Joe Root’s record-equalling 33rd Test century propelled England to a commanding position on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s.
After Sri Lanka opted to field first, England’s openers Ben Duckett and Dan Lawrence fell cheaply. Ollie Pope, captaining the side in place of the injured Ben Stokes, also struggled, dismissed for just one.
However, Root, batting at number four, steadied the innings with a masterful display of batting. He shared partnerships of 48 with Harry Brook, 62 with Jamie Smith, and 92 with Gus Atkinson.
Root reached his century in 162 balls, with 13 fours, moving into joint-tenth place in the all-time list of Test century-makers. He also tied Alastair Cook’s record of 33 Test centuries, becoming the only active cricketer in the top ranks of Test century-makers.
Atkinson provided valuable support to Root, scoring an unbeaten 74 in a seventh-wicket partnership of 92 runs. The 26-year-old hit two sixes off Prabath Jayasuriya and pulled Lahiru Kumara for another six over midwicket.
England ended the day on 358 for 7, with Atkinson and Jack Leach at the crease. Root’s century and Atkinson’s aggressive batting have put England in a strong position to build a substantial first-innings lead.
