England are 1-0 up on Sri Lanka heading into the second and final test match which gets underway in Galle on Friday and we look to the top first innings bat markets for a betting interest.
The first test was also staged in Galle and England, who were 5/4 favourites, came out on top by 7 wickets.
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat and the decision backfired as they were dismissed for just 135 with Dom Bess taking 5 wickets and Broad 3.
England were in early trouble in their reply at 17/2 before Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow (47) took the score on to 131/3 and then Daniel Lawrence (73) joined Root to take England past 300. Root went on to make 228 of England's total of 421 and the visitors were in total control.
Sri Lanka's second innings was much improved with Kusal Perera (62) and Lahiru Thirimanne (111) putting a century partnership together. Angelo Mathews added another 71 and Sri Lanka made England bat again after being all out for 359. Jack Leach took 5 wickets.
England lost 3 quick wickets with just 14 runs on the board but Bairstow and Lawrence made sure of the victory as England closed the game out on 76/3.
This was how the teams lined up in the first test.
Sri Lanka: Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal (c), Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Asitha Fernando
England: Zak Crawley, Dominic Sibley, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root (c), Daniel Lawrence, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Dominic Bess, Jack Leach, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad
The Betting, 2nd Test Match Result
Sri Lanka 16/10
Draw 17/4
England 21/20
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
The Verdict:
Sri Lanka's second innings in the first test shows they can be dangerous but in similar fashion to their recent tour of South Africa where they had 2 at least bad days for every good one and England's confidence will be high.
Angelo Mathews did well on his return from injury, batting a place or 2 higher than I had anticipated and at the odds of reward he could be value to top score in Sri Lanka's first knock.
Joe Root's double ton was from the top draw and he will be a popular choice as top England 1st innings bat. However I will give a speculative vote to Daniel Lawrence who really impressed in making 73 in the first innings and then helping England over the line in the second.
Bets: SL top 1st innings bat Angelo Mathews at 5/1
ENG top 1st innings bat Daniel Lawrence at 5/1
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