Joe Root stands unbeaten at 81* as England reaches 200/5 against Sri Lanka on Day 1 of the second Test at Lord's.

Sri Lanka versus England Test Series, 2024

2nd Test

Day-1 Afternoon Session Highlights:

Joe Root played an important innings of 81* to take England score to the 200 Runs

Joe Root advanced steadily toward another Test century in the second session © Getty

At The Tea of Day-1:

England scored 200/5 vs Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka maintained their dominance on the opening day of the second Test against England at Lord’s.

Following a strong morning session, the visitors continued to apply pressure in the afternoon, taking two more wickets to keep England’s progress in check.

Joe Root (81*) remained the anchor for England, effortlessly reaching yet another Test fifty and eyeing a century, though he has watched his partners falter after promising starts.

The second session began with a surge of runs as Harry Brook (33) counter-attacked, striking four boundaries in the first five overs.

Just as Brook appeared set to accelerate, Asitha Fernando delivered a sharp inswinger to trap England’s No. 5 LBW, breaking the developing partnership.

Jamie Smith, the hero from Manchester, then joined Root, and the pair started to build another promising stand, carefully navigating Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling.

However, as had been the pattern throughout the day, Sri Lanka struck just when England seemed to be settling.

This time, Milan Rathnayake got Smith (21) to edge one to the slips.

The pitch has been fairly sporting, offering something for everyone.

Batting has become easier with time spent at the crease, but as the dismissals have shown, even a slight lapse in concentration or a poor shot can bring the bowlers back into the game.

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