England indebted to record-equalling Root century

England 358-7: Root 143, Atkinson 74*

Sri Lanka: Yet to bat

Scorecard

Joe Root’s record-equalling 33rd period ensured England did not discarded nan chance to bat first connected nan opening time of nan 2nd Test against Sri Lanka astatine Lord’s.

Root’s flawless 143 took him level pinch Sir Alastair Cook for nan astir Test hundreds of years for England and was nan bedrock of nan hosts’ 358-7.

Without Root, England would person been successful terrible trouble, having amazingly been inserted by Sri Lanka connected a docile transportation nether bluish entity and sunshine.

Almost each of nan England batters were to blasted for their ain downfalls, including makeshift opener Dan Lawrence, caught down stepping down nan transportation for nine, and stand-in skipper Ollie Pope, who was caught disconnected an disfigured propulsion for only one.

Root added 48 pinch Harry Brook and 62 alongside Jamie Smith, but it was only successful a seventh-wicket guidelines of 92 pinch Gus Atkinson did it consciousness for illustration England were making nan astir of nan conditions.

Root’s controlled innings was ended by a chaotic moment, an effort astatine his trademark reverse-scoop ending successful nan hands of point.

Atkinson remained, completing his maiden Test half-century and attacking nan 2nd caller shot for an unbeaten 74, accompanied by Matthew Potts connected 20 not out.

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