cover. Another easy boundary. |
| 69.3 : Kamindu Mendis to Joe Root, Two more! Mendis goes around the wicket. He bowls it on middle. This is reverse swept towards third man for two. |
| 69.4 : Kamindu Mendis to Joe Root, Four! |
| 69.5 : Kamindu Mendis to Joe Root, Now takes one as this is hit down to long on. |
| 69.6 : Kamindu Mendis to Gus Atkinson, Two more! End of an expensive one! On middle. This is pushed past cover. Two. |
| 70.1 : Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Angled into the pads. Root works it towards fine leg. He takes one and wants a second but refuses it in the end. Good call. |
| 70.2 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Around off. Length again. Defended well. |
| 70.3 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Length and outside off. Atkinson does not play at it. |
| 70.4 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, On the stumps. Length. Defended. |
| 70.5 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Shorter and around off. This is punched to cover. |
| 70.6 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Angled into the pads. This is flicked but to mid-wicket. |
| 0.0 : Drinks! England are very much back on track. Joe Root and Gus Atkinson are setting the standards for their nation and they are living up to the expectations of their supporters. On the flip side, Sri Lanka despite starting the inning on their side, they are now trying everything to get a breakthrough but nothing is going according to their plan. |
| 71.1 : Kamindu Mendis to Joe Root, FOUR! Another poor ball. A drag down and Root puts it away. This is way too short and on middle. This is pulled hard through mid-wicket. No chance of stopping that. It races away. |
| 71.2 : Kamindu Mendis to Joe Root, No run. |
| 71.3 : Kamindu Mendis to Joe Root, On middle. Quicker. Root pushes it to cover. |
| 71.4 : Kamindu Mendis to Joe Root, Flatter and around off. This is guided past point for one. |
| 71.5 : Kamindu Mendis to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 71.6 : Kamindu Mendis to Gus Atkinson, On middle. Blocked again. |
| 72.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Length and around off. Root drives but to covers. |
| 71.6 : Milan Rathnayake (17-1-66-1) is back into the attack. |
| 72.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, FOUR! The Lankan bowlers just seem tired! Another loose ball. Short and outside off. Not enough effort in it. Root drags it through mid-wicket and this races away to the fence. |
| 72.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Length and around off. Root keeps it out. |
| 72.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 72.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, On the stumps. This is blocked. |
| 72.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, No run. |
| 73.1 : Kamindu Mendis to Gus Atkinson, Fuller and on off. Atkinson pushes it past cover and takes two. |
| 73.2 : Kamindu Mendis to Gus Atkinson, On middle. This is worked through square leg for a couple. |
| 73.3 : Kamindu Mendis to Joe Root, Fuller and on off. This is pushed to mid off. |
| 73.4 : Kamindu Mendis to Joe Root, Leg bye. |
| 73.5 : Kamindu Mendis to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 73.6 : Kamindu Mendis to Gus Atkinson, Six! |
| 0.0 : Slight halt! Joe Root is having a bit difficulty handling his bat as the physio is applying some bandages on his hands. Nothing to worry about, as he is ready to continue his inning. Prabath Jayasuriya rejoins the attack. |
| 74.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up fuller, down the leg. Joe Root gets down on his knee to place the sweep but misses. |
| 74.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Fuller, outside off. Joe Root pushes it towards vacant cover for a single. |
| 74.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Fuller just outside off. Gus Atkinson prods and eases it towards thee left of the bowler. |
| 74.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, 300 comes up for England! Flatter and fuller down the leg. Gus Atkinson clips it pretty late towards deep fine leg region and collects easy three runs in the middle. |
| 74.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Fuller and on leg. Joe Root prods and pushes it towards wide right of the bowler. Prabath Jayasuriya scoots and charges the ball and keeps the pressure on the batter. The batters cancel the plan to take the single. |
| 74.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Pitched up, on middle. Joe Root works it towards mid-wicket and gets a comfortable single. |
| 75.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Overpitched delivery on middle. Joe Root tickles it from his pads towards deep square leg and gets a brace. |
| 75.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Full-length delivery on off. Joe Root nudges it towards deep square leg and gets a single. England are comfortability getting their singles! |
| 75.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, 1 run. |
| 75.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fullish delivery, on off and middle. Joe Root knocks it towards mid on for no runs. |
