Under-pressure skipper Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook hit gutsy half-centuries as England made a confident reply to Sri Lanka’s 275 in the second Test in Colombo on Wednesday. The left-handed openers compiled a 122-run partnership as England combated Sri Lanka’s pace and spin attack to reach 154-1 by stumps on the second day at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo.
Strauss, under fire for his batting and leadership skills, roared back to form with 61, before he attempted to cut off-spinner Tillakaratne Dilshan and edged a catch to the wicket-keeper in the final session.
It was his best score on England’s forgettable Asian sojourn so far this year, in which they were routed 3-0 by Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates before losing at Galle in the first Test. Cook returned unbeaten on 77, but was fortunate to be still there after Lahiru Thirimanne floored a sharp chance at forward short-leg off Rangana Herath when the batsman was on 20. Jonathan Trott was the other batsman at the crease, on 15, as the tourists trailed by just 121 runs on the first innings with nine wickets in hand.
