Twitter Reactions: Ben Foakes' debut Test ton and spinners keep England on top

The second day was crucial in the ongoing Galle Test between Sri Lanka and England as the visitors had put up an exceptional rearguard on the opening day. After being reduced to 113/5 in the first session, the lower-order once again rescued them with Ben Foakes, the debutant at the centrestage to end the day on 321/8 and there was more work to be done on the second morning.

The confident Foakes began the day on a brighter note for England by hitting the first ball of the day to the boundary. Soon, he notched up his maiden Test ton to become only the fifth wicketkeeper in the world to reach the triple-figure mark on debut. Meanwhile, Jack Leach was snaffled by Dilruwan Perera to register his seventh five-wicket haul.

After reaching his century, Foakes played a few shots and was eventually dismissed by Suranga Lakmal as England’s innings folded on 342 runs which looked an above par total on this surface.

Sri Lanka crumble

Sri Lanka got off to the worst possible start with their in-form player Dimuth Karunaratne edging the second ball of the first over from James Anderson to the wicketkeeper and even wasted the review. Sam Curran trapped Kaushal Silva plumb in front of the stumps then as the hosts were left reeling at 10/2. Soon the scorecard looked even more terrible for them as Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva were sent back to make it 404 just before lunch.

The experience of Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews then came to the fore for the home side. The duo didn’t take any risks and concentrated on rotating the strike. They added 75 runs together and just when things were falling in place for Sri Lanka, Chandimal stepped out against Adil Rashid only to see the ball spin sharpply past him and the rest was done by Foakes.

Meanwhile, Mathews completed his half-century but was unable to extend his stay in the middle and his wicket ended their hopes of getting close to the opponent’s total. Niroshan Dickwella and Dilruwan Perera also made attractive 20s but were guilty of not carrying on as Sri Lanka were bowled out for a mere 203.

England were simply brilliant as their spinners shared eight wickets between them. Moeen Ali was the standout performer for them grabbing four while Rashid and Leach picked a couple each.

Jennings and Burns play out

In the second innings, with the lead of 139 runs in the bag, England’s openers had to play out the tricky period of 12 overs. Keaton Jennings and the other debutant Rory Burns looked confident in the middle and made sure that they let the advantage drift away from the team.

The duo remained unbeaten until the stumps to score 38 runs and stretched the lead to 177 runs. Sri Lanka now have no option but to skittle the visitors as soon as possible and the stage is set for Rangana Herath to wield his magic and help his team come out of the rut one final time.

Here’s how Twitter reacted during the course of the day:

England’s 1st Session yesterday was ropey … the last 5 sessions have been of the highest class … Only Rain or Streakers can now safe Sri Lanka … #SLvENG

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 7, 2018

@englandcricket without Cook as their opener has done well in the sub continent#SLvENG #England

— Mohammed Moiz (@DastagirMoiz) November 7, 2018

Away from home,it's been a fair while since England had as good a day as that I would suggest. #SLvEng

— Anthony Morris (@exbedian1) November 7, 2018

Looks like SL players are not good enough to give a great send off for the veteran @HerathRSL#poor_batters#Disappointed #SLvENG

— Poornama_edirisooriya (@PoornamaE) November 7, 2018

Who knew post Alastair Cook would look this good #SLvENG

— S-J (@sjprice01) November 7, 2018

Jennings utilizing his second chance beautifully. Kudos to him. Maybe a bit early to say this but I'm sure he'll continue the promise he has shown. Amazing how sometimes sticking to a player can do wonders. Rohit Sharma, an epitome of it. #SLvENG

— UMESH (@USigdel) November 7, 2018

It feels like Rangana Herath has been around forever, yet when he got his 100th Test wicket he was already 33. Imagine what he could have achieved had Murali not been around. #SLvENG

— Brydon Coverdale (@brydoncoverdale) November 7, 2018

Dangerous game predicting with his track record of late, but I can see Keaton Jennings getting a decent score in this innings. #SLvENG

— Len (@LenM4) November 7, 2018

With the weather forecast before this #SLvENG Test & its recent performances abroad, I suspect @englandcricket will have been thinking a draw would have been a good outcome. Now though, they’re in a dominant position & will be hoping the weather stays as kind as it’s been so far.

— Andrew McLean (@McleanOnCricket) November 7, 2018

Textbook by England. Almost hard to believe what you were watching at times and brought home safely by Burns and Jennings (yes, Jennings!). Two and a bit sessions tomorrow before putting SL back in and that should be the game on Friday. Hugely enjoyable to watch… #SLvEng

— Jonny (@Leathernwillow) November 7, 2018

Think england shaded the day there #SLvEng

— Berkshire Blade (@Berkshireblade) November 7, 2018

Cracking day for England #SLvENG

— Craig Ryan (@craigryansports) November 7, 2018

Two English debutants who learnt their cricket in England. Revelation . #SLvENG

— LordAram (@LordAram) November 7, 2018

With a lead of 177 at stumps, Root will be thrilled. He will press it on the boys that they must bat bat bat tomorrow bat SL out of the game, set the hosts a huge chase. #SLvENG #Galle

— Duke and Kookaburra (@d_ktalkballs) November 7, 2018