Explore how Asitha Fernando stands out as England takes a slim 23-run lead against Sri Lanka. Get insights and updates on this exciting cricket encounter.
Introduction:
England’s position now, of 259 for 6—with Jamie Smith anchoring the innings through his fighting 72 not out—has now brought them to a position of 23 runs ahead of Sri Lanka’s 236 only. On a pitch that has actually assisted the bowlers, this game is pretty balanced between the two sides as each jostles for control in this tightly contested Test match.
See also: Sri Lanka’s Resilience Falls Short as England Starts Strong in 1st Test at Old Trafford
Asitha Fernando Masterclass in Seam and Swing
However, the star performer has been Asitha Fernando, who just bowled with a masterclass in seam and swing, keeping England’s batsmen in control. He bowled 14 really well-constructed overs, while the timely, well-worked wickets he took settled the matter beyond doubt as to whether he is one of the mainstays of the Sri Lankan bowling.
Fernando’s relentless pursuit paid early dividends in the England innings, ripping apart the top order. A fuller delivery hit Dan Lawrence plumb in front after he had survived an initial lbw decision turned over. A delivery that jagged back in sharply did for Ben Duckett, too, and England were in a precarious position at 40 for 2.
The highlight eventually came when he cast England captain Ollie Pope, who cast a wobble seam delivery that straightened enough to clip off-stump. That was a work of art, leaving England in a tad awkward position and emphasizing how Fernando could exploit even the slightest weaknesses in any technique.
Middle-order Resilience from England
Though England’s middle order, first with Harry Brook and then Jamie Smith, responded with plenty of grit and determination, the early setbacks cannot be ignored. Brook continued in his rich form, fashioning a fluent fifty off 59 balls, his 14th in just 25 Test innings. This aggressive intent was matched with astute shot selection, and England regained some semblance of control after the early wobble.
Brook did well with the bat but was dismissed early in his innings, a highly promising one, by the left-arm spin of Prabath Jayasuriya, whose bowling was hitherto tight rather than threatening. Jayasuriya struck little after the tea break, producing a moment of magic with a ripper that landed on the middle and leg, gripped sharply, and took the top of off-stump, leaving Brook in disbelief.
In contrast, Smith played with maturity beyond his years in fashioning a vital innings that held together the England innings. This was his third half-century in only five innings since he replaced the injured Ben Foakes as England’s wicketkeeper, an excellent vindication of his technique and temperament. Smith’s innings was characterized by his ability to weather the storm against some high-quality swing bowling, particularly during a tricky phase where he was repeatedly tested by Rathnayake’s probing line outside off-stump.
Chris Woakes: England’s Key in Rebuilding
Chris Woakes gave fine support to Smith, contributing a worthy 32 in a stand that was more about survival than quick scoring. With England a batter short because of Stokes’s absence, a lot depended on Woakes and Smith seeing that England didn’t lose any more wickets cheaply. Their 52-run stand, though slow in pace, was important in sealing England’s slender lead.
The day’s play ended with the fall of Woakes, who went to a near unplayable delivery from Jayasuriya. Fading light did not further trouble England. At 214 for six and only 24 ahead, they will hope Smith can bat sensibly in the morning and take them further clear.
Sri Lanka’s Tactical Approach
Good all day, it felt like, Sri Lanka’s bowlers were generally strong, with conditions working in Fernando and Jayasuriya’s favor. One could argue that this was to stick with more defensive fields, seeing that when England’s run rate dropped a tad below three runs an over, they would still find a way to adapt. This had the effect of not letting England run away with the game, but it sent Smith and Woakes into a rhythm, greatly reducing the risk of quick wickets.
With this game entering into the third day, Sri Lanka will hope to finish off England’s first innings quickly enough that they reduce the deficit. The effort in the field has kept them very much in the game, but much will depend on how they will fare against the England bowlers in their second innings.
Look Forward to a Decisive Third Day
The third day is going to play a very important part in the result of this Test match. Obviously, no team really wants to give an inch, with both having shown a great will to fight for every inch, run, and wicket. England will look to extend this lead, while Sri Lanka will look to get a look early and then set up a gettable target for them in the second innings.
Conclusion:
The match still remains well poised as the pitch continues to help the bowlers, though now it is mostly through reverse swing and the odd spin. It will probably be decided by moments, and the team that better capitalizes on those moments will come out at the end of this riveting game of cricket.