ENG vs SL [WATCH]: Milan Rathnayake’s spectacular grab ends Gus Atkinson’s heroic innings on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test

The second day of the 2nd Test between England and Sri Lanka at Lord’s promised to be a day of dominance for the hosts. However, the Sri Lankan bowlers, especially Asitha Fernando, had other plans. Fernando’s consistent line and length had troubled the English batters throughout the day.

Gus Atkinson’s marvellous maiden century

Gus Atkinson, the English all-rounder, had a dream day. He started the day with a couple of boundaries and continued to score at a brisk pace. His innings gained momentum as he reached his maiden first-class hundred. The crowd at Lord’s erupted in cheers as Atkinson celebrated his milestone.

Milan Rathnayake’s plucks a stunner

Just when it seemed like England would post a massive total, Sri Lanka’s Milan Rathnayake pulled off a stunning catch. Atkinson, looking to hit a third consecutive boundary, miscued a short-pitched delivery. Rathnayake, stationed at deep midwicket, initially seemed to misjudge the ball’s trajectory. However, he recovered quickly and executed a brilliant one-handed catch over his shoulder. The crowd was left in awe as Rathnayake’s catch sent Atkinson back to the pavilion.

Rathnayake’s catch was a testament to his athleticism, quick reflexes, and ability to judge the ball’s trajectory. The difficulty of the shot and the angle at which he took the catch made it even more impressive. His ability to take spectacular catches has made him a valuable asset to the Sri Lankan team.

Here’s the video:

A sensational catch marks the end of a brilliant innings 🤯

Well batted, Gus 🫡 pic.twitter.com/tVX53BZdT1

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 30, 2024

England’s dominant batting in the Lord’s Test

Despite Atkinson’s dismissal, England managed to reach a respectable total of 427. Shoaib Bashir and Olly Stone added a few more runs before the latter was dismissed by Fernando. Atkinson’s innings of 118 runs was a major highlight of the day. His knock included 14 fours and four sixes.

Also READ: ENG vs SL: Fans go wild as Joe Root equals Alastair Cook’s record for England with 33rd Test century at Lord’s

The road ahead for Sri Lanka

With a challenging target to chase, Sri Lanka will need to bat well in their second innings. Their bowlers will also need to be at their best to restrict England’s lead in the match. The third day of the Test promises to be an exciting one as both teams battle it out for a crucial victory.

England’s lower-order resilience

England’s lower order, led by Atkinson and Root, played a crucial role in their team’s innings. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, they managed to build partnerships and score valuable runs. Their resilience was a testament to their batting depth and their ability to adapt to challenging conditions.

Asitha Fernando’s impact in the first innings

Fernando’s five-wicket haul was a major factor in England’s dismissal. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate bounce made him a difficult bowler to face. Fernando’s performance was a reminder of Sri Lanka’s bowling talent and their ability to compete against top-quality opposition.

The outcome of this Test match will have a significant impact on the series. A victory for England would give them a series win, while a win for Sri Lanka would put them in a strong position to level the series and eventually go in the series decider with a momentum. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory and take a step closer to claiming the series.

Also READ: ENG vs SL: Netizens celebrate as Gus Atkinson hits his maiden ton at iconic Lord’s on Day 2 of the 2nd Test