GALLE: England reached their modest target to win the first Test against Sri Lanka by seven wickets at Galle International Stadium on Monday.
Jonny Bairstow and debutant Dan Lawrence knocked off the 36 runs required on the last day as England reached 76 for three in their second innings.
SCORECARD
Bairstow was 35 not out and Lawrence unbeaten on 21 in an unbeaten 62-run partnership.
They had been set a target of 74 after bowling Sri Lanka out for 359 but lost three wickets and were reeling at 14-3 before Bairstow and Lawrence took them to 38-3 when bad light stopped play on Sunday.
“It was a tricky wicket to bat on and you had to play as much off your back foot,” said Bairstow after England had been subjected to a torrent of sharp spin from Laisth Embuldeniya, Dilruwan Perera and Wanindu Hasaranga.
“It’s absolutely fabulous, winning Tests is always what you want to do it. It’s difficult playing in the subcontinent, you know the challenges but to get win on board is pleasing for all…
Jonny Bairstow and debutant Dan Lawrence knocked off the 36 runs required on the last day as England reached 76 for three in their second innings.
SCORECARD
Bairstow was 35 not out and Lawrence unbeaten on 21 in an unbeaten 62-run partnership.
They had been set a target of 74 after bowling Sri Lanka out for 359 but lost three wickets and were reeling at 14-3 before Bairstow and Lawrence took them to 38-3 when bad light stopped play on Sunday.
“It was a tricky wicket to bat on and you had to play as much off your back foot,” said Bairstow after England had been subjected to a torrent of sharp spin from Laisth Embuldeniya, Dilruwan Perera and Wanindu Hasaranga.
“It’s absolutely fabulous, winning Tests is always what you want to do it. It’s difficult playing in the subcontinent, you know the challenges but to get win on board is pleasing for all…