Sri Lanka vs England, 2021 – 2nd Test – Day 1: Review

Angelo Matthews. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Angelo Mathews underlined his utility to the side by scoring a resolute 107* to help Sri Lanka finish the first Day with the scorecard reading 229/4. Along with veteran Dinesh Chandimal, Mathews put on a defiant partnership of 117 runs for the fourth wicket. Chandimal, on his part, scored 52 off 121 balls to keep Joe Root and his men at bay. Here’s simple steps  for your 1xbet registration.

The day undoubtedly belonged to Mathews. Sri Lanka’s most experienced batsman walked in with his side in trouble at 7/2, consumed 228 deliveries, and remained unbeaten at the end of the day. During his unbeaten stay in the middle that lasted almost the whole of Day 1, Mathews scored 11 boundaries.

Earlier in the day, James Anderson ripped through the Sri Lankan top order. England drew first blood as early as the fifth over of the innings when Anderson removed Kusal Perera. The left-hander went for a wild swing but edged the ball into the hands of Joe Root at slip. The next man to depart was Oshada Fernando. To a length ball from Anderson, Fernando tried to cut it, but only managed to get an inside edge onto his stumps.

Fernando departed without troubling the scorers. Lahiru Thirimanne looked solid in his stay in the middle, but just when it looked as if he would kick on and get a big score, Anderson removed him for 43. The England pacer bowled a probing delivery just outside off stump, Thirimanne was forced to play the ball, the cherry took the outside edge and settled into the hands of wicket-keeper Jos Buttler behind the stumps.

The fourth and final wicket to fall in the day was Dinesh Chandimal. Mark Wood was finally rewarded after bending his back relentlessly throughout the day. To a ball that came in with the angle, Chandimal tried to flick the delivery but was struck in front of the stumps.

Niroshan Dickwella and Mathews negotiated the second new ball to help Sri Lanka prevent any further damages. And needless to say, Anderson was the pick of the bowlers for England. The pace bowling legend bowled 19 overs, gave away just 24 runs, and picked up 3 out of the 4 wickets to fall in the day. Here’s free cricket tips online. Read more to get more free tips and tricks.

The first session of the second day will be crucial for Sri Lanka. The hosts will be hoping that Mathews can continue to carry on the good work with the willow into Day 2 as well.

Betting Odds SL vs ENG – Day 2