England [344, 164/4] defeat Sri Lanka [381, 126] by 6 wickets in the 2nd Test

[Majestic_Inzi]

Makes you think how poor eng spinners were.

[Rajdeep]

Need another big innings from Root here.

[KoyoAli]

SL 381
ENG 6/2 (7.3) CRR: 0.8
Day 2: 3rd Session - England trail by 375 runs

[Ab Fan]

Burns and Sibley will be walking wickets in India.

[wrongun]

Embuldinya bowling well. I haven't seen him play before but he looks pretty good.

[James]

Surely they can’t “rest” Bairstow for India on this evidence. Whilst he’s not great, he’s also one of the only England boys who can get bat on ball at the moment.

[shariqnoor]

Always said Rory Burns and Dom Sibley are one of the worst opening pairs for England. Burns has been dropped and Sibley is about to be. It makes no sense not to have Bairstow as an opener considering how poor England are with openers in Tests.

And this Embuldeniya guy is a 300 Test match wickets bowler. Nice successor to Herath.

[ssuhaide]

Burns is not dropped. He is injured

[shariqnoor]

Burns is not dropped. He is injured

Oh ok. But he will be dropped soon. He had his honeymoon period in international cricket and performed well against Australia. But he's not good at all. Shaheen made him look like a tailender.

[Robert]

Surely they can’t “rest” Bairstow for India on this evidence. Whilst he’s not great, he’s also one of the only England boys who can get bat on ball at the moment.

He’s effectively been an opener this series as the top two have been so poor. Why not try him as test opener? He seems to have got over his Bowledstow problem.

[Ab Fan]

Bairstow has played 70+ tests. If someone hasn't followed his career, he would say look he is an all-format player. Played 70+ tests, 100+ ODIs(currently 82 but get there) and several T20 games also. Pretty good overall career.

[James]

He’s effectively been an opener this series as the top two have been so poor. Why not try him as test opener? He seems to have got over his Bowledstow problem.

Totally agree.

[Robert]

Root gets to fifty in no time again.

[Ahmed216]

This tour plus Indian tour should end the careers of these rubbish England openers.

[Rana]

Joe Root 65 off 74 in Galle

Is this the legacy left behind by Muralitharan and Herath??

Shocking!

[Hasan123]

Good comeback by Root and Bairstow.

[Rana]

not sure if its the IPL but it seems like those players that are regularly playing it are also nullifying the threat of Spin in Asian conditions better than those who dont play the IPL.

Alarming situation. Pakistani curators better be watching this match carefully!

[Bewal Express]

SL should win this test at a canter. England have no quality besides Joe Root in these conditions.

[MenInG]

SL 381
ENG 98/2 (30) CRR: 3.27
Day 2: Stumps - England trail by 283 runs

[Rana]

SL should win this test at a canter. England have no quality besides Joe Root in these conditions.

But he is murdering these hapless spinners in these conditions.

We might see some double tons by Faf as well if Yasir and Sajid or Nauman aint up to task!

[King_Kohli]

Oldest fast bowler to take a five-fer in Asia

38y 177d James Anderson v SL Galle 2020/21
37y 145d Richard Hadlee v Ind Mumbai WS 1988/89
37y 133d Richard Hadlee v Ind Bengaluru 1988/89
35y 332d Chris Martin v Ind Ahmedabad 2010/11

[James]

67 from 77 balls, 10 fours.

That’s a superb counter-attack from Root.

[ssuhaide]

Root back to his best.
And Bairstow making a case for the opening position although facing those superb Indian quickies will be tough

[Robert]

67 from 77 balls, 10 fours.

That’s a superb counter-attack from Root.

I think England need plenty more from him as I don’t think the guys below Lawrence will get many.