| 75.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Good-length delivery, just outside off. Joe Root taps it towards gully. |
| 75.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Full-length delivery just outside off. Joe Root lunges and brings his willow down to defend it solidly, right under his eyesight. |
| 76.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Short of a length, on middle and leg. Gus Atkinson stands tall and pats it towards the right of the bowler. |
| 76.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Fuller on middle and leg. Gus Atkinson with no footwork eases it towards his leg side. |
| 76.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Pitched up, fuller on middle. Gus Atkinson prods halfway and works across the line towards his leg side. |
| 76.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, 1 run. |
| 76.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Full-length delivery outside off. Joe Root lunges and punches it hard towards sweeper cover for a comfortable single. |
| 76.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Touch fuller on off. Gus Atkinson goes deep into his crease and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 77.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fuller delivery just outside off. Joe Root plants his front foot and defends outside off. |
| 77.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Full-length delivery wide outside off. Joe Root strides out to drill it towards the cover region. |
| 77.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, OUT! c Pathum Nissanka b Milan Rathnayake. |
| 77.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Matthew Potts, No run. |
| 0.0 : Matthew Potts walks out to bat now. |
| 77.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Matthew Potts, No run. |
| 77.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Matthew Potts, No run. |
| 78.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 78.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Fullish around off. Gus Atkinson punches it but straight to the cover fielder. |
| 78.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 78.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, An appeal but Umpire says nothing! Short of a length, angling down the leg. Gus Atkinson looks to flick but misses. |
| 78.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, 1 run. |
| 78.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Matthew Potts, Tossed up, fuller on off, drifting in. Matthew Potts blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 79.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 79.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, Fires a short one, on middle. Gus Atkinson looks to hook it but misses. |
| 79.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, Uppish... but safe! |
| 79.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, Short of a length outside off. Gus Atkinson pulls it towards mid-wicket and gets a couple of runs. |
| 79.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, FOUR! What a way to bring his maiden half-century! Absolutely outstanding from Gus! Good-length delivery outside off. Gus Atkinson strides out halfway but punches it with all his straight, along the green turf towards sweeper cover for another boundary. |
| 79.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| . |
| 80.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Matthew Potts, Back of a length on middle. Matthew Potts hops and dabs it down. |
| 80.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Matthew Potts, Now, the new ball has already started to speak! Full-length delivery, outside off, angling in towards off, but shapes it away from the batter. Matthew Potts looks to play it inside the line but gets beaten on the outer edge. |
| 80.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Matthew Potts, Pitched up, on off. Matthew Potts blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 80.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Matthew Potts, Touch fuller, angling in towards the batter. Matthew Potts rocks back and pats it back to the bowler. |
| 80.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Matthew Potts, Bangs a short one. Matthew Potts ducks under it and the ball files away to the keeper. |
| 80.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Matthew Potts, Back of a length on off and middle. Matthew Potts hangs back and tickles it towards deep square leg for a single. |
| 81.1 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, FOUR! Uppish... but Matthew won't mind as it's in the gap! |
| 81.2 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, No run. |
| 81.3 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, 1 run. |
| 81.4 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 81.5 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, 1 run. |
| 81.6 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, No run. |
| 82.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, 1 run. |
| 82.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Matthew Potts, Fuller and on middle, Matthew Potts blocks it out. |
| 82.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Matthew Potts, No run. |
