'Playing for cash only' - Niroshan Dickwella takes an ugly dig at Jonny Bairstow; caught on stump-mic

Niroshan Dickwella indulged in some banter in the second Test match between Sri Lanka and England at Galle. It is now a known fact that Jonny Bairstow has been left out of England’s squad for the first two Tests against India next month.

But then, for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Bairstow has been retained by the Sunrisers Hyderabad(SRH) franchise. Dickwella took up this issue when Bairstow was batting in England’s first innings. During the 36th over of the innings, the Sri Lankan keeper can be heard saying clearly that Bairstow is someone who plays only for money as the England batsman will play the upcoming IPL, but not the first two Tests against India at Chennai.

The sledge definitely seemed to have an immediate effect as far as Sri Lanka are concerned. One ball later, Bairstow edged Embuldeniya straight into the hands of Oshada Fernando at slip, and the England batsman departed for 28 in the first innings.

You can watch the video of the incident below:

England inflict whitewash on Sri Lanka

As far as the Test match is concerned, England romped home with 6 wickets to spare, to inflict a whitewash on Sri Lanka at home. Angelo Mathews scored a sedate century in Sri Lanka’s first innings as the hosts scored 381 after winning the toss and batting first. In reply, Joe Root was the catalyst for the England side in the first innings with the willow. The England skipper scored a scintillating 186 and allowed his side to post a competitive 344 in reply.

But in the second innings, Sri Lanka suffered a dramatic collapse, and were bowled out for a paltry score of 126. Spinners Jack Leach and Dom Bess took 8 wickets between them, as none of the Sri Lankan batsmen could even register a half-century. In reply, Dom Sibley finally found some form and scored a patient 144 ball 56 to guide his side to a six-wicket victory. Sibley was ably supported by Jos Buttler, who scored a brisk 46, as England won the second Test with 6 wickets and a whole day to spare.

England’s incredible performance against Sri Lanka will stand them in good stead, as the Joe Root-led side will travel to India next for a high-profile four-match Test series next month. The first Test between India and England will take place in Chennai on February 5th 2021.