The second and the final test match of the Test series between Sri Lanka vs England was held at Galle International Stadium, Galle from 22nd Jan to 25th Jan.
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first. On Day 1 of the 2nd test, Sri Lanka scored 229/4 at the end of Day 1. It was a good start for Sri Lanka as compared to the previous game. As the Sri Lanka play resumed on Day 2, they scored 381 runs in the 1st innings and Angelo Mathews (110), Niroshan Dickwella (92), Dilruwan Perera (67) scored their best to set a competitive score for England for 1st innings. With 300+ score on the board, Sri Lanka looked quite in control of the game. However, they were bowled out on day two. Key bowlers for England were James Anderson (29-13-40-6), and Mark Wood (28-4-84-3). England started its 1st innings post – tea break, by the end of Day 2 England had scored 98/2.
On day 3, SL bowled some good spells and by the end of the day, England scored 339/8. On Day 4 England scored 344 runs leaving Sri Lanka with a 37 run lead. Joe Root (186), Jos Butler (55) performed well for the team in the 1st innings but could not take the team to a lead. Key bowlers for Sri Lanka were Lasith Embuldeniya (46-6-147-7) who also recorded 5th best figure at the Galle stadium, Dilruwan Perera (32.1-4-86-1), and Ramesh Mendis (16-1-48-1).
Day 4 had something else in its store. Sri Lanka’s 2nd innings began and they were bowled out on 126 runs in their 2nd innings with Lasith Embuldeniya (40) and Ramesh Mendis (16) being the top run scorers. Key bowlers for England in their 2nd innings were (Dom Bess 16-1-49-4), Jack Leach (14-1-59-4), Joe Root (1.5-1-0-2). England had to scored 164 runs to win the test. It did not seem easy as the SL’s bowling unit looked determined to restrict them from chasing the scores. However, England achieved its target and won the test by scoring 164 runs with the loss of 4 wickets in the 2nd innings with some good batting performances by Dominic Sibely (56) and Jos Butler (46). Key bowlers for Sri Lanka in the 2nd innings were Lasith Embuldeniya (20-3-73-3) and Ramesh Mendis (10-0-48-1).
Special Mention: England are the first team to take 10 wickets with pacers/seam in the 1st innings and with spinners in the 2nd innings. During the 1st innings it was seen that Sri Lanka had an upper hand in the game, but in their 2nd innings the tables turned around and England changed the course of the entire game. Lasith Embuldeniya also made a record of picking 10 wickets in a test match (both innings combined)
England won the series 2-0.
Scores at Glance:
Ekantika Iyer (Guest Author, Beyond the Matches)