Smith's Maiden Century Leads England To Commanding Position Against Sri Lanka

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Jamie Smith achieved his first Test century, but it was England's bowlers who dominated the first Test against Sri Lanka on Friday. Smith resumed his innings on 72 after a rain-affected second day at Old Trafford. He played patiently and reached his century in the 77th over of the innings.

Sri Lanka's first two wickets fell for just one run within 10 balls, thanks to Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson. They dismissed Nishan Madushka and Kusal Mendis for ducks. Mark Wood and Matthew Potts then reduced Sri Lanka to 95-4.

Smith's excellent knock of 111 ended three overs later when Prabath Jayasuriya claimed his third wicket, with Smith toe-ending a ball to Dinesh Chandimal. England finished their innings at 315-7, leading by 122 runs.

Angelo Mathews' determined innings of 65 helped Sri Lanka recover to 173-4. However, he was eventually caught by Potts off Woakes' seam ball in the 51st over after several close calls.

Smith became only the fifth wicketkeeper to score a century for England at Old Trafford, joining Alec Stewart, Godfrey Evans, Jack Russell, and Ben Foakes. His strike rate was 75.00, and he showed 90% control through his 148-ball innings.

Sri Lanka wrapped up England's tail quickly as Mark Wood (22) and Matthew Potts (17) were dismissed within six overs. This left England with a solid first-innings lead of 122 runs.

Root added to Sri Lanka's woes by dismissing Milan Rathnayake for 10 late in the day. Sri Lanka ended the day at 204-6, trailing by 82 runs with limited wickets remaining.

"90% - Jamie Smith showed 90% control through his debut Test century, the most controlled century by an @englandcricket men's batter since @root66 v India (92%) at Edgbaston in 2022; his favourite shot was the cover drive which contributed 29 of his 111 runs. Classic." - OptaJim (@OptaJim) August 23, 2024

England started their bowling effort brilliantly, taking two early wickets for just one run within ten balls. Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson struck early to dismiss Nishan Madushka and Kusal Mendis without scoring.

The hosts' bowlers continued their dominance as Mark Wood and Matthew Potts joined in to reduce Sri Lanka to a precarious position at 95-4.

Despite Mathews' efforts, Root dealt another blow by removing Milan Rathnayake late in the day. Sri Lanka closed at 204-6, still trailing by a significant margin with only four wickets remaining.

Smith's composed century on Friday made him just the fifth wicketkeeper to score a ton for England at Old Trafford. He followed in the footsteps of Alec Stewart (three times), Godfrey Evans, Jack Russell, and Ben Foakes.

The day's play saw England's bowlers take centre stage after Smith's milestone achievement. With Sri Lanka struggling at six down and trailing by a substantial margin, England looked poised for victory.