SL vs ENG 2nd Test: Mathews & Chandimal set platform as the hosts cruise past 200-run mark

ENG vs SL 2nd Test: The second and final Test between England and Sri Lanka is being played at Galle. Opted to bat, the hosts are eyeing for a massive score on Day 1. Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal not just propelled Sri Lanka's innings with a gritty 119-run stand for the fourth wicket but also gave them a solid base in the important phase of the final Test. Chandimal departs after making a steller fifty (52 off 121). Now, Dickwella just joins Mathews, who is hovering around another Test hundred and he moves to the 90s and still looking hungry for runs.

The duo of Mathews and Chandiamal also rotated the strike by pinching singles and twos to keep the pressure on the opposition. England skipper Joe Root introduced the spin-twin into the attack but even they couldn't make felt their presence yet. Mark Wood has just broken the crucial 100+ stand between Chandimal and Mathews.

The rookie right-hander batsman has looked untroubled many a time on a track that is expected to help the slow bowlers as the game progresses. For England, James Anderson bowled sensational and picked three wickets upfront, and restrict Sri Lanka with some fierce bowling.

Finally a breakthrough for England ☝️

Mark Wood has broken the 119-run fourth-wicket stand between Chandimal and Mathews.

Chandimal goes for 52!#SLvENG ➡️ https://t.co/3ZC7G8lc6R pic.twitter.com/UV0OQ9UBTz

— ICC (@ICC) January 22, 2021

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka in early trouble, Mathews and Thirimanne joined forces to steady the Lankan innings. Both Lankans batters picked up boundaries by playing positive cricket all around the ground to keep the scorecard ticking over. Both put a decent 69-run stand for the third wicket as well. However, Thirimanne departs just after lunch break for a well-made 43.

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first. The hosts made an ordinary start. Kusal Perera, survived a close LBW shout off Sam Curran before he chased an away-swinger from Anderson and was caught by Joe Root in the slip cordon. Oshada Fernando then inside-edged an outswinger in the same over onto the stumps.