Root dominates Sri Lanka, equals Cook record: 2nd Test, Day 1 (Lords)

Joe Root’s defiant 143 saved England after they were in trouble, having surprisingly been inserted by Sri Lanka on a tame pitch under blue sky and sunshine.

With his 33rd ton, Root levelled with Alastair Cook for the most Test centuries by an Englishman.

England ended at 358-7 after Root added 48 with Harry Brook and 62 alongside Jamie Smith, but it was only in a seventh-wicket stand of 92 with Gus Atkinson (74 not out) that put them on the front foot late in the day.

England 358 for 7 (Root 143, Atkinson 74*, Kumara 2-75, Rathnayake 2-80) vs Sri Lanka.

Aug 2024.