Chris Woakes had his second wicket and the last Sri Lankan wicket in their second innings in the second Test of a three-match series that took place at Lord’s in London on September 1st, with the hosts winning by 190 runs.
Lahiru Kumara was the last one to be dismissed; caught on the fourth ball of the 87th over. It was a full ball off pace delivered by Woakes and while Kumara was trying to hit it big, he didn’t get it right. The backpedaling catch by Olly Stone, who was placed at mid-on triggered celebration.
You can watch the video here:
England beat Sri Lanka by 190 runs to seal series victory! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/08eHS8Zl4d
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) September 1, 2024
Sri Lanka was confronted with a challenging target of 483 runs, and thus was under grave pressure, while England’s bowlers came forward and accepted the challenge. Following the last session of day three, the hosts removed Nishan Madushka (13) and Pathum Nissanka (14).
The next day, Prabath Jayasuriya who was acting as nightwatchman received his marching orders first. Dimuth Karunaratne also played well scoring full fifty-five off one hundred and twenty-nine balls.
Dinesh Chandimal (58) and his captain Dhananjaya de Silva too hit some fifties but they were unable to save their team from defeat finally collapsing at 292 runs and thus falling behind by 190 runs overall. The most impressive performer for England was Gus Atkinson who bagged five wickets in total.
“Really happy to be 2-0 up in the series” –England captain Ollie Pope reflects as hosts clinch the series
The 2023 series is already won by England after they convincingly beat their opponents by 190 runs with one game still remaining. In his remarks during the post-match presentation, team captain Ollie Pope admitted that he was happy that they were leading by two-nil and acknowledged Joe Root’s remarkable contribution in establishing such a good lead.
“Really happy to be 2-0 up in the series. Some very special individual performances this week and very good contributions throughout the whole side, really happy to win the series, onto the Oval. The way Root played, we were lucky enough to have a big lead and so you can get a bit funky with the field. Gus was the standout,” Pope said.
“Even the way Potts played and Olly Stone came an played as well, massive contributions for the team. They can win you Test matches. Getting those extra 100-120 runs can really put you in a very good position. Always a special Test, have a few got few Surrey boys up in the changing room, should be a great week,” he continued.
The series’ final match will begin on Friday, September 6, at Kennington Oval in London.
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