England have taken a 1-0 lead in the 3-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Having dominated the first three days of the match, the Three Lions were looking to wrap things up on day four. But the visitors weren’t ready. Hurt Dinesh Chandimal and in-form Kamindu Mendis stitched a 117-stand that helped Sri Lanka get back into the game. Kamindu went on to score his third test ton and broke records as he reached the milestone. However, when the partnership broke, the floodgates opened, and England needed just 205 runs to win.
The hosts started well but lost three wickets in the first 16 overs. England’s most dependable batter, Joe Root, guided them home with an unbeaten 62 while Dan Lawrence, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith chipped in. Ollie Pope didn’t have the best time with the bat as he scored a grand total of 12 runs at Old Trafford, but he at least got a win to his name in his first test as England captain.
England vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Scorecard
England vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 3 Recap: Tense Finish
The final session of Day 3 saw England’s bowlers struggle to maintain pressure, allowing Sri Lanka’s batsmen to gain momentum. Milan Ratnayake, who played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s first innings, looked poised to repeat his heroics. However, Joe Root’s intervention, dismissing Ratnayake on his second delivery, halted Sri Lanka’s progress.
Despite Root’s breakthrough, Kamindu Mendis remained steadfast, ensuring Sri Lanka reached stumps without further damage. The day ended with a tense atmosphere, as England’s bowlers sought to make inroads into Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
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