England vs Sri Lanka: Day Three of First Test at Old Trafford – Score and Latest Updates
Introduction
Day three of the first Test between England and Sri Lanka at Old Trafford has been a thrilling day of cricket, filled with remarkable performances, strategic maneuvers, and dramatic shifts in momentum. The Test, which started with high expectations from both teams, has seen some fascinating cricket over the first two days. As we move deeper into the match, every session has become increasingly crucial in determining the eventual outcome. Here’s a detailed look at the score and latest updates from day three, highlighting key moments that could shape the result of this encounter.
Morning Session: England’s Bowlers Strike Early
The day began with Sri Lanka resuming their innings on a somewhat shaky footing at 120/5, still trailing England’s first innings total by 200 runs. England’s bowlers, particularly James Anderson and Stuart Broad, came out with intent, knowing that an early breakthrough could put them in a commanding position.
Anderson, who has been in sublime form throughout the series, continued his dominance with the ball. He trapped Dhananjaya de Silva lbw early in the session, with a beautiful inswinger that had the batsman playing all around it. De Silva’s dismissal for 35 was a significant blow to Sri Lanka, who were relying on him to anchor the innings.
Broad then joined the party, removing the dangerous Angelo Mathews with a well-directed short ball that had the former captain fending it to the slip cordon. Mathews, who had looked solid for his 48, was visibly frustrated as he walked back to the pavilion, knowing that his wicket had exposed Sri Lanka’s tail.
Sri Lanka’s lower order tried to resist but found the going tough against the relentless pressure from England’s bowlers. Mark Wood, with his express pace, and the spin of Jack Leach combined to mop up the remaining wickets. Sri Lanka was eventually bowled out for 185, giving England a healthy first-innings lead of 135 runs.
England’s Second Innings: A Steady Start
With a substantial lead in hand, England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett walked out to the middle, looking to build on their advantage. The Sri Lankan bowlers, led by the ever-reliable Suranga Lakmal, knew they needed quick wickets to have any chance of clawing back into the match.
Crawley and Duckett, however, had other ideas. They played with a mix of caution and aggression, taking advantage of any loose deliveries while being solid in defense. Duckett, in particular, looked in fine touch, driving confidently through the covers and punishing anything on his pads.
Sri Lanka’s spinners, Praveen Jayawickrama and Lasith Embuldeniya, were introduced early in an attempt to break the partnership. While they did manage to create a few chances, the English openers managed to survive the initial burst and gradually grew in confidence. The pitch, which had started offering some turn, did not pose too many problems for the batsmen as the duo brought up a steady 50-run partnership.
Just as it seemed like England was cruising, Jayawickrama got the breakthrough, trapping Crawley in front with a delivery that skidded on with the arm. Crawley reviewed the decision, but the ball was shown to be hitting the middle stump, ending his innings at 32. This wicket gave Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope as Joe Root walked out to bat.
Root, fresh off a century in the first innings, looked to continue his rich vein of form. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept things tight, not allowing the England captain to get away. Duckett, at the other end, continued to accumulate runs, reaching his half-century with a well-timed pull shot.
As the session drew to a close, England found themselves at 90/1, with a lead of 225 runs. It was a session that could be seen as evenly matched, but England still held the upper hand thanks to their first-innings lead.
Afternoon Session: Sri Lanka Fight Back
The afternoon session saw a more determined Sri Lankan side take the field. They knew that they needed to make inroads quickly to stay in the match, and they did just that. Lakmal, returning for a fresh spell, got the big wicket of Root, who edged a sharp delivery to the wicketkeeper. Root’s departure for 17 was a significant moment, as England’s middle order was now exposed to a fired-up Sri Lankan attack.
Sri Lanka capitalized on the opening, with Jayawickrama removing Ollie Pope soon after. Pope, who had looked to be positive from the outset, was undone by a clever piece of bowling that saw him misjudge the length and play on to his stumps. England was suddenly 110/3, with their lead just past the 240-run mark.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers continued to apply pressure, with Embuldeniya getting in on the act. He dismissed the well-set Duckett for 65, with the batsman attempting to cut a ball too close to him and edging it to slip. Duckett’s wicket was a crucial blow, as it left England in a precarious position at 150/4.
Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes then came together in what turned out to be a critical partnership. Stokes, known for his counter-attacking style, took the fight to the Sri Lankan bowlers, while Bairstow provided stability at the other end. The duo added a vital 70 runs before Stokes was dismissed by Lakmal, attempting one big shot too many.
At tea, England was 220/5, with a lead of 355 runs. The match was delicately poised, with both teams still in with a chance of dictating the final outcome.
Evening Session: England Extend Their Lead
The final session of the day was all about England trying to extend their lead and put the match beyond Sri Lanka’s reach. Bairstow, well set on 45, began to open up after the break. He was ably supported by Chris Woakes, who chipped in with useful runs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were starting to tire, and England took full advantage. Bairstow brought up his half-century with a crisp cover drive, and Woakes continued to frustrate the Sri Lankan attack with his stubborn resistance. The partnership grew, and with it, England’s lead.
However, just when it seemed like Bairstow would go on to a big score, he was caught at deep midwicket off the bowling of Embuldeniya, trying to accelerate the scoring. His innings of 75 was crucial in setting up a strong total for England.
Woakes and the tail then added some quick runs, with England declaring their innings at 310/9, setting Sri Lanka a daunting target of 446 runs to win.
Sri Lanka’s Response: A Tricky Evening
Sri Lanka was left with a tricky period to bat before stumps, and it didn’t take long for England to strike. Anderson, with the new ball in hand, removed both Sri Lankan openers in quick succession, leaving the visitors reeling at 10/2.
Kusal Mendis and Mathews then survived the remainder of the session, taking Sri Lanka to 35/2 at the close of play. With 411 runs still required and eight wickets in hand, Sri Lanka faces an uphill battle on day four.
Conclusion
Day three at Old Trafford has left England firmly in control of the first Test, with a massive lead and Sri Lanka on the back foot. While the visitors have shown glimpses of resilience, England’s all-round strength has put them in the driver’s seat. As we look forward to day four, the question remains whether Sri Lanka can mount a historic chase or if England will wrap up the match and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
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