Sri Lanka’s newest sensation, Milan Rathnayake, has etched his name into the history books of Test cricket. The 28-year-old debutant shattered a long-standing record, becoming the highest-scoring number 9 batter in men’s Test cricket history. His remarkable feat surpassed the previous record held by India’s Balwinder Sandhu, who achieved a score of 71 against Pakistan in 1983.
Rathnayake’s impressive innings of 72 runs off 135 balls, adorned with six boundaries and two sixes, came to an end when he was dismissed by Shoaib Bashir. His valiant performance was crucial to Sri Lanka’s first innings total, especially considering the precarious position the team was in at 113/7.
England’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Chris Woakes (3/32) and Gus Atkinson (2/48), had taken control of the Sri Lankan batting line-up, leaving Rathnayake to rebuild the innings. He rose to the challenge, exhibiting immense composure and determination, and formed a crucial 63-run partnership with captain Dhananjaya de Silva for the 8th wicket.
Despite the pressure, Rathnayake’s resilient batting allowed Sri Lanka to reach a respectable total of 236 runs before the day’s play concluded. His innings showcased not only his talent but also his ability to perform under immense pressure, making him a valuable asset to the Sri Lankan team.
In response to Sri Lanka’s first innings, England’s opening pair of Ben Duckett and Daniel Lawrence got off to a brisk start, setting the tone for their team’s innings. Despite the absence of Zak Crawley, the pair combined to score three boundaries in the span of four overs, leaving England at 22/0 at the end of day 1.
As the second day commences, England will be eager to capitalize on their positive start and continue their aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach to the game. Rathnayake’s record-breaking performance has undoubtedly added a new chapter to the ongoing Test match between Sri Lanka and England, making it a thrilling encounter for cricket fans worldwide.
