Streaker invades field after England crushed Sri Lanka in the first Test

England on Friday clinched their first away Test victory in 13 matches by defeating Sri Lanka by 211 runs in the first match of a three-Test series in Galle. This was also their first Test win in Galle and the first away victory for captain Joe Root. However, the Three Lions’ special day also saw a funny act by a streaker which left the audience in splits, organisers embarrassed and law-keepers breathless.

Streaking, which is defined as an act of running naked in public to prank, dare or protest, is something common in England. The first such instance was recorded during a Test match between Ashes rivals England and Australia in 1975. There have also been instances where females indulge in such acts.

In Galle, the streaker was a man who ran through the outfield, giving the police personnel a tough time, after England won the game on the penultimate day. This is also England’s first win in Sri Lanka in seven years as they last toured the country that much earlier.

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Angelo Mathews hit 50 in both innings

The home side was given a steep target of 462 to win by England after they declared in their second innings at 322 for 6 with opener Keaton Jennings remaining not out on 146. Sri Lanka had an ordinary batting performance like in the first but Angelo Mathews hit a fifty in the second innings as he did in the first to remain tall among the ruins around him.

A lot of Sri Lankan batsmen got starts in the second innings but failed to capitalise on them as the side was bowled out for 250. For England, spinner Moeen Ali remained the most successful with eight scalps in the match for 137 runs. Jack Leach took 3 wickets for 60 runs to back his 2 for 41 in the first innings.

The two sides will play in the second Test in Kandy starting November 14. A win there and England will clinch the Test series, something they haven’t done on Sri Lankan soil since 2000-01.

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