[MenInG]

Second Test, Galle (day two of five)
Sri Lanka 381 (139.3 overs): Mathews 110, Dickwella 92; Anderson 6-40
England 98-2: Root 67*, Bairstow 24*; Embuldeniya 2-33
England trail by 283 runs

James Anderson and Joe Root kept England in contention on day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Anderson took 6-40 from 29 overs - his 30th Test five-wicket haul - as England bowled their hosts out for 381.

He dismissed Angelo Mathews in his first over for 110 but Sri Lanka eked out a good score from 243-6, Niroshan Dickwella making 92 and Dilruwan Perera 67.

England fell to 5-2 in reply but Root's enterprising 67 not out from 77 balls led England to 98-2 at the close, 283 behind.

He put on 93 with Jonny Bairstow, who is 24 not out, to steady England after openers Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley both fell, once again, to left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya.

Embuldeniya took two wickets in his first 19 balls after England's spinners had earlier bowled 64 wicketless overs.

Mark Wood took 3-84 in support of the 38-year-old Anderson, who became the oldest fast bowler to take a five-wicket haul in Asia.

England, who lead the two-Test series 1-0, will likely have to bat beyond Sri Lanka's first-innings score to win on a surface that is beginning to offer turn to the spinners.

When Embuldeniya dismissed Sibley and Crawley for the third successive innings, that looked a long way off, but Root and Bairstow came through a difficult passage to leave the game finely poised.

Root, who scored 228 in the first Test, batted superbly and swept the spinners, both conventional and reverse, at almost every opportunity.

Bairstow survived a tight lbw decision on review - a ball from off-spinner Perera would have hit leg stump but the not out on-field decision was upheld - but he too batted positively.

Still, the difficulties Embuldeniya caused put into perspective the performance of England slow bowlers Jack Leach and Dom Bess.

Their lack of threat and failure to build pressure allowed Sri Lanka to score more than they should have, especially given the performances of Anderson and Wood.

Dickwella batted excellently for his highest Test score, as did Perera who put on 89 with the wicketkeeper, 32 with number 10 Embuldeniya and 17 with last man Asitha Fernando.

BBC

[Mesozoic]

Root back to his best.
And Bairstow making a case for the opening position although facing those superb Indian quickies will be tough

I believe Bairstow is "rested" for the India series.

[James]

I believe Bairstow is "rested" for the India series.

This inexplicable decision should be instantly reversed, given that Bairstow is batting well currently and Burns is injury prone, Crawley and Sibley meanwhile can’t buy a run. Batsmen who haven’t played Test cricket in months don’t need to be “rested”.

[Bewal Express]

67 from 77 balls, 10 fours.

That’s a superb counter-attack from Root.

He looks to have got the energy back in his batting which has been missing for a long time. He looks a class apart.

[Bewal Express]

This inexplicable decision should be instantly reversed, given that Bairstow is batting well currently and Burns is injury prone, Crawley and Sibley meanwhile can’t buy a run. Batsmen who haven’t played Test cricket in months don’t need to be “rested”.

IPL takes priority.

[Mesozoic]

This inexplicable decision should be instantly reversed, given that Bairstow is batting well currently and Burns is injury prone, Crawley and Sibley meanwhile can’t buy a run. Batsmen who haven’t played Test cricket in months don’t need to be “rested”.

I think he wants to keep himself fresh for the all important IPL in April.

I'm sure he'll be back for the LOI leg of the India tour as he's key for England's T20wc plans. Not taking a break from the Indian tests would have meant 5 straight months of bubble life. Can't blame him or the selectors.

[Ab Fan]

Buttler has also taken a break after first Test.

Its quit clear that both Bairstow & Buttler want to be fresh for the all-important IPL

[Last Monetarist]

I think he wants to keep himself fresh for the all important IPL in April.

I'm sure he'll be back for the LOI leg of the India tour as he's key for England's T20wc plans. Not taking a break from the Indian tests would have meant 5 straight months of bubble life. Can't blame him or the selectors.

He doesn't need to play the LOI leg if he is also playing the IPL. Bairstow and England have absolutely nothing to gain if he plays an irrelevant white ball series in India.

