| 0.0 : Hello, folks! Welcome to Galle 2.0. First Test match turned out to be the story of one bad batting innings from the home team and they had to pay for it throughout. It had a ripple effect and effected their bowling too as England rode the momentum and Root's extraordinary knock shut the door on the face of Sri Lanka. To repeat the same, the Three Lions will step out again and let's see how the Lankan Lions respond this time around. Stay tuned for more... |
| Confidence and momentum rest with the touring team. They will be dreaming about a back-to-back series win in the Island nation but should be ready for a backlash. Sri Lanka started their comeback from the last Test match only as in the latter half, they were way better than the opening day mishap. So, it's going to be a battle between on-song England and hurt but resurging Sri Lanka. Should be a cracking contest! |
| Pitch and conditions! The venue remains the same so both teams know what to expect. This time around it's a lot drier unlike the last occasion and hence you can expect a typical subcontinent pitch. Needless to say, toss is going to play a big part as no one would want to bat last here. That's a normal template mainly for the touring teams to bat first and bat big, if possible, to give themselves an outside chance against the mighty hosts. However, things are slightly different in this series wit |
| It's toss time now! Joe Root calls it wrongly and Dinesh Chandimal makes the most obvious decision - SRI LANKA ELECT TO BAT! It's confirmed that Ramesh Mendis will make his Test debut and will become the 154th player to represent Sri Lanka in this format. England, on the other hand, had announced their XI last evening, making one change - resting Stuart Broad and including James Anderson in his place. |
| Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Perera, Oshada Fernando (In for Kusal Mendis), Dinesh Chandimal (C), Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Ramesh Mendis (In for Dasun Shanaka), Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal (In for Wanindu Hasaranga), Lasith Embuldeniya, Asitha Fernando. |
| England (Playing XI) - Zak Crawley, Dom Sibley, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root (C), Daniel Lawrence, Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Dom Bess, Jack Leach, Mark Wood, James Anderson (In for Stuart Broad). |
| Pitch report - It's very humid out there! They are using a different pitch and it looks a lot better for batting. It will have good bounce and carry at the same time, reckons Russel Arnold who also feels that it won't turn from Day 1. Application is going to be the key. |
| Captains' thoughts - Sri Lankan skipper, Dinesh Chandimal said at the toss that they have reflected on their performance in the last Test match and are eager to do well as a team. He talked about having some plans up their sleeves which they would like to execute when the situation will come. Joe Root, on the other hand, praised his team for a fantastic first Test and told that they know it is going to be a different challenge and they are ready for it. Mentioned that they are full of confidence |
| 0.1 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Starts with a back of a length ball, it lands around leg and angles across towards off, Thirimanne is firmly behind the line in defense. |
| 0.0 : Right then. We are done with all the pre-match formalities as the action is all set to begin. The players of England are already out on the field and are looking to spread out to their respective positions out on the field. The are followed by the Sri Lankan openers, Kusal Perera and Lahiru Thirimanne. James Anderson to begin with the ball for the visitors. Here he comes.... |
| 0.2 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, A touch short and around middle and off, Thirimanne stands back to turn it on the leg side. Not in the gap as the square leg fielder gets into the act. |
| 0.3 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Good length delivery on off, angling across the left-handed batsman, Lahiru shoulders arms and it's a good carry to Buttler. |
| 0.4 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, The length is slightly up than the last time but the line is still outside off, Thirimanne is very watchful in his leave. |
| 0.5 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, A better line from Jimmy! Delivers it on a length and very close to off, Thirimanne makes another leave as it goes on with the angle. |
| 0.6 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, This time Anderson pitches it further up, almost on a driving length it's served, Thirimanne though is not getting lured so early. He isn't Kusal Perera. |
| 0.5 : Who will partner Anderson with the new ball, from the other end? Sam Curran, it will be. |
| 1.1 : Sam Curran to Kusal Perera, Some movement first up for Curran. He angles it on a fuller length around off, shaping away slightly, Perera covers everything before defending it from the back foot. |
| Huge shout for an lbw! That looked out to the naked eye. But it's not given and Joe Root takes the DRS. No bat as confirmed by the Ultra Edge. Time for the Ball Tracker - It's clipping the leg stump. Umpire's call! |
| 1.2 : Sam Curran to Kusal Perera, NOT OUT! Kusal Perera survives a scare. Beauty of a delivery by Sam Curran! He got some movement on the first ball and immediately changed his line to middle and leg. He manages to straighten it from there and Kusal fails to work it around. He's trapped on the pads, the appeal goes up but the finger stays down. Joe Root opts for the DRS as it looked plumb to the naked eye. All the protocols of the DRS are followed, Ultra Edge and Ball Tracker take some time to |
| 1.3 : Sam Curran to Kusal Perera, The batsman has just watchfully blocked this out. |
| 1.4 : Sam Curran to Kusal Perera, Back of a length delivery on off, Perera stays back to push it towards covers. |
| 1.5 : Sam Curran to Kusal Perera, In the channel outside off, left alone by Perera. |
| 1.6 : Sam Curran to Kusal Perera, Beaten! Fuller in length and around off, Perera prods forward to defend but it moves away slightly to beat the outside edge. Top first over by Sam! |
| 2.1 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Good length ball on off, it's blocked from the crease by Thirimanne. |
| 2.2 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Movement back into the left-hander, very slightly, Thirimanne closes the face of his bat in defense as he pushes it to mid-wicket. |
| 2.3 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, On a length and outside off, that is left alone for the keeper to collect. |
| 2.4 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, A nervous moment for Lahiru! He defends a length ball from the back foot as there is some extra bounce. It thuds on his bat and then starts to roll behind. Thirimanne reacts, looks back but the ball is away from the stumps. |
| 2.5 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Sri Lanka are away in the third over! Good length ball outside off, Thirimmane taps it down towards covers and steals a run. |
| 2.6 : James Anderson to Kusal Perera, Angles in a full ball around off for Kusal Perera, it's bowled from 'round the wicket, KP drops it with gentle hands to covers and pinches a run to open his account. |
| 3.1 : Sam Curran to Kusal Perera, Curran is getting some movement going! He manages to make a curve away from the left-hander as he dishes out a full length just outside off, Perera shoulders arms. |
| 3.2 : Sam Curran to Kusal Perera, Curran is a smart operator! Gets close to the stumps on this occasion, moving away a bit off the seam, Perera tries to work it around but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 3.3 : Sam Curran to Kusal Perera, This time the line is a bit too straight as the ball doesn't move, Perera calmly keeps it out to mid-wicket. |
| 3.4 : Sam Curran to Kusal Perera, Curran is probably trying for a magic delivery. But is not getting the desired movement. Hurls a full ball around middle and leg and it goes down with the angle. Perera fails to flick and it's a good stop by Buttler. |
| 3.5 : Sam Curran to Kusal Perera, FOUR! First of this Test match! Curran delivers it full and outside off, Perera goes hard at it and forces it back past the bowler and his partner for a boundary at long on. Not from the middle of the bat, that! |
| 3.6 : Sam Curran to Kusal Perera, Once again, this shot is not middled. Curran gets it to move away from around off, after landing on a fuller length, Perera tries to flick but it takes the inside half and rolls to square leg. A single is taken. |
| 4.1 : James Anderson to Kusal Perera, OUT! Caught at first slip! Poor, poor shot by Kusal Perera. Anderson angles in a fuller length ball around off from 'round the wicket, Perera attempts to probably heave it over the leg side but gets a big fat edge behind. Joe Root jumps and completes the catch over his head. On a closer look at the replays, there wasn't enough movement but the seam of the delivery was pointed towards the slip cordon. So maybe, that made the ball to nip away a shade, very litt |
| 0.0 : Early blow for the Lankans. Who comes in now? Oshada Fernando is in at Number 3. |
| 4.2 : James Anderson to Oshada Fernando, That is left alone for the keeper to collect. |
| 4.3 : James Anderson to Oshada Fernando, In the corridor of uncertainty, the batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 4.4 : James Anderson to Oshada Fernando, Lands it on a length and close to off, Fernando pushes it with an angled bat to point. |
| 4.5 : James Anderson to Oshada Fernando, OUT! Drags it on! Another wicket down in the 5th over and Anderson is on fire. Back of a length delivery outside off, Fernando stands back to push at it but there is some extra bounce. It takes the inner half of his bat and cannons onto his stumps. The batsman can consider himself unlucky but he had no business hanging his bat so wide away from his body. Poor technique. Yet another sorry start for Sri Lanka. |
| Sri Lanka lose another. In some trouble now as they are 2 down in the first 5 overs. Can someone come in and steady the ship? Angelo Mathews is the new batter in. |
| 4.6 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Fuller length ball on off, Mathews covers the line and movement before offering a straight bat in defense. A double-wicket maiden! |
| 5.1 : Sam Curran to Lahiru Thirimanne, FOUR! A welcome boundary for the Lankans after their last over. Curran goes slightly straighter and on the pads, Thirimanne just tickles this one to the fine leg region for a boundary. |
| 5.2 : Sam Curran to Lahiru Thirimanne, EDGY FOUR! Ohhh...could have been a goner this time, Lahiru. A length ball, outside off, nips away slightly, Thirimanne looks to punch this to the off side but the ball takes the outside edge and flies in between the slip region and gully fielder, into the third man fence for another boundary. |
| 5.3 : Sam Curran to Lahiru Thirimanne, LEG BYE. Back of a length and on the pads, Lahiru hops and looks to tuck but he misses and the ball takes the pad and rolls to the leg side. A leg bye is sneaked in. |
| 5.4 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, Good length delivery and around off, Angelo just taps this one towards point. Not going to risk a single, are these two. Not after this start, at least. |
| 5.5 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, BEATEN! Good bowling by Sam. Length and around off, angling across the right-hander, Mathews comes ahead and looks to block this one out but the ball misses the outside edge and goes to the keeper. |
| 5.6 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, On the pads, tucked to the leg side. 9 off this over. A good one for the hosts. |
| 6.1 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Fuller length and around off, Lahiru puts his right foot ahead and raises his blade to let this one through to the keeper. |
| 6.2 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Outside off on a good length, left alone. |
| 6.3 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, This time, Lahiru shuffles and keeps this one out well. |
| 6.4 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Short of a length delivery around off, Lahiru, again keeps a straight bat and defends this one out. |
| 6.5 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Gets his bat down in time and fends this one out again, Thirimanne. |
| 6.6 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Single on the last ball. Length and on middle, clipped to the deep square leg region for one. |
| 7.1 : Sam Curran to Lahiru Thirimanne, Blocked out solidly by Lahiru. This was on a good length just around the off stump. |
| 7.2 : Sam Curran to Lahiru Thirimanne, Outside off, left alone. |
| 7.3 : Sam Curran to Lahiru Thirimanne, Back of a length delivery around off, Thirimanne pushes this one towards covers. |
| 7.4 : Sam Curran to Lahiru Thirimanne, On a good length and around middle, Thirimanne tucks this one to the mid-wicket region. 'NOOOOO', says Lahiru, in regard to the single. |
| 7.5 : Sam Curran to Lahiru Thirimanne, Drags his length back, does Sam. A shortish length ball on middle, Lahiru just sits under this one. |
| 7.6 : Sam Curran to Lahiru Thirimanne, Goes slightly fuller and around off, LT works this one to the deep mid-wicket region. Picks up a single. |
| 8.1 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Prods on his front foot and defends this good length delivery out solidly. |
| 8.2 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Good length, around off, worked to the mid on region. |
| 8.3 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Good length and around off, Lahiru gets his bat ahead and defends it out. |
| 8.4 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Just testing the waters, is Lahiru. Length and around the off pole, Thirimanne pushes this one towards mid on again. |
| 8.5 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, On off, length delivery, kept out. |
| 8.4 : Dom Bess is warming up. |
| 8.6 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Takes the single on the last ball. Slightly behind the good length and around middle, Thirimanne hops and nudges this one to the deep backward square leg region. Retains the strike for the next over. |
| 9.1 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, Floated around off, spins back in slightly, Lahiru tucks this one to the fielder present at short leg. |
| 0.0 : Looks like it is time for some spin. Dom Bess was warming up but it was a false alarm. Jack Leach is the first bowling change. A slip and short leg in place. |
| 9.2 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, Slightly behind the fuller length and around off, spins back in again, LT goes on his back foot and works this to short leg again. |
| 9.3 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, Flighted and around off, nudged to the leg side for a single. |
| 9.4 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Short and wide outside off, Angelo punches this one to the deep cover region. Rotates ends. |
| 9.5 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, Short and on middle, Lahiru flicks this one to deep square leg. One more run. |
| 9.6 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Loopy and around off, Angelo watches the ball spin away from him and just lets it be. A good start by Leach. |
| 10.2 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Length and around off, Lahiru taps this one towards point. 'YEAH, YEAH, YEAHHH', says Thirimanne for the single and they complete it with ease, in the end. |
| 10.3 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Slight movement noticed from Wood. Length and around off, nips back in just about after hitting the deck, Angelo blocks this one out. |
| 10.4 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Mathews pushes this one towards the leg side for a single. |
| 10.1 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Starts with a good length delivery outside off, Thirimanne leaves it be. |
| 9.6 : Change from both ends. Mark Wood to speed in now. He caused some problems to Mathews in the first Test. Will be interesting to see that battle again. |
| 10.5 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Gets his bat down and blocks. Thirimanne has been very solid in his defensive strokes, so far. |
| 10.6 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Back of a length and around off, LT pushes this one to the cover region. Only 2 runs off Wood's first over. |
| 11.1 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, On middle, played to covers. |
| 11.2 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Flighted around middle and leg, nudged to short leg by Angelo. |
| 11.3 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Now comes on his front foot and blocks this one out. |
| 11.5 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Flighted on middle, Mathews blocks towards mid on. |
| 11.4 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Fuller and around off, kept out. |
| 11.6 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Goes fuller and around middle again, tucked towards mid-wicket but Angelo finds the fielder present there. Maiden from Leach. |
| 12.1 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Around the off pole, Lahiru plays this to point. Denies the single on this occasion. |
| 12.2 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Outside off, Thirimanne is watchful as he lets this one through to the keeper. |
| 12.3 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, FOUR! SHOT! Just waits for it and then dispatches this one. Fuller and around off, Thirimanne leans into this one and creams the drive through the extra cover region and the ball speeds away to the ropes. Top shot! |
| 12.4 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Length and around off, punched towards point, but this time, to the fielder present there. |
| 12.5 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Wood comes 'round the wicket this time and angles in a length delivery around off and middle, Lahiru nudges this one to the leg side. |
| 12.6 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, On off, pushed to the mid on region. |
| DRINKS. Just the start that the visitors would have been looking for. 2 quick wickets to their name and now Sri Lanka are on the back foot. England would be looking to scalp a couple more wickets before the Lunch break as that would put them in the ascendancy. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have had yet another poor start. Thirimanne and Mathews will be hoping to fend off any other challenge until the Break. |
| 13.1 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Floated around off, blocked. |
| 13.2 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! Mathews now taking the charge to the bowler. Flighted and around off, Mathews just lofts this one over the mid off region and the ball bounces before crossing the ropes. |
| 13.3 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Short and around off, punched to deep cover for a single. |
| 13.4 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, Tossed up and around off, Lahiru keeps this one out. |
| 13.5 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, Short and around middle, tucked to the leg side. One run. |
| 13.6 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Flighted on leg, Angelo pushes this to short leg. 6 off this one. Sri Lanka are trying to be positive against the spinner. |
| 14.1 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Spicy bumper on middle, Lahiru ducks under this one. |
| 14.2 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Back of a length and on middle, Lahiru this time decides to take it on as he hops and flicks this one to the mid-wicket region. Went straight to the fielder, so no run will be possible. |
| 14.3 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Length and around off and middle, LT clips this one through the square leg region. By the time the fielder can clean up in the deep, two runs are taken. |
