ENG vs SL 2024: Mark Wood's fierce bouncer sends Kusal Mendis packing in Manchester

The opening day of the first Test between England and Sri Lanka at Old Trafford belonged solely to the bowlers, with the visitors quickly finding themselves in deep trouble after electing to bat first.

After losing the wickets of openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka early, Sri Lanka's troubles deepened when veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews was trapped lbw by Chris Woakes for a golden duck. At 6/3, they weres in some serious trouble.

However, Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal managed to steady the ship, adding 34 runs for the fourth wicket to provide some resistance. But just as the pair was starting to get comfortable, Mark Wood delivered a fierce blow to get a wicket.

Also read: Dinesh Chandimal's unlucky dismissal as ball keeps too low on Day 1 at Old Trafford

The 29-year-old speedster, who has been in fine form of late, bowled a vicious short delivery that rose sharply at Mendis. The batter got a thin edge through to Harry Brook in the second slip.

Also read: James Anderson gets Old Trafford Test underway by ringing iconic bell

Hosts on top against Sri Lanka on Day 1

Mendis' dismissal for 24 left Sri Lanka reeling at 40/4, and the tourists' woes continued as they lost regular wickets. By the time the tea arrived, they were struggling at 178/8, with only Dhananjaya de Silva's 74 providing some hope.

It was a classic bowlers' day in England, with the quicks making the most of the helpful conditions. Wood's searing pace and ability to extract steep bounce proved too much for Mendis, whose dismissal was a decisive moment in the day's play. Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, and Shoaib Bashir also scalped two wickets, respectively.