England played cricket of the highest quality ever since arriving in Sri Lanka. They posed a great threat to the hosts from the word go and put them under pressure. Much to their decisive approach to the game, England won the opening Test by 7 wickets at Galle.
In the wake of a terrible performance in the first Test, Sri Lanka was desperately searching for ways to get back on track. Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal won the toss and elected to bat first.
England’s experienced fast bowler James Anderson gave a fantastic start by removing opener Kusal Perera and Oshada Fernando. However, Lahiru Thirimanne and Angelo Matthews steadied the ship by adding a 69-run stand for the third wicket before Thirimanne departed for 43.
Dinesh Chandimal and Matthews added a 121-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Chandimal departed for 52. However, Matthews went about his business and scored a brilliant century. James Anderson got rid of him when he was batting on 110.
Niroshan Dickwella and Dilruwan Perera provided a much-needed boost down the order. The duo helped the team get past the 300-run mark. Dickwella missed out on a well-deserved century by just 8 runs. On the other hand, Perera got out after making 67.
Sri Lanka was bowled out for 381. James Anderson was the pick of the bowlers as he bagged as many as 6 wickets to his name. Mark Wood also proved his worth by taking 3 wickets. In reply, England was bowled out for 344. Embuldeniya was the pick of the bowlers as he took 7 wickets.
England managed to get to that score because of Joe Root’s batting masterclass. The England skipper who scored a double century in the first Test continued his rich vein of form in the second Test as well. He scored 186 with the help of 18 fours before he was run out by Oshanda Fernando.
Joe Root sledges Sri Lanka captain Chandimal, latter gets out
With a minimal lead of 37 runs, Sri Lanka approached the second innings. But England bowlers went all-out attack on the hosts by keeping them in check. With superb bowling variations of good line and length, the visitors ripped through the defense of the Sri Lanka batting line-up.
When Sri Lanka was reeling at 47 for the loss of 4 wickets, England captain Joe Root, who was at the slip chirped something behind the stumps in an attempt to unsettle Dinesh Chandimal.
England captain teased the Sri Lankan captain by saying: “Come on Chandi, throw your wicket away!”. On the very ball of Jack Leach’s bowling, Chandimal went for a big shot but failed to connect it properly.
Chandimal’s shot lacked enough elevation as James Anderson took a magnificent catch. The skipper departed after making 9 runs. Sri Lankan batsmen collapsed after that and were bundled out for 126.
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England register a clean sweep
Sri Lanka set up a target of just 164 for the visitors. The tourists didn’t start the game well as the hosts took crucial wickets at regular intervals. However, Sibley and Jos Buttler took the game away from the hosts by helping the team ace the run-chase. England complete 2-0 sweep over Sri Lanka at Galle.
