In a dramatic turn of events, the hosts, England Lions, managed to secure a commanding 185-run first-innings lead against Sri Lanka on Day 2 of their only tour match before the upcoming three-match Test series in England. The visitors were left reeling after being bowled out for a paltry 139, with Prabath Jayasuriya wreaking havoc with figures of 5 for 102.
The Sri Lankan team faced a daunting task of salvaging the game after the Lions, comprising of several inexperienced players, put up a strong performance with both bat and ball in Worcester. Zaman Akhter, playing for Gloucestershire, stole the show with his brilliant spell of 5 for 32, his second five-wicket haul in first-class Cricket.
Despite a shaky start on the first evening, the Lions managed to take a slender six-run lead into the second day, thanks to Jayasuriya’s left-arm spin. However, it was Hamza Shaikh, the young debutant from Warwickshire, who stole the limelight with a stellar knock of 91 runs. His partnership with Kasey Aldridge, who scored 78, paved the way for Lions to build a formidable lead.
Jayasuriya’s impressive bowling display was well-supported by Kasun Rajitha, who chipped in with 2 for 51. However, Lahiru Kumara’s lackluster performance raised eyebrows as he leaked 92 runs in his 18 overs. Notably, Lions were missing key players as they fielded an under-strength side, including debutants Shaikh and Farhan Ahmed.
With Sri Lanka not having played a Test match since their tour to Bangladesh earlier this year, and most players lacking first-class cricket experience, the odds seemed stacked against them. As they gear up for the upcoming Test series against England, the Sri Lankan squad will be hoping to regroup and put up a better fight at Emirates Old Trafford.
Adding to the intrigue, former England batter Ian Bell will join the squad as a batting coach, bringing his wealth of experience and local knowledge to the table. The stage is set for an exciting series between England and Sri Lanka, with both teams looking to make their mark in the highly-anticipated contests ahead.
