Joe Root slams 18th Test century against Sri Lanka in Galle to put England on Top

SL vs ENG 1st Test: England skipper Joe Root slams his 18th Test century against Sri Lanka in the opening Test (SL vs ENG) being played in Galle. Root has been soaking in the applause from his teammates. Now, the visitors are eyeing a big total from hereon. England lost Bairstow very early in the first session but Root has been assured at the crease and has combined well with the debutant Dan Lawrence. Chasing SL's 135, the visitors are 242/3 on Day 2 against the depleted Lankans.

Joe Root remains unbeaten on 118 comprising seven fours, whereas Dan Lawrence also impressed on his debut as he blasts his maiden fifty (55* off 109) including 6 fours and a six over the long-on fence. The duo put together an unbeaten 100+ stand for the fourth wicket and the visitors' are leading Sri Lanka by 100 runs with the depth in batting. 

The dressing room reacts to the skipper's 18th Test century 👏

Scorecard: https://t.co/RfqfT5yMNg#SLvENG pic.twitter.com/XZ2yFI4Yts

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 15, 2021

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat but the decision proven to be wrong as the hosts lost wickets at regular intervals. The Lankan batters die by the sword with which he makes merry most times due to which they have just bundled out for a paltry 135, their lowest-ever first innings total at Galle. Dominic Bess’s 5/30 and Broad's 3/29 restricted Sri Lanka to a below-par score.