England Edge Ahead of Sri Lanka in Tightly Poised First Test at Old Trafford

England took a slender 23-run lead over Sri Lanka on a rain-affected second day of the first Test at Emirates Old Trafford. Resilient half-centuries from Harry Brook and Jamie Smith helped the hosts reach 259-6 after a challenging start against a determined Sri Lankan bowling attack.

With persistent rain and bad light limiting play, England's batters had to fight hard to steady their innings. Resuming on 33-0, the hosts soon found themselves under pressure as Sri Lanka’s bowlers struck early. England slumped to 67-3, losing three wickets for just 37 runs, including openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope.

Brook, once again showing his class, played a crucial role in reviving England’s innings. He shared a vital 58-run partnership with Joe Root and then added 62 runs alongside Smith. The Yorkshireman mixed patience with attacking intent, reaching a well-earned 56 before falling victim to Prabath Jayasuriya’s sharp turner.

Smith, batting with impressive maturity in only his fourth Test match, anchored England’s innings as wickets continued to fall around him. He combined with Chris Woakes to push England past Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 236. Woakes contributed 31 before becoming Jayasuriya’s second wicket of the day.

Smith remained unbeaten on 72 when play was called off early due to poor light, with England holding a narrow lead. Despite England's marginal advantage, the match remains finely balanced. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Asitha Fernando (3-68), kept the pressure on throughout the day, exploiting the unpredictable bounce and tricky conditions.

With England's tail beginning at number eight, the hosts will be wary of a collapse if play resumes under overcast skies. The pitch has offered signs of low bounce, particularly on day one, suggesting that batting in the fourth innings could be treacherous. England will be aiming to build as big a lead as possible before facing the prospect of chasing a target on a deteriorating surface.

However, weather remains a significant factor. The forecast for the remaining three days is grim, with heavy rain expected overnight and more interruptions likely throughout the weekend. Both teams will be keen to make the most of any available play as they seek to take control of what has been a captivating and evenly matched contest so far.

As it stands, England hold a slim upper hand, but the battle remains finely poised, with Sri Lanka eager to regain the initiative as the Test continues.

SOURCE: N.M.R (Journalist)