England established their dominance on day two of their Test against Sri Lanka thanks to a Joe Root century.
England came into the day in a strong position, having bowled Sri Lanka out for just 135, and well placed themselves on 127-2. Stumps fell with them building a 185-run lead, having lost just two wickets.
After a slight rain delay this morning, Sri Lanka struck early, dismissing Jonny Bairstow in the second over of the day. Root, however, continued untroubled, stroking the ball around at will.
He found an attack-minded partner in Dan Lawrence, and the pair set about lashing a toothless Sri Lanka bowling attack to all parts of the ground. Root negotiated Sri Lanka’s spinners well, sweeping them off their line and lengths and manipulating the field in this manner.
He went to his 18th Test century in the morning session, then picked up the scoring rate as the Test developed. At one stage in the second session, the pair were scoring at nearly four and a half an over. This took the contest further away from Sri Lanka, who’s bowlers lacked skill, discipline and x-factor in the face of England’s relentless onslaught.
Lawrence fell for a well-played 73 when he gloved a Dilruwan Perera delivery that spun and bounced sharply to short leg. Jos Butler joined Root, but rain delayed the match shortly after his arrival and ultimately ended the day’s play with England in an extremely commanding position.
Root was unbeaten on 168 at stumps and will be eyeing a double hundred when the match resumes.
