- Day three: Sri Lanka 135 and 156-2; England 421
- Lahiru Thirimanne is 76 not out with hosts 130 behind
Four sessions in the field spread across three days of this first Test in Galle gave Sri Lanka’s players plenty of time to stew. As Joe Root compiled a masterful 228, handing England a lead of 286 going into the third innings, every swept four and hustled single poured salt into the self-inflicted wounds of that rather pitiful 135 all out first up.
Could the hosts offer some resistance at the second attempt? By the time bad light brought an early end to proceedings at 5.20pm local time we had our answer, with 156 for two on the board and opener Lahiru Thirimanne walking off unbeaten on 75. This was a solid fightback and a more truthful reflection of England’s attack in these conditions.
Written by Ali Martin
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jan/16/joe-root-captain-double-century-cricket-england-sri-lanka-test-match-galle under the title “
“. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