This is a squalid decision by Smith.

[Last Monetarist]

Buttler has also taken a break after first Test.

Its quit clear that both Bairstow & Buttler want to be fresh for the all-important IPL

It's poor planning by the ECB given that they sent Buttler out to South Africa for the series in November after he had played the IPL.

[Mesozoic]

He doesn't need to play the LOI leg if he is also playing the IPL. Bairstow and England have absolutely nothing to gain if he plays an irrelevant white ball series in India.

This is a squalid decision by Smith.

I wouldn't say that.

T20 WC is in India later this year so a 4 game series against a solid Indian team in these same conditions will do a whole lot of good for England's chances of burying the ghosts of 'Eden Gardens 2016'.

[Thunderbolt14]

Buttler has also taken a break after first Test.

Its quit clear that both Bairstow & Buttler want to be fresh for the all-important IPL

All hail Test cricket... the greatest format...

[Last Monetarist]

I wouldn't say that.

T20 WC is in India later this year so a 4 game series against a solid Indian team in these same conditions will do a whole lot of good for England's chances of burying the ghosts of 'Eden Gardens 2016'.

Bairstow has played plenty of white ball cricket in India for him to learn anything from these matches. England would be better served giving experience to those on the fringes that haven't played in these conditions before.

[Last Monetarist]

All hail Test cricket... the greatest format...

I don't think this is a voluntary decision by the players, it's actually utterly irrational for Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow to be missing test matches at this stage in their respective careers.

By all accounts, Ed Smith has made these decisions after collaboration with the team management. It is the usual overcomplication by those in charge in a bid to seem clever and intelligent.

It's also tacit admission that the ECB don't think England has any chance of getting a result in this series.

[Hasan123]

Buttler has also taken a break after first Test.

Its quit clear that both Bairstow & Buttler want to be fresh for the all-important IPL

It's the selectors who have made the call to do all this resting nonsense. I refuse to believe top class players like Buttler and Bairstow want to be rested for tests against India.

[Buffet]

What they are thinking by resting Buttler and Bairstow?

Eng has given up on the Indians series or they can pull what Indians pulled in Aus with new players? Indians did not rest anyone and they were forced to play new players in Aus, but Eng can surprise many if they pull something similar.

[Cric1234]

Zak Crawley made a big double hundred against Pakistan and was called the next big batsman from England by some.
Indeed Pakistan can make average players look great.

[sindhiboy]

That 1st ball to Lawrence was unplayable. Pitch is spinning more than it did when sri lanka were batting

[sindhiboy]

Lawrence getting some rippers now

[James]

Today is going about as expected so far: Root still going strong, but wickets falling at the other end.

This Emuldeniya kid looks to be blessed with a lot of talent — and in these conditions, he perhaps has a bit too much quality for most of our batters.

[MenInG]

SL 381
ENG 154/4 (47.3) CRR: 3.24
Day 3: 1st Session - England trail by 227 runs

[James]

Masterful ton from Root.

He’s the best player on either side, but he needs a bit more support out there from the other England batters!

[Babbar]

Bharat Arun, Ashwin & Shastri must be watching English batsmen’s vulnerabilities with hawk eyes. Root is the biggest hurdle for India.

Emuldeniya success against England is probably getting analysed right now.

[Protea Fan]

Absolute masterclass from rooty in a pitch offers fair amount of turn and bounce

His technique against spin is just impeccable and its laudable

If you take away roots contribution, this should have been an evenly poised series

[Robert]

I think SL would be about to go 0-2 up without Root.

Great to see our best batsman back where he belongs, piling on the test match runs.

[James]

Evenly poised without Root? More like a one-sided series without Root!

He has turned a below-average side in the Subcontinent into one that could really compete in, and potentially win, Test matches in these conditions.

A genuine match-winning cricketer.

[James]

Good 50 from Buttler. Ideally he needs to convert into a ton as well.

