ZCZC
BSP-19
CRICKET-SRI-ENG
Foakes debut leads England revival in Sri Lanka Test
GALLE, Sri Lanka, Nov 6, 2018 (bss/AFP) – Debutant Ben Foakes hit a
defiant and unbeaten 87, guiding England to safety — after Sri Lanka claimed
cheap early wickets — on 321 for eight at the end of the first day of the
first Test.
The Surrey wicket-keeper batsman, who knows this could just be a one-off
chance as Jonny Bairstow regains fitness, came in with England precariously
placed on 103 for five on a Galle pitch notorious for low scores.
Foakes built crucial partnerships including an 88-run seventh wicket stand
with Sam Curran, who made 48, to defy Sri Lanka’s bowlers.
England elected to bat first in what was Sri Lankan spin legend Rangana
Herath’s farewell match.
The right-handed Foakes steadied the innings reaching his half century
early in the final session as the tourists lost just three wickets after
lunch.
Foakes put on 61 for the sixth wicket with Jos Buttler, who was eventually
caught behind off Dilruwan Perera for 38.
Left-hander Curran attacked the bowling, hitting one four and three sixes
before falling two short of his fifty to spinner Akila Dananjaya.
Adil Rashid made a useful 35 in a stand of 54 with Foakes that increased
the frustration for Sri Lanka’s bowlers before he became Perera’s fourth
victim of the day.
Jack Leach, batting on 14, then survived some anxious moments in the final
two overs to give Foakes a chance to complete a momentous debut ton on day
two.
Sri Lanka’s veteran spinner Rangana Herath, claimed his 100th Test scalp
at Galle after sending back England skipper Joe Root in the opening session.
Only two other bowlers have achieved 100 Test wickets on one ground —
Herath’s legendary compatriot Muttiah Muralitharan who achieved it at Galle,
Kandy and SSC Colombo, and England paceman James Anderson at Lord’s.
Herath notched up the milestone when Root came down the wicket and missed
after a breezy 35.
Root had also steadied England when they stumbled to 10 for 2 after
debutant opener Rory Burns was caught behind off Surange Lakmal for nine and
Moeen Ali was bowled next ball.
Surrey left-hander Burns had been given the tough task of replacing
stalwart Alastair Cook following his retirement in September.
After Root’s dismissal, Perera skittled Keaton Jennings four short of his
50 before bowling Ben Stokes around his legs for seven as he attempted to
sweep.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1900HRS