[In Pics] Ben Stokes and Joe Root stunned as Chris Woakes bowls spin on Day 2 of ENG vs SL 3rd Test
In a dramatic development, Chris Woakes turned into a spinner during Day 2 of the ongoing third Test between England and Sri Lanka on Saturday, September 7. That came as the umpires asked England captain Ollie Pope if they could only continue with spin because of bad light due to weather conditions.
Woakes, a lanky medium pacer from Warwickshire, bowled four deliveries of off-spin for the first time in his international career. The incident happened during the seventh over of Sri Lanka’s first innings. Adding to the drama, a proper field was kept in place for spin bowling, including two slips, a leg slip, and a short leg.
England’s regular Test captain Ben Stokes was seen putting his hands on his head in the dressing room. Joe Root grinned on the field watching Woakes’ bowling spin. The 35-year-old gave away six runs off his four balls from spin bowling. Interestingly, the light was alright for pace bowling from the very next over. Take a look:
Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis steady Sri Lanka after middle-order collapse against England
A fighting performance from skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis helped Sri Lanka bounce back against England in the third and final Test at Kennington Oval. That came after the visitors were reduced to 93-5 in their first innings.
At the time of writing, Sri Lanka were 211-5, with De Silva (64) and Kamindu Mendis (54) at the crease. The duo have shared an unbeaten 100-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Meanwhile, opener Pathum Nissanka chipped in with 64 off 51 deliveries.
Earlier in the day, the hosts were bundled out for 325 runs in their first innings. They lost their last six wickets for just 35 runs. Captain Ollie Pope led from the front, scoring 154 off 156, comprising two sixes and 19 boundaries. Ben Duckett also contributed 86 off 78, including two maximums and nine fours.
Milan Rathnayake starred with the ball, returning with figures of 3/56. Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva, Vishwa Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara shared two wickets apiece.
Follow the ENG vs SL 3rd Test live score and updates here.