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
-
News
It’s a lot of fun – Heather Knight still enjoying captaining England
Knight succeeded Charlotte Edwards, who had a decade-long stint in the position, in June 2016.
-
England
On this day in 2018: Kevin Pietersen retires from professional cricket
The latter years of the Pietermaritzburg-born maverick’s career were spent on the T20 circuit.
-
England
Jofra Archer snaps off stump on impressive return from injury in India
The 28-year-old took two for 22 in seven overs.
-
County Cricket
Darren Gough steps down as managing director of cricket at Yorkshire
Gough said it was the “right time” to move on having been in the post since December 2021.
-
England
On this day in 2004: Steve Harmison takes seven for 12 against West Indies
The pace bowler produced a devastating spell at Sabina Park 20 years ago.
-
England
Jos Buttler feels refreshed and ready to enjoy ‘best years’ of his career
England’s white-ball team endured a poor 2023 which culminated in the disastrous defence of their World Cup crown in India.
-
England
Jos Buttler confident ‘special cricketer’ Jofra Archer will be fit for World Cup
Archer has not represented his country since last March when he featured in a T20 match in Bangladesh.
-
Indian Premier League
England batter Harry Brook withdraws from IPL following death of his grandmother
Brook pulled out of England’s five-Test tour to India before the squad flew out from their training camp in the United Arab Emirates.