England captain Joe Root racked up a superb unbeaten century and debutant Dan Lawrence introduced himself in model because the vacationers strengthened their iron grip on the primary Check in opposition to Sri Lanka.
Simply 53 overs had been attainable as heavy showers topped and tailed the second day however in between Root cruised to a game-shaping 168 not out, an English report on the island and an effort which led his males to a 185-run lead.
Having ended day one in a strong place, simply eight runs behind on 127 for 2, the Yorkshireman made positive his aspect’s dominance solely grew with an innings of appreciable model and quantifiable substance. At stumps he had helped himself to greater than half of the crew’s stumps rating of 320 for 4, with Lawrence liable for an attention grabbing 73 on his maiden outing in England whites.
Stat of the day
The England’s captain’s 18th Check century noticed him draw degree along with his fellow Yorkshireman and predecessor, Michael Vaughan. Root has already performed 16 extra matches to get there, however is massively forward by way of extra half-centuries. Whereas Vaughan managed one other 18 scores between 50 and 99, Root boasts one other 49. Whereas some would possibly question the conversion fee, the consistency is outstanding.
Twitter account of the day
Tv cameras have taken to in search of out pictures of pissed off Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur given his aspect’s travails over the primary two days in Galle, however it’s not simply the South African’s dejected facial expressions which have earned consideration. Arthur’s shorts, and their seemingly modest protection ranges, have now acquired their very own parody Twitter feed. The bio is simply three phrases lengthy ‘always underneath stress’.
What’s subsequent?
Shot of the day
Lawrence knew higher than anybody simply how effectively he had timed the ball when he creamed an enormous six over huge long-on off the bowling of Lasith Embuldeniya. In case anybody watching remained unsure because the shot sailed over the ropes he held the pose lengthy sufficient to make it clear, one leg bent, eyes fastened and bat hanging over his shoulder following influence. The primary of many?
