England celebrated a dominant victory in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s on Sunday, clinching the series with a resounding 190-run win. The triumph sees England take a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match series, following their earlier 3-0 sweep over the West Indies in July.
Gus Atkinson, England’s rising star, was the architect of this emphatic win. The fast bowler delivered a remarkable performance, claiming a five-wicket haul in Sri Lanka’s second innings, finishing with figures of 5-62. This followed his exceptional first-innings century (118), which laid the foundation for England’s victory.
Atkinson’s brilliance earned him a place on the Lord’s honours board, a prestigious recognition reserved for exceptional performances at the home of cricket. This is his second entry on the board this summer, having previously been honored for a 10-wicket haul during the West Indies series.
Sri Lanka, battling to avoid a series sweep, was dismissed for 292 in their second innings, just after tea on Day 4. England had set a target of 482, a challenging task that Sri Lanka ultimately couldn’t overcome.
The third and final Test of the series is set to begin at The Oval on Friday, with England aiming for a clean sweep against Sri Lanka. Atkinson’s exceptional form will be crucial for England’s hopes of achieving this feat.
