Sri Lanka’s hopes of salvaging some pride in the ongoing Test series against England received a much-needed boost on the second day of the third Test at The Oval. Despite a shaky start, the tourists managed to recover from a collapse to 93 for 5 before tea, thanks to an unbeaten century partnership between Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis.
The duo frustrated the English bowlers, putting on 118 runs without being separated. This resilient stand brought Sri Lanka closer to England’s first innings total of 325, which was built around Ollie Pope’s impressive 154. Pope, leading England in his first Test as captain, had anchored the hosts’ innings with a stellar performance.
De Silva ended the day on 64 not out, while Kamindu Mendis, who has been in extraordinary form, remained unbeaten on 54. Mendis, 25, continues to impress with a remarkable Test batting average of over 85. This was his seventh half-century in six matches, a remarkable feat that includes three centuries.
The pair’s partnership brought some much-needed respite for Sri Lanka after a day that saw some early setbacks. A mix-up between Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka led to the early dismissal of Karunaratne for just nine runs. Nissanka, however, displayed some impressive stroke-play, hitting seven boundaries in his quick-fire 40-ball fifty. However, the middle-order faltered soon after, with England taking control of the innings.
England’s pace attack, particularly Josh Hull, who was making his Test debut, and Olly Stone, making a return after an injury layoff, proved to be a thorn in Sri Lanka’s side. Hull, who picked up his first Test wicket by dismissing Nissanka for 64, helped England gain momentum, reducing Sri Lanka to 91-4 and subsequently 93-5. Stone, in his second Test appearance in three years, also made a significant contribution, taking the wicket of experienced all-rounder Angelo Mathews for just three runs.
As the light began to fade and dark clouds gathered, England deployed spinners from both ends in an attempt to force a premature end to the day’s play. Sri Lanka, however, remained undeterred and responded by adding 69 runs without losing a wicket in 17 overs of all-spin bowling.
De Silva reached his half-century off 81 balls, while Mendis achieved his fifty in just 60 deliveries. The pair’s resilience and determination kept Sri Lanka in the game, giving them a glimmer of hope as they look to salvage some pride in this series.
England, meanwhile, will be hoping to wrap up the series with a clean sweep, something they haven’t achieved since 2004. The final day of the third Test promises to be an exciting battle, with both teams determined to leave their mark.
