In the first Test, England overcame Sri Lanka by a margin of five wickets, marking their fourth triumph in a row this season. This victory took place at Old Trafford, with Joe Root playing a vital role whilst tamping down his typically aggressive ‘Bazball’ style.
In the afternoon portion of the fourth, England was given a 205 chase. Despite their recent reputation for fourth-innings spectacle, this time they clinched victory largely due to Root’s dedicated work in securing a half-century. Post tea-break saw England’s loss of three wickets, compelling them to slow down their play amidst a tranquil Manchester audience. Nevertheless, they succeeded later in the day, following 58 overs.
With Harry Brook at his side, Root maintained stability through a careful stand of 49, ensuring he stuck it out till the end. He claimed 62 not out, bequeathing a victory to acting captain, Ollie Pope in his inaugural match as the leader, and wrapped up the day after a 3-hour stint with a solitary four – one of only two in his play.
Jamie Smith, freshly recognised for a maiden Test century from the first innings, boldly took it upon himself to reach the final leg of the game, grinding down a swift 39 that dispelled any concerns surrounding the match bleeding into a fifth day.
Earlier, England struggled with Mendis and Chandimal, renowned players from the Sri Lankan squad, as the duo achieved impressive scores of 113 and 79 respectively, establishing a challenging target and further exacerbated by the absence of Mark Wood’s renowned quick pace.
On Friday night, Wood suffered a thigh injury and was deemed unfit to participate in the day’s match, putting his chances of playing at Lord’s next week in jeopardy.
Without the motivating influence of the usual captain Ben Stokes, and the speed that Wood brings to the pitch, England still managed to regain control after disrupting the 117-run stand for the seventh wicket. The remaining four wickets were claimed by Matthew Potts (two) and Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes (one each).
Sri Lanka’s lead exceeded England’s predictions as the tourists resumed the game with a lead of just 82 and only four wickets remaining. The game, which had previously been somewhat lackadaisical, now seemed precarious as England’s top order collapsed.
Root took on the responsibility to prevent a downfall for England, carefully leading them to a safe outcome and maintaining the possibility of replicating the 3-0 series triumph over the West Indies with a similar result against the Sri Lankans.