| 2nd Test, Galle (the first day) |
| Sri Lanka 229-4: Mathews 107, Chandimal 52; Anderson 3-24 |
| England: Yet to bat |
| Scorecard |
Angelo Mathews ground out a century for Sri Lanka as England’s bowlers fought hard on the very first day of the 2nd Test in Galle.
The hosts were 7-2 when James Anderson declared 2 early wickets, and 76-3 when the seamer struck after lunch.
However, on a flat pitch in gruelling heat, Mathews struck a determined 107 not out as Sri Lanka closed on 229-4.
Mathews placed on 117 with captain Dinesh Chandimal, who made 52 prior to being caught lbw by Mark Wood.
Niroshan Dickwella ended up the day 19 not out with Sri Lanka in a position from which they will think they can publish an informing first-innings rating.
Nevertheless, England restricted the scoring on a pitch offering little motion for their quick bowlers or turn for the spinners.
Anderson, brought into the group in location of Stuart Broad in England’s only modification from their first-Test triumph at the very same location, ended the day with excellent figures of 19-10-24-3.
Quick wickets on day 2 would leave England in charge as they bid for a success that would see them take the two-Test series 2-0.
Mathews grits it out for Sri Lanka
When Anderson dismissed Kusal Perera for 6 and Oshada Fernando for a duck in his 3rd over, there were echoes of Sri Lanka’sdismal batting effort on the first day of the first Test
Perera edged an inexplicably-rash drive to Joe Root at slip and Fernando, who has actually changed out-of-form Kusal Mendis at number 3, sliced a ball he might have left onto his stumps.
Nevertheless, having actually pertained to the crease at 7-2, the knowledgeable Mathews held company – albeit on a surface area much easier for batting than on the first day of the very first Test.
Mathews, a veteran of 380 matches for Sri Lanka in a worldwide profession covering more than 12 years, did not provide an opportunity and milked England’s spinners in a regulated knock.
The 33-year-old put on 69 with Lahiru Thirimanne prior to his century stand with Chandimal, which used down England in a baking hot afternoon session.
While in the nineties he weathered an exceptional spell from Wood and ultimately raised his 11th Test hundred, 3rd versus England and initially at Galle.
Most importantly, he endured 7 overs with the brand-new ball at the end of the day to offer himself the possibility to include more work on day 2.
Evergreen Anderson impresses once again
Anderson was neglected of England’s side for the very first Test – Stuart Broad chosen rather as England handle their 2 most knowledgeable bowlers’ work throughout the winter season.
As an outcome, 8 overs in an intra-squad warm-up match were the 38-year-old’s just overs given that the 3rd Pakistan Test in August.
After play he stated we was “quite worried”, both as an outcome of the break and to be changing Broad who mastered the very first Test. It did disappoint.
Anderson penetrated the batsmen’s strategy throughout and took advantage of the very little motion available, like when left-hander Thirmanne nicked the 2nd ball after lunch which somewhat moved away off the joint.
He and Broad now have actually integrated figures of 6-58 from 45 overs with 24 maidens throughout the 3 innings, in conditions allegedly to their downside.
With spinners Dom Bess and Jack Leach mostly inadequate it was the additional rate of Wood that supported Anderson.
Early in the day he agitated the batsmen – he struck Chandimal on the grille with a bouncer – and an energy-sapping spell of 8 overs after tea provided his side the development they needed.
He bowled quickly, discovered a tip of reverse swing and caught Chandimal in front with a ball provided from large of the crease.
Wood’s relief was clear in his event as he held his arms large and sought to the sky, having actually bowled 38.5 wicketless overs to that point in the series.
‘ Sri Lanka have simply edged the day’ – response
England bowler James Anderson on Test Match Unique: “As a group, the joint bowlers in specific, we put in the difficult lawns today. To keep them down to 230 on a flat wicket is excellent, we remain in the video game, however we have actually got to bowl well tomorrow when we return.”
Sri Lanka batsman Angelo Mathews: “I entered into a rhythm in the 2nd innings of the very first Test [he scored 71 from 219 balls], so I believed ‘if I can get a start I’m not going to offer it away’.
” I needed to work very difficult. They provided us absolutely nothing, however we are 229-4 and we can not offer it away now.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan: “For me, Sri Lanka have simply edged the day, since they have actually got work on the board.
” Operates on the board are going to be definitely important. Anything over 350 will be really hard for the England group, however they have actually kept breaking away well.”
