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Journalism of Courage
Alex Hales and Joe Root made half-centuries to help England to 310-6 at stumps on the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka on Friday, although the tourists had a late boost with the dismissal of in-form Jonny Bairstow just before stumps.
Hales made 83 and Root 80, and their third-wicket partnership of 96 pushed England into a solid position at a cold and cloudy Riverside Ground. However, both missed out on centuries when they appeared set for three figures.
PHOTOS: Alex Hales, Joe Root fifties help England post 310/6 against Sri Lanka on Day 1
Hales was out to a reaction catch at slip by Angelo Mathews off spinner Milinda Siriwardana, dismissed after he had launched a big six down the ground off the slow bowler. Hales is still searching for his first Test century.
Root, who had played serenely, was surprised by the bounce of a delivery from Nuwan Pradeep (3-69) shortly after tea and was caught in the covers.
Bairstow, coming off a century in England’s big win in the first Test, contributed a typically attacking 48 from 57 balls with five fours before becoming seamer Pradeep’s third wicket of the opening day. Bairstow was dismissed four overs before stumps when he bottom-edged through to wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal.
Moeen Ali was 28 not out and Chris Woakes undefeated on eight at the close.
England captain Alastair Cook is still waiting to get to 10,000 Test runs after he was the first man out, for 15, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first on what appeared to be a good batting strip. Cook is still five short of becoming the first Englishman to that significant milestone.
No. 3 Nick Compton, who is under pressure for his place in the team, also failed when he was brilliantly caught for nine near the square leg boundary by Pradeep, who jumped to take a high catch and came crashing down just inside the boundary rope.
Sri Lanka’s catching was impressive all day.
Captain Mathews dived and held that sharp one-handed chance at slip to get rid of Hales and Lahiru Thirimanne took another diving catch, this time in the covers, to dismiss James Vince for 35.
England is still in firm control of the three-match series after winning the first Test by an innings and 88 runs inside three days. Sri Lanka’s batsmen, who were dismissed for 91 and 119 in that game, have lots to prove at Chester-le-Street.
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