| 14.4 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, On off, pushed to the mid on region. |
| 14.5 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Slightly shorter and on the body, Lahiru works this one to deep square leg. Takes a single. |
| 14.6 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Good length, around the off pole, Angelo negotiates this one safely to see off the over. |
| The physio is out in the middle now. Having a look at Thirimanne's hand as he seems to be slightly uncomfortable. All good to go as he gets ready to face the next ball. |
| 15.1 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, Loopy around off, Lahiru drives this one through the cover region. Picks up a couple. |
| 15.2 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, On middle, tucked to the leg side. |
| 15.3 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, Flighted on off, blocked. |
| 15.4 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, FOUR! Thirimanne is slowly building his score now. Very well played. Flighted and around off, Lahiru stays put and drives this one through the cover region. Jimmy Anderson gives it chase but he comes second in the race to the ropes. |
| 15.5 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, On off, kept out. |
| 15.6 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, Flighted and around off, Lahiru backs away and cuts this one to deep point for a single. 7 off this over. Leach has been on the expensive start at the moment. |
| 16.1 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Around off, length, pushed to point. No single this time as Lahiru is clear in communicating his decision to stay put. |
| 16.2 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Slightly short and around off, LT hops and keeps it out. |
| 16.3 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Another length delivery around the off pole, Lahiru drives this one but it is straight to the mid on fielder. Says no again for the single. |
| 16.4 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, Another loud 'NOOOO' from Lahiru. Short of a length and on middle, he jumps and negotiates this one out to the leg side. |
| 16.5 : Mark Wood to Lahiru Thirimanne, On the pads, Thirimanne clips this one behind square on the leg side and he crosses ends with Angelo. |
| 16.6 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Around the off pole, tucked to the fielder present at mid-wicket. A dot to finish a strong over from Wood. |
| 17.1 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Short and around off, punched to covers. |
| 17.2 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Flighted around off, pushed to covers again, where the fielder makes a good stop. |
| 0.0 : It is time for some off spin from Dom Bess! Five wickets in the first innings of the first Test match, can he do the same? |
| 17.3 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Flatter and around off, worked to the point region. |
| 17.4 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Flighted and on off, Lahiru drives this one to the cover region. |
| 17.5 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, On off, nudged to the leg side. |
| 17.6 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Flatter and around off, Lahiru nudges this around the corner to exchange ends. Good start from Bess. Just one off his first over. |
| 18.1 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, Starts his new spell from the opposite end and bowls a full ball on the leg stump line, Lahiru flicks it in front of square leg for a run. |
| 18.2 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Floated and full around off, Mathews lunges and defends it to short cover. |
| 18.3 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Gets forward to a full ball again and pushes it with the spin, if any, to short cover. |
| 18.4 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Flatter and a touch short around off, Mathews gets back with the square cut but finds point. |
| 18.5 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, A tossed up ball landing full on off, Angelo jams it out safely off the front foot. |
| 18.6 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Leach drags his length short and serves it around off, Mathews moves back and punches it in front of square on the off side for one. This pair has been largely untroubled so far. |
| 0.0 : Change of ends for Jack Leach. 4-1-16-0 are his numbers so far. |
| 19.1 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Good shot! Slightly short and around leg, spinning further down, Mathews nudges it past Leach at short fine leg. He pulls it back before the rope and they take three runs. 50 up for Sri Lanka. |
| 19.2 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Loopy and full on off, Thirimanne leans forward to defend but it takes the inner half and rolls to short leg. |
| 19.3 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Flatter and short around off, a slider, Thirimanne cuts it from the back foot but finds point. |
| 19.4 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Loopy and full on off, slower in air, Lahiru presses forward and defends it back. |
| 19.5 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, A touch short around off, Thirimanne goes back and pushes it through covers for a run. Not much spin so far. |
| 19.6 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Leans forward to meet the fuller length ball on middle and defends it to the off side. |
| 20.2 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! 50-run stand comes up! Some extra loop on this delivery but it's very full on the pads, Mathews picks it up and whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Good recovery from Sri Lanka after losing two early wickets. |
| 20.1 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, Flighted delivery on the pads, it's worked in the gap at mid-wicket for a run. A nice wristy shot by Lahiru. |
| 20.3 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, That is defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 20.4 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Full and around off, Mathews pushes it gently to short cover. |
| 20.5 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, This time Mathews finds the gap. A slightly short ball around off, Angelo moves back and forces it through the gap at covers for one. |
| 20.6 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, A tossed up ball landing full around off, Thirimanne lunges and defends it right under his watchful eyes. |
| 21.1 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Shortish and on off, turning in a bit, Mathews hangs back and punches it down to long on for a run. |
| 21.2 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Flighted and on middle and off, from 'round the wicket, Lahiru defends it off his front foot. |
| 21.3 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Nicely tossed up ball on off, Thirimanne defends it with gentle hands to short leg. |
| 21.5 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Drags his length short around off, Thirimanne cuts it from the back foot to point. |
| 21.4 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Quicker one, flatter and on middle at 92 kph, Thirimanne moves back inside the crease in defense. |
| 21.6 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Fullish and around leg, Lahiru uses his wrists but finds short leg with his attempted flick shot. |
| 22.1 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Plays it nice and in the V, risk-free! Fuller and on off, Mathews drives it through mid off for an easy run. |
| 22.2 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, Presses forward to a full ball on middle and blocks it back in the direction of the bowler. |
| 22.3 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, Flighted and around off, Thirimanne plays a defensive push at covers, it's in the gap and they take a run. |
| 22.4 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, A firm drive down the ground. Too full and on middle, Angelo picks up a single after sending the ball towards mid off. |
| 22.5 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, A good diving stop! Full and floated around off, Thirimanne drives it off his front foot but Bairstow does well to stop it with a dive at covers. |
| 22.6 : Jack Leach to Lahiru Thirimanne, FOUR! Superb shot! Thirimanne's batting has been a nice blend of intent and defense. Fuller and around off, Thirimanne goes with the turn and slog sweeps it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 23.1 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, The batsman has just blocked that from his crease. |
| 23.3 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Fuller and on off, Thirimanne defends it back off his front foot. |
| 0.0 : England are not happy with the shape of the ball. They have convinced the umpires it appears and the ball is getting changed. Scratch that, the update is that the umpires have not changed the ball. The halt in the play was due to Mathews who changed his bat. |
| 23.2 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Knocks a full ball down through mid on for a run. |
| 23.4 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Shortish and on off, it's punched in the gap at covers for a run. |
| 23.5 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Quicker and flatter on middle, Mathews works it off his pads to short mid-wicket. |
| 23.6 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Uses his feet to get down the track to a full ball and eases it through mid on for a comfortable single. |
| 24.1 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, Starts his new spell with a fuller length ball on middle, Mathews, who is standing outside his crease, flicks it across the line but finds the short mid-wicket fielder. |
| 0.0 : Change of bowler just at the stroke of the Lunch Break. Sam Curran (4-1-14-0) is reintroduced into the attack. |
| 24.2 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! In the gap on this occasion! Curran once again bowls a fuller length ball around leg and middle, Mathews flicks it beautifully through the gap between mid-wicket and mid on. Angelo standing outside the crease is helping him in negating the movement, if any. |
| 24.3 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, The batsman has just watchfully blocked this out. |
| 24.4 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, Angling across the batsman around off, a little bit of extra bounce on this occasion, Mathews pushes at it with a loose bottom hand and it goes off the inner half. Rolls in front of square leg and they take a single. |
| 24.5 : Sam Curran to Lahiru Thirimanne, Slants in a fuller length ball on middle, Thirimanne this time tries to flick but it comes more from the inner portion of his blade. Goes aerial but in the gap at mid-wicket for a run. |
| 24.6 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, Curran switches to 'round the wicket for the last ball and digs in a short ball on middle, Mathews ducks. |
| 25.1 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Fuller and flatter on leg, Thirimanne forces it down to mid on. |
| 25.2 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Bess bowls it full and around off, Lahiru lunges and defends it back. |
| 25.3 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, The batsman has just watchfully blocked this out. Solid. |
| 25.4 : Dom Bess to Lahiru Thirimanne, Drags his length back and serves it around off, Thirimanne moves back and cuts it through point for a single. |
| 25.5 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, A tossed up ball landing outside off, Mathews pushes it from the back foot to covers. |
| 25.6 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Quicker one, fuller and flatter on off at 87 kph, Mathews draws forward and defends it solidly. That will be LUNCH ON DAY 1! |
| A good, engaging first session of play comes to a close. You could say that England's noses are in front courtesy of the start that they got but a fine rebuilding job courtesy of Thirimanne and Mathews has seen Sri Lanka steady the ship after their streaky start. |
| Another poor start by the Islanders. They lost two quick wickets in the 5th over as Kusal Perara played a very poor stroke and Fernando, going to get a feel of the ball, ended up chopping it back onto his stumps. Sri Lanka were reeling at 7/2 at the end of the 5th over but then a fantastic job of bringing some order into the batting was done by Thirimanne and Mathews, taking the hosts through the morning session unscathed. They have also added 69 runs to their stand and will be looking |
| Just the start that the English Lions would have wanted to this session and Test. James Anderson, who was rested in the first Test, came back into this game and was right on the money. He removed two batters in the same over and provided the platform for the rest of the bowlers to follow suit. Although, the back-up bowlers found it tough to adjust to the conditions as there wasn't much assistance. |
| Right then. Looks like an even session based on the way that it has panned out. It will be interesting to see which side comes out looking to grab the second session. Will Thirimanne and Mathews continue on their merry way or will the bowling attack of the English Lions be able to breach their defenses? Join us for the second session in a short while at 1240 local (0710 GMT). |
| ..... DAY 1, SECOND SESSION ..... |
| We're back! The players are also back on the field as they get ready to kick off proceedings. England looked a bit flat in the last hour before Lunch as there wasn't much help from the pitch. They would try to keep things in control if the wickets are not falling and create pressure. For Sri Lanka, their sole aim will be to bat once and bat big and to achieve that, they have the best pair in the middle at the moment. Bright and sunny afternoon, the conditions are tailor-made for batting and anot |
| 26.1 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, Hurls across a length ball outside off, Thirmanne gets forward and pushes it with an angled bat to cover-point. |
| 26.2 : James Anderson to Lahiru Thirimanne, OUT! Caught behind! What a delivery, what a class bowler James Anderson is! He has managed to get something out of this unresponsive track. The English seamer speeds in from 'round the wicket and dishes out a length ball just outside off. It lands and straightens slightly, Thirimanne could have left it but he feels for it and tries to play at it outside the line of the stumps. Gets a thick outside edge and Buttler makes no mistake. Third wicket for Jimm |
| Skipper Dinesh Chandimal walks in next. |
| 26.3 : James Anderson to Dinesh Chandimal, Fuller and on middle, a rare gift by Anderson, Chandimal tucks it through square leg for a couple of runs. |
| 26.4 : James Anderson to Dinesh Chandimal, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Chandimal shoulders arms on this occasion. |
| 26.5 : James Anderson to Dinesh Chandimal, Nearly a drag on! A length ball close to off, Chandimal tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 26.6 : James Anderson to Dinesh Chandimal, Full and outside off, Anderson gets Chandimal driving there. It's straight to covers. |
| 27.1 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Fullish and around off, Angelo walks down the track and knocks it down to long on for a run. |
| 26.6 : Dom Bess to continue from the other end. |
| 27.2 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Flatter and quicker on middle, Chandimal moves back and defends it on the leg side. |
| 27.3 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, A touch short around off, Dinesh helps it from the back foot to mid-wicket. |
| 27.4 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Tossed up ball around off, Chandimal pushes it off his front foot to covers. |
| 27.5 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, MISFIELD AND FOUR! Flighted and full around off, Chandimal takes a step forward and forces his drive towards mid on. Looks for a run and Anderson charges across towards the ball to his left. Makes a complete mess as it goes through his legs and finds the fence. Bess is not impressed. |
| 27.6 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Flatter and outside off, Chandimal defends it to the off side. |
| 28.1 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, A length delivery in the channel outside off, Mathews has nothing to do with it. |
| 28.2 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Superb shot and a superb piece of fielding as well. Fuller length ball on middle, Mathews plays a well-timed on drive but Curran does well to make a diving stop by running across to his left. |
| 28.3 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 28.4 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, The batsman has just blocked that from his crease. |
| 28.5 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Around off, on a length and angling in, Mathews blocks it off his front foot. |
| 28.6 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews stays back and defends it to the off side. |
| Sam Curran is back on. |
| 29.1 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, Starts with a pitched up ball outside off, Chandimal pushes it off his front foot to covers. |
| 29.2 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, A length ball on this occasion, Chandimal decides to stay back as he blocks it to the off side. There is a silly mid off in place waiting for an uppish drive. |
| 29.3 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, The drive comes but it's well wide of that fielder and rolls to the fielder at covers. |
| 29.4 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, Angles in a full ball on off, Chandimal pushes it off his front foot to mid off, all along the ground. |
| 29.5 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, This one is on a length and outside off, DC makes a leave and pulls his bat just like Steven Smith does while leaving. |
| 29.6 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, A good length ball, Chandimal works it with the angle of the bowler but finds the short mid-wicket fielder. |
| 30.1 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Slightly edgy! Anderson hurls in a length ball around off, a bit of extra bounce, Mathews pushes it with an angled bat and it comes off the outer portion. Rolls safely to the right of gully. |
| 30.2 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, The batsman has just watchfully blocked this out. |
| 30.3 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, A bit short and around off, Angelo stays back-footed and defends it towards covers. |
| 30.4 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Good length ball on off, Mathews moves back a bit and turns it on the leg side, finds short mid-wicket. |
| 30.5 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Stretches forward to a length ball outside off and defends it with soft hands to short cover. |
| 30.6 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Beaten this time! Great delivery by Jimmy! Lands it on a length and gets it to straighten outside off, Mathews ends up pushing and missing inside the line. Lack of footwork was quite evident there. |
| 31.1 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, A fuller length ball around off as Curran continues to run in from 'round the wicket with a silly mid off in place. Chandimal defends it to the off side. |
| 31.2 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, FOUR! That's more like it for Chandimal. It's a pitched up delivery outside off, Chandimal drives it crisply through extra cover to break the monotony of dot balls. A boundary. |
| 31.3 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, Back of a length ball on middle, Chandimal stays back and helps it to mid-wicket. |
