Player of the Match
Player of the Match
  • BATSMEN
    R
    B
    M
    4s
    6s
    SR
    6.3 the leg slip was there exactly for that! Good captaincy from Root. Broad angles a short of length delivery into middle and leg, Thirimanne tucks it off the face of the bat down leg and Bairstow stays low and pouches this one nicely. 16/1
    10.2 goes for the reverse-sweep, plops a top edge straight to slip! Maybe off the glove, actually, but either way Bess is immediately amongst the wickets on his first bowl in Asia! England's morning gets better, there's spin and bounce for their offie and Root gleefully accepts the catch 25/3
    6.5 nicks him off! Fourth duck in a row for Kusal Mendis. Goes full, this is a well-disguised leg-cutter from Broad that deviates enough off the pitch, Mendis pushes forward without any conviction, gets a thin edge and Buttler does the rest. 16/2
    28.6 huge strike and it's that man again, Broad! What a big moment in the game. The big fish is gone. Looks to cut but this isn't as short as he thinks it is, slashes at that to get a thick edge and Root takes an excellent catch at slip. It was flying to his right but he took it very well. 81/4
    29.2 got him! Sri Lanka are crumbling here. Should've had him in a similar way before lunch, but he has his man now. Tossed it up nicely, Chandimal sees the flight and goes after it but gets no timing or power behind that and the cover fielder dives forward to take an excellent catch. 81/5
    38.1 that's not great, from all parties, but Bess has another! Starts with a long hop from round the wicket, Dickwella completely flumps his cut shot, weight going back and the ball looping to backward point... where Dom Sibley barely sees it but manages to hold on as he falls to his haunches! Village Test cricket, but England will take it 105/6
    42.3 sweeps hard, the ball loops up... and Buttler claims the catch! Looks like this might have come straight off short leg. Shanaka is going to hang around while they check, but yes, replays confirm he has nailed his shot into Jonny Bairstow's ankle, the ricochet providing a simple take for the keeper! Not quite Marcus Trescothick lodging one in Russel Arnold's jumper 20 years ago, but similar fortune involved 126/7
    19
    22
    41
    2
    0
    86.36
    46.1 bowled trying to reverse sweep, Bess has his bag of five! Clearly Hasaranga had no faith in Asitha clinging on while he eked out a few more... but that's the second player dismissed reverse-sweeping today, on day one of the Test. Bess has definitely bowled better for less reward, but he'll still be applauded off by his team-mates. England make the perfect start to their subcontinental marathon 135/10
    42.5 bowled 'im, Bess has four-for! No luck involved this time, nicely flighted and Perera plays all around it, off stump pegged back! Not sure about the shot selection from the new man, who ought to know a bit about playing offspin at Galle 126/8
    43.5 creams a drive into the stumps at the non-striker's, and Leach reckons he's got a touch on it! Looks like Hasaranga's aggression has taken out his team-mate! Lyndon Hannibal is the TV umpire and he's satisfied there was a deflection from the fingertips of Leach's right hand - and Embuldeniya is run-out backing up! It's all coming up clover for England today 130/9
    not out
    0
    7
    12
    0
    0
    0.00
    Extras
    2 (lb 1, nb 1)
    TOTAL
    135 all out (46.1 Overs, RR: 2.92)
    Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Lahiru Thirimanne, 6.3 ov), 2-16 (Kusal Mendis, 6.5 ov), 3-25 (Kusal Perera, 10.2 ov), 4-81 (Angelo Mathews, 28.6 ov), 5-81 (Dinesh Chandimal, 29.2 ov), 6-105 (Niroshan Dickwella, 38.1 ov), 7-126 (Dasun Shanaka, 42.3 ov), 8-126 (Dilruwan Perera, 42.5 ov), 9-130 (Lasith Embuldeniya, 43.5 ov), 10-135 (Wanindu Hasaranga, 46.1 ov)
    BowlingOMRWEconWDNB
    SCJ Broad932032.2200
    SM Curran42802.0000
    MA Wood612103.5000
    DM Bess10.133052.9500
    MJ Leach1725513.2301
  • BATSMEN
    R
    B
    M
    4s
    6s
    SR
    8.4 has he chipped it to mid-off? Oh, dear. Yes. What have you done, Zak? Steps out but doesn't get to the pitch of the ball, ends up chipping it in the air. Hasaranga runs back and keeps his eye on the ball to pull off a very good catch. Would've definitely cleared the infield had he gone through with the stroke 17/2
    4.2 they appeal for a catch at slip, not given. But it could be a close lbw shout. Sri Lanka review. They've gone up for a catch. So we have to see if there's bat. The ball drifted in and spun away ever-so-slightly. Sibley prodded forward to defend, the bat was very very close to the ball. Yes, Ultraedge confirms a spike, which means there was definite bat as it then hit the pad and lobbed to slip where Mathews took a comfortable catch. Sri Lanka get a wicket through a review. 10/1
    42.2 catches the edge, did it carry? Soft signal is out, and it looks like Sri Lanka have broken through early... Flighted delivery, good areas and Bairstow is drawn into prodding at the ball, thick edge and the only question was whether Kusal Mendis got his fingers under the ball. He did so brilliantly, and Embuldeniya strikes second ball! 131/3
    117.1 steps out to swing this over the ropes but holes out to deep midwicket. I suspect Root was looking to hit it a lot straighter so he ended up dragging it a little courtesy the sharp turn. What a magnificent knock it has been. Dickwella shakes his hand as Root walks off. Well played. England all out. Sri Lanka need 287 to make England bat again and with that, they'll take lunch on day three 421/10
    85.3 gloved to short leg, the debut innings ends here! Dilruwan finally gets one to jump from an awkward line and Lawrence can only pop a catch to Mendis, stooping low! Been a diamond knock from England's newest Essex geezer, but he won't be getting to three figures. Maybe a hint of fatigue, it's tough out there, and he'd got a bit loose in recent overs. But a fine day's work 304/4
    104.1 there's the wicket and it's a superb ball to get Buttler as well! Full on off, there's a hint of away movement as it hits the seam and Buttler gets a thick edge through to Dickwella as he looking to play down the ground. 372/5
    104.2 got him first ball and what a ripper it is! This is full, fast, late movement away in the air. Curran plays outside the line. The ball sneaks past the inside edge, through the gap to flatten the stumps. Cracker. Mickey Arthur was pumped after watching that 372/6
    105.6 appeal for lbw as Root paddle-sweeps, and while SL are thinking about the review, Bess is run out by miles at the striker's end! Don't think there was much in the lbw shout, as he looked outside the line, and he set off instinctively before stuttering - not sure Bess would have made it anyway, but he was the obvious fall guy as Root trotted through, head thrown back apologetically 382/7
