Root’s Heroics Rescue England on Day One at Lord’s
On a sun-drenched day at Lord’s, Joe Root’s magnificent 143 spearheaded England’s recovery against Sri Lanka on the opening day of the Test. Root’s landmark 33rd Test century, equalling Sir Alastair Cook’s England record, rescued the hosts after they had slumped to 216 for 6.
The Yorkshireman’s superb innings was the bedrock of England’s total of 358 for 7 at stumps. Root scored heavily on both sides of the wicket, showcasing his adaptability and class. His only blemish was being dismissed to his trademark reverse ramp shot, though he was far from alone in gifting away his wicket, with Ollie Pope registering his third successive single-figure score since taking over the captaincy from the absent Ben Stokes.
“The spotlight firmly remains on Pope, whose batting average of 34 in 48 Tests is a concern for England.”
- David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd, Mail Sport columnist
Gus Atkinson’s Test-best unbeaten 74 off just 81 balls, including four sixes, added crucial lower-order runs for the hosts after their top-order struggled. Sri Lanka’s decision to bowl first under clear skies at Lord’s initially looked questionable, with their veteran spinner Prabath Jayasuriya unable to extract much assistance from the pitch on day one.
The former cricketer also praised the depth of England’s pace bowling options, highlighting the performances of Olly Stone, Gus Atkinson and the returning Saqib Mahmood.
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