England strongly placed at end of day 1 In the second test

The second Npower Test England and Sri Lanka in the three Test match series commenced under very bright sunshine ideal for cricket at the Home of cricket, Lords yesterday. Sri Lanka having on the back of their minds the humiliating Innings defeat in the first Test played at Cardiff. They were a determined lot to win to square the three matches Npower Test series. However they were a disappointed lot at the end of the day when England had made 324 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in a full days play when 88 overs were bowled, and were very strongly placed.

Sri Lanka captain Dilshan won the toss and surprising opted to field. There were two changes to the Sri Lankan side. Placemen Dilhara Fernando , Chanaka Welagedera, replacing Tissara Perera and Ajantha Mendis. The opening bowlers Welagedera and Lakmal commenced impressively taking advantage of any moisture and the swing available on the wicket. England start was disastrous as they lost three of their best 3 batsmen for just 22 runs in just 8 overs. Strauss ,Trott (the double centurion in the Cardiff first Test)and consistent Pietersen for 4,2and 2 runs respectively. Welagedera accounted for Strauss having him leg before wicket while Suranga Lakmal bowling wicket to wicket accounted for the dangerous Trott and Pietersen both caught by the close in fielders.

However Alastair Cook with Ian Bell initially and then with Eion Morgan consolidated England as the wicket was bathed in the unusual sunshine and was playing without much terrors. The Sri Lankan toiled hard to get constant break-throughs. Cook became a victim of Dilhara Fernando who was caught by trying to pull when on 96 attempting to reach his 18^th test hundred and the third consecutive Test hundred. His fighting innings of 96 contained 15 fours. Morgan who scored an impressive 79 including 10 fours and 2 sixes added 101 runs for the 5^th wicket and was involved in the highest partnership of the innings. Wicket keeper Matts Prior further consolidated England’s innings ro remain unbeaten on 73 when stumps were drawn for the day. His inning was made in quick time having hit 14 fours and compiled in only 83 balls.

Suranga Lakmal and Dilhara Fernando were the pick of the bowlers having had very economical figures of 3/79 and 2/65 respectively. The second day of the test will commence at Lords at 11.am on Saturday.

By Sunil Thenabadu © SLPLT20.Co