England stood well ahead of the host with a lead of 185 runs and 6 wickets in hand at the end of day two of the 1st Test between the two teams.
The Sri Lankans were given a roast of a day at the centre as the English gave no room for error to the host. Their batting was of high standards and played spin exceptionally well for a visiting team.
The Lankans struck very early in the day as Embuldeniya found the edge of Jonny Bairstow shortly after the commencement of play.
From thereon, a mammoth 173-run partnership between the Skipper Joe Root and the debutant Dan Lawrence saw England to a commanding position in the game. The Skipper stood unbeaten on 168 runs – The highest score by an Englishman on Lankan soil – by close of play.
Root was flawless on the crease and his footwork was impeccable to negate the spin. He swept like an Asian and made his batting look completely at home.
The rookie too showed brilliant character as he did not show any signs of hesitation right from the start of his innings. The right-hander made a stroke-filled 73 runs with 6 fours and a six. He was dismissed by a ripper from Dilruwan Perera, which shot up steeply off the surface while turning square, and found the short-leg fielder off Dan’s gloves.
The Lankan bowlers were very disciplined with their line and length. They crowded a single area in the pitch and kept things tight. However, final credits went to the Englishmen as they were on top of the game today.
Lasith Embuldeniya was the leader of the wicket column with 3 wickets to his name, among which 2 came today. Dilruwan Perera chipped in with a wicket for his merits.
The day did not see any play post-tea as rain cut it short. The English will look to post a formidable total to try and not bat again in this game. However, the Sri Lankans have a good record of fighting back at Galle and will look to clinch away the much-wanted victory to end frustration within the camp.
