The third day of Sri Lanka vs England Test was embroidered with a lot of happenings at Galle International Stadium. It has been a long day for England at the crease still they are trailing by 42 runs. At the stumps England are on 339. The day ended on the disastrous note for England as Root departed in the final over.
The day looked well sorted for England when skipper Joe Root, 30, brought up his 19th Test century and fourth against Sri Lanka. From reeling at 132-4 to 339-9 at the stumps, Root held one end up while wickets were falling at the other end. Root’s knock of 186 anchored as the masterclass on the third day. Root and Bairstow put up 100 runs stand and then Root was joined by Jos Buttler. Jos Buttler was concrete at the other end, contributing an expensive 55 runs. Jonny Bairstow made a Test comeback but precisely failed to live up to his expectations. Though he gave enough support to his fellow Yorkshire mate Root.
Lasith Embuldeniya seven-for kept England in check. This is the best figures by a Lankan bowler after Rangana Herath’s 8-63 against Zimbabwe in 2016. English openers failing to contribute blurred the dreams of washing out Sri Lanka. Embuldeniya, 24, made it static for England to dominate in their first innings as he was the shining light for Sri Lanka.
The slow left-arm orthodox bowler bowled 41 overs at an economy rate of 3.22. England are nine down with a deficit of 42 runs at the stumps. Courtesy: Lasith Embuldeniya. Three wickets fell in the last 20 minutes of the third day, including skipper Root’s run out. In the last over Oshada Fernando was stationed at the short leg and he reacted quickly to throw the ball towards the striker’s end. The bells took a while to come off but Root lost his wicket while attempting to steal one run.
The seventh wicket for Embuldeniya became the fifth catch for Thirimane. Mark Wood attempted to sweep the ball across the line but the ball touched the outside edge and went to Lahiru Thirimane.
Lanka will head into day four on the positive note.
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