    111.2 pinned on the stumps! Spin away from the bat does the trick straight away, Dharmasena nods his assent and although Leach reviews, I think this looks good. Yep, tossed up straight and turning past a crease-bound defensive push, three reds on Hawk-Eye! Jack's sent back 398/8
    113.4 got him! Looking to sweep, gets the toe end as it lobs straight in the air with the keeper completing a simple catch. Predetermined sweep, played too early. 406/9
    not out
    11
    13
    24
    2
    0
    84.61
    Extras
    13 (b 7, nb 6)
    TOTAL
    421 all out (117.1 Overs, RR: 3.59)
    Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Dom Sibley, 4.2 ov), 2-17 (Zak Crawley, 8.4 ov), 3-131 (Jonny Bairstow, 42.2 ov), 4-304 (Dan Lawrence, 85.3 ov), 5-372 (Jos Buttler, 104.1 ov), 6-372 (Sam Curran, 104.2 ov), 7-382 (Dom Bess, 105.6 ov), 8-398 (Jack Leach, 111.2 ov), 9-406 (Mark Wood, 113.4 ov), 10-421 (Joe Root, 117.1 ov)
    BowlingOMRWEconWDNB
    L Embuldeniya45417633.9102
    AM Fernando1414423.1400
    PW Hasaranga1516304.2002
    MDK Perera36.1210943.0102
    MD Shanaka712203.1400
  • BATSMEN
    R
    B
    M
    4s
    6s
    SR
    37.4 oh heck! The poorest of poor deliveries has become a wicket-taking delivery. Short, wide outside off and Kusal's eyes light up as he sees an opportunity to absolutely smash that over point. He throws his hands at that in glee, strikes it well but picks out the lone man at deep point. Leach makes no mistake and there's the wicket England have been waiting for. 101/1
    82.1 inside edge, and Buttler snaffles the chance! Impeccable line and length from Curran, Thirimanne plays for the outswing but this one grazes straight on through, kissing the edge, eluding the off stump by a whisker, and the keeper does well to change direction and hoover up the offering, albeit with a fumble, diving to his right! A huge moment in this match... the centurion is gone after a valiant knock, and England have their opening! 210/4
    59.5 massive, massive wicket! Leach's persistence has paid off. Draws him forward by tossing it up, getting it to turn and bounce off the rough, Kusal gets a thin edge and Buttler follows the ball nicely to take an excellent catch. It was the previous delivery that caused some doubts in Kusal's mind so he had to play at this, or so he thought. 155/2
    62.6 gone! Soft dismissal, and England strike in the second over of the morning, Embuldeniya chipping straight to short cover! Low-key celebrations but that is the perfect start, the nightwatchman not tarrying long. Just plinked a wide one, really - another batting misjudgement in a Test littered with them 158/3
    136.5 steered to slip, this one's done! Mathews goes at the last after an excellent fighting knock, and Leach has his second Test five-for! Caught in two minds about how best to get try and a single, ends dollied catch off the outside edge 359/10
    91.3 gottim, taken low at slip! Chandimal is lured into a false prod, and England once again have an immediate Bess success to start the session! Relief as much as anything for England there, but that is a big moment. Flighted, pitching in a good area, and just goes on to clip the outside edge 243/5
    115.1 first ball and he's struck again! Back of a length, outside off, a hint of turn, and an indecisive prod from Dickwella, unsure whether to leave alone or run it through third man. Buttler snaffles the edge, there's an anxious wait for the decision then a fist-pump of triumph from the bowler. He's now got eight for the match, and England have got a very, very big breakthrough! 291/6
    116.2 now Leach joins the party with a jaffa! Lovely deceptive flight from the left-armer, round the wicket, luring Shanaka down the pitch, then bursting into the timbers as he ended up yorking himself on the move. England have rattled two wickets since drinks, and Sri Lanka are effectively 10 for 7! 296/7
    122.2 Root grabs a screamer at slip! Booming drive, takes the edge and possibly flicks Buttler's gloves, but Root flings himself to his left and takes it in an outstretched paw! Leach has his third and England are closing in now 314/8
    132.5 beats the outside edge with a big-spinning break, and then Buttler removes the bails... They are going to check for the stumping. England went up for the catch initially, then Buttler seemed to notice the back foot wasn't grounded behind the line. What does Lyndon Hannibal make of it in the TV umpire's chair? Very tight, but hard to be sure any boot is behind the line... This is a close as it gets, even with the camera zoomed in. Given! Buttler's first Test stumping, and what a moment to pull it out! 352/9
    not out
    0
    6
    24
    0
    0
    0.00
    Extras
    11 (b 7, lb 1, nb 3)
    TOTAL
    359 all out (136.5 Overs, RR: 2.62)
    Fall of wickets: 1-101 (Kusal Perera, 37.4 ov), 2-155 (Kusal Mendis, 59.5 ov), 3-158 (Lasith Embuldeniya, 62.6 ov), 4-210 (Lahiru Thirimanne, 82.1 ov), 5-243 (Dinesh Chandimal, 91.3 ov), 6-291 (Niroshan Dickwella, 115.1 ov), 7-296 (Dasun Shanaka, 116.2 ov), 8-314 (Wanindu Hasaranga, 122.2 ov), 9-352 (Dilruwan Perera, 132.5 ov), 10-359 (Angelo Mathews, 136.5 ov)
    BowlingOMRWEconWDNB
    SCJ Broad17111400.8200
    SM Curran1113723.3601
    DM Bess33410033.0300
    MA Wood2154902.3300
    MJ Leach41.5612252.9101
    JE Root1111901.7200
    DW Lawrence201005.0001
  • BATSMEN
    R
    B
    M
    4s
    6s
    SR
    4.6 hard-handed drive, and a sharp take in the gully! Too feisty from Crawley, thinking there was room to free his arms, but with men encamped round the bat that was fraught with danger... more spin from Embuldeniya, England lose their second, and this is Game On! 12/2
    0.6 bowled him! Sibley is utterly confounded by the arm ball, pitch-perfect on off stump, and holds its line to thump the top of off... oh my! Those 2000-01 echoes are getting a touch louder now... perfect set-up, with a series of sharp spinners, followed by one speared in on the angle from wide on the crease. Whoops! 3/1
    not out
    35
    65
    87
    2
    0
    53.84
    5.6 calamity for Root, who collides with the bowler, and looks to have been run out! Oh my, forget Colombo 2000-01, more shades of Trinidad 1993-94 here! A headless chicken single, into the covers, no need to take such a gamble. Ball-watching all round, and the skipper clatters into the bowler, and never has a prayer as the shy comes in! 14/3
    not out
    21
    52
    69
    0
    0
    40.38
    Extras
    9 (b 4, lb 5)
    TOTAL
    76/3 (24.2 Overs, RR: 3.12)
    Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Dom Sibley, 0.6 ov), 2-12 (Zak Crawley, 4.6 ov), 3-14 (Joe Root, 5.6 ov)
    BowlingOMRWEconWDNB
    L Embuldeniya1232922.4100
    MDK Perera11.223403.0000
    PW Hasaranga10404.0000

