Jamie Smith’s unbeaten 72 guided England to a slender 23-run lead over Sri Lanka on the second day of the first Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Thursday. Despite challenging weather conditions, England closed the day at 259-6, edging past Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 236. However, play was cut short due to bad light.
Promoted to bat at No. 6 in place of the injured Ben Stokes, Smith played a pivotal role in England’s innings. His knock, his third half-century in just four Tests, highlighted his growing importance to the team. Smith expertly anchored the innings while maintaining a brisk scoring rate, particularly during partnerships with Harry Brook (56) and Chris Woakes (25), contributing 62 and 52 runs, respectively. Both Brook and Woakes fell to impressive deliveries from Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.
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Jayasuriya was Sri Lanka’s standout performer, finishing with figures of 2-58 from 21 overs. His tight bowling kept the pressure on England, earning him key wickets. Brook, who had batted fluently to reach 56, was bowled by a delivery from Jayasuriya that pitched in line with the leg stump and sharply turned to hit the top of off. Woakes, after a patient 25 from 65 balls, was also undone by Jayasuriya with a ball that spun sharply and crashed into his stumps.
Earlier in the day, rain washed out the first session, but Sri Lanka capitalized on the overcast conditions once play resumed. Fast bowler Asitha Fernando delivered an impressive opening spell, trapping Ben Duckett lbw for 18 after a successful review. Fernando also bowled stand-in captain Ollie Pope for six and later dismissed former England captain Joe Root for 42, ending a promising 58-run partnership with Brook. Root edged an attempted drive to wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal, who took a sharp catch.
Despite Sri Lanka’s efforts, England managed to gain a narrow lead before play was halted due to bad light. Smith remained unbeaten at the crease, with Gus Atkinson providing support. With two days remaining in the first Test of the three-match series, the match is finely poised, with both teams eager to seize the advantage.
