3rd Test
Day-3 Morning Session Highlights:
Early breakthroughs has helped Sri Lanka team to stay in contention after conceding a first-innings lead
At The Lunch of Day-3:
England scored 325 (1st Innings) and 35/2 (2nd Innings), where as Sri Lanka scored 263 (1st Innings).
So, finally England lead by 97 runs.
A gripping morning session on Day 3 of the third Test between England and Sri Lanka has left the match finely balanced at The Oval.
England started the day in commanding fashion, dismissing the overnight pair of Dhananjaya de Silva (69) and Kamindu Mendis (64) within the first 30 minutes.
Debutant Josh Hull claimed de Silva’s wicket with a well-directed short ball, while Chris Woakes removed Mendis, who edged one to Joe Root in the slip cordon.
The last three Sri Lankan wickets added a modest 30 runs, giving England a valuable first-innings lead of 62.
Josh Hull (3-53), on debut, was England’s joint-most successful bowler, growing in confidence as the game progressed.
His left-arm angle and steep bounce, hailed as his key assets, were on display as he formed a potent partnership with fellow rookie Olly Stone (3-35), who also bowled with pace and precision.
Veteran Chris Woakes chipped in, as England delivered a much-improved bowling performance compared to Day 2.
However, Sri Lanka ended the session on a high by dismissing England’s first-innings heroes, Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett.
England’s second innings began with aggressive intent, particularly from Daniel Lawrence, who attacked from the outset.
Ben Duckett attempted to follow suit but misjudged a slog, gifting Sri Lanka an early breakthrough as he was caught at mid-on.
The visitors struck again just before Lunch, as England captain Ollie Pope chopped a cut shot onto his stumps, leaving the match in a delicate state.
England now hold an overall lead of 97 with eight wickets remaining, setting the stage for two crucial sessions ahead.
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