England dominate Day One – Bairstow and Root combine for century, after Sri Lanka collapse to 135

England took control of the first test as a Dom Bess’ 5-for saw Sri Lanka slump to 135 all-out, before Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow combined – for a record partnership at Galle (110*) – to give England the edge on day one.

Bess gifted a 5-for.

Sri Lanka showed little fight and clarity – without their skipper, Dimuth Karunaratne (injured) – as some questionable shot-selection saw the hosts post 135 all-out – the lowest first-innings score at Galle.

Jack Leach and Dom Bess enjoying playing the same eleven once again. (Photo by Philip Brown via Getty Images)

Even without James Anderson – England’s bowling battery shone on Day One, after Sri Lanka failed to capitalise on winning the toss and electing to bat.

Stuart Broad was the first in on the action  – taking the wickets of Thirimanne (4), who was caught at leg-gully, and then the wicket of Kusal Mendis (0), who edged straight into the gloves of Jos Buttler – just two balls later.

It got worse as 16-2 turned to 25-3, as Sri Lanka’s openers were somewhat saved by Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, who steadied the sinking ship with a welcome 50-run partnership.

And yet, despite this, Sri Lanka still woefully imploded. Angelo Mathews (27) was caught by Root of the bowling of Broad, triggering a collapse that saw the hosts lose 7 wickets for 54 runs. Hardly, the way to set the tone for the series.

Bess became the benefactor of the Sri Lankan misery – chuckling away, as he was gifted a second test-career 5-for – a couple of overs before tea.

After picking up Kusal Perera (20), early on in the day, Bess had Niroshan Dickwella (12) and Dasun Shanaka (23) caught by Buttler, who was assisted by Bairstow’s right ankle.

The keeper batsmen found himself at short leg and, in bizarre circumstances – the sort of moment that eclipsed Sri Lanka’s struggles – Shanaka’s aggressive sweep bounced off Bairstow to  Buttler, who took a simple catch that looped into his gloves. He barely moved a step.

They all count ?#SLvENG scorecard: https://t.co/RfqfT5QobQ pic.twitter.com/cb9UjZmest

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 14, 2021

Next, Bess bowled Hasaranga (19) and D Perera (0) in the 42nd over; whilst, Jack Leach picked up an unusual dismissal as he ran out Embuldeniya (0) at the non-strikers end, off his own bowling.

Later, Bess completed a five-wicket haul (5-30) as Hasaranga brought out a reverse sweep at 135-9 to a ball that pitched on off stump and cannoned into middle. I mean it was there to be hit – you can’t fault the ambition? The execution, that’s a different matter altogether.

According to our Expected Wickets model, the deliveries Dom Bess has bowled today would, on average, take 0.18 wickets. #SLvEng

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) January 14, 2021

Bairstow and Root dominate.

Baring a brief stutter – that saw Dom Sibley (4) nick to first slip and Zak Crawley (9) caught at mid-off of the bowling of Embuldeniya (2-55) – England looked in complete control thanks to a 110 partnership from Bairstow and Root.

It was never entirely unexpected that Bairstow would excel on the sub-contient; his IPL success and test high-score in Colombo meant that most saw this knock coming. 

Back in at no.3 – after a year since his last Test, the Yorkshire man’s innings was classically Bairstowian – watchful against the spin, quick between the wickets and occasionally unleashing the power he possesses to put the odd bad ball away for four. 

Joe Root hits an unbeaten half-century against Sri Lanka. 
(Photo by EnglandCricket)

Accompanied by Root (66*), the two Yorkshireman added an unbeaten 110 for the third wicket to guide England to 127-2 at the close of play.

Root’s knock featured five fours and came at a strike rate of 57.39 as the England skipper put on a fluent display for his unbeaten half-century.

On Day Two, England will resume with their best players of spin at the crease, poised to make a considerable first-innings lead.

Bairstow will be looking for a century to cement his place at three ahead of the tour of India; his fluency meaning it is perhaps Sibley who is anxiously looking over his shoulder – upon Rory Burns’ return.

Sure enough, there is the small matter of batting last on a pitch that has shown considerable spin on day one. But, thankfully, at Galle, first-innings leads are crucial to victory and, with that in mind, England are well set to win a test that is just one day young.

Trailing by eight runs, England still have Bairstow and Root at the crease – as a well as a stocked batting line-up still to come – including Dan Lawrence, who will make his first innings for his country, tomorrow.