Twitter Reactions: Jamie Smith, Harry Brook fifties help England take first innings lead on Day 2

The first Test between England and Sri Lanka continued on Day 2 of the clash. The first day of the game saw Sri Lanka batting first and posting a total of 236 runs in the first innings. Dhananjaya de Silva was the highest run-getter for Sri Lanka, with 74 runs to his name. Milan Rathnayake added 72 runs on the board as well to help Sri Lanka reach the total. 

As for England, Shoaib Bashir and Chris Woakes were the side’s highest wicket-takers in the first innings, with three wickets each to their names. Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood took two and one wicket each, respectively. 

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Day 2 of the clash began with England on a score of 22 runs without the loss of a wicket. The side’s openers failed to go big, unable to provide a good start as Ben Duckett and Dan Lawrence scored 18 and 30 runs, respectively. 

Skipper Ollie Pope departed for just six runs, and after the subpar start, Joe Root and Harry Brook came out to bat and aimed to stabilise the innings for the side. Root scored 42 runs in 57 deliveries, with Harry Brook adding 56 runs to the scoreboard. Jamie Smith went unbeaten on a score of 72 runs, with Chris Woakes adding 25 runs onto the board. 

By the end of Day 2, England managed to post a total of 259 runs in the first innings, losing six wickets in the process. With four wickets in hand, the hosts have taken a lead of 23 runs, and they will aim to extend it even further as Day 3 approaches. 

As for Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando was the side’s highest wicket-taker, with three wickets to his name. Prabath Jayasuriya took two wickets, with Vishwa Fernando striking once. On Day 3, Sri Lanka will look to dismiss the remaining England batters as fast as possible and limit their lead.

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Here's how X reacted to the second day's play -