Ahead of the third Test match against England, Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne acknowledged the tough batting conditions in England, emphasizing the difficulties faced by both teams. Despite his best efforts, Karunaratne scored 91 runs at a strike rate of 44.39 in the first two matches of the series, with Sri Lanka trailing 2-0 after losses in the opening games.
Karunaratne pointed out that even England’s top-order struggled, apart from Joe Root, who has been the standout performer in the series. “In England, the conditions are tough for batters, and we saw that even their openers and No. 3 struggled. Apart from Joe Root, the others found it difficult despite playing in home conditions,” Karunaratne said.
He further explained that Sri Lanka tried multiple tactics to contain Joe Root, but they were unable to stop him. Root’s excellent form has been a decisive factor in England’s victories. “We’ve tried a few things against Joe, but they were unsuccessful. His performances have been the turning points in the matches. Even in Galle, he scored big runs,” Karunaratne added.
In the second Test, England posted a commanding first-innings total of 427, led by Root’s 143 and Gus Atkinson’s maiden century. Sri Lanka struggled in response, managing just 196 in their first innings, with Kamindu Mendis scoring a fighting 74. Despite bowling out England for 251 in their second innings, Sri Lanka couldn’t chase down the massive target of 483, eventually falling 190 runs short. Karunaratne, along with Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva, scored half-centuries, but their efforts weren’t enough to prevent the defeat.
Gus Atkinson earned the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his impressive all-round performance, which included a century and a five-wicket haul.
