Gus Atkinson‘s maiden Test century set the scene for another day EnglandThe hosts put up a mammoth 427 in their first innings on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test. In response, Sri Lanka He made 196 appearances, trailing by only 231 runs Kamindu Mendis shows significant resistance. England opted to follow on, ending the day at 25/1 with a lead of 256.
Kamindu Mendis stands tall during Sri Lanka’s collapse
Mendis was the lone batsman for Sri Lanka scoring 74 off 120 balls. His innings of eight fours and three sixes helped Sri Lanka recover from a perilous 118/7 and briefly raised their Test average above 100. Despite his efforts, none of his teammates could score more. Dinesh Chandimal‘s 23 left Sri Lanka in dire straits on a pitch that was already showing signs of turning around. Mendis’s batting was indicative of his fighting spirit. He took over the previously dominant England attack and scored quick runs for his side. However, his valiant effort was not enough to save Sri Lanka from a significant first innings deficit.
Kamindu Mendis fought back with classy knock!#England #SriLanka #KaminduMendis #Test #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/EQctTBbBAN
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 30, 2024
Also READ: ENG vs SL: Netizens celebrate Gus Atkinson’s first ton at iconic Lord’s on Day 2 of 2nd Test
Gus Atkinson’s maiden century sets the tone for England
Earlier, Atkinson continued England’s batting with 74 on the second morning and wasted no time in reaching his hundred. His century came off just 103 balls, making it the sixth-fastest century in a Test match at Lord’s. Atkinson’s innings was characterized by controlled aggression, with his thrashing including back-to-back boundaries off Lahiru Kumara to start the day. Although he was given lbw by the umpire first Paul ReiffelAtkinson successfully reviewed the decision, missing the leg stump of the ball.
From there, Atkinson continued to dominate, bringing up his century with a drive over long-on. His celebration with a bright smile and a salute from all four corners of the ground was the only sign that this was no ordinary day for the young cricketer. Matthew Potts He provided valuable support in the 85-run partnership for the eighth wicket before Atkinson’s innings ended with a magnificent catch. Milan Rathnayake in deep midwifery.
England’s bowlers continue to impress
Sri Lanka’s response started poorly Nishan Madushka It falls to 7 Chris Woakes and Dimuth KarunaratneHis poor form continues as he has been beaten 7 times by Olly Stone. Returning to the Test side after a long absence, Stone quickly picked up his second wicket and dismissed him. Pathum Nissanka for 12. Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal tried to steady the innings but was undone by Mathews Potts on the stumps. Dhananjaya de Silva fell for a duck, leaving Sri Lanka in deep trouble.
Atkinson continued his remarkable run at Lord’s, claiming Chandimal as the 13th wicket in less than three overs, leaving him at leg gully for 23. Rathnayake briefly counter-attacked but Stone and Woakes combined to chase him and the rest of the tail off. Shoaib BashirMaking his first appearance at Lord’s, he bowled brilliantly and finally dismissed Prabath Jayasuriya. Although life is late for Mendis Joe Root A catch fell at deep square leg, England’s dominance was never in doubt. Sri Lanka ended the day firmly in control, facing an uphill battle to avoid a crushing defeat.
Another beautiful day at Lord’s 🥰 pic.twitter.com/Yt1t79Cxto
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 30, 2024
