Event of the Day: Sri Lanka versus England
Our event of the day is day three of the third and final Test between Sri Lanka and England at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. England have already sealed the series following a 57-run win in Kandy last week and an outstanding 211 run victory in Galle a fortnight ago. The tourists have laid many demons to rest this series. Their crushing Galle triumph put an end to their two year wait for an overseas Test match win, the longest winless run in England cricketing history. This was followed by their win in Kandy, not only securing the series, but also clinching England’s first Test series win in Asia since 2012, and first in Sri Lanka since way back in 2001. Completing a whitewash would represent a real piece of history for England. It would be their first overseas whitewash since 1963, and would round off a terrific series for the tourists.
England won the toss on Friday and elected to bat first. Jonny Bairstow was in scintillating form on the opening day, hitting a magnificent 110 off 186 balls. Lakshan Sandakan led the Sri Lanka fightback, as he took 4 wickets for 91 runs as England were eventually bowled out for 336. Sri Lanka looked certain to overturn the target with ease, and were 173 for the loss of just 1 wicket, at one point. However, an extraordinary collapse then followed. A stellar bowling display from Ben Stokes and Adil Rashid left the hosts all out for 240. Play ended with England leading by 99. With a historic whitewash in their sights, the tourists will hope to put the game beyond Sri Lanka’s reach. If yesterday’s action is anything to go by, expect another day full of thrills and spills.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the third day of the Davis Cup Final between France and Croatia at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille. Croatia led 2-0 after the opening day of action, before France pulled themselves back into the tie with victory in the doubles. Elsewhere in France, Marseille travel to Amiens in Ligue 1. Further football action comes from the Vitality Stadium, where sixth place Bournemouth welcome fifth place Arsenal in the Premier League. In MLS, the first leg of the Conference Finals take place, with Atlanta United against New York Red Bulls at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Portland against Sporting Kansas City at Providence Park. Additional world class sporting action in the States comes from the MetLife Stadium, where the New York Jets face the New England Patriots in the NFL. The Formula One season culminates with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with today’s race seeing Lewis Hamilton crowned world champion for the fifth time, and racing great Fernando Alonso gracing the F1 track for one final time.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by ICC Cricket