Day 2 of the second Test between England and Sri Lanka at Lord’s saw Gus Atkinson etch his name into the history books. The Surrey pacer became the second English player after Sir Ian Botham to score a Test century and take a ten-wicket match haul at the ground in the same season. His remarkable innings of 115 not only helped England recover after Joe Root’s wicket but took England’s first-innings score to 427.
ENG vs SL: Atkinson show
Resuming from their overnight score of 358-7, England added 69 runs in the first session, with Atkinson contributing 44. 14 fours and 4 lusty maximums, that’s what the 28-year-old hammered in total. Despite his dismissal, the hosts managed to reach 427 before being bowled out. Asitha Fernando claimed a five-wicket haul for Sri Lanka.
ENG vs SL: Poor batting by visitors
Sri Lanka’s reply got off to a shaky start as they lost both openers, Nishan Madushka and Dimuth Karunaratne, before the lunch break. Chris Woakes and Olly Stone struck early to put the visitors on the back foot. After lunch, Sri Lanka’s batting order continued to crumble. Matthew Potts’ twin strikes and another wicket from Atkinson reduced them to 87-6. Kamindu Mendis was the only Sri Lankan star to offer resistance, but his 74 was not enough to prevent the visitors from being bowled out for 196.
ENG lose Lawrence at end
England’s first-innings lead of 231 runs could have forced Sri Lanka to bat again. However, the hosts instead chose to bat again. Sri Lanka ended the day with some joy, with Lahiru Kumara ending Dan Lawrence’s stay in this Test match. Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope are currently unbeaten, with England’s score reaching 25-1 by the close of play.
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