| 82.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Matthew Potts, Four! |
| 82.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Matthew Potts, FOUR! TWO IN TWO! A proper shot now! Short of a length and on middle, Matthew Potts stands tall, gets on top of it and swats it over mid on for another boundary. |
| 82.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Matthew Potts, Good comeback from the bowler! Hard length and just outside off, shaping away, Matthew Potts has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. |
| 83.1 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, On a length and around off, Gus Atkinson tries to push it but gets an inside edge towards fine leg for a single. |
| 83.2 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, No run. |
| 83.3 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, A bit fuller but outside off, shaping further away, Matthew Potts leaves it alone. |
| 83.4 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, Hard length and just around off, shapes away again, Matthew Potts offers no shot at it. |
| 83.5 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, Goes fuller, on middle, shaping in, Matthew Potts tries to block but gets an inside edge onto his pads. That saves him otherwise it was plumb. |
| 83.6 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, BEAUTY! Wide of the crease, good length and on off, straightens a bit, Matthew Potts gets squared up as the ball zips past the outside edge. |
| 84.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, Shorter and outside off. Atkinson goes after it but misses. |
| 84.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, Around off. Kept out. |
| 84.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, FOUR! Brilliant form Atkinson again! What a knock this is! Length and on off. He drives it through covers. This one races away. |
| 84.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, Lengyh and on off. Defended. |
| 84.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, Six! |
| 84.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, Leg bye. |
| 85.1 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 85.2 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, 1 run. |
| 85.3 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, Four! |
| 85.4 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, 1 run. |
| 85.5 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, 2 runs. |
| 85.6 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| Change? Yes, Prabath Jayasuriya rejoins the attack. We will see some spin with the new ball. |
| 86.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Matthew Potts, Fuller and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one. |
| 86.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, On middle. Kept out well. |
| 86.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Fuller and on off. Atkinson hits it down to long off and gets to the other end. |
| 86.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Matthew Potts, No run. |
| 86.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Matthew Potts, No run. |
| 86.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Matthew Potts, Around off. Potts pushes it to cover again. |
| 87.1 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, FOUR! Pulled away! Goes short and on middle. This is pulled hard through mid-wicket. It races away to the fence. |
| 87.2 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, On middle. Good length. Blocked. |
| 87.3 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Fuller and on middle. This is hit down to long on for one. |
| 87.4 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, Length and outside off. Left alone. |
| 87.5 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, On the stumps. Potts gets right behind the line and plays it to cover. |
| 87.6 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, A harmless nut to end the day! Outside off. Good length. Left alone. |
| 0.0 : After being put in to bat, England faced some early challenges, mainly with batters failing to convert their starts into significant scores. However, the positive was that the scoreboard kept moving, largely thanks to Joe Root ââââââ's brilliant form. Root navigated through the tough periods and was the standout performer on Day 1, showcasing his class with a superb innings and reaching his 33rd Test century. Sri Lanka started strong with the ball but gradually lost their edge as |
| After winning the toss, Sri Lanka made a surprising decision to bowl first, as teams generally prefer to bat at Lord's. However, the Sri Lankan pacers made the most of the conditions, securing an early breakthrough. Lahiru Kumara set the tone by forcing a nick from Dan Lawrence, justifying his inclusion in the match. Asitha Fernando then dismissed England's skipper, who never looked settled at the crease. Joe Root came in and looked solid from the outset, forming a steady partnership with Ben Du |
