Galle – For Joe Root, Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad, it’s been a successful tour of Sri Lanka. Joe and Jos scored important runs. While Stuart took wickets in the first Test. Let’s not forget that Jos also had a superb series behind the stumps.
It is said that success breeds success and the facts show Joe Root has become a successful captain.
After England’s 6 wicket win in the final Test in Sri Lanka, it’s now 10 unbeaten Tests in succession under Joe’s captaincy.
Yet, for a while, the odds of England winning the second Test lengthened. That was before a partnership of 75 between Dom Sibley (56no) and Jos Buttler (46no) saw England home.
England’s bowlers and the, at times, rash Sri Lankan batters combined to set England a target of 164. Given the pitch was taking spin, reaching this total was no formality.
The prospect of a collapse raised its head when England were reduced to 89-4. This possibility never materialised, Sibley, playing the anchor role, and Jos, who scored with some beautiful shots, guided the tourists to victory.
Joe was named player of the match after scoring a magnificent and crucial first innings 186.
England’s players will now move on to India for a four-match series starting 5 February.
(PhoenixMedia Image Created from a Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images for ECB)