Perhaps we are starting to see the impact of Kallizzz as the new batting consultant. Root, Bairstow and Buttler have all significantly improved their patience and application at the crease on this tour.

[sindhiboy]

Butler was reverse sweeping almost every ball.
Brought his demise.

Was a good innings nonetheless.

A very crucial wicket for sri lanka, not looking good for England now

[Robert]

Rooty is looking tired. Get to the tea break skipper, have an energy drink and a microsleep.

SL looking in the box seat now.

Bairstow has been out overnight twice in two matches - he needs to work on that. Strauss had the same problem.

[Thomaskutty]

Can the wicketkeeper pls stop sayin 'Aiyo all the time ?

[James]

Curran out.... still 129 behind, with only 4 wickets in hand. Root getting tired and cramping up as well.

A gritty and fighting performance from England’s middle order with the bat — but my gut tells me that they will end up at least 50 runs behind Sri Lanka on 1st innings.

This would not necessarily seal England’s fate in the match, but they would certainly be faced with a huge task in saving it (and thus preserving their lead in the series)....

[Robert]

Oops. England tail could get skittled here. Huge pressure on the skip, who will stay in with him?

[Rana]

Umpires call lol

This is still a big difference in deciding the fate of a match in the age of transparency and DRS

[Mesozoic]

Anderson Leach Wood..... that's the worst longest tail I've seen for England in recent times.

If SL.. sorry Embuldeniya gets Root quickly, they can gain a big lead.

[sindhiboy]

Root has not taken enough of the strike, he could have protected curran. Bess has faced most of the deliveries this partnership as well

[sindhiboy]

Anderson Leach Wood..... that's the worst longest tail I've seen for England in recent times.

If SL.. sorry Embuldeniya gets Root quickly, they can gain a big lead.

Leach has a 90 and wood has a 50 vs South Africa

[Thomaskutty]

lolz .. i like this wickey.

Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Dickwella likes a chat! 💬💬💬

He has teased Bairstow for being "dropped", hailed Lawrence's play against spin - and asked Root for a bat! 🤣#SLvENG 🇱🇰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

📺 Watch 👉 https://t.co/bT0CP9Q8No
📱 Blog 👉 https://t.co/cJNbB8VWVV pic.twitter.com/yjBFSWII6F

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) January 24, 2021

[James]

Joseph Edward Root.

My word.

[Robert]

150 for Root. He has slowed down from tiredness, but England can’t win this so he should just soak up time and win the series.

Bess showing some stickability in support here.

[Robert]

78 behind.

SL over rate terrible, why are they not trying to win the match?

[shariqnoor]

This Embuldeniya guy is amazing. With him in the side, he will rip apart Pakistan's batting lineup in Sri Lanka.

[Mesozoic]

Never understood this "Light isn't good enough for seamers, please bowl your spinners" thing.

If it's not good to bowl for anyone, just come off or call it off.

[Robert]

Never understood this "Light isn't good enough for seamers, please bowl your spinners" thing.

It’s about giving the spectators full value for the day.

[James]

150 for Root. He has slowed down from tiredness, but England can’t win this so he should just soak up time and win the series.

Bess showing some stickability in support here.

Still a slight chance that we can win this Test match @Robert. If our batters wipe out their lead, then our bowlers can put them under pressure on a deteriorating pitch tomorrow.

[Mesozoic]

It’s about giving the spectators full value for the day.

At the expense of?

Imagine having to bowl 10 overs of spin in England when the opposition is trailing by 70 and have 3 wickets in hand. It could well have a big impact on the game.

[Robert]

At the expense of?

Imagine having to bowl 10 overs of spin in England when the opposition is trailing by 70 and have 3 wickets in hand. It could well have a big impact on the game.

So finish off the tail with the spinners. Remember that cricket is a spectator sport. Please the spectators, or the sport dies.

