Alastair Cook fell short of a third Test hundred in as many innings but still helped England recover from an early collapse on the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's.
Alastair Cook fell short of a third Test hundred in as many innings but still helped England recover from an early collapse on the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's.
Cook's 96 was the centrepiece of England's 342 for six at stumps here yesterday after Sri Lanka won the toss. The left-handed opener had had to watch from the other end as England slumped to 22 for three. But stands of 108 with Ian Bell and 71 with Eoin Morgan helped repair the early damage.
Former Ireland batsman Morgan shared 101 with equally free-scoring wicket-keeper Matt Prior for the sixth wicket before falling lbw for 79 to seamer Suranga Lakmal's first delivery with the new ball. But Prior, in sunny conditions ideal for batting, was 73 not out off 83 balls with 14 fours at stumps and Stuart Broad unbeaten on 17.
Sri Lanka, 1-0 down in this three-match series after an innings and 14-run loss in the first Test in Cardiff concluded Monday, where Cook made 133, enjoyed a sensational start. They dismissed England captain Andrew Strauss for four before Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen fell for just two apiece.
Sri Lanka's attack had looked unthreatening in Cardiff. But left-arm seamer Chanaka Welegedara, recalled with the fit-again Dilhara Fernando in place of the dropped duo of spinner Ajantha Mendis and seamer Thisara Perera, had opener Strauss lbw, hitting across the line, and England were five for one.
ADVERTISEMENT
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
