Twitter Reactions: Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva script Sri Lanka’s comeback against England on Day 3
Sri Lanka are trailing by 114 runs after Day 2.
Ollie Pope’s 154 runs helped England post 325 runs on board in the first innings of the ongoing third Test against Sri Lanka at Kennington Oval, London. England’s middle order and tail-enders failed to contribute much, like they did in the first two Tests of the series and that has kept Sri Lanka in the contest. Milan Rathnayake has picked up three wickets for the side, while Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara and Dhananjaya de Silva clinched two each.
When it comes to their batting, the visitors once again showed the right spirit. Opener Pathum Nissanka gave a good start with the bat, scoring 64, but he had little support from the other end. His opening partner Dimuth Karunaratne departed for nine runs while Kusal Mendis made 14. Veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews was expected to step up in the crucial series against England, but he flopped in the entire series and scored just three runs in the first innings of the third Test.
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Keeper-batter Dinesh Chandimal failed to open his tally as the responsibility once again fell on the shoulders of Kamindu Mendis and captain Dhanajaya. They have been carrying the team in the entire series and nothing changed in the third Test. The duo supported each other very well and registered a half-century each, which put England under some pressure. Notably, Dhananjaya finished the day on 64*, while Mendis is batting on 54*.
Their goal would be to keep going on Day 4 and take a lead in the game. It won’t be an easy task but they have found the rhythm, which is key. The visitors are trailing by 114 runs after Day 3 as Sri Lanka are 211/5. Meanwhile, with the ball, Olly Stone has picked up two wickets, and debutant Josh Hull and Chris Woakes picked one each. Gus Atkinson, who has had a remarkable time with the ball in the series, is yet to clinch one in the match.
Here's how X reacted to live action on Day 2 between ENG and SL:
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