* 2nd Test Match at Lord’s (Day 1)
Joe Root’s 33rd Test century helped England recover on a challenging first day, finishing at 358-7 in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s. Root faced some tense moments, including a close lbw call on 11, which stayed with the umpire’s original decision upon review, and nearly chopping onto his stumps while on 99. However, he reached his century with a classic shot through third man, matching former England opener Alastair Cook’s tally of Test centuries.
Root, along with Gus Atkinson, built a crucial seventh-wicket partnership of 92 as Sri Lanka’s bowlers began to tire. Root eventually fell for 143, attempting a scoop shot off Milan Rathnayake, who ended with figures of 2-80. Atkinson, unbeaten on 74, and Matthew Potts, on 20 not out, successfully negotiated the second new ball, leaving Sri Lanka eager to finish off the tail quickly and take advantage of favorable batting conditions.
“We’re playing in a team that really enjoys how we approach the game, so I’m just trying to soak it all in,” Root told Sky Sports. “I’m sure when it’s all over, I’ll look back on it fondly.”
Sri Lanka’s captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, made a surprising decision to bowl first under clear skies, and it initially paid off with early wickets. Despite Ben Duckett’s quick boundaries, England stumbled to 97-3 by lunch after losing Dan Lawrence (9), Ollie Pope (1), and Duckett (40).
Harry Brook contributed a smooth 33 after lunch but was trapped lbw by Asitha Fernando, with the review favoring Sri Lanka this time. England slipped to 130-4, and despite Jamie Smith’s steady performance alongside Root, he eventually edged behind to Nishan Madushka, ending a promising 62-run partnership.
Chris Woakes was caught in the deep for 6, bringing Atkinson to the crease with England struggling at 216-6. Atkinson then showcased his skill, reaching his maiden Test fifty with a glorious cover drive off Rathnayake and hitting four sixes in his innings.
Despite Root’s late dismissal, Sri Lanka might feel they edged the day on a slow pitch, but they will need to bat well to capitalize. England had earlier secured a five-wicket win in the first Test of the three-match series.
Chief Scores
England 358 for 7 in 88 overs (Joe Root 143, Gus Atkinson 74 not out, Asitha Fernando 2 for 84, Milan Rathnayake 2 for 80, Lahiru Kumara 2 for 75)
