LONDON: Sri Lanka collapsed to 196 all out on the second day of second Test at Lord’s on Friday after Gus Atkinson’s superb maiden century helped England to post 427 all out.
The 26-year-old Surrey paceman, who only made his Test debut last month at Lord’s, added another chapter to his love affair with the ‘Home of Cricket.’ Resuming on 74 not out, Atkinson quickly set the tone for the day, reaching his century in just 103 balls. His innings, which included 14 boundaries and four towering sixes, was capped by a picturesque drive off Lahiru Kumara, sending the ball sailing into the Pavilion and igniting jubilant cheers from the sun-soaked crowd.
Atkinson, whose previous highest first-class score was 91, demonstrated his prowess not just with the ball but also with the bat, further enhancing his rapidly growing reputation. His hundred places him on the Lord’s honors board, a feat that eluded cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Ricky Ponting.
Atkinson’s remarkable knock came to an end on 118 when he mistimed a pull off Asitha Fernando, who took a stunning diving catch near the boundary. Despite his dismissal, Atkinson left the field to a standing ovation, having helped England post an imposing total.
Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando also had a memorable day, finishing with figures of 5-102, securing his place on the Lord’s honors board for bowlers. England, leading the three-match series 1-0, will now look to build on their strong position as they aim to secure a series victory.
(Source: AFP)
