Atkinson's first century guides England to 427 against Sri Lanka on day two

By Sam Tobin I woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside my window, the sun spilling in through the curtains and warming my face. It was going to be a beautiful day. As I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for what the day would bring. I had a list of things to do, places to explore, and people to meet. After a quick breakfast, I stepped outside and took a deep breath of the fresh morning air. The possibilities felt endless, and I couldn't wait to see where the day would take me. I wandered through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city around me. The vibrant colors of the storefronts, the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air, the laughter of children playing in the park – it all filled me with a sense of joy and contentment. As the day went on, I found myself getting lost in the moment, fully present and appreciative of the small moments that made up the day. Whether it was a kind smile from a stranger or the beauty of a blooming flower, I made sure to savor each and every moment. And as the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the city, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the day I had experienced. It was a reminder that sometimes, the simple moments in life are the ones that truly matter. I returned home, tired but happy, ready to rest and recharge for another day of adventure. As I settled into bed, I knew that no matter what tomorrow brought, I would greet it with an open heart and a grateful spirit.

LONDON -Gus Atkinson scored a superb maiden century as England posted 427 all out on day two of the second test at Lord's on Friday before Sri Lanka lost both openers to reach lunch on 32-2.

Atkinson, whose previous highest score in first-class cricket was 91 for Surrey, began with back-to-back boundaries, clipping Lahiru Kumara's first delivery to fine leg then driving the next through cover.

The 26-year-old was given out lbw from the third ball of an eventful opening over, but was reprieved on review as the ball was travelling down the leg side.

Atkinson moved to 99 with another classy cover drive for four and, unlike Joe Root on day one, needed just three balls to reach three figures with a straight drive to the fence.

England had resumed on 358-7 with Atkinson and Matthew Potts's swashbuckling partnership on Thursday evening having reached exactly 50.

Sri Lanka's bowling was poor and they leaked 35 runs off the first five overs before the introduction of Asitha Fernando, who had Potts caught behind by keeper Nishan Madushka.

Atkinson continued to score freely but fell trying to hit Fernando into the stands, brilliantly caught by Milan Rathnayake on the midwicket boundary for 118 off 115 balls.

Olly Stone was the last man out off Fernando as England added 69 to their overnight total.

Madushka ought to have been caught behind off Chris Woakes but an edge flew between keeper and slip, before he chopped a wide delivery on to his stumps.

Stone, playing in his first test since 2021, then removed Dimuth Karunaratne in identical fashion on the stroke of lunch to leave Sri Lanka in trouble, 395 behind.

England won the first test at Old Trafford last week by five wickets. Sri Lanka must win at Lord's to have a chance of winning the three-match series.

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