| 31.4 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, Fuller and on off, Chandimal defends it off his front foot. |
| 31.5 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, Uses the angle of the bowler and works a full ball on the leg side, picks out the short mid-wicket fielder. |
| 31.6 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, FOUR! On the pads and it's easy pickings for Dinesh Chandimal. Too full in length and the angle of the bowler further assisted the batsman. DC flicks it delightfully through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 32.1 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Good length delivery outside off, Mathews defends it to the off side from the back foot. |
| 32.2 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, In a good channel outside off, that is left alone for the keeper to collect. |
| 32.3 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Fullish and on middle, prompting the batsman to play the flick shot, Mathews does that but finds the short mid-wicket fielder. |
| 32.4 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, That is defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 32.5 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, On a length and outside off, Mathews shoulders arms. |
| 32.6 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Fuller and on off, Mathews is forward in defense. |
| 33.1 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, A length delivery outside off, Chandimal walks across a bit and then withdraws his bat. |
| 33.2 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, Good length delivery on top of off, Chandimal defends it from the back foot and drops it with gentle hands in front of square on the off side. |
| 33.3 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, Fuller and on off, it's driven by Chandimal and it goes on one bounce to the silly mid off fielder. |
| 33.4 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, Back of a length ball on off, Chandimal moves inside the line of the delivery and works it towards the square leg umpire for a single. |
| 33.5 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, The line from Curran is once again very straight and Mathews wristily works it behind square leg for a run. |
| 33.6 : Sam Curran to Dinesh Chandimal, On a length and outside off, Chandimal defends it off his back foot to complete the over. |
| 34.1 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! Nice shot! A very tiny gap between two catching fielders at short mid-wicket but Mathews has found it with surgical precision. Fuller in length on middle, Angelo flicks and shows his class there. Timing and placement. Top notch. |
| 34.2 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Back to the channel outside off, on a good length, Mathews lets it be. |
| 34.3 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Back of a length delivery outside off, Mathews waits patiently and then makes a leave. |
| 34.4 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, This time it's served on a driving length outside off, Mathews makes one more leave. |
| 34.5 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! Squeezes that through! 100 up for Sri Lanka. Fuller length ball around off, Mathews tries to play the cover drive but it takes the outer half of his bat and runs through backward point for a boundary. |
| 34.6 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, In the corridor of uncertainty, the batsman is not interested in playing at that. |
| Dom Bess is back into the attack for his third spell. 0/15 in his 6 overs so far. |
| 35.1 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Flatter and a touch shorter on middle, Chandimal goes back and punches it towards mid on. |
| 35.4 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Floated one, landing full around of, Dinesh defends it watchfully by pressing forward. |
| 35.5 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, The batsman has just watchfully blocked this out. |
| 35.3 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, This one is slightly quicker and fuller on middle, Chandimal defends it by getting forward. |
| 35.2 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Loopy and full on off, slower in pace, Chandimal is on the front foot in defense. |
| 35.6 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Flighted and full on middle, Chandimal defends it off is front foot to short mid-wicket. |
| 36.1 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Wrong line! Wood steams in but slips a length ball down the leg side, Mathews tries to flick but misses. |
| 35.6 : Change at both ends now. Mark Wood is unleashed into the attack. 0/10 in his 4 overs so far. |
| 36.2 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Spears in a very full ball on middle, some movement in the air at 143 kph, Angelo leans across and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 36.3 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Bouncer around off, Chandimal leans back and sways away from the line of fire. |
| 36.4 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Use of the wrists by Chandimal as he works a fuller length ball in front of square leg for a single. |
| 36.5 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, On a good length and just outside off, Mathews defends it from the back foot towards mid off. |
| 36.6 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Extra bounce this time, hurrying up the batsman. Back of a length ball around off, Mathews jumps to work it but gets a soft leading edge towards short cover. |
| 37.1 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Flighted delivery around off, defended off the front foot by Chandimal. |
| 37.2 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Flatter and on off, this time the choice of the defensive shot by Dinesh is off the back foot. |
| 37.3 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Flatter and on off, Chandimal punches it from the back foot to the right of the bowler. |
| 37.4 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Quicker and on middle at 88 kph, it's hit past short leg to deep mid-wicket for a run. |
| 37.5 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Flatter and shorter around off, Mathews forces it back to the bowler off his back foot. |
| 37.6 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! Too full in length outside off, Mathews drives it square of the wicket on the off side. The fielder gives the chase from the cover region and slides near the fence to pull it back. The onfield umpire checks upstairs and finds that it's not cleanly done. A boundary signalled. |
| 38.1 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, A length delivery outside off, it's left alone by Angelo. |
| 38.2 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Excellent short delivery, on middle and leg, Chandimal tries to tuck it around the corner but it takes the leading edge and goes safely to covers. |
| 38.4 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Good length ball on off, 141 kph, defended off the back foot. |
| 38.3 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Two noises there as the bowler puts in a stifled appeal for an lbw. Is there some reverse happening for Wood? He hurls in 152 kph full delivery on middle and leg, spearing down as Chandimal fails to flick. |
| 38.5 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Shortish and close to off, 140 kph, Chandimal is on his toes in defense. |
| 38.6 : Drinks break. 32 runs in the first hour after Lunch for a loss of one wicket. England started well again with Anderson dismissing Thirimanne immediately but once again Sri Lanka are recovering through the current stand. The pitch is not offering much but Mark Wood got it to reverse in his last over. That might change things around for England. Let's see how the second hour pans out. |
| Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Goes fuller and serves it on off, 147 kph, Chandimal drives it back to the bowler. |
| 39.1 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Full and floated on middle, Mathews defends it off his front foot to the leg side. |
| 39.2 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Leans forward to a full ball outside off and works it with the spin to short mid-wicket. |
| 39.3 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Once again Mathews is very much content in playing out the full deliveries with the spin to short mid-wicket. |
| 39.4 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Add one more delivery to the tally as Mathews is forward and helps it gently to short mid-wicket. |
| 39.5 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, A straight bat defensive shot this time by Mathews as he lunges to a full ball on middle. |
| 39.6 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Flatter and a bit shorter on off, Mathews gets the time to move back and work it in front of square leg for a run. |
| 40.1 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Good length ball on middle and leg, it's worked down to fine leg for a run. |
| 40.2 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, FOUR! Oh, that's fabulous! A high class shot by Chandimal. He leans into the fuller length delivery and creams his drive through covers. |
| 40.3 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Wood overcorrects his line as he spears a full ball on middle and leg, a bit of reverse again but Chandimal flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 40.4 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, That's a snorter from Mark Wood! Fast and nasty, targeting the head of the batsman. Chandimal takes his eyes off the ball, tries to evade but it pings the grille of his helmet and balloons to Root at wide first slip. The skipper collects and appeals, nothing from the umpire. |
| Physio is out to conduct the mandatory concussion check. Dinesh Chandimal is moving well and is looking fine. Change of helmet for him. |
| 40.5 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Angles in a length ball on off, Chandimal gets right behind the line and defends to the off side. |
| 40.6 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Targets the off stump with a good length ball, Chandimal stays on his toes in defense. Good hostile over by Wood. |
| 41.1 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Full and flighted on off, Mathews knocks it across the line and the short mid-wicket fielder dives to make the half-stop. He parries it towards the bowler. |
| 41.2 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Goes on the back foot and works it on the leg side, finds the fielder at square leg. |
| 41.3 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Fuller and outside off, it's driven through covers for a single. |
| 41.4 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Some turn on this occasion, around middle and leg, Chandimal walks down the track and helps it in front of square leg. |
| 41.5 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Loopy and full outside off, Chandimal presses forward, has a look and then makes a leave. |
| 41.6 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, A bit of drift for Bess as he lands a full ball on off, Chandimal drives it to covers where a fielder intercepts. |
| 42.1 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Shortish and on off, Mathews pulls it behind square leg and Sibley makes a fine stop near the rope. Two runs taken. |
| 42.2 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, LUCKY FOUR! It's gloved. Hostile bowling. Fast and furious. Short and angling down the leg side, Mathews gloves his attempted pull shot wide of the keeper and to the fine leg fence. Fifty up for Angelo, a very good knock by him yet again! |
| 42.3 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Short delivery again, around off, Mathews gets hold of the pull shot this time and sends it to deep square leg for a run. |
| 42.4 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Misses! Beaten for pace. Wood spears in a very full ball on middle and leg, 90 mph, Chandimal tries to flick but misses. Maybe, some inside edge too. |
| 42.5 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Wood is really cranking it up. Short and around off at 90 mph, Chandimal ducks at the last moment. |
| 42.6 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, A short delivery is followed up by a 148 kph fuller one, Chandimal brings his bat down as he tries to keep it out. It goes and appears to be going on the full to the square leg fielder who collects and they appeal. The umpires come together and take it upstairs. It's a BUMP BALL. |
| 43.1 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Turning down the leg side, Mathews helps it through square leg for a run. |
| 43.2 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, The batsman has just watchfully blocked this out to the off side. |
| 43.3 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, SIX! This one has gone all the way! Bess gives it a good toss and lands it full around off, Chandimal dances down the track and goes bang down the ground. It goes flying and clears long off. The 50-run stand comes up between the two! |
| 43.4 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, A touch short and around off, Chandimal punches it from the back foot to mid off. |
| 43.5 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Tight run! Loopy delivery around off, Chandimal takes it on the full and eases it towards mid off. He attempts for a quick run and makes it with a dive as Curran misses his shy at the bowler's end. |
| 43.6 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Goes on the back foot and works it on the leg side, not in the gap. |
| 44.1 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Aims for an inswinging yorker but ends up serving a low full toss on off, Chandimal pushes it off the inside half to short mid-wicket. Wood is on the ground after delivering the ball. |
| 44.2 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, In the gap! Full and on middle, Chandimal flicks it with good timing through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 44.3 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, A bouncer on middle and leg, Chandimal immediately ducks. |
| 44.4 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, In all sorts of trouble! A vicious short ball again, on middle and jumping onto the batsman, Chandimal hops and fends it off. It takes his gloves and dies down away from short leg. |
| 44.5 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Short again but this time the line is wide outside off, Chandimal slaps it to deep point for a couple of runs. |
| 44.6 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, A length ball around off, Chandimal tucks it behind square leg for one. That should be it for Wood in this spell. |
| Magic spray is out. Chandimal was hit on the gloves in the previous over and he is receiving some treatment. |
| 45.1 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Flighted and on leg, Mathews works it on the leg side but finds short mid-wicket. |
| 45.2 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Tossed up ball on middle, defended to square leg. |
| 45.3 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Plays it with the spin to the leg side, finds square leg. |
| 45.4 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Played towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 45.5 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Leans forward to a full ball and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 45.6 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Full and flighted outside off, DC is on the front foot again in defense. |
| 46.1 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Full and flighted on off, defended back to the bowler off his front foot. |
| 46.2 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Lunges to a full ball outside off and pushes it to covers. |
| 46.3 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, The batsman has just watchfully blocked this out. |
| 46.4 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Tossed up ball on middle, driven back and Leach dived to his left to make the stop. |
| 46.5 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Gets forward to a full all and defends it soundly. |
| 46.6 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Goes on the back foot and punches it to the left of the bowler who makes a stop. |
| 47.3 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Fullish and around middle, knocked down to long on for a run. |
| 47.2 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Shortish on middle, worked in the gap at mid-wicket for one. |
| 47.1 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Flatter on the pads, helped to square leg for a single. |
| 47.4 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Shortish and worked with ease to mid-wicket for a run. |
| 47.5 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Uses his feet and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 47.6 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Once again Chandimal comes down the track and this time he pushes it down to long on for one. |
| 48.3 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Quicker one on off, forced to mid off where the fielder made a good stop. |
| 48.4 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Helps it to the right of mid-wicket for an easy run. |
| 48.5 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Skidding down the leg side, Chandimal flicks it off the inner half to short fine leg. |
| 48.6 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Presses forward and defends it watchfully. |
| 49.1 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Flighted and on middle, worked on the leg side but straight to square leg. |
| 49.2 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Punched with sweet timing but not finding the gap at mid on. |
| 49.3 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, The batsman has just watchfully blocked this out. |
| 49.4 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, A full toss on middle, helped on the leg side but straight to mid-wicket. |
| 49.5 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Another flick shot but Mathews finds the mid-wicket fielder again. |
| 49.6 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, A full toss on middle, it's knocked down to long on for a run. |
| 50.1 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Hangs on the back foot and punches it to deep cover for a run. |
| 50.2 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Fuller and on middle, driven down to long off for a run. |
| 50.3 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Arm ball on middle, worked with the angle to mid-wicket for a run. |
| 50.4 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, A nice loopy full ball around off, Chandimal eases down the track and drives it to long off for a run. |
| 50.5 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Too full and on off, Mathews drives this time and brings long off into play as he crosses. |
| 48.1 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Takes a big stride forward and deends it back to the bowler. |
| 48.2 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Full and around off, Chandimal drives it with the spin past covers for a run. |
| 50.6 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Leach flights this one around off, on a fuller length, Chandimal defends it back. |
| 51.1 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Fires a quicker one on middle, Mathews knocks it down through mid on for a run. |
| 51.2 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Loopy and full around off, Chandimal is on the front foot as he pushes it with soft hands to covers for one. |
