Sri Lanka v England Day 2: Joe Root excels alongside Dan Lawrence
England captain Joe Root racked up a brilliant unbeaten century and debutant Dan Lawrence announced himself in style as the tourists strengthened their iron grip on the first Test against Sri Lanka.
Just 53 overs were possible as heavy showers topped and tailed the second day but in between Root cruised to a game-shaping 168 not out, an English record on the island and an effort which led his men to a 185-run lead.
Having ended day one in a powerful position, just eight runs behind on 127 for two, the Yorkshireman made sure his side’s dominance only grew with an innings of considerable style and quantifiable substance. At stumps he had helped himself to more than half of the team’s stumps score of 320 for four, with Lawrence responsible for an eye-catching 73 on his maiden outing in England whites.
Stat of the day
The England’s captain’s 18th Test century saw him draw level with his fellow Yorkshireman and predecessor, Michael Vaughan. Root has already played 16 more matches to get there, but is massively ahead in terms of additional half-centuries. While Vaughan managed another 18 scores between 50 and 99, Root boasts another 49. While some might query the conversion rate, the consistency is remarkable.
Twitter account of the day
Television cameras have taken to seeking out shots of frustrated Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur given his side’s travails over the first two days in Galle, but it is not just the South African’s dejected facial expressions which have earned attention. Arthur’s shorts, and their seemingly modest coverage levels, have now got their own parody Twitter feed. The bio is just three words long ‘constantly under pressure’.
What’s next?
Shot of the day
Lawrence knew better than anyone just how well he had timed the ball when he creamed a big six over wide long-on off the bowling of Lasith Embuldeniya. In case anyone watching remained uncertain as the shot sailed over the ropes he held the pose long enough to make it clear, one leg bent, eyes fixed and bat hanging over his shoulder following impact. The first of many?
England’s highest scores in Sri Lanka
Latest
-
NewsAli Orr helps Sussex to five-wicket win over Derbyshire
The 21-year-old opener was helped by partners Tom Alsop and Mohammad Rizwan.
-
EnglandIssy Wong living the dream as late wickets boost England against South Africa
The 20-year-old fast bowler made an impact on a rain-affected day three at Taunton.
-
EnglandEngland frustrated by the weather on third day of South Africa Test
South Africa were 51 for three at the close of play.
-
EnglandIssy Wong’s late double keeps England in control at Taunton
.England were rewarded for their patience during a lengthy rain delay.
-
EnglandJames Anderson: England’s new-found confidence unlike anything I’ve seen before
Anderson first played for his country in 2002 and has lived through more than his fair share of new eras, reboots and fresh starts.
-
EnglandEngland paceman James Anderson keen to prove fitness ahead of India Test
The 39-year-old sat out the final match against New Zealand at Headingley due to concerns over his left ankle but says it now feels “pretty good”.
-
EnglandAndrew Gale ‘not willing to engage’ in ‘tainted’ ECB racism disciplinary process
Gale denied Azeem Rafiq’s allegations against him and described him as an “embittered former colleague”.
-
EnglandMichael Vaughan ‘steps back’ from BBC work after staff raise concerns
The former England captain had recently returned to Test Match Special coverage.
-
EnglandSimon Harmer bowls Essex to thrilling win while Surrey dominate Kent
Spinner Harmer took 15 wickets in the match as his side held off Hampshire by 12 runs.
-
EnglandSciver stars and Davidson-Richards makes history – day two in the women’s Test
The England pair’s maiden Test centuries took their side past South Africa’s total at Taunton.