Root hits sixth century at Lord’s:
Joe Root, the former England captain, once again proved his class by scoring his 33rd Test century with a composed 143 off 206 balls (16 fours) yesterday. England, having been invited to bat first, finished the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s, London, with a strong total of 358 for 7.
Root anchored the innings and built a crucial 92-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Gus Atkinson, who scored his maiden Test half-century, remaining unbeaten on 74 from 81 balls, hitting 5 fours and 4 sixes. Atkinson continued to add to the score with Mathew Potts, who contributed 20 runs, helping England surpass the 350-run mark by the end of the day.
Sri Lanka’s decision to bowl first paid off early, as they removed England’s top three batsmen before lunch. Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, and Prabath Jayasuriya each took a wicket, leaving England at 97 for 3 by lunch.
England openers, Ben Duckett (40) and Dan Lawrence (9), struggled to build a solid partnership. Lawrence was the first to go, caught by Nishan Madushka off Lahiru Kumara in the 7th over. Captain Ollie Pope followed soon after, scoring just 1 run before Asitha Fernando dismissed him. Duckett, who looked promising, became the third victim, scoring 40 from 47 balls before being caught at deep point by Kumara off Prabath Jayasuriya while attempting a reverse sweep.
After lunch, Joe Root steadied England’s innings, reaching his half-century in 84 balls with 6 fours. He formed a crucial 62-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Jamie Smith, who scored 21 from 57 balls before being caught by Madushka off Milan Ratnayake. Root continued his fine form, bringing up his century in 162 balls with 13 fours, his sixth century at Lord’s.
Sri Lanka made two changes to their lineup, bringing in Pathum Nissanka and Lahiru Kumara for Kusal Mendis and Vishwa Fernando. England made one change, with paceman Olly Stone replacing the injured Mark Wood.