| 51.3 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Tossed up ball on off, Mathes flicks it but finds mid-wicket. |
| 51.4 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Too full and around leg, Angelo whips it to deep mid-wicket and takes a single. |
| 51.5 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Helps it with the spin on the leg side but fails to find the gap. |
| 51.6 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Quicker one aroud leg, it's defended from the crease to the leg side. |
| 52.1 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Strides forward to a full ball and drives it back to the bowler. |
| 52.6 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Slower through the air, full and on middle, Chandimal leans forward in defense. That will be TEA ON DAY 1! |
| 52.5 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Shortish and outside off, Angelo moves back and punches it to sweeper cover for a run. |
| 52.4 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Too full and on middle, it's eased down to mid on. |
| 52.3 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Flatter and on shorter on off, Mathews punches but finds the cover fielder. |
| 52.2 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Fullish and on middle, Mathews lunges and flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 52.6 : A good session for Sri Lanka! Once again they started on a sorry note by losing an early wicket but since then, Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal have formed a strong alliance. Apart from Mark Wood's hostile spell, the current pair looked largely untroubled. The English spinners have been very ineffective on an unresponsive track and they need to find a way to bowl with more control. Do join us at 1500 local (0930 GMT) for the last session. |
| .....DAY 1, THIRD SESSION ..... |
| We're back for the evening session. The men concerned are out in the centre. The over-rate has been poor and as a result, we have another 37 overs left in the day's play. James Anderson to begin proceedings. A change of ends for him. Here we go... |
| 53.1 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Starts with a fuller length ball around off, Mathews is on the front foot as he blocks it to Anderson. |
| 53.2 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, On a length and outside off, Angelo has nothing to do with it. |
| 53.3 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Angling into the batsman, on a length around middle, Mathews defends it on the leg side. |
| 53.4 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, The batsman has just watchfully blocked this out. |
| 53.5 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Fullish and on off, Mathews pushes it off his front foot to mid on. |
| Dark clouds are slowly gathering over the stadium. There is a forecast for rain in the last session and let's pray it stays away. |
| 53.6 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Takes a stride forward to a length ball and defends it solidly. |
| Jack Leach to continue from the opposite end. |
| 54.1 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Floated and full around off, Chandimal is on the front foot as he pushes it to covers. |
| 54.2 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Fuller and on off, Chandimal eases it in the gap at covers for a quick run. |
| 54.3 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Leach drops it short and outside off, Mathews slaps it to deep cover-point for one. |
| 54.4 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Leans forward to a full ball and defends it watchfully. |
| 54.5 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Flatter and a touch short on off, Chandimal goes back and offers a straight bat in defense. |
| 54.6 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Extra loop on this one, full and on off, Chandimal drives but picks out the extra cover fielder. |
| 55.1 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, On a good length outside off, Mathews does not fall for the temptation to drive. Just leaves it. |
| 55.2 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Similar delivery as the last ball, Mathews offers a similar shot this time around. Which is basically no shot. |
| 55.3 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Prods forward and blocks this one out with a solid, straight bat. |
| 55.4 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Outside off, Mathews will leave this one in his sleep. And he does the same while he is awake. |
| 55.5 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Length and around off, Angelo taps this one towards point. The batters cross ends with a single. |
| 55.6 : James Anderson to Dinesh Chandimal, A dot to end. Another good length delivery around off, Chandimal keeps this one out towards the leg side. |
| 56.1 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Flighted around off, Mathews works this with soft hands towards short cover. |
| 56.2 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Short and around off, Angelo punches this one to the cover region. |
| 56.3 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! A slightly risky stroke but Mathews made clean contact and he fetches a boundary for himself. Flighted and around off, he steps out of his crease and lofts this one over the mid on region and the ball goes past the ropes for a boundary. |
| 56.4 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Flat, around off, cut away to point for one. |
| 56.5 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Shortish and around off, Dinesh backs away and plays this towards covers. They think about the single but the ball is too close for them to attempt this. Do not go for it. |
| 56.6 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, On off, DC blocks. |
| 57.1 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Floats it up around middle, nudged to square leg for a single. |
| 0.0 : Dom Bess (15-1-40-0) is back on. Spin from both ends now. |
| 57.2 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Slightly shorter and on middle, Chandimal backs away and works this through mid-wicket. A single. |
| 57.3 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Goes on his back foot and plays this to mid-wicket, to the fielder present there. |
| 57.4 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Floated down the leg side, Angelo just watches this one go to the keeper. |
| 57.5 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Comes on his front foot this time and blocks it out. |
| 57.6 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Flatter and around off and middle, AM tucks this one to mid-wicket. Crosses over with a single. 3 runs to start off Bess' new spell. |
| Change of ends for James Anderson. |
| 58.1 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Good length and around off, Mathews pushes this one to the cover region. |
| 58.2 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Outside off this time, but on a good length, Angelo plays this one towards mid off this time. |
| 58.3 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Well fielded by Lawrence. Good length and outside off, Angelo slaps this one towards the cover region, but Lawrence there, does well to stop this one. |
| 58.4 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Pushed with a straight bat towards the left of the mid on fielder. |
| 58.5 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Outside off, Angelo lets this one through to Buttler. |
| 58.6 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Slight movement noticed. Length and around off, nips back in ever-so-slightly as Angelo tucks this one to the leg side. Another maiden for Jimmy. |
| 59.1 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Dinesh offered a front foot defense to this looped up delivery around off. |
| 59.2 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, On off, pushed back to Bess. |
| 59.3 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Loopy around off, Chandimal skips down the track and powers this one to the right of the mid off fielder, who does well to dive and half stop this one. The ball goes towards long off and Anderson runs to his left and cleans up. Two runs. |
| 59.4 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, On middle, blocked to the leg side. |
| 59.5 : Dom Bess to Dinesh Chandimal, Flighted around off, Chandimal pushes this one to the cover region for a single. |
| 59.6 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! A good way to end the over for Sri Lanka and Mathews! Loops it up nicely and lands it around off, Mathews punches this one through covers. It runs away to the ropes. |
| 60.1 : James Anderson to Dinesh Chandimal, On a good length and around off, pushed to point. |
| 60.2 : James Anderson to Dinesh Chandimal, Slightly behind the good length and around off, Dinesh is solid in his defense. |
| 60.3 : James Anderson to Dinesh Chandimal, Chandimal comes on his front foot. Blocks it solidly towards covers. |
| 60.4 : James Anderson to Dinesh Chandimal, Short of a length and around the off pole, DC hops and fends this one towards the mid off region. |
| 60.5 : James Anderson to Dinesh Chandimal, Back of a length and around off, Dinesh works this one to square leg. Comes a few paces ahead looking for the single but he goes back into his crease as he realizes that this will not be possible. |
| 60.6 : James Anderson to Dinesh Chandimal, On off, kept out by Chandimal. |
| Jack Leach is back on now. 13-2-46-0 are his numbers so far. |
| 61.2 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Slightly short and around off, spins away, Angelo waits for it and then guides this one towards backward point. Wood is the fielder there who does well to stop this one. A single taken. |
| 61.1 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Floated on off, blocked. |
| 61.3 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, The batsman has just watchfully blocked this out. |
| 61.4 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Loopy on leg, tucked to the square leg region for a single. |
| 61.5 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, BEATEN! Some turn this time around for Leach. Flighted around off, spins away sharply after hitting the deck as the ball misses Chandimal's defensive stroke and goes to Buttler. Some puff of dust also coming out, encouraging signs for the spinners. |
| 61.6 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, On off, well kept out. |
| 62.1 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Around off, length delivery, pushed to the leg side. |
| 62.2 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, On a length and down the leg side, Angelo misses his tuck away. |
| 62.3 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Length and around off again, Mathews pushes this one towards mid on. |
| 62.4 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Good length and on middle and leg, Mathews looks to clip this one away but he misses and the ball takes the pad and goes to the left of Buttler, who does well to stop this one. |
| 62.5 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Good length, outside off, Angelo dabs this one towards cover-point. |
| 62.6 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Misfield and a single. Wood is the culprit here. Another good length delivery around off, Mathews drives this one to the left of mid off. Wood dives, but only manages to push it behind him. By the time he can cover-up, the batters cross ends. |
| 63.1 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Full on middle, kept out. |
| 63.2 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, 100 PARTNERSHIP UP BETWEEN THESE TWO! It has been a very good stand by these two so far and they will want to ensure that they can continue this. They have troubled the bowling of the English Lions and they do not want to stop. Flatter and around off, Mathews punches this one through the cover region and Bess in the deep does well to dive and keep this down to just a couple. |
| 63.3 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, On off, blocked. |
| 63.4 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Flatter and around off, AM punches this one to covers for one. |
| 63.5 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, On middle, worked to the leg side for one. |
| 63.6 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, An appeal for caught behind but turned down by the umpire. Flatter and around off, Mathews goes on his back foot and looks to punch this one away but misses and the ball spins away and goes to Buttler. A stifled appeal but no says the umpire. They think about the review but decide not to, in the end. |
| 64.1 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Begins his new spell by spearing in a full ball on off, Chandimal keeps it out safely to mid on. |
| 0.0 : Mark Wood is back into the attack now. 9-1-31-0 are his numbers so far. Can he inspire his side and break this stand? |
| 64.2 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Back of a length ball around off, Chandimal stands back and closes the face of his bat to help it towards square leg. |
| 64.3 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, The line is close to off, on a length and angling in, Chandimal offers a dead bat in defense. |
| 64.4 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, Shortish and on off, Chandimal gets the chance to move back and manoeuvre it through square leg for a run. |
| 64.5 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Gets behind the line of a length delivery around off and defends it watchfully. |
| 64.6 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Wood serves a good length ball on off, slanting in, Mathews stays back and defensively pushes it out to mid-wicket. |
| 65.1 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, 20th Test fifty for Chandimal! Short in length and outside off, Chandimal stays back and cuts it through point for a couple of runs. Good knock! |
| 65.2 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Flighted and full on middle, Chandimal defends it by getting half-forward. |
| 65.3 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Tossed up ball landing full on off, Chandimal drives it to short cover. |
| 65.4 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Yet another off drive from the bat of Chandimal and the short cover fielder dives to his right to make the stop. |
| 65.5 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Full and flighted on off, Chandimal defends it back quietly. |
| 65.6 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Slower through the air, full and on middle, Chandimal meets it with a dead straight blade. |
| 66.1 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! Eased away! A full toss on the pads, Mathews has no qualms in deflecting it neatly to the fine leg fence. |
| 66.2 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Good length ball around off, it's defended off the back foot by Mathews. |
| 66.3 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, A slower one from the speed merchant, the line remains straight and Mathews sits back to work it towards mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 66.4 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Lands it on a length and outside off, Mathews sticks back and drives it on the up to the cover fielder. |
| 67.1 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Fullish and on off, Chandimal leans forward and pushes it to covers. |
| 66.6 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, A length ball on off, Mathews covers the line and pushes it towards mid on. Screams out a loud no. |
| 67.2 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Gives it a good toss and lands it around off, Chandimal defends it from the crease. |
| 67.3 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Uses his feet to come down the track and then pushes it with the spin to covers. |
| 67.4 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Miscommunication. Chandimal dances down the track ad pushes it to mid on. He is halfway down the track eyeing a run but Mathews sends him back. Now, the fielder misfields there, it's Anderson and the batsmen cross. |
| 66.5 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Wood has been a bit wayward in this over. Shortish and on middle, Mathews gets inside the line and eases his pull down to deep backward square leg for a couple. |
| Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, This time the batter goes back and punches it from the crease for a run on the off side. |
| 67.6 : Jack Leach to Dinesh Chandimal, Tossed up ball on middle, worked on the leg side but straight to the fielder. |
| 68.1 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, A length ball sliding down the leg side, Mathews tries to flick but misses. |
| 68.2 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Yet another poor delivery. Wood has not looked too effective in this spell. One more ball drifting down the leg side, Mathews makes a leave. |
| 68.3 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, A length ball on middle, worked off the pads the leg side but straight to square leg. Again some confusion over a run but they decided not to take the risk. |
| 68.4 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Angling down the leg side, Angelo fails to flick and it clips his pads on its way to fine leg for a leg bye. Hang on, the umpire has given it as a dead ball. Wasn't Mathews offering any shot? |
| 68.5 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Shortish and on middle, the batsman jumps and fends it off on the off side. It's in the gap and they cross for a run. |
| 68.6 : Mark Wood to Dinesh Chandimal, OUT! It's cannoning into the leg stump and the century partnership is broken. Big smile on Joe Root's face. Hard work pays off for Wood. He might not be too accurate in this spell but he has worked hard and deserves this breakthrough. Hurls across a length ball around off and it skids into the batsman with the angle, Chandimal is caught on the back foot in an attempt to defend it. He misses and is trapped on the pads. The appeal is made and the umpire agrees. |
| 68.4 : Sri Lanka review! Dinesh Chandimal is the man in question. He has been given out for LBW by the on-field umpire and he wants this checked upstairs. Ultra Edge rolls in and it confirms that there is not bat involved there. Ball Tracker rolls in and.... THREE REDS. Will remain out. |
| 69.1 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Flighted and outside off, Mathews allows it through to the keeper. |
| 69.2 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Full and floated on off, Mathews is forward as he blocks it to the off side. |
| 69.3 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, That is defended solidly off the front foot. It's important for England that Leach ties up one end. |
| 69.4 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Flatter and fuller on middle, it's pushed back to the bowler. |
| 69.5 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Gets forward to a full ball and defends it solidly. |
| 69.6 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Quicker one but too straight and Mathews works it through mid-wicket for three runs. |
| 70.1 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Angling down the leg side, a length ball, Mathews lets it be. |
| 70.2 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Good length delivery going down the leg side, Mathews shoulders arms to allow it through. |
| 0.0 : DRINKS. A wicket at the right stage for the visitors. Angelo and Chandimal were just motoring along but Wood came and he has broken this century stand. Now, they see that the door is slightly ajar and would look to make the most of it. If they are able to scalp a couple more wickets before Stumps on Day 1, then they will go back as the happier team. Sri Lanka have done well so far and now they will want to see off the final stretch of play without any casualties. Also, Niroshan Di |