| The second session saw Root and Brook upping the scoring rate, looking comfortable at the crease. However, their momentum was halted when Fernando trapped Brook LBW, ending his promising start. Root, unaffected by his partner's departure, continued to bat with confidence, enjoying a bit of luck along the way. He reached his 65th Test fifty and then shifted gears, playing more aggressively. Jamie Smith, who has impressed since his debut, struggled initially but managed to play some attractive sho |
| Sri Lanka went into the final session in a good position but standing on their way was Root as they threw everything at him, but nothing broke him down. Not only that, but he went on to equal the record of Alastair Cook for most centuries by an English batter in Tests. Woakes couldn't stick around for long as Kumar sent him back, but Root was just on another level. He also found a good partner in His Atkinson who is mainly known for his bowling, but came in and attacked the Lankans from ball one |
| Right then, that is it from an exciting Day 1 of this 2nd Test. England have the upper hand and will want to keep the pressure on the visitors. Sri Lanka will need their batters to step up to challenge the hosts. Day 2 will begin on 30th August, Friday at 10 am GMT, but you can join us early for all the build-up. Cheers! |
| ... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ... |
| Hello and welcome to Day 2 of this thrilling second Test between England and Sri Lanka at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground in London. With the game currently tilting in England's favor, weâre set for an action-packed day of Test cricket that could be crucial. The weather looks favorable, promising another full day of play, just like Day 1. |
| England will be pleased with how they ended Day 1, recovering well after a shaky start. Once again, the middle order showed resilience, anchoring the innings and boosting the score. Ben Duckett was the only top-order player to make an impact, but Joe Root remains at the crease, having played a superb knock of 143 runs from 206 balls. The lower middle order, particularly Gus Atkinson and Matthew Potts, added vital runs, with Atkinson achieving his highest Test score. Expect England to play aggres |
| Sri Lankaâs bowlers will look to bounce back on Day 2 after a tiring first day in the field. They started well, taking three wickets in the first 19 overs, but the middle order slowed their momentum. They couldnât capitalize even with the new ball after the 80th over. With a new day ahead, the bowlers will come out refreshed, aiming to take the remaining three wickets. Stay tuned as the action is about to resume! |
| In all readiness for the action on Day 2 to begin! The two umpires stride out to the middle, followed by the Lankans as they take their positions. Gus Atkinson and Matthew Potts are on their way to the crease to resume their innings for England. Lahiru Kumara will get the job to start the proceeding for Sri Lanka. Let's play... |
| 88.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, FOUR! Runs straightaway! A boundary in fact. A loosened to begin with. On the pads. Atkinson works it fine and it races away to the fine leg fence. Perfect start for England. |
| 88.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, FOUR! That is one of the best shots he has played! Wow! Length and around off. Atkinson strokes it on the up and this races through covers. Two boundaries to begin Day 2. |
| 88.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, Has Kumara got his revenge? There is an appeal and the finger is raised but Atkinson reviews. Seems to be going down leg. NOT OUT! It is, with that angle and with the movement, it always seemed like that. Good use of the review. Kumara goes wide of the crease and bowls it on off. This lands and jags back in and hits the pad. The celebrations are short lived. |
| 88.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, Around off. Length. Kept out. |
| 88.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, Outside off. Length. Atkinson throws his bat at it. This goes off the inside edge and down to fine leg. A run taken. |
| 88.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Matthew Potts, Dot to end but a good first over for England. Outside off. Length. Left alone. |
| 0.0 : Milan Rathnayake will be bowling from the end. |
| 89.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, Solid! Length and around off. Atkinson gets right behind the line and defends it. |
| 89.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, Back of a length this time. Atkinson rises and punches it to covers. |
| 89.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, NO BALL AND FOUR! That is a poor ball! On the pads. Atkinson just works it fine yet again and this races away. His third boundary so far. |
| Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, Now takes one! Around off. He pushes it through covers and gets to the other end. |
| 89.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Matthew Potts, 1 run. |
| 89.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, Yet again a delivery outside off. Not played at. |
| 89.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, Just wide! A good nut! Length and on middle. This lands and moves away. Atkinson looks to flick, this goes off a leading edge wide of gully and to deep point for one. |
