Gus Atkinson’s outstanding all-round performance and Joe Root’s twin tons led England to a commanding 190-run victory on Day 4 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s.
With just 7 runs added to the overnight score, Sri Lanka lost their first wicket of the day as nightwatchman Jayasuriya got a thick outside edge while being lured into a drive off Woakes.
The pressure then shifted to the overnight batter Karunaratne and the experienced Mathews. They batted together for 20.2 overs and put on a half-century stand for the fourth wicket.
Karunaratne, who had struggled for runs earlier in the series, finally got some runs under his belt, registering his 38th Test fifty.
However, the extra bounce of Stone proved decisive, as the left-hand opener gloved a delivery to the keeper, departing for 55.
Chandimal, coming in next, displayed aggressive intent from the outset. He struck boundaries regularly and brought up his 28th half century off just 42 deliveries.
A 59-run partnership between the two senior players came to an end when Mathews chipped a flighted full delivery from Bashir towards mid-off, managing to score only 36 runs.
With Sri Lanka at 174/5, Chandimal slowed down his scoring. After a probing spell from Chris Woakes, Atkinson was brought back into the attack and struck twice in two overs.
First, he removed the well-set Chandimal for 58 off 62 balls, then took the edge of the in-form Mendis, who was caught by Duckett at third slip, reducing the visitors to 200/7.
The hosts had to work hard to claim the three remaining wickets as De Silva and Rathnayake stitched together in a 73-run partnership within 89 balls. During this stand, the Skipper notched up his 16th fifty.
England took the second new ball, and it took only 6.4 overs to wrap things up. After a superb hundred in the first innings, Atkinson claimed another five-wicket haul, dismissing both set batters.
De Silva was bowled after playing onto his stumps, while Rathnayake managed a faint under-edge to the keeper while attempting a third consecutive boundary.
Kumara was the last man out, holding out to mid-on off Woakes, sealing the series for England with a convincing 190-run victory.