| 70.3 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Bowls it from wide of the crease, Mathews stands back and defends it down to mid-wicket. |
| 70.4 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Bouncer, the batsman ducks under that one. |
| 70.5 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Slips another length ball down the leg side, Mathews tries to flick but misses. |
| 70.6 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Too full in length around off, Mathews tries to drive but it takes the inner half and rolls to short mid-wicket. |
| 71.1 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Floated on middle, tucked to mid-wicket. |
| 71.2 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted and around off, Dickwella keeps it out. |
| 71.3 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Floated around off, pushed to covers. |
| 71.4 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up and around off, Niroshan skips down the track and pushes this one back to the bowler. |
| 71.5 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, On middle, blocked off the front foot. Leach getting some purchase off this surface. Can he make the most of it? |
| 71.6 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Dickwella is off the mark. Floated on middle, tucked to deep square leg for a single. |
| 72.1 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, EDGY. Fuller and outside off, Dickwella looks to drive this one but the ball takes the inside edge, goes past the leg pole, to the square leg region for a single. Wood would be disappointed as he would have wanted to get a couple of chances at Dickwella. |
| 72.2 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Short and around off, Mathews hooks this one to the leg side. Gives the strike back to Niroshan. |
| 72.3 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Back of a length and around off, well kept out towards the cover region. |
| 72.4 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Length and around off, Dickwella pushes this one to point. |
| 72.5 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Around off, on a length, Niroshan works this one to the cover-point region this time. |
| 72.6 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Only 2 runs off the over. Good length around off, Niroshan pushes this one towards the cover region. Looks for the single but is quick to deny it as well. |
| 73.1 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Flighted around off, pushed to the cover region. |
| 73.2 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Comes on his front foot and blocks this one out. |
| 73.3 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Short and around off, Angelo plays this to the fielder at short cover. |
| 73.4 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Shortish around off, pushed to covers. |
| 73.3 : A bit of a funny moment between the overs! One of the umpires wanted his sunglasses and signalled for it. The English players near the boundary line thought that he has called for drinks. They went in only to be sent back. |
| 73.5 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Flighted and around off, Angelo keeps this one out. |
| 73.6 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, On middle, kept out safely again. Only 6 more overs until the second new ball is available. |
| 74.1 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Short and wide outside off, Dickwella cuts this one but it comes off the under-edge and it goes to the point region. |
| 74.2 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Gets his bat down in time to defend this one solidly. |
| 74.3 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, 200 up for Sri Lanka! Back of a length and on middle, Niroshan hops and tucks this one to the fine leg region. Curran does well in the deep to dive and keep this one out. Saves a couple of runs. |
| 74.4 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, On off, played to point. No is the call, for the single. |
| 74.5 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Shortish and around off, Dickwella punches this one to the point region. |
| 74.6 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Pushed to the cover-point region. Just 2 off the over. |
| 75.1 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Shorter in length and around off, Angelo backs away and punches this one to the cover-point region. Crosses over for a single. |
| 75.2 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up and around off, Dickwella whips this one towards mid on. Gets to the other end safely. |
| 75.3 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Loopy and lands it around the off pole, AM taps it towards point. Looks for the single but is sent back by Niroshan. |
| 75.4 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Short and outside off, Mathews punches this one to deep point. One more run. Moves onto 97 now. |
| 75.5 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Skips down the track and works this to the right of mid off for a single. |
| 75.6 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Flatter and outside off, Angelo waits for it and then slams this one through cover-point. Takes a single and will retain the strike for the next over. Is on 98 now. |
| 76.1 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Down the leg side, on a good length, Angelo looks for the tuck away but then decides to just leave it alone at the last moment. |
| 76.2 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Length delivery outside off, tails in slightly after pitching, Mathews pushes this one to the left of mid on. |
| 76.3 : Mark Wood to Angelo Mathews, Good length and on middle, Mathews clips this one to fine leg. Picks up a single. 99 now. One more away from getting his century. This now is Angelo's highest Test score in Galle. |
| 76.4 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, PLAY AND A MISS! Ohhhh...so close! Wood comes 'round the wicket and bowls a good length delivery around off, Dickwella looks to have a tentative poke away from his body but he misses the ball completely. |
| 76.5 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, On off, tapped to covers. 'No' says Dickwella, to his partner. |
| 76.6 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Back of a length delivery this time around off, Niroshan pushes this one towards mid off. |
| 77.1 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, HUNDRED FOR ANGELO MATHEWS! A very good knock and he has deservedly reached his century. His 11th in Test cricket and this is his 3rd against the English Lions. Also, if you believe it or not, his FIRST CENTURY in Galle. A job well done, so far. He came in when things were tough but he has done well to stick around and reach his century. Short and around off, Mathews punches this one to the cover region and the batters scamper through for a single. |
| 77.2 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, On off, kept out. |
| 77.3 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Floated on off, pushed to the off side for a single. |
| 77.4 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, That is defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 77.5 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, Loopy on off, AM works this to covers. |
| 77.6 : Jack Leach to Angelo Mathews, On off, pushed to mid on. Just 2 more overs for the second new ball. |
| 78.1 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Bumper on middle, Dickwella knows what he has to do. Sits under this one. |
| 78.2 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Short and around off, dabbed to point. |
| 78.3 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Short length delivery around off, Dickwella sways away, maybe thinks about the ramp shot. Then, thinks slightly better and just lets this through to the keeper. |
| 78.4 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Length and around off, kept out. |
| 78.5 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Slowish yorker around off, Wood wanted to take Dickwella by surprise. Niroshan though digs this one out towards the mid on region. Wood has a cheeky smile on his face, after the delivery. |
| 78.6 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, On the pads, helped to the on side for a single. End of another over from Wood in this extended spell, most probably his last of the day. |
| 79.1 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted on off, kept out by ND. |
| 79.2 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, Floated on middle, Dickwella sweeps this one fine to the short fine leg region. Gets a single. |
| 0.0 : The reserve umpire is ready with the second new ball. He also has the light meter in his hand. Just 5 more balls to go... |
| 79.3 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, On middle, clipped to the mid-wicket region. |
| 79.4 : Dom Bess to Angelo Mathews, Loopy and around off, Mathews whips this one through mid-wicket and collects a single. |
| 79.5 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, Sweep is out again. It is on middle, Floated delivery. Dickwella sweeps again to fine leg. Picks up a couple. |
| 79.6 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, Loopy and on middle, Dickwella does well to keep this one out. |
| 80.1 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Starts his new spell with a fuller length ball close to off, a hint of away shape, Mathews plays it nice and late as he keeps it out safely to covers. |
| 80.2 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, A length ball this time around off, Mathews goes on the back foot and defends it down on the pitch. |
| 0.0 : England have the option to opt for the second new ball and they have taken it immediately. Not surprisingly, James Anderson returns to make the first use of it. |
| 80.3 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Anderson hurls across a fuller length ball outside off, angling in and once again moving away slightly, Mathews makes a watchful leave. |
| 80.4 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Yet another delivery in the corridor outside off, Mathews is happy leaving those. Away, away, away... is Anderson planning for a big inswinger? |
| 80.5 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Here it comes... Right there! A big inswinger from Jimmy, fullish and on off, curling back into the batsman, Mathews is up to the task and plays it out from the inner half to mid on. |
| 80.6 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Good length ball on off, Angelo defends it off his back foot to complete the first over with the second new ball. |
| 80.5 : Sam Curran to bowl from the other end. 8-2-30-0 are his numbers so far. |
| 81.1 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Lovely shot, through extra cover. Curran thrives for some movement and in that greed, he overpitches it around off, Dickwella drives it and Anderson gives the chase. He pulls it back near the fence and they take only two. Poor running, the pair thought that Jimmy won't be chasing it down. |
| 81.2 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Pulls his length back and delivers it on off, Dickwella is on the back foot as he defends. |
| 81.3 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Slightly shorter and outside off, slashed away, but straight to the point fielder. |
| 81.4 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, The batsman has just watchfully blocked this out. |
| 81.5 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, A single this time. On a good length and outside off, Dickwella pushes this one to the cover region and the fielder there fumbles slightly and so the batters are able to complete the run. |
| 81.6 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, Short of a length and around the off pole, Angelo is up to the task and fends this one out well. |
| 82.1 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Anderson speeds in from 'round the wicket for the left-hander and angles in a full length ball on off, Dickwella defends it back. |
| 82.2 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Too full on this occasion, Dickwella plays the on drive but finds the mid on fielder. |
| 82.3 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Shortish and close to off, Niroshan goes on his toes and taps it down to covers. |
| 82.4 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Sliding down the leg side, Dickwella fails to flick and it goes off his pads to fine leg for a leg bye. |
| 82.5 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Switches to over the wicket for Mathews. Delivers a full ball on off and the batsman works it wristily to mid on. |
| 82.6 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! Finds the gap and the timing is superb! Fuller in length around middle and leg, Mathews picks it off his pads and flicks it through square leg. It runs through a sea of crows and finds the fence. |
| 83.1 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Length and around off, Dickwella is solid in keeping this one out. |
| 83.2 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Again, shows the full face of the blade and fends this one back towards the younger Curran. |
| 83.3 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length delivery around that fourth stump channel, Dickwella punches but finds the fielder at covers. |
| 83.4 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Pitched up and around off, Niroshan worked this one towards the mid off fielder. |
| 83.5 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, On the pads, clipped through the mid-wicket region for a quick run. The call was quick and the response was good to complete the run with ease. |
| 83.4 : It has turned a bit gloomy with dark clouds hanging above the stadium. Expect the umpires to keep an eye on the light meter. |
| 83.6 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, Short of a length delivery on middle, Angelo looks to tuck this one away to the leg side but the ball takes the outside edge and goes towards the cover region. |
| 84.1 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, A confident push. Anderson plants a fuller length ball on off, Dickwella pushes it from the middle of his bat to covers. |
| 84.2 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Slightly short this time, around off, Niroshan gets back and plays it down with an angled bat to point. |
| 84.3 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, On a good length and close to off, Dickwella stays back and taps it down to covers. |
| 84.4 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Jimmy goes fuller and close to off, Dickwella allows the ball to come to him and then blocks it near his front pad. |
| 84.5 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, A bit of a mishit! Anderson serves it full and close to off, stopping a bit onto the batsman, Dickwella is early into the shot and pushes it aerially towards mid off. Doesn't carry. |
| 84.6 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Better this time from the batsman, presents a straight bat to a full delivery and defends it back. |
| 85.1 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, Length and around off, Mathews keeps this one out towards the cover region. |
| 85.2 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, Slightly fuller and on the pads, Mathews clips this one nicely through square leg. Bess, from fine leg, runs to his left and keeps this one down to just a couple. |
| 85.3 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, Short of a length and around off, Mathews jumps and is able to block this one nicely. |
| 85.4 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, On a length and outside off, Mathews looks to slash this one away but this one comes off the inner half of the willow and goes to the cover region. |
| 85.5 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, Drives this one to the cover region. No runs as this one was straight to the fielder. |
| 85.6 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, Shows the full face of the bat, does Angelo. Does well to show his solid defense. Sri Lanka would just want to go through these last few moments unscathed. |
| 86.1 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length delivery outside off going straight on after landing, nicely left alone by Dickwella. |
| 86.2 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Anderson gets closer to the off stump, angling in, Dickwella defends it from the back foot to the off side. |
| 86.3 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Pitches it up and around off, Dickwella produces a copybook forward defensive shot. |
| 86.4 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Easy runs! Anderson errs in his line on this occasion and bowls it too straight. Fullish and angling down the leg side, Dickwella nudges it fine down the leg side for a boundary. |
| 86.5 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Slants in a fuller length ball around off, Dickwella presses forward and pushes it towards mid on. |
| 86.6 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Hurls in a length ball in the zone outside off, Dickwella shoulders arms. End of the over and that will be STUMPS ON DAY 1! |
| End of an absorbing day of Test cricket! Sri Lanka will be very pleased with their efforts after winning the toss. It though started on a sorry note, Angelo Mathews' partnerships with Lahiru Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal made sure that the hosts kept a strong grip on the proceedings. |
| England tried their best but it was a toil for them. Hot and humid conditions along with an unresponsive surface - The Three Lions braved everything but managed to pick only four wickets. The spinners didn't get much purchase and apart from one Jack Leach's ball which gripped and turned, there wasn't anything threatening. The bowler of the day has to be James Anderson for his three wickets but you need to applaud Mark Wood for his hostile spells. |
| The star of the day with the bat has to be Angelo Mathews! He looked in control right from the beginning even though he walked in with Sri Lanka in a spot of bother. Mathews brought all his experience into play and batted with good intent. He will be thrilled to get his maiden Test ton in Galle and would look to make it a daddy hundred. Here he comes to have a quick chat... |
| Angelo Mathews starts off by saying that the openers got out early and they had to see through the early phase and wait for the ball to get slightly older. Praises the bowlers of England for their work. Feels that he got into a good rhythm in the last innings in the first Test but he had to work extremely hard as the English bowlers gave nothing away. Shares that life is not easy in the bubble but playing at the same venue helps in knowing the conditions better. Feels that if the weather remains |
| Right then, Sri Lanka would definitely be the happier side at the end of Day 1 but they will have to come out and do it again on Day 2. They will be hoping to bat long and end their first innings on a high. England, on the other hand, would be hoping for some success in the morning as they aim to wrap up the Sri Lankan batting quickly. Do join us for Day 2 on Saturday, 23rd January 2021 at 1000 local (0430 GMT) for all the action. Until then, cheers! |
| ... Day 2, Morning Session ... |
| So what happened on Day 1? Sri Lanka did not have a good start as they lost two wickets quickly but Angelo Mathews stitched partnerships with Thirimanne first and then with Chandimal to ensure that they end the day on top. Mathews scored a fine ton and is still going strong in the middle while Chandimal perished after scoring a 50. They are in a very good position and would hope that they can post a challenging first innings total. |
