England out of trouble, now in command

Jos Buttler and Sam Curran led England out of trouble and into a promising position on day one of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. The tourists fell to 89-4 on a pitch showing prodigious turn before Buttler struck a superb 63 off 67 balls.

On 171-7 they still faced being bowled out cheaply, only for Curran to hit six sixes in a stunning onslaught, his 64 helping England reach 285 all out.

Jack Leach bowled Kaushal Silva for six as Sri Lanka reached 26-1 at the close.

The hosts trail by 259 runs and face a tough battle to reach England’s score, with the tourists’ spinners causing problems straight away.

Although their top order failed once again, England’s lower order have pushed their side a step closer to a first away series win under captain Joe Root, having won the first match of the three-Test series last week. by next week, but all indications are they are not ready to bring the trio back to international cricket early.

“This is like the Indian team not having Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. It’s a huge factor,” Ganguly said.

“It’s a great moment for Indian cricket. This is their best opportunity to beat Australia.”

Having suffered defeats in their earlier overseas Test series in South Africa and England, the Virat Kohli and Co will salvage pride winning in Australia. India will play four Test matches against Australia with the first five-day contest commencing in Adelaide on December 6.

The Indian pace attack had impressed in England in their 1-4 series loss and Ganguly said: “I have seen in England that they (bowlers) have taken 20 wickets in almost every Test.” Ganguly however warned the Indian team stay cautious.

“But you also have to keep in mind that Australia in Australia are a different kettle of fish. Many feel that they are a weak outfit but I don’t think so.”