| 90.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 90.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, FOUR! He hits that really hard! He gets into the nervous nineties! Short and on the body. This is pulled and he splits the gap between fine leg and deep square leg. |
| 90.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, Takes one! Outside off. This is guided past point for one. |
| 90.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Matthew Potts, No run. |
| 90.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Matthew Potts, Back of a length and on off again. Potts defends it to cover. |
| 90.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Matthew Potts, No run. |
| 91.1 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, Outside off. Length. Left alone. |
| 91.2 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, On middle. This is defended back to the bowler. |
| 91.3 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, Around off. Atkinson guides it to point. |
| 91.4 : Milan Rathnayake to Gus Atkinson, Takes one now as he guides this past the point fielder. |
| 91.5 : Milan Rathnayake to Matthew Potts, That swung a long way! This starts angling into middle but then moves away. Potts looks to defend but this goes past the outside edge. Lovely. |
| 91.6 : Milan Rathnayake to Matthew Potts, On middle. Potts works it to mid-wicket. |
| 92.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, FOUR! Shot of the game so far! That takes him onto 99. Fuller and around off. Atkinson shows the full face of the bat and creams it through covers. No chance of stopping that. |
| 92.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, On middle. Atkinson works it to mid on. |
| 92.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, He did not need to go after that! Length and well wide outside off. Atkinson pushes at it but misses. |
| 92.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, Four! |
| 92.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, Angled into the pads. Atkinson works it to mid-wicket. |
| 92.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Gus Atkinson, FOUR! Put away with disdain! Top, top shot! On middle. Slightly shorter. This is hammered past mid-wicket and this races away. Top stroke. |
| Change? |
| 93.1 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, Angled into the pads. Potts works it to mid-wicket. |
| 93.2 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, Around off. Defended. |
| 93.3 : Asitha Fernando to Matthew Potts, OUT! c Nishan Madushka b Asitha Fernando. |
| 0.0 : Olly Stone walks up to the middle. |
| 93.4 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, No run. |
| 93.5 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, 1 run. |
| 93.6 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, Angled into the pads. Atkinson looks to flick but misses. This hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken. |
| Change. |
| 0.0 : Change? |
| 94.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Short and on off. Gus Atkinson goes deep into the crease and nudges it across the line towards mid-wicket. |
| 94.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, No run. |
| 94.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Full-length delivery on off. Gus Atkinson punches it towards long off and gets a single. |
| 94.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Olly Stone, 2 runs. |
| 94.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Olly Stone, Pitched up, on middle. Stone eases it across the line towards his leg side. |
| 94.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Olly Stone, Tossed up fuller on off and middle. Olly Stone prods and works it towards wide mid on for a single. |
| 95.1 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, Asitha Fernando comes from over the wicket and bowls fuller on off. Olly Stone prods halfway and taps it towards the left of the mid on fielder. |
| 95.2 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, Pitches it up, once again, on middle. Stone rocks back and pushes it towards mid on fielder for no runs. |
| 95.3 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, Fullish, on middle and leg. Stone punches it towards mid on once again. |
| 95.4 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, 400 up for England! Full-length delivery, outside of, on fifth stump. Olly Stone hangs back and looks to punch it outside off but gets the connection on the outer edge and the ball rolls towards deep backward point and gets a couple of runs. |
| 95.5 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, Four! |
| 95.6 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, 1 run. |
| 96.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Olly Stone, No run. |
| 96.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Olly Stone, 2 runs. |
| 96.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Olly Stone, No run. |
| 96.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Olly Stone, No run. |
| 96.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Olly Stone, Flatter and fuller on middle. Ollie Pope defends it down. |
| 96.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Olly Stone, 1 run. |