| Hello and a warm welcome to the second day's play of the second Test match between England and Sri Lanka. Day 1 belonged to the hosts but England are not out of it yet as they know one or two quick wickets will bring them back in the game. Their bowlers have tried very hard but that has not borne fruit as yet and they will look to make a comeback. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, would want to keep churning out the runs. |
| England, on the other hand, toiled very hard in the field. They kept the run rate in check but the problem is that they have not been able to take as many wickets as they would have liked. James Anderson was the star with the ball as he picked up 3 wickets out of the 4 to fall but credit must also be given to Mark Wood for bowling a fine, fine spell. The spinners did not look threatening. They will hope that they can pick up a few quick wickets and put the hosts on the back foot. |
| Pitch Report- Russel Arnold is out in the middle for the Pitch Report. He says that the pitch will start to deteriorate from now on and says that there are early signs of it. Reckons that the spinners will slowly start having an impact on the game now. Feels that Sri Lanka should allow the pitch to wear down more. |
| 87.1 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, Full length delivery around off, Mathews defends it to the off side. |
| 0.0 : We are all set to begin Day 2! The England players make their way out to the field, followed by Angelo Mathews and Niroshan Dickwella. Sam Curran will start with the ball for the visitors. |
| 87.2 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, Full length ball around the off pole, Angelo fends it out. |
| 0.0 : James Anderson has his thoughts to share about Day 1. Says that he was delighted with the way he bowled and was happy with his rhythm. States that when one comes to Sri Lanka, one does not expect to bowl well, but he is happy with himself. Adds that it was a tiring Day 1 but says that it is important now to put that behind and move on now. Says that they need to keep bowling in the right areas now. States that the bowlers bowled good lengths with the new ball on Day 1. Reckons it will be pret |
| 87.3 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, Full and around the off pole line, Angelo Mathews defends that to the cover region. |
| 87.4 : Sam Curran to Angelo Mathews, First runs of the day. Full length delivery, Angelo Mathews drives it through the cover-point region. The fielder gives chase and dives near the boundary. To the naked eye, he seems to have done well but the umpires want to have a look. It is taken upstairs and replays are in. The umpires are satisfied with the save. Just the 3 runs then. |
| 87.5 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Length delivery around the off stump, Niroshan stands tall and defends it out. |
| 87.6 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Length ball around the off stump line, fended out back on the pitch. |
| James Anderson will bowl from the other end. |
| 88.1 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, An appeal for a LBW but not given. It was too high. Good length delivery around off and middle, Mathews looks to play at that but misses. Gets hit on the top of his pads. Anderson and England appeal but to no avail. |
| 88.2 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Good length delivery outside the off stump line, AM lets it be. |
| 88.3 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Full ball on middle, Angelo defends it out. |
| 88.4 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Fullish length delivery, seaming in a little, around the off pole area, Mathews is solid in his defence. |
| 88.5 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, Full length ball, Angelo Mathews pushes it to the left of mid on but the fielder dives in that direction and keeps it out. Anderson reckons he was a bit fuller there. |
| England have taken a review! Angelo Mathews is the man in question. The Ultra Edge rolls in and it shows that there is a spike as the ball passed the bat. The third umpire first tells the on-field umpire to stay with the original decision but then realizes that the catch has been taken and the decision is reversed. |
| 88.6 : James Anderson to Angelo Mathews, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Hmm... we got there in the end. It is a superb review from England. They knew that they needed to get rid of Mathews. Full length ball on off and middle, Angelo Mathews looks to defend that but to the naked eye he seems to have missed it. The ball hits the pads and goes to Buttler, who takes it. England go up in appeal for a caught behind but the umpire is unmoved. Joe Root decides to take the review though. The ball is very close to th |
| Ramesh Mendis, the debutant, is the new man in. |
| 89.1 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Full length ball, Dickwella turns it to the leg side for a dot. |
| 89.2 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Full and swinging down the leg side, Niroshan misses his flick. |
| 89.3 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Full delivery, Niroshan Dickwella defends it to the man at short mid-wicket. |
| 89.4 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Full and on middle, ND clips it through the square leg region and takes a couple. |
| 89.5 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Full length delivery outside the off stump area, the left-hander defends it out. |
| 89.6 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! That is a boundary for Dickwella. The second one in his innings. Spoils Curran's over somewhat. Short length delivery outside the off pole zone, Niroshan Dickwella stands tall and cuts it through the backward point region. |
| 90.1 : James Anderson to Ramesh Mendis, Full length ball on off, Mendis fends it out solidly. First ball in Test cricket negotiated out safely. |
| 90.2 : James Anderson to Ramesh Mendis, Outside off, left alone. |
| 90.3 : James Anderson to Ramesh Mendis, Full and around the off pole, Ramesh defends it out to the off side. |
| 90.4 : James Anderson to Ramesh Mendis, Short of a length delivery on the body, Ramesh Mendis offered no shot there. It clips his body and goes behind square on the leg side. They take a single but since Mendis offered no shot there, he has to go back, to the striker's end. |
| 90.5 : James Anderson to Ramesh Mendis, Short ball around middle, Mendis sits under that one. |
| 90.6 : James Anderson to Ramesh Mendis, In the channel outside off, RM leaves that alone. |
| Mark Wood is into the attack. 17-2-47-1 are his figures so far. |
| 91.1 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Full length delivery, Niroshan pushes it to the man at cover. Follows it up with a 'no' to the non-striker. |
| 91.2 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Good shot. Second boundary of the morning for Dickwella. Full length ball, Niroshan Dickwella pushes it wide of mid on. Just a defensive push it was. The man at mid on backtracks and gives chase but comes second in the race, to the boundary. |
| 91.3 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Full and on the off pole line, defended to the off side. |
| 91.4 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length ball around the off stump, Dickwella pushes it in front of mid on. Initially seems interested for a single. That prompts Ramesh to stray out of his crease. But then, Niroshan Dickwella, later on, says no and sends him back. |
| 91.5 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length and outside off, Niroshan taps it on the off side and takes one. |
| 91.6 : Dilruwan Perera is the next man in. |
| Mark Wood to Ramesh Mendis, OUT! CAUGHT! Down the leg side, it is a brilliant grab. Would you believe that? Would you believe that? Wow! Fullish length ball on the pads, Mendis looks to tickle it down to the fine leg region. Gets an edge on it and the ball goes to the left of Jos Buttler, down the leg side. Buttler dives to that side and takes a very good catch. Wood's introduction on Day 2 works wonders. He gets his second. Mendis goes for a duck on debut. Not the debut, he would have wan |
| 92.1 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length ball on the pads, Dickwella works it to the square leg region for a single. |
| 92.2 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Good length ball on off, Perera solidly blocks it to cover. |
| 92.3 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Full delivery outside the off stump line, Perera shoulders arms to it. |
| 92.4 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Full ball on off, Perera pushes it to mid off. |
| 92.5 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Good length ball on off, defended out to the off side. |
| 92.6 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Good length ball outside off, angling in. Perera watches it carefully and then leaves it alone. |
| 93.1 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Fullish ball on off, Dickwella pushes it to mid off. |
| 93.2 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Creamed! Dickwella is looking good so far! Full ball outside off, Dickwella lunges forward and drives it through the covers region for a boundary. |
| 93.3 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Short ball around middle and leg, Dickwella ducks under it. |
| 93.4 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Slower ball on middle, Niroshan works it to the leg side. |
| 93.5 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length ball outside off, Dickwella pushes it to the cover-point region and collects a run. |
| 93.6 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Good length ball on middle, defended back to the bowler. |
| 94.1 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Full ball on off, Niroshan looks to flick but gets a leading edge back to mid off. A safe leading edge. |
| 94.2 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Really good shot from Dickwella again! Fullish ball outside off, Dickwella drives it through the covers region. The fielder gives it a chase but in vain as the ball touches the ropes in the end. |
| 94.3 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length ball outside off, Dickwella lets it go to the keeper. |
| 94.4 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length ball outside off, Dickwella pushes it to cover-point. |
| 94.5 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Outside off, left alone. |
| 94.6 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Full ball on off, Dickwella defends it to the mid off region. |
| 95.1 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Back of a length ball on middle, Perera nudges it to mid-wicket. |
| 95.2 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Fullish ball on off, Dilruwan drives but finds the fielder at mid off. |
| 95.3 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Good length ball on off, Perera defends it to mid off. |
| 95.4 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Sharp bumper on middle from Wood, Perera does well to duck under it. |
| 95.5 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Back of a length ball on middle, Perera works it to mid-wicket. |
| 95.6 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Outside off, left alone. |
| 96.1 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, Bess starts with a flatter ball outside off, Dickwella cuts it through the cover-point region for a single. |
| 0.0 : This is going to be very interesting. Dom Bess comes back into the attack. 18-1-54-0 are his figures so far. Russel had stated (during the Pitch Report) that the spinners could get into the act today. Let's see how Dom goes about then. |
| 96.2 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Tossed up ball on middle, Dilruwan defends it back to the bowler. |
| 96.3 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Flatter ball on middle, Perera nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 96.4 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, Floated ball outside off, Dickwella plays it to deep cover and collects a run. |
| 96.5 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Loopy ball on middle, DP works it to mid-wicket. |
| 96.6 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Full on middle, Dilruwan plays it back to the bowler. |
| 97.1 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Short length delivery, Niroshan ducks under it. |
| 97.2 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Shortish length ball, pulled away in the gap behind square on the leg side. Should be at least two as deep backward square leg runs to his right and mops it up. Yes, two runs it is. |
| 97.3 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Short and on top of the stumps, the Sri Lankan wicket-keeper sits under that one. |
| 97.4 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Shortish and on off, Dickwella clips but finds the man at short mid-wicket there. |
| 97.5 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, Shortish length delivery on top of leg, Niroshan Dickwella sits under that one there. Hang on, No Ball called here. It has been called as Wood overstepped. |
| Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Gone fine. No leg slip so no worries for Niroshan Dickwella. Jonny Bairstow was at leg slip a while ago, not now. Niroshan Dickwella uses the angle of this shortish length ball and tickles it down nicely to the fine leg region and gets a boundary. |
| 97.6 : Mark Wood to Niroshan Dickwella, That will be safe. Presence of mind as to where the fielders are. Shortish and around off, Dickwella swings across the line. Hits it uppishly but it falls safely ahead of Curran at fine leg. A single and Dickwella moves to 49 now. |
| Drinks! England have done well in the morning session. They have picked up a couple of wickets, including that of Angelo Mathews. It was Anderson yet again who started it with Wood doing a very good again. Sri Lanka now depend on Niroshan Dickwella to get them to a good score. He has looked good so far and is just one short of fifty. The hosts would want him to continue and not throw it away.  |
| 98.1 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, FIFTY! Full toss on off, Dickwella nudges it down to mid off for a run. And that will be a half century for Niroshan Dickwella. Yesterday, he played with Mathews. Today, he has to bat well, along with the tail. |
| 98.2 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Floated delivery on off and middle, Dilruwan keeps it out. |
| 98.3 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Flatter delivery outside the off pole, Perera rocks back and cuts it on the off side. Says no to a single. |
| 98.4 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Floated ball on the middle pole, blocked to the on side. |
| 98.5 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Floated on the off pole line, Perera lunges forward and keeps that out. |
| 98.6 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Pushes this fuller in length delivery to the off side and gets to the other end. The conditions are still very good for batting. |
| Jack Leach is into the attack. |
| 99.1 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, FOUR! Oh... he drives him straightaway. Leach floats this on middle and leg, Dilruwan Perera dances down and lofts the drive well over mid on. The ball gets into the fence on a couple of bounces. |
| 99.2 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, On off, blocked to the leg side. |
| 99.3 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Good come back from Jack Leach though. Loopy delivery around the off pole line, defended back on the track. |
| 99.4 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, An easy brace here. Outside off, Perera steers it behind square on the off side and comes back in for the second. |
| 99.5 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Full toss on the off stump line, Dilruwan misses out there. He is only able to tap it down to mid on for a dot. He would be kicking himself for missing to hit that one. |
| 99.6 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Shortish and outside off, Perera taps it to the short third man region and takes a single. |
| 100.1 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Lands the off spinner on the middle pole line, Dilruwan Perera goes back and keeps it out to the man at backward square leg. |
| 100.3 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Flatter off break on the middle stump, Dilruwan flicks but short leg keeps it out. |
| 100.4 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Lunges forward and keeps this loopy ball out, back on the track. |
| 100.2 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, An armball, flatter and on middle, tucked to mid-wicket and DP exchanges ends with Niroshan. |
| 100.5 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Hit that well but straight to the fielder. Flatter delivery on the pads, Perera camps back and pulls it firmly, but finds deep square leg there. Hence, they get just the one. |
| 100.6 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, Loopy one on the off stump line, blocked. |
| 101.1 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flatter ball outside the off stump line, Dilruwan goes onto the back foot and taps it to the man at short third. |
| 101.2 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, This time it is fuller in length delivery and on the middle stump line, defended to the off side. |
| 101.3 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Identical delivery, identical result. |
| 101.4 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Loopy ball on off and middle, Perera defends it to the off side. |
| 101.5 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, That is the line Jack would look to settle into. More of wicket-to-wicket. He loops this on off and middle, Perera strides forward in defense. |
| 101.6 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, A maiden over from Leach. Looped up delivery outside the off pole area, Dilruwan Perera taps it to the off side. |
| 102.1 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted ball outside off, Niroshan drives it to deep cover for a single. |
| 102.2 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Loopy ball on off, Perera prods forward and then blocks it to the off side. |
| 102.3 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Flatter on middle, Perera plays it back to the bowler. |
| 102.4 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Quicker on the pads, Dilruwan flicks it to square leg where Lawrence misfields and allows the batters to take a single. |
| 102.5 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Swept and swept well! Beautifully hit from Dickwella! Flighted ball on middle, Dickwella sweeps it in front of square on the leg side for a boundary. |
| 102.6 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, On middle, blocked back to the bowler. |
| 103.1 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, FOUR! Good hit from Dilruwan Perera! Floated ball on middle, Perera dances down the track and then lifts it over the bowler's head for a boundary. |
| 103.2 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Loopy ball on middle, Perera works it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 103.3 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted on middle, Dickwella dances down the track and then flicks it wide of long on for a single. |
| 103.4 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Floated on off, Perera blocks it to cover. |
| 103.5 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flatter ball outside off, punched to cover. |
