September 2, 2024

2nd Test: Gus Atkinson Stars As England Seal Series vs Sri Lanka

Gus Atkinson continued his impressive form at Lord’s, taking five wickets as England defeated Sri Lanka by 190 runs in the second Test on Sunday, securing a 2-0 series lead. Chasing a daunting target of 483, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 292 despite half-centuries from Dinesh Chandimal (58), Dimuth Karunaratne (55), and captain Dhananjaya de Silva (50). Atkinson, who also scored his maiden first-class century in England’s first-innings total of 427, led the bowling attack with 5-62.

Gus Atkinson’s exceptional performance in the second Test earned him the Player of the Match accolade, making it his fifth appearance on the Lord’s dressing room honors boards despite it being only his second Test at the iconic venue. His outstanding display included taking five wickets for 62 runs, adding to his impressive tally of 12 wickets from his England debut against the West Indies in July. Atkinson’s achievements placed him in elite company, joining Tony Greig and Ian Botham as one of only three England players to score a century and take five wickets in the same Test. This feat is particularly notable at Lord’s, where he became only the third player, following India’s Vinoo Mankad and Botham, to accomplish this remarkable double.

Atkinson’s Match-Winning Performance and Root’s Historic Achievement Propel England Forward

Atkinson’s contributions were crucial in securing England’s seventh consecutive victory over Sri Lanka, following their win in the first Test at Old Trafford. The 26-year-old Surrey fast bowler not only showcased his skill with both bat and ball but also reinforced his status as a rising star in international cricket. His performance not only highlighted his personal achievements but also played a significant role in England’s dominant series performance, cementing his place as a key player for the team.

“To get on both honours boards is incredible,” Atkinson told Sky Sports. “It will take a while to sink in.”

This match was a significant personal achievement for Joe Root. For the first time in his 145-match Test career, Root scored centuries in both innings, with scores of 143 and 103. These knocks brought his total to a record 34 Test centuries, the most by any England batsman.

Sri Lanka now faces a quick turnaround, with the third Test starting at The Oval on Friday. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva acknowledged his mistake in choosing to field first on what turned out to be a favorable batting pitch after winning the toss.

“Definitely. I got it wrong,” he told the BBC, before adding: “We have got to improve on the first innings whether we bat or bowl first, that’s what I will be telling my boys is that we’ve got to start better.”

Sri Lanka’s Struggle and Key Dismissals Lead to England’s Victory

Sri Lanka resumed their innings on Sunday at 53-2, facing a daunting challenge, as the highest successful fourth-innings chase in Test history is the West Indies’ 418-7 against Australia in 2003. Joe Root, who had taken his 200th Test catch the previous day, missed a difficult one-handed slip catch from Dimuth Karunaratne, giving the opener a reprieve off Gus Atkinson’s bowling.

Karunaratne, 36, reached his fifty off 98 balls, hitting seven boundaries, but was dismissed just before lunch. Olly Stone, returning to Test cricket after three years, bowled a sharp 87 mph (140 kmh) delivery that Karunaratne could only glove to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

Dinesh Chandimal counter-attacked in the afternoon, racing to a 42-ball fifty with 40 runs in boundaries, but was caught at short leg off Atkinson. Kamindu Mendis, who had an impressive batting average of 92 after scoring his third hundred in four Tests at Old Trafford, was dismissed for just four, caught in the slips off Atkinson.

Sri Lanka, who have never won a Test at Lord’s, found themselves in deep trouble at 200-7. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva offered some resistance before playing on to Atkinson, who then had Milan Rathnayake caught behind to complete his five-wicket haul. The match ended when Chris Woakes dismissed Lahiru Kumara, who holed out to Stone at mid-on.