Challenges Ahead for Batters as SL Skipper Silva Reflects on Loss to England in 1st Test

Manchester [UK], : Sri Lankan skipper Dhananjaya de Silva acknowledged the lack of support within the batting line-up after his side's defeat to England in the first Test. He emphasized the importance of finding ways to score runs collectively and perform better in challenging English conditions against the formidable bowlers.

Sri Lankan batters fought hard, with contributions from Kamindu Mendis, Angelo Matthews, Dinesh Chandimal, Silva and Milan Rathnayake standing out. But it still was not enough to overcome England, who were powered by the contributions of their middle order in the absence of their injured opener Zak Crawley and skipper Ben Stokes.

Following the game, Silva said during the post-match presentation that bowlers failed to put their deliveries in the right areas.

"I would say that the second innings of batting and bowling were better than the first, we have not done well overall, though. We didn't put the ball in the right areas, even in fielding, we did not take our chances," said Silva.

Silva said that he is confident about his team's batting line-up, but they have to find ways to score runs. He was appreciative of Kamindu's century and noted a lack of support for him from the other end.

"I am confident about our batting line-up, they will have to find ways to score runs in these conditions and against a disciplined bowling line-up like England. He has done well in all games so far , averages 108, and, I think, has the runs; and the rest of us need to support him well. We need to stay with our plans and execute them better in the next test," concluded the skipper.

In the match, SL won the toss and opted to bat first. Struggling at 113/7, it was knocks from skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Milan Rathnayake that pushed SL to 236/10.

Chris Woakes and Shoaib Bashir were the top bowlers for England.

Despite a poor start and a tricky score of 67/3, fine performances from middle order batters Joe Root , Harry Brook , and centurion Jamie Smith helped England attain a lead of 122 runs as they were bundled out for 358 runs.

Ashitha Fernando and Prabhat Jayasuriya delivered fine spells for Sri Lanka.

In their second inning, SL once again found themselves in a troublesome position, with the score reading 95/4. However, veterans Angelo Matthews , Dinesh Chandimal formed a 78-run partnership to push SL towards a lead. Later, keeping his fine form, Kamindu Mendis slammed his second Test ton in five innings, scoring 113 in 183 balls, with 15 fours and a six. SL put up a total of 326/10, giving them a respectable lead of 204 runs.

Woakes and Matthew Potts took fine three wickets each to lead England in bowling charts.

In reply, England was in a tight position at 70/3. However, Root's calm and composed half-century and solid contributions from Brook and Smith took England to a five wicket win.

England take a 1-0 lead in two-match series.

Smith took home the 'Player of the Match' award for his century.

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