Joe Root batting with determination during England's second innings against Sri Lanka in the 1st Test, guiding his team to a victory at Old Trafford.

Sri Lanka versus England Test Series, 2024

1st Test

Day-4 Evening Session Highlights:

Joe Root has played an important role in the 2nd Innings for England team to secure a victory by five wickets

England bounced back to secure a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka © Getty

Sri Lanka scored 236 (1st Innings) & 326 (2nd Innings), where as England scored 358 (1st Innings) & 205/5 (2nd Innings).

So, finally England beat Sri Lanka by 5 wickets.

Joe Root starred in a challenging win for England at Old Trafford in the opening Test against Sri Lanka with a composed, unbeaten half-century.

Chasing 205, England faced difficulties but crucial contributions from Harry Brook and Jamie Smith supported Root (62*) in securing victory.

Earlier in the day, victory for the home side seemed uncertain following a brilliant century by Kamindu Mendis.

However, despite the day’s ups and downs, England ultimately prevailed to take a 1-0 series lead.

Without Mark Wood, who was sidelined with a thigh injury, England struggled to break the Kamindu-Chandimal partnership in the morning session.

Kamindu’s century, becoming the first Sri Lankan batter at No. 7 or lower to achieve this milestone in England, and Chandimal’s steady play frustrated the hosts.

Kamindu began with a boundary off Chris Woakes, and Chandimal added a couple of boundaries off Gus Atkinson, pushing the lead past 100.

Even a rain delay didn’t interrupt their resilience, with Kamindu reaching his third Test century and Chandimal surpassing fifty.

In the final session, England swiftly wrapped up the Sri Lankan innings.

Although Kamindu initially scored freely with three boundaries, the Sri Lankan innings collapsed once his wicket fell, and the lead surpassed 200.

England’s chase began with promise, reaching 33 runs in the first five overs.

However, Asitha Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya took key wickets, dismissing Duckett and Ollie Pope.

Sri Lanka briefly regained control when Milan Rathnayake trapped the well-set Dan Lawrence leg-before-wicket, reducing England to 70/3 at Tea.

Post-Tea, England regained momentum as Harry Brook hit a boundary and Sri Lanka lost a review in frustration.

Despite persistent efforts from Jayasuriya and the seamers, Brook was dismissed for 86.

Jamie Smith, starting cautiously, broke free with successive boundaries and a six, bringing England closer to their target.

With 22 runs left, Smith was bowled by Asitha Fernando after charging down the pitch.

However, Root’s presence ensured England’s calm finish, with Woakes providing solid support to secure the win.

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