Sri Lanka Collapse Before Lunch as England Thrives in the First Test
The opening Test of the series between England and Sri Lanka at Old Trafford began with a dramatic first session that set the tone for what could be a challenging match for the visitors. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka’s decision quickly backfired as they found themselves struggling at 80 for 5 by the time lunch was called. The combination of England's disciplined bowling, erratic shot selection from the Sri Lankan batters, and a pitch that offered unexpected bounce made for a disastrous start for the touring side.
A Tough Start for Sri Lanka
The morning session saw Sri Lanka's hopes unravel almost immediately. Their top order, which has been a point of concern in recent times, was exposed once again under testing conditions. Gus Atkinson, with his controlled line and length, initiated the collapse by removing the Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne. Atkinson, bowling with pace and precision, forced Karunaratne into a loose shot that resulted in a thin edge being grabbed by the wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. This early breakthrough was a sign of things to come, as Sri Lanka's batting line-up failed to build any momentum.
Chris Woakes then joined the party, capitalizing on the pressure built by Atkinson. Nishan Madushka, who had shown early signs of patience, was next to go, falling victim to an outswinger that he edged to Joe Root at first slip. Woakes then dismissed the experienced Angelo Mathews with a delivery that jagged back sharply. Mathews, opting not to offer a shot, was trapped plumb in front, burning a review in the process. This left Sri Lanka reeling at 6 for 3, with their most seasoned campaigners back in the pavilion.
Brief Resistance, But England Dominate
Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal offered brief resistance, counterattacking with a few boundaries that temporarily halted England's charge. Mendis, in particular, looked to be positive against Matthew Potts, exploiting his wide angles to play some elegant shots through the off-side. However, their partnership was short-lived as Mark Wood, known for his express pace, was introduced into the attack.
Wood struck with a menacing bouncer that caught Mendis off guard. The ball thudded into Mendis’ thumb and lobbed to Harry Brook at second slip, leaving Mendis in visible pain and forcing him to leave the field immediately. This dismissal further compounded Sri Lanka's woes as they were left vulnerable, both physically and mentally, heading into the second hour of play.
Sri Lanka's Misfortunes Continue
Dhananjaya de Silva, known for his calmness under pressure, joined Chandimal at the crease. The pair attempted to stabilize the innings, putting together a measured stand that looked to be slowly building towards respectability. However, England's bowlers were relentless, and just before lunch, Sri Lanka suffered another setback.
Shoaib Bashir, a surprise inclusion for a pre-lunch spell, struck in his second over with a delivery that would make any bowler proud. It was a ball that defied expectations—a daisycutter that stayed low, skidding off the surface to trap Chandimal in front of the stumps. Chandimal, who had battled hard for his 28 runs, was left stunned by the uneven bounce. Despite reviewing the decision, it was clear that the ball would have crashed into the stumps, and he had to depart.
England's Commanding Position
As the players left the field for lunch, England were firmly in control of the match. Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first had backfired spectacularly, with their top and middle order in tatters. At 80 for 5, the visitors faced an uphill battle to claw their way back into the contest. England, on the other hand, were buoyed by their early success, with their bowlers executing the game plan to perfection. Ollie Pope, standing in as captain, couldn’t have asked for a better start to his leadership tenure.
The first session of this Test match has highlighted the fragility of Sri Lanka's batting line-up in challenging conditions. England’s bowlers exploited the conditions superbly, combining pace, swing, and some unpredictable bounce to put their side in a commanding position. For Sri Lanka, the road to recovery in this match looks steep, and they will need something extraordinary from their lower order and bowlers to stay competitive in this Test.