ukThe initial difficulties with the new ball were overshadowed by: Joe Root‘s 33rd Test century and Gus AtkinsonA strong 74 points on the first day of the second test Sri Lanka At Lord’s. Sri Lanka’s pace trio – Ashita Fernando, Lahiru Kumara and Milan Ratnayake – Each of them took a few wickets and showed their effectiveness even on a difficult pitch.
England’s early struggles and Joe Root’s resilience
England, who lost the coin toss and were given the chance to bat first, faced difficulties early on as Sri Lankan bowlers exploited the situation. The England captain welcomed the opportunity to bat first, but Ollie Pope I saw his top lineup falter. Lahiru Kumara be rejected Dan Lawrence In the seventh over, and Don’t miss FernandoThe Pope was removed within the first hour due to the change in the end of ‘. Despite this frustration, Ben Duckett He scored a solid 40 before being sent off while attempting a reverse sweep on the spin. Harry Brook He steadied the innings with Root, and the duo added 97 runs in 23 overs before lunch to take the team to 97 for 3.
Also Read: ENG vs SL: Fans go wild as Joe Root equals England’s Alastair Cook’s record with 33rd Test century at Lord’s
Harry Brook and Root’s Position and the Consequential Dismissal
In the second session, the partnership of Brook and Root looked stable until Fernando’s swing delivery fooled Brook into being out for 33. However, Root held the innings together and scored his 65th fifty in Test cricket. Jamie SmithDespite struggling at times, being dismissed for 21 by Milan Ratnayake and with Chris Woakes joining Root, England were on 200/5 by tea time.
Root’s Milestones and Gus Atkinson’s Prosperity
Woakes and Root faced a barrage of short deliveries. Lahiru KumaraKumara eventually dismissed Woakes in the 59th over. Faced with 12 dot balls, Root equalled Sir’s record with his 33rd Test century. Alastair CookThe record for most Test centuries by an English batsman. Then Atkinson showed his batting prowess with impressive lofted shots, cover drives and powerful hits. The pair added 92 runs for the seventh wicket to take England past the 300-run mark. Root’s innings ended on 143 after he attempted a reverse scoop just before the second new ball became available. Despite this, the Sri Lankan bowlers failed to capitalise on the new ball and Matthew Potts And Atkinson added another 50 before stumps to take England to 358/7.
Day 1 ✅
A special gift for Gus Atkinson and Joe Root 🙌 pic.twitter.com/IlIwBIsgDY
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 29, 2024