[Robert]

Still a slight chance that we can win this Test match @Robert. If our batters wipe out their lead, then our bowlers can put them under pressure on a deteriorating pitch tomorrow.

SL lead down to 50. Remarkable after ENG were 130-4.

Oops, Bess goes.

[Robert]

Oops, 337-8. Can Jimmy or Leach stick with the skip?

[ssuhaide]

Root gone. A great knock. England will have to bowl really well to restrict Sri Lanka as batting on day 5 will be tough.

[Robert]

Aww, Root run-out in the last over of the day!

Disappointment on 186!

[James]

No blame attached to Root so late in the day. Just one of those things to get out in the manner that he did. 186 priceless runs. That was one of the best Test innings by an England batsman to have ever been played in the Subcontinent. Hopefully he has done enough to secure the series for England. We shall see.

[Mesozoic]

If not for the runouts, Root might have averaged 500 this series.

[MenInG]

[Robert]

If not for the runouts, Root might have averaged 500 this series.

Averaging a mere 139 so far.

[Thunderbolt14]

15 wickets for Embuldeniya on the cards?

[Mesozoic]

This game is only going towards a draw I'm afraid.

Wicket is turning a bit but English spinners are too dreadful to induce a collapse tomorrow and the whole SL attack barring Embuldenya is too dreadful to bowl England out in a day.

[Firebat]

Root, Embuldeniya shine on see-saw day

Joe Root's marathon 186 helped England reduce the deficit after Lasith Embuldeniya picked up a seven-wicket haul on day three of the second Test in Galle.

Root, who had scored a fabulous double ton in the first Test, looked good to repeat the feat in this one as well but fell victim to a Oshada Fernando throw that caught him short. However with England trailing by just 42 runs and with one wicket in hand, the visitors will not be too unhappy with their effort.

The England captain has now gone past David Gower to become his country's fourth-highest run-getter in Tests.

Embuldeniya was the star for Sri Lanka as he accounted for seven of the nine English wickets, making sure that Root ran out of partners even as the batsman continued chipping at the lead. The spinner was supported by other bowlers, who kept England's scoring rate under three.

For the most part of the last session Root and Dom Bess looked in control and saw off half the session with little trouble. But, Sri Lanka revived themselves in the final over of the day, strangling the scoring rate even further. Embuldeniya picked his sixth wicket when he dismissed Bess for a 95-ball 32 and then immediately removed Mark Wood in the next over for one.

With the deficit under 50, England still could have finished on a high but an error in judgment from Root rounded off a more satisfying day for the hosts.

Earlier, the visitors stuttered at the start of the third day when they lost Jonny Bairstow for 28. He had added just four runs to his overnight score. Embuldeniya continued to trouble the England batsmen and was responsible for Bairstow's downfall, enticing him to edge it into the slips. The appeal was turned down by the umpire but Sri Lanka reviewed successfully to overturn the decision.

Embuldeniya then turned his attention to newcomer Dan Lawrence, who struggled with the spinner's sharp turns. Lawrence, who had got a superb 73 in the first Test, failed to last much longer and ended up giving a catch to Lahiru Thirimanne at first slip.

Despite losing two partners in quick succession, Root carried on in the same aggressive fashion as before and continued to plunder runs off bad deliveries. With a single off Dilruwan Perera, he brought up his 19th Test hundred. It was also his fourth against Sri Lanka – the most by an England batsman.

Buttler, who joined then Root at the crease supported his captain to take England to 181/4 at lunch.

Root continued to bisect gaps and accumulate runs in the second session. He shared a 97-run stand with Buttler, which was broken when the latter got out soon after his 18th Test fifty. Buttler became debutant Ramesh Mendis' maiden Test victim. The batsman went for an unnecessary reverse sweep only to play onto his boot as the ball lobbed up, offering a simple catch to short leg.

The next man in Sam Curran (13), didn't last for long either becoming Embuldeniya's fifth victim of the match at tea.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1984548