In a dominant show of all-round cricket, Gus Atkinson‘s heroics with each bat and ball propelled England to a series-clinching victory over Sri Lanka within the second Check at Lord’s. The 24-year-old all-rounder first scored a powerful maiden Check century, then adopted it up with a five-wicket haul to assist England take an unassailable 2-0 lead within the three-match collection.
Gus Atkinson’s batting masterclass
Batting at quantity eight, Atkinson performed a sensational knock of 118 runs off simply 115 balls, serving to England submit a formidable complete of 427 of their first innings. His knock included 14 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing his skill to dominate the bowling assault. Atkinson turned solely the third participant from England to attain a century and take 5 wickets in a Check match, becoming a member of the illustrious firm of Sir Ian Botham and Tony Greig.
Atkinson’s bowling heroics seal victory
In Sri Lanka’s first innings, Atkinson continued his spectacular efficiency, claiming 2 wickets for 40 runs to assist dismiss the guests for 196. His spell broke the resistance of the Sri Lankan batsmen and put England firmly answerable for the match.
Regardless of a spirited fightback from Sri Lanka within the second innings, led by half-centuries from Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva, Atkinson’s five-wicket haul within the second innings in the end sealed England’s victory by 190 runs.
Complete win for England within the second Check: https://t.co/z2hSEnPFTO#cricket #ENGvSL #Checks #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Xj3VlQVnFC
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 1, 2024
Additionally READ: Sunil Gavaskar predicts the winner and scoreline of five-match Check collection between Australia and India
Clear sweep in sight
With the collection already of their grasp, England will look to finish a clear sweep when the third Check commences at The Oval on Friday, September 6. A victory within the remaining match would mark England’s first flawless Check summer season since 2004, once they achieved seven wins.
Joe Root’s distinctive kind continued within the Lord’s Check, as he surpassed Alastair Prepare dinner to develop into England’s all-time main Check century-maker along with his thirty fourth ton. The crew’s focus stays on improvement, with a watch on future success, notably within the upcoming Ashes collection.
Because the collection strikes to The Oval, England will likely be assured of finishing a historic collection whitewash towards Sri Lanka.