| 97.1 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, No run. |
| 97.2 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, No run. |
| 97.3 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, No run. |
| 97.4 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, Trails of short ball and it's effecting the batter! |
| 97.5 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, Short and down sprays down the leg. Olly Stone does nothing to it. |
| 97.6 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, Asitha Fernando comes from over the wicket and bangs another short on middle and leg. Olly Stone ducks and is happy to leave it alone. |
| 98.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, 1 run. |
| 98.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Olly Stone, No run. |
| 98.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Olly Stone, A bit more flatter but fuller on off. Olly Stone prods and rests it down. |
| 98.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Olly Stone, Full-length delivery down the leg. Olly Stone makes no footwork and nudges it towards square leg for a single. |
| 98.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Tossed up fuller, on middle. Gus Atkinson defends it towards mid on. |
| 98.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Gus Atkinson, Overpitched delivery just outside off. Gus Atkinson jams it toward long on and gets a single. |
| 99.1 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, FOUR! STREAKY! Another bumper from Asitha Fernando, pitching it down the leg and shaping it towards the leg and middle. Gus Atkinson looks to hook it but gets the top edge and the ball loops over the wicket keeper and rolls away for four runs. |
| 99.2 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Gus Atkinson is enjoying batting on this pitch! |
| 0.0 : Shoaib Bashir is the last man in. |
| 99.3 : Asitha Fernando to Gus Atkinson, OUT! TAKEN! Excellent catch in the deep! That is some athletic stuff! |
| 99.4 : Asitha Fernando to Shoaib Bashir, No run. |
| 99.5 : Asitha Fernando to Shoaib Bashir, No run. |
| 99.6 : Asitha Fernando to Shoaib Bashir, 1 run. |
| 100.1 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Shoaib Bashir, Tossed up, full and on middle, Shoaib Bashir knocks it down the pitch. |
| 100.2 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Shoaib Bashir, Floated, full and on middle, Shoaib Bashir tucks it to short mid-wicket. |
| 100.3 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Shoaib Bashir, FOUR! He breaks the shackles now! Prabath Jayasuriya flights this up around middle, Shoaib Bashir goes down on one knee and heaves it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Every run will hurt Lanka even more now. |
| 100.4 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Shoaib Bashir, Quicker, full and on middle, Shoaib Bashir turns it to the leg side. |
| 100.5 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Shoaib Bashir, Goes short and on middle, angling in, Shoaib Bashir nudes it towards mid-wicket. |
| 100.6 : Prabath Jayasuriya to Shoaib Bashir, A loopy low full toss, on middle, Shoaib Bashir drills it down to long on for one. |
| 101.1 : Asitha Fernando to Shoaib Bashir, Uppish... but safe! Bouncer, on leg. Shoaib Bashir pulls it a bit late towards deep fine leg. The ball airs a bit and drops safe towards right of the deep fine leg fielder. |
| 0.0 : Drinks! England are in a commanding position and have a firm grip on the game. We saw Gus Atkinson getting to his maiden Test ton and they are closing in around the 450-run mark as well. Sri Lanka will hope that they can get the last wicket in the next couple of overs and then it will be up to their batters. Asitha Fernando to continue with the short-ball stuff. |
| 101.2 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, No run. |
| 101.3 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, No run. |
| 101.4 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, No run. |
| 101.5 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, Hard-length delivery on middle and leg. Olly Stone slog mistimes his slog towards mid-wicket for no runs. |
| 101.6 : Asitha Fernando to Olly Stone, OUT! CAUGHT! |
| 0.0 : A splendid batting performance from England finally comes to an end! Joe Root was obviously the standout batter for them with his incredible knock of 143 off 206 balls, but Gus Atkinson came in as the surprise package for Sri Lanka. He smashed his way to his maiden Test hundred and that helped the hosts to go past the 400-run mark. |
| Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be disappointed as they started pretty well with the ball, but just could not pick up wickets at regular intervals and conceded a few big partnerships as well. Asitha Fernando was the pick of the bowlers with his fantastic five-wicket haul while Milan Rathnayake and Lahiru Kumara chipped in with a couple of wickets each. Prabath Jayasuriya also picked up one, but they only have themselves to blame as they could have kept the hosts well under 400 or even und |
| ... SECOND INNINGS ... |
| We are back! |
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