Atkinson helps England smash SL

LONDON, September 1

Gus Atkinson took five wickets to get himself on the Lord’s honours board for the second time in the match as England sealed a comprehensive 190-run win over Sri Lanka, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.

England’s newest superstar followed his swashbuckling first innings century with figures of 5/62 in Sri Lanka’s second as the visitors ultimately crumbled to 292 all out despite a spirited counterattack on the fourth day.

Set a massive 483 to win and resuming on 53/2 overnight, Sri Lanka’s task looked all but impossible. Their approach was to ignore the match situation and attack, ensuring a steady flow of wickets and boundaries over the course of a fourth day that at times resembled a limited-overs contest.

“I couldn’t have asked for much more, to get on both honours boards is incredible and it’ll take a bit of time to sink in,” Atkinson said. “It’s great to be able to attack and not worry about runs. Physically it can be demanding, being aggressive every over, but I’m enjoying it very much,” he added.