Sri Lanka ODI faced a tough start in the first Test against England, but Dhananjaya de Silva and debutant Milan Rathnayake showed resilience to help their team recover. Their efforts on the opening day at Old Trafford were crucial in turning around what could have been a disastrous situation for Sri Lanka.
A Rocky Start for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka ODI innings began on a rough note. After winning the toss, captain Dhananjaya de Silva opted to bat first. However, his decision quickly backfired as Sri Lanka lost their first three wickets without scoring a single run in just 10 balls. The top order collapsed, leaving Sri Lanka in deep trouble at 6-3.
Chris Woakes, leading England’s attack in the absence of James Anderson, played a pivotal role in dismantling Sri Lanka’s top order. He struck twice in a single over, ending with figures of 3-32 from 11 overs. This early collapse left Sri Lanka with a mountain to climb.
Dhananjaya de Silva’s Resilient Knock
Despite the early setbacks, Dhananjaya de Silva held firm. He played a crucial innings, scoring 74 runs to lead Sri Lanka ODI recovery. De Silva’s half-century came off just 56 balls, showing his intent to counter-attack and stabilize the innings. He pulled fast bowler Gus Atkinson for a confident four and maintained his composure throughout the innings.
However, De Silva’s innings ended when he tried to turn a quicker ball from England’s off-spinner Shoaib Bashir to leg slip, only to be caught by Dan Lawrence. Despite his departure, De Silva’s innings laid the foundation for Sri Lanka to reach a respectable total.
Milan Rathnayake’s Impressive Debut
Milan Rathnayake, playing in his first Test match, made a significant impact with the bat. Coming in at number nine, Rathnayake showed no signs of nerves as he scored 72 runs, his third first-class fifty. Rathnayake’s partnership with De Silva added 63 valuable runs for the eighth wicket, helping Sri Lanka recover from their earlier collapse.
Rathnayake reached his fifty in style, launching Shoaib Bashir for a straight six that also took Sri Lanka past the 200-run mark. His fearless approach under pressure demonstrated his potential as a lower-order batsman who can contribute significantly.
England’s Dominance with the Ball
England’s bowlers, led by Chris Woakes and Shoaib Bashir, dominated the day. Woakes’ early breakthroughs put Sri Lanka on the back foot, while Bashir, a young off-spinner, took 3-55 in 23 overs. Bashir showed great control and discipline, especially for a bowler so early in his international career.
Mark Wood, known for his express pace, also played a key role in restricting Sri Lanka’s scoring. His 93 mph (150 km/h) delivery that dismissed Kusal Mendis was a highlight of the day. England’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly, ensuring Sri Lanka could not build substantial partnerships beyond the eighth wicket.
A Fitting Tribute to Graham Thorpe
Before the match began, both teams paid tribute to former England batsman and assistant coach Graham Thorpe. The players, along with match officials, observed a minute’s applause in his honor and wore black armbands. Thorpe, who tragically passed away earlier this month, was remembered for his contributions to cricket and the impact he had on many players’ careers.
England’s Steady Start with the Bat
After bowling out Sri Lanka for 236, England’s openers Ben Duckett and Dan Lawrence made a solid start, reaching 22-0 before bad light stopped play for the day. Lawrence, stepping in for the injured Zak Crawley, looked confident at the crease. The day ended with England in a favorable position, thanks to their bowlers’ earlier efforts.
Conclusion: A Day of Mixed Fortunes
The opening day of the first Test at Old Trafford was a day of mixed fortunes. Sri Lanka’s top-order collapse could have spelled disaster, but Dhananjaya de Silva and Milan Rathnayake’s resilience helped them post a competitive total. England, however, finished the day on top, with their bowlers delivering a strong performance. As the Test progresses, both teams will look to build on their strengths and capitalize on any opportunities that come their way. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