Match Details

Toss

Sri Lanka , elected to bat first

Player Of The Match

Series result

England led the 2-match series 1-0

Match number

Season

Hours of play (local time)

10.00 start, Lunch 12.00-12.40, Tea 14.40-15.00, Close 17.00

Match days

14,15,16,17,18 January 2021 (5-day match)

Test debut

TV Umpires

Reserve Umpire

Match Referee

Points

England 60, Sri Lanka 0

Close of Play

  • Thu, 14 Jan - day 1 - England 1st innings 127/2 (JM Bairstow 47*, JE Root 66*, 41 ov)
  • Fri, 15 Jan - day 2 - England 1st innings 320/4 (JE Root 168*, JC Buttler 7*, 94 ov)
  • Sat, 16 Jan - day 3 - Sri Lanka 2nd innings 156/2 (HDRL Thirimanne 76*, L Embuldeniya 0*, 61 ov)
  • Sun, 17 Jan - day 4 - England 2nd innings 38/3 (JM Bairstow 11*, DW Lawrence 7*, 15 ov)
  • Mon, 18 Jan - day 5 - England 2nd innings 76/3 (24.2 ov) - end of match

Match Notes

England 4th innings Partnerships

WktRunsPlayers
1st3DP SibleyZ Crawley
2nd9JM BairstowZ Crawley
3rd2JM BairstowJE Root
4th62JM BairstowDW Lawrence