Day 3 of the first Check match between England and Sri Lanka in Manchester noticed a full day’s play, with the hosts firmly in management regardless of Sri Lanka’s modest lead. England’s rising expertise, Jamie Smith, stole the highlight, leaving the sphere to a standing ovation after an excellent efficiency. By stumps, Sri Lanka was at 204/6, holding a slim lead of 82 runs after an prolonged day’s play.
Jamie Smith’s record-breaking efficiency
The day belonged to Smith, who performed a pivotal position in including 99 runs to England’s in a single day complete, steering the workforce right into a commanding place. Smith made historical past by turning into the youngest wicketkeeper-batter from England to attain a century within the red-ball format, breaking a 94-year-old document. His 66-run partnership with Gus Atkinson for the seventh wicket was instrumental in placing England forward.
England’s lower-order resilience
After discovering themselves in a precarious place at 67/3, England’s lower-middle order staged a outstanding restoration, demonstrating each grit and dedication. Smith, who was the cornerstone of this revival, acquired essential help from the likes of Atkinson, because the duo crafted a pivotal 66-run partnership for the seventh wicket. This stand not solely stabilized the innings but in addition ensured that England posted a formidable complete of 358 runs.
The resilience proven by the decrease order was instrumental in shifting the momentum firmly in England’s favour, irritating the Sri Lankan bowlers who had earlier threatened to run by means of the batting lineup. Regardless of the very best efforts of Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya and Asitha Fernando, who shared seven wickets between them, England’s depth in batting got here to the fore, highlighting the workforce’s potential to struggle again from difficult conditions.
Additionally READ: ENG vs SL: Netizens have fun as Jamie Smith smashes his maiden Check ton for England on Day 3 of the first Check
Sri Lanka’s second innings struggles
Sri Lanka started their second innings trailing by 122 runs and shortly discovered themselves in hassle. High-order batters Nishan Madushka and Kusal Mendis had been each dismissed for geese, leaving the workforce struggling at 95/4. Nonetheless, Angelo Mathews stepped up, forming essential partnerships with the middle-order, together with an important 78-run stand with Kamindu Mendis, which stored Sri Lanka within the match.
Fightback and setbacks
Across the forty second over, the umpires changed the ball after it misplaced its form, which introduced speedy help to England’s bowlers. Ollie Pope turned to his pacers, leading to the important thing dismissal of Mathews by Chris Woakes. Joe Root then claimed a wicket together with his second supply of the match after Mark Wooden was compelled to depart the sphere throughout his eleventh over.
Sri Lanka additionally suffered a serious setback when wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Chandimal retired harm after a blow to his thumb earlier within the day. He later returned to the crease, aiming to construct on the lead with Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 56. England’s fielding was lower than excellent within the last session, with two essential drops off the bowling of Matthew Potts. Mathews was dropped on 65, and Mendis on 39, permitting Sri Lanka to increase their slender lead.