| 103.6 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, On middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 104.1 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, Falls short! Dickwella is really lucky there! Loopy ball on off, Dickwella looks to sweep but it takes the top edge. It lobs in the air towards deep square leg. Leach runs ahead but it lands just ahead of him. Two taken. |
| 104.2 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, On off, pushed to cover. |
| 104.3 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, Floated on off, Dickwella uses his feet and then drives it to long off for a single. |
| 104.4 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Floated ball on middle and leg, Perera taps it to leg slip. |
| 104.5 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Flighted ball on middle, Perera defends it to short leg. |
| 104.6 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Quicker on middle, DP nudges it to mid-wicket. |
| 105.2 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Slower through the air on middle, Dickwella flicks it to deep square leg and crosses over for the single. |
| 105.1 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up on the pads, Dickwella flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 105.3 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Floated ball outside off, Perera leaves it alone. |
| 105.4 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Loopy ball on off, Perera prods forward and then blocks it to cover. |
| 105.5 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Up and over! Tossed up outside off, Perera prods forward and then lifts it over the cover fielder. A couple taken before the fielder cuts it off. |
| 105.6 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flatter ball on middle, Perera plays it back to the bowler. |
| 106.1 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, Floated on off, Dickwella pushes it to cover-point. |
| 106.2 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, 50-run stand comes up! Flighted ball outside off, Dickwella drives it through cover for a single. Excellent stand and it has come in good time as well. |
| 106.3 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Short ball on middle, Perera pulls it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 106.4 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Smashed! Dickwella is playing really well. Tossed up on middle, Dickwella goes down on his knees and then slog sweeps it to the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary. |
| 106.5 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted ball on middle, Dickwella plays it back to the bowler. |
| 106.6 : Dom Bess to Niroshan Dickwella, On off, pushed to cover. |
| 107.1 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flatter ball outside the off stump area, Dilruwan goes onto his back foot and keeps it out on the off side. |
| 107.2 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Similar line and length, Perera tries to drop it on the off side again but misses. |
| 107.3 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Fuller in length ball around the off pole, Dilruwan prods forward and blocks it. |
| 107.4 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Brilliant fielding. Flatter and outside the off pole line, Dilruwan Perera rocks back and cuts it through point. Sibley, who was at cover-point, runs to his left, dives and cuts it out well. Keeps it down to just the single. |
| 107.5 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, 300 up for the Lankans. Brilliant. Was not even looking possible at one stage but this partnership has made it come by, for the hosts. Jack Leach loops this around the off pole line, pushed down to mid on for one. |
| 107.6 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Looped up ball on the off stump, blocked. |
| Sam Curran is back on. 13-2-45-0 are his figures so far. |
| 108.1 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Sam comes from 'around the wicket and bangs it in shortish, outside the off pole, tapped to the man at backward point. |
| 108.2 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Another shortish length ball, on the pads, worked to fine leg, for a run. |
| 108.3 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, Fullish and around off, blocked to the off side. |
| 108.5 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, Full and angled into the off pole, Perera pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 108.4 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, Another fullish length delivery, Dilruwan is solid in his defence here. |
| 108.6 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, Full length delivery, angled into middle and leg, Dilruwan Perera taps it to the off side. A tidy over. |
| 109.1 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Looped up on the off pole line, blocked to the leg side. 'Bowled Leachy' says one of the English players. |
| 109.2 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up delivery around the off pole, pushed down to long on. They cross. |
| 109.3 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Tossed up ball on the middle stump line, DP drives but finds cover there. They decide against taking the single. |
| 109.4 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Tossed up, on off and middle, Dilruwan keeps it out. |
| 109.5 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, JL tosses this outside off, Perera taps it to the off side. |
| 109.6 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, End of another tight over. Outside off, Dilruwan rocks back but ends up leaving it in the end. |
| 110.1 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, In the air... but it gets away from Crawley, at leg gully. Short length delivery around off, Dickwella goes for a pull shot. Gets a top edge but luckily, gets it over Zak Crawley at leg gully. A couple taken before he runs and cuts it off. |
| 110.2 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Short length ball, Niroshan lets it be. |
| 110.3 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Oh... no chance for Buttler there. It was well and truly away from him. Good energy from Sam Curran as well. He bowls another short delivery, Niroshan Dickwella goes for a pull shot. Gets an edge but gets it well wide of Buttler and gets it down to the fine leg fence. |
| 110.4 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, On middle, pulled to deep backward square leg for two. |
| 110.5 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Full length delivery on the middle stump line, Dickwella flicks it to the leg side. |
| 110.6 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Well, nothing much for the English there. Short ball, Niroshan Dickwella goes for the pull but he misses. Ends up getting hit on the body and the ball goes behind for Jos Buttler. Dickwella survives. Hang on... replays are in. Hmm... there was a bottom edge onto the thigh pad there, as it goes to Buttler on the bounce. |
| 111.1 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flighted delivery, outside off, driven to cover. |
| 111.2 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flighted ball outside the off pole, Dilruwan taps it to the off side and says no. |
| 111.3 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, This time it is flatter and outside off, Perera stays back to block it. Gets an underedge of sorts and looks to push it away from hitting the stumps. No damage done here, for Sri Lanka. |
| 111.4 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, On off and middle, pushed back to Jack. |
| 111.5 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flatter ball on middle, clipped to square leg for a quick single. There is an overthrow at the bowler's end but they choose to be happy with the one there. |
| 111.6 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Niroshan dances down the track and nudges this fuller ball through mid on and crosses for a single. |
| 112.1 : Sam Curran to Niroshan Dickwella, Short ball on the pads, Dickwella works it down to fine leg for a single. |
| 112.2 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, Good length ball on middle and leg, Perera works it to mid-wicket. |
| 112.3 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, Short ball around middle, Dilruwan ducks under it. |
| 112.4 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, Full ball on off, DP drives it to mid off. |
| 112.5 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, Short ball around middle, Perera ducks under it. |
| 112.6 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, Full ball on off, Perera defends it back to the bowler. LUNCH ON DAY 2. |
| It is another really good session of tough Test match cricket. England had the honours early on but Sri Lanka have come, roaring back in. This partnership between Dickwella and Perera is 70 and going strong. They have done a terrific job so far. |
| The session did not start off on a great note for the Lankans, as they lost their centurion, Mathews, pretty early. The debutant, Ramesh Mendis, soon followed. At 243/6, it looked like the Sri Lankans might at best get to 275 or so. But Dickwella and Perera had other plans. They have stitched a 50-plus partnership and Sri Lanka are well past 300 now. |
| Nothing much for the visitors, except the initial success. It was once again their go-to-man, James Anderson, who got the much-needed breakthrough, that of Angelo Mathews. And shortly after that Wood removed Ramesh Mendis, courtesy a splendid catch from Jos Buttler. But after that, the bowlers had to toil hard, with no real success. The spinners were not spared at all, with Perera not afraid of dancing down the track to go for the lofted shots. |
| Right then, that caps off an excellent session for Sri Lanka. They have done really well so far and with ample time still left in the Test match, they would feel that they are in no hurry. Meanwhile, England need to net a few wickets in the immediate overs after Lunch. If they cannot, the Lankans might well and truly run away with this match. Join us at around 1240 local (0710 GMT) to find out how the post-Lunch session pans out... |
| ... Day 2, Session 2... |
| We are back for the afternoon session then. Niroshan Dickwella and Dilruwan Perera are out in the middle. So are the English players. Jack Leach will continue with the ball for the English. Here he comes... |
| 113.1 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Short ball on middle, Dickwella pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 113.2 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Loopy ball on middle, Perera lunges forward and then defends it to the leg side. |
| 113.4 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Floated on off, Perera solidly defends it to the off side. |
| 113.3 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flighted ball outside off, Perera leaves it alone. |
| 113.5 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Loopy ball on middle, Perera works it to mid-wicket. |
| 113.6 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Safely negotiated! Tossed up outside off, Perera blocks it to cover. Just a single from the over. |
| Will Sam Curran continue from the other end? No, it is James Anderson. Just the pattern that has always been the case for England. He will be looking for a fifer here. He has figures of 23-12-29-4 so far. |
| 114.1 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Nicely guided away! Dickwella moves to the 80s! Good length ball outside off, Dickwella guides it to the backward point region and picks up a boundary. |
| 114.2 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Fullish ball on off, Dickwella plays it to point. |
| 114.3 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, On a length on middle, Dickwella plays it back to the bowler. |
| 114.4 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Back of a length ball on off, Dickwella taps it to the point region for a dot. |
| 114.5 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Full ball outside off, Dickwella drives it to deep point for a single. This is now Dickwella's highest score in Test cricket. |
| 114.6 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Full ball outside off, Perera shoulders arms to it. |
| The Sri Lankan physio is out here. He is giving some assistance to Niroshan. Possibly some cramp. Water and tablets are being given to Dickwella. Right, he is back on his feet and will continue, while the physio makes his way out. |
| 115.2 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Full ball outside off, Niroshan digs it to cover. |
| 115.1 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Shorter on the pads, Dickwella plays it to short fine leg. |
| 115.3 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Flatter on middle, Dickwella works it to mid-wicket where Bairstow makes a fumble and that allows the batters to pick up a single. |
| 115.4 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, NOT OUT! Pitching outside leg and England lose one of their reviews. Floated ball on the pads, Perera looks to sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. Buttler and Leach appeal but the umpire is not confident. Both the keeper and the bowler look confident and they convince Root to take the review. Joe Root takes it. Ultra Edge shows that there is no bat on it while Ball Tracker shows that it is pitching outside leg. Strange review. |
| 115.5 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, On middle, Perera plays it to long on for a single. |
| 115.6 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted on middle, Dickwella works it to the leg side for a single. |
| 115.3 : Time for a review here! Interesting, it was down the leg side but still, Root, has opted to review that, for a LBW. Dilruwan Perera is the man in question. Let's see if he has got any bat on it whatsoever. Ultra Edge is in... Flat line as the ball passes the bat. Right, in comes Ball Tracker. PITCHING OUTSIDE LEG, nothing further to move on here. On-field decision stays and the tourists lose a review. |
| 116.1 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Full ball outside off, Dickwella drives it to cover. |
| 116.2 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length ball outside off, Dickwella plays it uppishly to point but luckily for Dickwella, it lands safely in front of the fielder. |
| 116.3 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Full ball outside off, Niroshan taps it to the deep point region and crosses over for a single. |
| 116.4 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Good length ball outside off, Perera lets it go to the keeper. |
| 116.5 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Full ball on middle, Dilruwan pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 116.6 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Outside off, left alone by Perera. |
| 117.1 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, On the pads, Niroshan swats it down to the fine leg region and they cross. |
| 117.2 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Loopy ball on off, Perera prods forward and then defends it to the off side. |
| 117.3 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, A big appeal for caught behind turned down! Floated ball outside off, turning away. Perera looks to defend but seems to have missed. Buttler collects and appeals but the umpire is not interested. The English players think of a review but they opt against it. |
| 117.4 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, On middle, defended back to the bowler. |
| 117.5 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flatter ball outside off, DP pushes it to cover. |
| 117.6 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Tossed up on middle, Perera defends it back to the bowler. |
| 118.1 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Full length delivery around off, Niroshan is solid as a rock in his defence there. 88 dots in his innings so far. |
| 118.2 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Dickwella moves into the 90s here! He is very good when playing his shots as well. Full length ball on middle and leg, Niroshan Dickwella clips it through the mid-wicket region. The fielder at deep square leg runs to his right but the Lankans pick up three by the time the throw comes in. |
| 118.3 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Outside off, dabbed to the off side. |
| 118.4 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Full length ball around the off pole, Dilruwan comes forward and fends it out. |
| 118.5 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Short length delivery, Perera sits under that one. |
| 118.6 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Full length and angled in near the off pole line, blocked to the off side. |
| 119.1 : Jack Leach to Niroshan Dickwella, Niroshan Dickwella has options on the on side. Tossed up around the off stump, ND gets down and paddles it nicely through short fine leg. Takes a single. |
| 119.2 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flatter and outside the off stump line, Dilruwan drives it to cover. |
| 119.3 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Fuller in length ball on the off pole area, blocked back on the pitch. |
| 119.4 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Leach gives it a nice loop and bowls it outside the off pole channel, Perera rocks back but lets it be in the end. |
| 119.5 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, FOUR! The slowness of the track coming to play here. Nicely dealt with by Perera. A touch short, outside the off stump area, Perera goes back and guides it nicely behind square on the off side. A fielder gives chase, but in vain. |
| 119.6 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flighted ball on the middle stump line, defended to the leg side. Better from Leach. |
| 120.1 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Full length ball around the off pole, blocked to the off side. |
| 120.2 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Shortish length delivery just outside the off pole area, dabbed to the man at cover-point. Niroshan eyeing his first 100 here. He has looked very good so far. Russel Arnold (on air) is very impressed with him. |
| 120.3 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, Full length ball around the off stump area, Dickwella drives but finds short mid off there. |
| 120.4 : James Anderson to Niroshan Dickwella, OUT! CAUGHT! Oh dear! Oh dear! Niroshan Dickwella departs. Commentator's curse, given that Arnold was praising him a while ago. And it is yet another five-wicket haul for James Anderson in Tests. His 33rd in fact. Well bowled. It was full and outside the off pole area, Niroshan Dickwella wanted to clear the head of mid off there. He strokes his drive uppishly. But it was not aerial enough. Jack Leach, at mid off, runs to his right, stretches his arms |
| Suranga Lakmal comes out to bat. |
| 120.5 : James Anderson to Suranga Lakmal, Short of a length and outside off, defended to the off side. |
| 120.6 : Lasith Embuldeniya is the next man in. |
| James Anderson to Suranga Lakmal, OUT! TAKEN! One brings two they say. James Anderson gets another wicket. The three changes that Sri Lanka made for this match - all of them register ducks. Tough conditions for fast bowling but not tough for Anderson. Full length delivery, Lakmal comes forward and goes for the drive. He though gets a thick outside edge and it goes over the head of Crawley at gully. He takes a sharp catch. |
| 121.1 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, SIX! Oh... that is all the way! Flighted outside off, Dilruwan Perera dances down the track and lofts it well over the head of the man at long off. Perera knew it the moment he hit that. |
| 121.2 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flighted again, around off, defended to the off side. |
| 121.3 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Sharp turn there. It lands outside off and moves away further. Dilruwan lets that one be. |
