Joe Root and Gus Atkinson guide England to 358/7 at the end of Day 1 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's. Root scored his 33rd Test century, and Atkinson contributed a career-best unbeaten fifty.

Sri Lanka versus England Test Series, 2024

2nd Test

Day-1 Evening Session Highlights:

Joe Root and Gus Atkinson has played a crucial innings to take England to the score of 358/7 at the close of Day-1

Root notched up his 33rd Test century.

At The Stumps of Day-1:

England scored 358/7 vs Sri Lanka

Joe Root’s historic 33rd Test century, tying Sir Alastair Cook for the most by an England batter, and a career-best unbeaten fifty from Gus Atkinson helped England seize control on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s.

Despite Sri Lanka dominating for much of the day and taking an early breakthrough in the final session with Chris Woakes’ dismissal, Root and Atkinson’s counterattack left the visitors reeling.

As the ball softened and the pitch slowed, batting conditions improved.

However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers lacked a strategic plan following Woakes’ exit, sticking rigidly to their line without adjusting to the changing conditions.

Atkinson took advantage of this, aggressively driving and lofting the spinners for sixes, providing much-needed support for Root.

The England captain continued his dominant performance, amassing yet another century at Lord’s.

Root’s typically effective reverse ramp shot eventually led to his dismissal due to the lack of pace on the surface.

Sri Lanka’s chances of dismissing the lower order were thwarted as Atkinson and Matthew Potts held firm against the new ball.

The Sri Lankan pacers, who had earlier bowled excellently, lost their effectiveness as the day progressed.

Stand-in captain Ollie Pope and Daniel Lawrence struggled, while Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith were all dismissed after getting starts on a surface that demanded concentration over technical prowess.

Root’s flawless innings and Atkinson’s calculated assault placed England in a strong position.

Despite Sri Lanka’s efforts, including notable performances from Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, and Milan Rathnayake, they could not capitalize on their earlier advantage and failed to close out the lower order once again.

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