Gus Atkinson’s brutal, maiden Test century put England in full control on day two as they bowled Sri Lanka out for 196 in their first innings of the second Test at Lord’s, London.
Atkinson continued from where he left off yesterday, registering his maiden Test century and earning a place on the Lord’s honours board. He smashed 118 off just 144 balls, consisting of 14 fours and 4 sixes.
England added 69 runs to their overnight score, finishing with a total of 427. Fernando ended with figures of 5/102, becoming just the second Sri Lankan bowler to take a five-wicket haul at Lord’s.
In reply, Sri Lanka got off to another poor start as both openers were chopped on after making loose strokes. Nissanka’s stay at the crease didn’t last long as he fell into a trap set by the hosts.
Mathews and Chandimal tried to fight back, but their partnership only amounted to a 48-run stand for the fourth wicket. Potts increased the pressure on Sri Lanka by striking twice in one over.
He first cleaned up Mathews, then found the outside edge of de Silva for a three-ball duck in the same over. The visitors were reeling at 87/6, with Chandimal falling to Atkinson.
Despite this, Sri Lanka managed to add another 109 runs for the final four wickets, eventually being bowled out for 196. Kamindu Mendis continued his impressive form in the Test arena, making a useful half-century with the support of the tail.
He accumulated 74 runs, hitting 8 fours and 3 sixes before being dismissed by Atkinson to close out the innings.
With a massive 231-run first-innings lead, the home side decided to bat again. Kumara got the better of Lawrence once more, this time via a successful review. England batted for a brief period of 6 overs in the evening, scoring 27 runs.