| 121.4 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Slower in the air and on off and middle, Perera pushes it to the right of the bowler and strays outside of his crease. Leach dives to his right, takes the ball and throws it back to the keeper. Perera was slow but eventually gets back. |
| 121.5 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Floated on middle, defended back on the track. |
| 121.6 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, On off, Perera clips it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 122.1 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Short length ball, Dilruwan sits under that one. |
| 122.2 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Full and around off, Perera defends it down to mid on. |
| 122.3 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Full and outside off, Perera drives it to cover-point who makes a diving stop. Keeps it down to one. |
| 122.4 : James Anderson to Lasith Embuldeniya, Short length delivery on top of middle, Lasith jumps to play at it but misses and takes it on his body. |
| 122.5 : James Anderson to Lasith Embuldeniya, Outside off, this time Embuldeniya leaves it alone. |
| 122.6 : James Anderson to Lasith Embuldeniya, BEATEN! Lasith Embuldeniya is lucky he did not get an edge there. Full and outside off, Embuldeniya comes forward and looks to drive but gets beaten on the outside edge there. |
| 123.1 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flighted outside off, left alone. |
| 123.2 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, FOUR! That is a boundary. Nicely hit. Full length ball around off, Dilruwan Perera gets down and sweeps it in front of square leg for a boundary. |
| 123.3 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Comes down the track and looks to go big over long on. Ends up mistiming it to the fielder there. A single. |
| 123.4 : Jack Leach to Lasith Embuldeniya, Floated on off, Lasith defends it to the leg side. |
| 123.5 : Jack Leach to Lasith Embuldeniya, Very full and outside off, Embuldeniya digs it out back on the track. |
| 123.6 : Jack Leach to Lasith Embuldeniya, Tossed up ball on off, Lasith Embuldeniya looks to defend but ends up getting it safely to the man at leg slip, off the inner half. |
| 124.1 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Full length ball around off, Dilruwan Perera looks to defend but ends up getting an inside edge onto his pads there. |
| 124.2 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Full and outside off, defended to the off side. |
| 124.3 : James Anderson to Dilruwan Perera, Full and on off, Perera defends it solidly back to the bowler. Anderson takes the ball and tries to run out Lasith Embuldeniya at the other end but misses to hit the stumps. They steal a single off the overthrows there. |
| 124.4 : James Anderson to Lasith Embuldeniya, Outside off, stabbed to the man at backward point. |
| 124.5 : James Anderson to Lasith Embuldeniya, Short and down the leg side, the left-hander lets it be. |
| 124.6 : James Anderson to Lasith Embuldeniya, Full and well outside off, Lasith looks to force it through the off side but he misses it. |
| 125.1 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flighted outside off, Perera keeps it out. |
| 125.2 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flatter ball outside off, Dilruwan defends it out. |
| 125.3 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Full and on the off pole, blocked to the off side. |
| 125.4 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Shorter and outside off, Perera goes back and fends it out on the off side. |
| 125.5 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Blocks this fuller one to the off side. |
| 125.6 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, No single. Flatter and outside off, Dilruwan Perera nudges it to the off side. Looks for a single but there was none there. So, Embuldeniya will take strike in the next over. |
| Drinks! England have done well since Lunch but they would want to take the remaining 2 wickets as quickly as possible. James Anderson has bowled very well again while they need more from their spinners. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be pleased and they would hope that Perera adds a few more runs on the board. They already have a good score on a wicket which is not going to get easier on the wicket. How many more runs will they add? Mark Wood is back into the attack. |
| 126.1 : Mark Wood to Lasith Embuldeniya, Bumper on top of the stumps, Lasith safely ducks under that one. |
| 126.2 : Mark Wood to Lasith Embuldeniya, Shortish and around off, Embuldeniya defends it to the man at mid off. |
| 126.3 : Mark Wood to Lasith Embuldeniya, Another short one and Embuldeniya has no issues in sitting under that one. This short ball though did not bounce much, like the previous ones. |
| 126.4 : Mark Wood to Lasith Embuldeniya, Yorker, outside off, Lasith digs it out to the man at wide mid off. There was an easy run there but Perera was not interested in that. |
| 126.5 : Mark Wood to Lasith Embuldeniya, BEATEN! Full length ball outside off, Lasith Embuldeniya hangs his bat out, looking to defend, but the ball whizzes past his outside edge. |
| 126.6 : Mark Wood to Lasith Embuldeniya, And Embuldeniya survives the over. Very full and around off, Lasith jams it out to the off side for a dot. |
| 127.1 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flat and outside off, punched off the back foot, to sweeper cover, for a single. |
| 127.2 : Jack Leach to Lasith Embuldeniya, Full and on the stumps, Lasith Embuldeniya comes down the track but ends up pushing it back to the bowler. |
| 127.3 : Jack Leach to Lasith Embuldeniya, Flatter and on off, Embuldeniya taps it to the leg side. |
| 127.4 : Jack Leach to Lasith Embuldeniya, SIX! Take that, says Embuldeniya. And he has helped the hosts register 350 on the board. A touch fuller, outside off, Embuldeniya gets down and mows a huge slog sweep over deep mid-wicket. |
| 127.5 : Jack Leach to Lasith Embuldeniya, Better from Leach. Floated on off and middle, Lasith defends it. |
| 127.6 : Jack Leach to Lasith Embuldeniya, This one is flatter and on the stumps, Embuldeniya camps back and taps it to the man at short leg to see off the over. |
| 128.1 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Full ball on middle, Dilruwan flicks it through the mid-wicket region and picks up a couple of runs before the fielder cuts it off. |
| 128.2 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Good length ball on middle, Perera works it to square leg. |
| 128.3 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Short ball around middle, Perera sits under it. |
| 128.5 : Mark Wood to Lasith Embuldeniya, Full ball on off, Embuldeniya defends it to cover. |
| 128.4 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Good length ball on the pads, Dilruwan flicks it to backward square leg and crosses over for a run. |
| 128.6 : Mark Wood to Lasith Embuldeniya, That was nasty from Wood! Wood bowls a bouncer on middle, Embuldeniya looks to duck but the ball does not rise as high as he expected. It hits him around the shoulder and then hits the helmet and lobs to point where it lands in front of the fielder. |
| Time for the mandatory concussion check here, for Lasith Embuldeniya. The umpires check on him and ask the Sri Lankan physio to come out. The physio checks Embuldeniya and applies the magic spray on the left-hander. Right he looks good and set to resume again. |
| 129.1 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Slower through the air and on off, blocked. |
| 129.2 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Down the wicket but not off the middle of the bat. Leach gives it more air and lands it full and around the off pole, Dilruwan dances down and lofts it over mid on. Gets just the single though. |
| 129.3 : Jack Leach to Lasith Embuldeniya, On off, Lasith skips down the track and pushes it back to the spinner. |
| 129.4 : Jack Leach to Lasith Embuldeniya, Very full length delivery outside the off pole line, Embuldeniya comes down and digs it wide of the bowler. They cross for one. |
| 129.5 : Jack Leach to Dilruwan Perera, Flatter and outside the off stump, Perera rocks back and clips it through mid-wicket. The batsmen cross. At the moment, singles are too easy for Sri Lanka. |
| 129.6 : Jack Leach to Lasith Embuldeniya, Full length delivery around the off stump line, blocked to the man at short leg. |
| 130.1 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Well bowled. Wood bowls a yorker on off and middle, it just tailed in a little. Dilruwan Perera did well to dig it out. |
| 130.2 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Off the thigh pad. Shortish length delivery on the body, Perera looks to flick but it comes straight off the thigh pad. The man at leg slip takes it but not much interest from the English. They too knew it came off the thigh. |
| 130.3 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, FOUR! FIFTY FOR PERERA! His 7th in his Test career. It was a long time coming. Fullish length delivery on the middle pole, Dilruwan Perera turns it nicely to the leg side. Sam Curran, at fine leg, runs to his left and dives but fails to keep it out. A boundary results. |
| 130.5 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Shortish and down the leg side, Dilruwan lets that one be. |
| 130.4 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Shortish length ball around the off pole line, defended back on the track. |
| 130.6 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, It is well played. Mark runs in and bowls a length delivery, outside off, it pitches and seams back in sharply. Perera stands tall and defends it out. |
| Dom Bess is back on. 24-1-75-0 are his figures so far. |
| 131.1 : Dom Bess to Lasith Embuldeniya, Bowls a very full length ball on off, it is jammed out to cover. |
| 131.3 : Dom Bess to Lasith Embuldeniya, That is the line that an offspinner should be bowling to a left-hander. Full and on the off pole line, Lasith taps it to the man at silly point. |
| 131.4 : Dom Bess to Lasith Embuldeniya, Outside the off pole line, dabbed to the off side. |
| 131.6 : Dom Bess to Lasith Embuldeniya, Full delivery, Lasith Embuldeniya keeps it out on the off side. 363/8 are the Sri Lankans, at the end of 132 overs. |
| 131.2 : Dom Bess to Lasith Embuldeniya, Full length ball on the off pole, blocked to the off side. |
| 131.5 : Dom Bess to Lasith Embuldeniya, Full and on off and middle, Embuldeniya nudges it back to Bess. |
| 132.1 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Full ball on middle, nudged to the man at mid on. |
| 132.2 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Not timed by Dilruwan Perera. Full and on the middle pole line, DP flicks but Dom Bess, at square leg, keeps that one out. |
| 132.3 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Fuller in length delivery, on off and middle, the right-hander blocks it to the off side. |
| 132.4 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Fuller in length ball on middle, Perera clips it through mid-wicket. Takes a single. |
| 132.5 : Mark Wood to Lasith Embuldeniya, BEATEN! Well, another one which does not see the outside edge. Length ball outside off, Lasith Embuldeniya looks to play at that but gets beaten on the outside edge there. |
| 132.6 : Mark Wood to Lasith Embuldeniya, OUT! TAKEN! But this time, the outside edge is generated and is taken. Length and outside the off pole, Embuldeniya looks to drive it on the off side but ends up generating an outside edge there. Finally, one would reckon (or at least the visitors would). It goes to the English skipper at first slip who manages to hold onto it. You could see that Wood was letting the frustration go there, as he got the wicket. He was bowling his heart out to the left-hande |
| Asitha Fernando is the last man in. |
| 133.1 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Off the footmarks that! Bess lands it down the leg side, it pitches and goes down further. Buttler looks to stop that but he fails to do so. Joe Root, behind Buttler, does well to stop that and save some blushes for Buttler there. |
| 133.2 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, Flatter ball on the pads, Dilruwan goes back and wears it on his pads. |
| 133.3 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, On off and middle, pushed back to Dom. |
| 133.4 : Dom Bess to Dilruwan Perera, PUT DOWN! But that was ferociously hit. Full and on middle, Perera skips down the track and whacks it powerfully back to Bess. The offie looks to take it but the power with which it was hit ensures that the ball goes through his hands. A single sneaked in here. Bess looks to be in some trouble here. But he is fine to continue now. |
| 133.5 : Dom Bess to Asitha Fernando, Fuller in length and around off, tapped to the off side. |
| 133.6 : Dom Bess to Asitha Fernando, Asitha safely sees off this over. Full length delivery, Fernando defends it out to the off side. |
| 134.1 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, FOUR! Looks like Dilruwan Perera has decided to step on the gas here. Three fielders on the on side but nobody had a chance. Full and on the middle pole, Perera just picks it up and dismisses it to the long leg ropes. |
| 134.2 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Short length ball around middle, Dilruwan sits under that one. The field is well set for short deliveries. How long can Perera resist, to not have a go? |
| 134.3 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, DP moves to the leg side and Wood follows him with a back of a length delivery. Dilruwan dabs it on the off side. |
| 134.4 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, This one is down the leg side and he shoulders arms. |
| 134.5 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Mark Wood comes in from wide of the crease and angles it on middle and leg, clipped to square leg. |
| 134.6 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Short ball around middle, Perera ducks underneath it. 4 runs from the over. |
| Sam Curran is back on. 16-2-55-0 are his figures so far. |
| 135.1 : Sam Curran to Asitha Fernando, Full length delivery, well outside the off pole, Fernando lets that be. |
| 135.2 : Sam Curran to Asitha Fernando, Full length delivery outside off, Asitha Fernando is able to defend it to the off side. |
| 135.3 : Sam Curran to Asitha Fernando, Well outside off and AF has no business in fiddling with that. Lets it be. |
| 135.4 : Sam Curran to Asitha Fernando, Fullish length delivery outside the off pole line, Asitha pokes it towards gully, who dives and stops it. |
| 135.5 : Sam Curran to Asitha Fernando, Angles in a shortish length delivery around the off stump, defended to the off side by Fernando. |
| 135.6 : Sam Curran to Asitha Fernando, Full length ball outside off, defended to the off side. |
| 136.1 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Shortish length ball around off, Dilruwan pulls it to deep mid-wicket but for no runs. |
| 136.2 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Short length delivery, outside off, Perera lets that one be. |
| 136.3 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Short length ball, slower as well, on top of the stumps. Dilruwan Perera is not interested in playing at that. Lets it through as he sways away. |
| 136.4 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Short and around off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 136.5 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, WIDE! Another slower short one, outside off, Asitha lets it be. 2 bouncers for the over and hence it is called a wide here. |
| Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, FOUR! Just using the pace here. Very full and outside off, Perera digs it out nicely, past Joe Root at point, and gets a boundary here. |
| 136.6 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, On middle, clipped behind square on the on side for a single. |
| 137.1 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, Good length ball on off, Perera pushes it to the mid-wicket region. |
| 0.0 : This should have been the scheduled Tea break but since it is the last wicket, the session has been extended for 30 minutes. |
| 137.2 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, Short of a length ball outside off, Perera punches it to deep point and refuses to take the single. |
| 137.3 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, Short ball on middle, Perera ducks under it. |
| 137.4 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, EDGY! Good length ball on off, Perera looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and it goes to the third man region for a single. Asitha Fernando has two balls to face in this over. |
| 137.5 : Sam Curran to Asitha Fernando, Good length ball on middle, Fernando works it to mid-wicket. |
| 137.6 : Sam Curran to Asitha Fernando, Good length ball on off, Fernando survives as he taps it to gully. |
| 138.1 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Slower ball on off, Perera waits for it and then defends it out. |
| 138.2 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Good length ball on middle, Dilruwan nudges it to mid-wicket. |
| 138.3 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Good length ball outside off, pushed to cover. |
| 138.4 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Full ball on off, Perera defends it to cover. |
| 138.5 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Fullish ball on off, Perera solidly defends it out. |
| 138.6 : Mark Wood to Dilruwan Perera, Very full ball outside off, Perera digs it out to deep point for a single. |
| 139.1 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, Low full toss on off, Perera drives it to deep point and refuses to take the single. |
| 139.2 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, FOUR! More like it! This was hammered! Full toss on middle, Perera hammers it over the bowler's head for a boundary. |
| 139.3 : Sam Curran to Dilruwan Perera, OUT! CAUGHT! Finally the last wicket falls! Sam Curran also has a wicket to his name! Perera has played a wonderful knock and has taken Sri Lanka to 381. Short ball on middle, Perera pulls it to deep square leg. Leach runs across, slides and takes a very good catch. SRI LANKA ALL OUT FOR 381. |
| A very handy 67 from Perera and Sri Lanka finish on 381. England have picked all the 10 wickets and all of them, surprisingly, have gone to the seamers. This has happened for the first time in Galle. The tired English bodies would be happy as they make their way back. |
| Sri Lanka had won the toss earlier and opted to bat first. And the way they got off to a start, it looked like a repeat of the first innings of the first Test match was on the cards. But two important partnerships, between Mathews and Thirimanne, and Mathews and Chandimal, set the Sri Lankan ship back on track. Angelo Mathews would himself go onto make a hundred before falling. And then, Dickwella batted well but fell 8 runs shy of his maiden Test hundred. |
| Then, some further excellent rearguard action from the Lankans saw them get to 381, when at one point, it was deemed that 275 was all they could get. It was the seamers all the way, for England, and within that, it was an Anderson show. When he got Dickwella, he got his 33rd fifer in Tests and went onto take 6 wickets overall. Wood got three and Curran got the last wicket. Nothing for the English spinners but we can expect spin to play a proper role from now on. |
| Right then, England have more than an anticipated task at hand. They would feel that they have conceded 100 or so runs extra. And for them to do well in this game, further, they will count on their openers to get them off to a good start. Both Sibley and Crawley did not have a great outing in the first Test and would be looking to make amends here. Join us for the final session (and for England's response) shortly... |
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