England Dominate Opening Session With Five Wickets

Sri Lanka's Lack of Preparation Costs Them Dear in First Test

England Dominate Opening Session with Five Wickets

Sri Lanka's Preparation Concerns Materialize

England's bowlers made the most of Sri Lanka's lack of match practice, ripping through their batting lineup to take five wickets in the opening session of the first Test at Old Trafford.

The visitors, who have not played a red-ball game since March, looked out of sorts against England's seam attack, with only Dimuth Karunaratne (21) and Angelo Mathews (19) offering any resistance.

England's James Anderson and Stuart Broad were the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets apiece, while Ollie Robinson and Sam Curran also chipped in with a wicket each.

Sri Lanka's Woeful Record in England

Sri Lanka's poor performance continued a woeful record in England, where they have now won just one Test match in their last 12 attempts.

Their lack of preparation was evident throughout the session, with their batsmen struggling to cope with the seam and bounce of the English conditions.

Sri Lanka will need to improve drastically in the second innings if they are to avoid a heavy defeat in the first Test.

England's Dominance

In contrast to Sri Lanka's struggles, England looked comfortable and composed in the field.

Their bowlers were accurate and disciplined, while their fielders were sharp and alert.

England's dominance in the opening session has given them a strong platform to build on in the match.

Conclusion

The opening session of the first Test between England and Sri Lanka has been a tale of two teams: one well-prepared and ready to compete, the other ill-prepared and struggling to cope.

England's dominance in the opening session has given them a strong advantage in the match, and it will be up to Sri Lanka to show a significant improvement in the second innings if they are to avoid a heavy defeat.