WATCH: England captain Ollie Pope hits bull’s-eye to dismiss Lahiru Kumara on day 2 of 2nd Test

Ollie PopeA straightforward hit by the Sri Lankan seamstress Lahiru Kumara because of the duck on Day 2 of the King’s Test. Sri Lanka’s first innings ended at a disappointing 196 in 55.3 overs, giving In England 231 powerful leads.

After Joe Root’s century on Day 1 helped England reach 358/7 at stumps, Gus AtkinsonThe first Test century pushed England’s first innings past 425. Atkinson played a powerful knock, hitting 14 fours and four sixes in his 118 off 115 balls. Following his innings, England’s pacers shared the scores, with each of the four front bowlers taking two wickets, leaving Sri Lanka in ruins.

Ollie Pope’s stunning direct hit ends Lahiru Kumara’s long stay

The Pope’s harshness has added to Sri Lanka’s woes. In the last ball of the 55th over, Pope hit a superb shot to get out Kumara, who had endured a 22-ball struggle without scoring. Kumara, wanting to change the strike, started running Kamindu Mendis get kicked out Olly StoneDelivery towards square leg. However, Kamindu was focused on holding the strike and did not answer Kumara’s call. Pope, running at square leg, took his time to straighten up and bowled an accurate delivery to the non-striker’s end, catching Kumara diving near his crease. The attempt to strike failed, Kumara was left lying on the ground in despair.

Here is the video:

There’s ice running through Ollie Pope’s veins 🧊 pic.twitter.com/IYJaRn7iep

– England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 30, 2024

READ MORE: ENG vs SL: Netizens celebrate as Gus Atkinson hits his maiden at iconic Lord’s on Day 2 of the 2nd Test

England bowlers take on Sri Lanka

Kumara’s dismissal was the ninth wicket to fall, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 195. They managed to add only one run before being bowled out, playing a miserable batting role. Mendis was the man of the match for Sri Lanka, hitting 74 off 120 balls, including eight fours and three sixes. He was the last man out, fouling off Atkinson’s shot that ended the innings.

England’s bowlers maintained the pressure throughout Sri Lanka’s innings. Chris WoakesAtkinson, Stone and Matthew Potts each took two wickets, and a minor off-spinner Shoaib Bashir he said one. By the end of Day 2, England had extended their lead to 256 runs, finishing at 25/1 in their second innings. Dan Lawrence (7) was the only wicket to fall, he was adjudged behind Kumara after Sri Lanka successfully reviewed the on-field decision.

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