Joe Root finished day two unbeaten at 67 when England closed at 98-2, slowing down before 283, in the second Test; James Anderson took 6-40 when Sri Lanka came out for 381; watch day three from 4.25am, Sunday on Sky Sports Cricket
Last updated: 23/01/21 12:17 pm
James Anderson took 6-40 as he was the oldest sailor to catch five or more wikis in a test match in Asia
James Anderson turned the 30th five-wicket draw of a Test career into six for the second day of the second Test in England in Sri Lanka.
England’s top catcher finished with figures of 6-40 when Sri Lanka were put out for 381 at the end of an extended afternoon session before a 67-yard spree from Joe Root took the tourists, after slipping to 5-2, to 98- 2 at the close in Galle.
Niroshan Dickwella fell eight short of a maiden trial period and was among Anderson’s victims, and Dilruwan Perera was the last man out there to make a valuable half-century for the guests.
The 10 Sri Lankan wickets fell to sailors, the first time that has happened in a Trial on the island since 1994, but it wasn’t long before a spin came into the equation as Lasith Embuldeniya, who was the left-back, accounting for both England openers for the third time in so many innings in the series.
Joe Root came in with England flying at 5-2 and got 67no fluent before stopping.
Root and Bairstow led the visitors and the captain quickly looked as impressive as he was in making his double in the first Test, picking up his 50th Semi-Test. percent from just 65 balls.
More to follow …
Watch day three of the second Test between Sri Lanka and England from 4.25am on Sunday on Sky Sports Cricket.