England get 5 penalty runs after Sri Lankan batsman makes a deliberate mistake

The second Test between Sri Lanka and England at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy is promising to be an absorbing one. The hosts made a good recovery and eventually overhauled England’s first innings score of 290 though they had just one wicket left at the time of writing this report. Roshen Silva rose to the occasion coming in to bat at No.7 with an 80-odd run inning to guide his side to take a lead over the opponents on Day 2 of the game.

However, Silva was also in the news during the day and his action earned England five penalty runs even after they were bowled out for 285 in their first essay after winning the toss and electing to bat. It so happened on the first ball of the 86th over when Silva nudged a ball down to the third man off Jack Leach, ran slowly but didn’t ground his bat at the other end to complete the run. He ran back to the striker’s end for the second run but the umpires decided to award five extra runs to England for not abiding by the law (Law 18.5).

Atherton tries to explain it

Former England captain Michael Atherton said he did not see something like this in his career as a cricketer and journalist and believed more than stealing a run, Silva was “dozy” in his game but added that these penalty runs could make the Test match exciting.

5 penalty runs! @Athersmike tries to explain why 5 penalty runs have been added to England's 1st innings total #SLvENG pic.twitter.com/nQk2zkJx0D

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) November 15, 2018

Earlier, England recovered from 7 for 176 to 285, thanks to young all-rounder Sam Curran’s 64 at No.8. Curran is known for his late innings acceleration as he had done quite a few times against India in the home series played a few months earlier.

England are leading the three-match series 1-0 as they won the first Test at Galle by 211 runs. The Three Lions are on the verge of history as they haven’t won a Test series in Sri Lanka since 2000-01.

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