3 things Sri Lanka need to do right to come back in 2nd ENG vs SL 2024 Test
The second Test of the England vs Sri Lanka series started on August 29 at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground in London. While Sri Lanka fought well in the first Test match of the series, they have allowed England to take an early advantage in the second Test.
Joe Root's magnificent century and Gus Atkinson's surprising knock of 118 runs helped the home side post 427 on the board in the first innings. Asitha Fernando bagged five wickets for the visitors, but the other bowlers were not so effective.
In response, Sri Lanka were bundled out for just 196 runs. Kamindu Mendis fought like a lone warrior for the island nation, scoring 74 runs from 120 deliveries. Five Sri Lankan batters lost their wickets in single digits, as England gained a massive lead of 231 runs in the first innings.
The second innings of England is currently underway at the Lord's Cricket Ground, where the home side has scored 137 runs for the loss of four wickets. In this listicle now, we will look at the three things Sri Lanka need to do right to come back in the Test match.
#1 Sri Lanka should try to bowl England out for a total of less than 200
The first thing Sri Lanka should try to do is take wickets as quickly as possible in the second innings. If they bowl England out for a total less than 200 in the ongoing session, then they will receive a target of around 427 runs.
Considering that there are two more sessions left today and two more days left in this Test match, the islanders can have a realistic chance of winning the Test match if they bat properly.
#2 Sri Lanka should try to build partnerships in the second innings
Sri Lanka managed to score only 196 runs in their first innings because they couldn't form any big partnerships. The visitors have some experienced names like Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, and Angelo Mathews in the playing XI.
If the aforementioned trio brings their 'A' game to the table and play to their full potential, Sri Lanka can chase a target of 400 or more. However, the most important thing will be to build partnerships in the middle. Even if Sri Lanka have one big stand of 200 runs or two partnerships of 100 runs each, the home side will be under enormous pressure.
#3 Sri Lanka should show better intent against England fast bowlers
Chris Woakes had an economy rate of 1.62 after bowling 13 overs in the first innings. Matthew Potts bowled 11 overs in the first innings, and Sri Lanka could not score even 20 runs in those overs.
The statistic proves that the Sri Lankan batters did not show much intent while playing against Woakes and Potts. Even if the islanders try to score three runs per over against the England duo, the other bowlers will be under pressure. Sri Lanka batted well against Gus Atkinson and Olly Stone, scoring 110 runs off their 21.3 overs. A similar approach will be needed against Woakes and Potts too.