Curran, Buttler rescue Eng as Lanka bowlers dominate
PALLEKELE: England posted 285 all out Wednesday on a testing wicket while Sri Lanka reached 26-1 at stumps in reply on the first day of the second Test.
Sri Lanka lost opener Kaushal Silva cheaply at the Pallekele International Stadium - bowled by Jack Leach for 6. Nightwatchman Malinda Pushpakumara, who arrived at the crease with 4.4 overs left, and Dimuth Karunaratne ensured there was no further trouble. Karunaratne was unbeaten on 11.
Karunaratne survived some nervous moments as Sri Lanka batted for 12 overs before stumps.
The day belonged to Sam Curran, who helped England reach a competitive total with the spinners getting plenty of purchase on a dry surface.
Curran added 60 runs for the last wicket with James Anderson to push England’s total close to 300. England’s No. 8 batsman did well to shield the last man and wasn’t afraid to cash in when loose balls were offered.
He was dropped on 53 by Pushpakumara and was the last man dismissed for a well compiled 64. Curran hit six sixes, most of them lofted drives over long-on or long-off, and one four as Sri Lanka went onto the defensive mode. England lead the series 1-0 and Curran’s effort could help the team win its first series in Sri Lanka in 17 years.
Brief scores: England 1st inngs, 285 all out (R Burns 43, J Buttler 63, S Curran 64; D Perera 4-61, M Pushpakumara 3-89) vs Sri Lanka 1st inngs, 26-1