England's Under-19 cricket team gained the upper hand on the opening day of the second Youth Men's Test against Sri Lanka at Cheltenham. Despite losing 25 overs to rain, England's bowlers, led by Naavya Sharma, dismissed Sri Lanka for 153 inside 46 overs.
Sharma, a Middlesex pace bowler, delivered an incisive display, claiming career-best figures of 5 for 44. Harry Moore, making his debut, impressed with 2 for 38, while spinner Charlie Barnard contributed 2 for 35.
Sri Lanka's innings was anchored by Gayana Weerasinghe, who scored a defiant 77 from 111 balls, hitting eight fours and a six. However, England's disciplined bowling and fielding performance prevented Sri Lanka from building substantial partnerships.
In reply, England openers Jaydn Denly and Archie Vaughan put on a 54-run partnership before Vaughan was dismissed for 27. Denly remained unbeaten on 57 from 59 balls, with 10 fours, as England reached stumps on 73 for 1, trailing by 80 runs.
England captain Hamza Shaikh won the toss and elected to field, a decision that proved fruitful as Sharma and Moore quickly reduced Sri Lanka to 27 for 4. Noah Thain and Moore continued the onslaught, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 70 for 6.
Weerasinghe's resistance, supported by Manuja Chanthuka, helped Sri Lanka reach 153. However, Sharma returned to claim two quick wickets, and Barnard wrapped up the innings with two more.
England's openers made a solid start to their reply, with Denly leading the charge. The home side will look to build a meaningful lead when they resume their innings on the second day.
Tags: #EnglandU19, #SriLankaU19, #YouthMen'sTest, #NaavyaSharma, #GayanaWeerasinghe
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