Joe Root in action against Sri Lanka in 2021 (X)
The three-match Test series between England and Sri Lanka is set to ignite on August 21 in Manchester. In 36 Tests between the two teams, England has notched 17 wins while Sri Lanka has claimed 8 victories, with 11 contests ending in a draw.
As the series unfolds, Sri Lanka will be eager to redress the balance and secure more victories, whereas England will be intent on bolstering their already formidable record.
Historically, the England vs. Sri Lanka Test matches have been fertile ground for remarkable batting performances. With the upcoming ENG vs SL 2024 Test series on the horizon, let’s revisit the top 5 batting performances in the England vs Sri Lanka Tests.
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Marvan Atapattu (Twitter)
In the 2001 Test at Galle, Marvan Atapattu’s impeccable double century was the highlight, propelling Sri Lanka to a dominant innings win. Sri Lanka declared their first innings at 470/5, anchored by Atapattu’s unbeaten 201.
England, in response, was overwhelmed by Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, managing only 253 in their first innings despite Marcus Trescothick’s resilient 122.
Forced to follow on, England fared even worse in their second innings, collapsing to 189 all out. The match concluded with Sri Lanka emerging victorious by an innings and 28 runs
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Jonathan Trott (Twitter)
In the first Test at Cardiff in 2011 , Jonathan Trott’s impressive 203 anchored England’s commanding performance.
Sri Lanka initially posted a competitive 400. However, England surpassed this with 496/5 declared, thanks to Trott’s double-century which featured 17 boundaries.
In their second innings, Sri Lanka collapsed to 82 all out under relentless pressure from England’s bowlers, particularly Graeme Swann and Chris Tremlett, who took four wickets each. England’s substantial first innings lead ensured a victory by an innings and 14 runs.
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Sanath Jayasuriya (Twitter)
In the 1998 one-off Test at The Oval, Sri Lanka clinched a commanding 10-wicket victory over England, fuelled by a standout performance from Sanath Jayasuriya and Muthiah Muralidaran.
England initially posted 445, supported by John Crawley’s unbeaten 156 and Graeme Hick’s 107. However, Sri Lanka responded robustly, amassing 591 driven by Sanath Jayasuriya’s explosive 213 which had 33 fours and a six.
Muralidaran then dominated England’s second innings, taking an astonishing 9 wickets for 65 runs, forcing England to follow on. Despite their efforts to salvage the match, England concluded their second innings at 181, setting a modest target of 36, which Sri Lanka quickly achieved without losing a wicket.
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Mahela Jayawardene (Twitter)
Mahela Jayawardene starred with an unbeaten 213 in the third Test of the 2007 Test series vs England in Galle, guiding Sri Lanka to a decisive 499/8 declaration. His commanding knock, filled with 25 boundaries, set a solid foundation for the hosts.
England were bowled out for just 81 in their first innings, with Chaminda Vaas claiming four wickets. Following on, England managed a better second effort, scoring 251/6 anchored by Alastair Cook’s gritty 118.
The match ultimately ended in a draw, but Jayawardene’s remarkable performance not only secured him the Player of the Match but also Player of the Series, having amassed 474 runs.
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Joe Root (Twitter)
In the first Test in Galle in 2021, Sri Lanka were bowled out for a modest 135, courtesy of Dom Bess’s five-wicket haul.
In response, Joe Root’s commanding 228 off 321 balls with 18 fours and a six propelled England to 421, establishing a significant lead.
Despite a resilient 359 in their second innings from Sri Lanka, Jack Leach’s five wickets kept England in control.
Chasing a mere 74, England overcame an early stumble to clinch the win at 76/3, led by Jonny Bairstow and Dan Lawrence.
