Root scored his second Test century at Lord’s
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
England batsman Joe Root scored a sparkling unbeaten century on a topsy-turvy first day at Lord’s.
Root was brilliantly supported by wicketkeeper-batsman Matt Prior, who is currently undefeated on 76, and Ian Bell, who made 56.
Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews would have been delighted with his decision to bowl first after England debutant Sam Robson was caught behind off the bowling of Nuwan Pradeep for only one run.
England skipper Alastair Cook made 17 runs before he was clean bowled by Nuwan Kulasekara.
Ian Bell and Gary Ballance stabilised the innings with a 52-run partnership before Ballance was caught behind off the bowling of Pradeep.
Bell went on to score 56 off 75 balls, which included seven boundaries and a six, before he was given out lbw off the bowling of Shaminda Eranga.
Bell struck seven boundaries during his knock of 56
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Bell was initially given not out, but Sri Lanka reviewed and the replays showed that the ball was going on to hit the top of middle stump. This led to the third umpire overturning the original decision.
Debutant Moeen Ali and Root kept the runs flowing with an 89-run partnership, during which Root brought up his half-century, before Ali was caught by Mahela Jayawardene at slip off the bowling of Rangana Herath for 48 runs.
Root and Prior put England in complete control as they amassed an unbeaten 135-run partnership, during which Root brought up his third Test century and Prior his half-century, before the umpires decided to bring play to an end for the day.
Root finished on 102 off 190 balls, which included eight boundaries, while Prior scored 76 off 103 deliveries, which included nine boundaries.
Prior fought his way to an unbeaten 76 on his return to Test cricket
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Pradeep was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Herath, Eranga and Kulasekara chipped in with one wicket apiece.
England ended the day on 344/5 and will continue batting tomorrow at 11:00 local time or 10:00 GMT.