In an exciting first-test encounter between England and Sri Lanka, Mark Wooden showcased his uncooked tempo and ability, delivering a surprising 93 mph supply to dismiss Kusal Mendis, setting the tone for England’s dominance within the first innings.
Mark Wooden dismisses Kusal Mendis with an incredible supply
It was the sixteenth over of Sri Lanka’s innings when Wooden’s searing quick ball proved an excessive amount of for Mendis, who had been seeking to regular the ship after a shaky begin from the hosts. The supply, angling in direction of off-stump, left Mendis in two minds. His try and fend it away failed, because the ball rocketed off his backside thumb and flew immediately in direction of Harry Brook at second slip. Brook made no mistake, finishing a simple catch with out having to maneuver an inch.
Mendis, who had managed to attain 24 runs off 34 balls, together with 4 boundaries, was pressured to acknowledge the brilliance of the supply as he trudged again to the pavilion, visibly uncomfortable along with his proper hand, which had been closely strapped earlier than the match. Sri Lanka can be anxiously hoping that no critical damage has occurred to their key batter, given the group’s difficult begin to the innings.
Right here is the video:
Tempo like 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Md8gctJsTr
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 21, 2024
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England bowlers domination
Having gained the toss and opted to bat first, Sri Lanka’s choice shortly appeared to backfire as they discovered themselves struggling in opposition to a medical English bowling assault. By the point lunch was referred to as, Sri Lanka had limped to 80 runs for the lack of 5 wickets in 25 overs.
England’s bowlers had been in high-quality type from the outset, with Chris Woakes significantly standing out. Woakes struck early within the innings, dismissing each Sri Lankan openers. His first breakthrough got here when he eliminated Nishan Madushka for simply 4 runs, setting the tone for England’s dominance. Woakes then delivered a vital blow to Sri Lanka’s hopes when he trapped the skilled Angelo Mathews, who failed to attain, departing for a duck.
Because the gamers headed off for the lunch break, England had clearly taken management of the opening day, leaving Sri Lanka reeling. With 5 wickets already down, Sri Lanka might want to regroup and discover stability within the second session in the event that they hope to publish a aggressive first-innings complete. For England, the opening session has offered an excellent begin, with their bowlers exhibiting precision, tempo, and management, placing them within the driver’s seat.
