Twitter Reactions: England pull strong start against Sri Lanka on Day 1 of The Oval Test

Ollie Pope. (Photo Source: England Cricket)

England and Sri Lanka continue their ongoing Test series by facing off in the third Test. Both sides locked horns for the final Test of the series at the Kennington Oval, London, from September 6. Having won the first two Tests of the series, England have already won the series, but they will hope for a clean sweep with another good showing in the third Test.

The third clash between England and Sri Lanka began with the hosts coming in to bat first after losing the toss. As England came out to bat, the side got off to a subpar start as opener Dan Lawrence was sent packing for just five runs in 21 deliveries.

However, Ben Duckett played a marvellous innings to stabilise the game for the hosts. Duckett scored 86 runs in 79 deliveries, alongside Ollie Pope, who played another brilliant knock.

Pope finished the day unbeaten on a score of 103* runs in just as many deliveries. The in-form Joe Root failed to go big in the first innings, as he was dismissed by Lahiru Kumara on a score of 13 runs.

Furthermore, Harry Brook also stayed unbeaten on a score of eight runs as England managed to score 221 runs, losing three wickets in the process on day 1. The day had to be called off midway due to bad lighting, and only 44.1 overs were bowled on the first day.

As for Sri Lanka, Lahiru Kumara and Milan Rathnayake were the only wicket takers for their side on the first day, with Kumara striking twice and Rathnayake taking one wicket as well. The side will hope to improve on day 2 and dismiss Ollie Pope, who looks set on the crease.

Here’s how X reacted to day 1 of the third ENG-SL Test: