Joe Root, Gus Atkinson propel England ahead of Sri Lanka on Day 1 of 2nd Test

In EnglandThe initial difficulties facing the new ball have been covered Joe Root‘s 33rd Test century too Gus Atkinson‘s robust 74 on day 1 of the second test we are facing Sri Lanka of the Lord. Sri Lanka’s pace trio – Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara again Milan Rathnayake – each took a couple of wickets, showing good performance on a challenging pitch.

England’s early struggles and Joe Root’s fitness

England, having lost the toss and asked to bat first, faced challenges early on as the Sri Lankan bowlers took advantage of the conditions. Although he accepted the opportunity to bat first, the England captain Ollie Pope he saw his superior condition diminish. Lahiru Kumara dismissed Dan Lawrence in the seventh, too We hate FernandoA change of ends led to the removal of the Pope within the first hour. Despite these drawbacks, Ben Duckett scored a solid 40 points before being ejected while attempting to distort against the spin. The introduction of Harry Brook alongside Root anchored the innings, as the duo added 97 runs in 23 overs before lunch, taking the team to 97 for three.

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Harry Brook and Root’s stand-off and subsequent sacking

In the second half, Brook and Root’s partnership looked strong until Fernando bowled Brook, who was on 33. Root, however, continued to strengthen the innings, marking his 65th fifty in Test cricket. Jamie Smithdespite struggling at times, he was dismissed for 21 by Milan Rathnayake, leaving England at 200/5 at tea, with Chris Woakes joining Root.

Root’s epic and Gus Atkinson flourish

Woakes and Root faced a flurry of short deliveries from Lahiru Kumaraand Kumara finally got Woakes out in the 59th over. Root, facing twelve dot balls, reached his 33rd Test century, which tied Sir Alastair CookA record for most Tests by English batsmen. Atkinson then showed his batting ability with impressive high shots, driving covers, and powerful hits. The two added 92 runs for the seventh wicket, making England pass 300 runs. Root’s innings came to an end on 143 after trying to reverse just before the second new ball. Apart from this, the Sri Lankan bowlers failed to use the new ball, too Matthew Potts and Atkinson added another 50 runs before stumps, leaving England on 358/7.

Day 1 ✅

Special by Gus Atkinson and Joe Root 🙌 pic.twitter.com/IlIwBIsgDY

– England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 29, 2024

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