Sri Lanka Fight Back After England's Early Dominance in Youth Men's Test

Sri Lanka's middle order staged a valiant fightback on the opening day of the first Youth Men's Test against England in Wormsley, despite the hosts' early dominance.

England's bowlers exploited the bowler-friendly conditions to claim four wickets in the opening hour, with Alex French and Naavya Sharma accounting for the first three. Rocky Flintoff then ran out Sharujan Shanmuganathan in a comical mix-up.

However, Sri Lanka's captain Dinura Kalupahana and Diniru Abeywickramashingha forged an unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 74 to guide their team to a respectable 177 for 5 at the close of play.

England captain Hamza Shaikh's decision to bowl first was vindicated as French removed both openers inside the first half-hour. Freddie McCann held on to edges from Sadew Samarasinghe and Pulindu Perera at second slip.

Gayana Weerasinghe provided a brief moment of respite for Sri Lanka with a six over the leg-side rope, but Sharma dismissed him in his next over. Sharma, who was a late call-up to the squad, then celebrated again as Flintoff ran out Shanmuganathan.

Sri Lanka were reeling at 49 for 4 when rain forced the players off for over two hours. In the shortened middle session, Leicestershire's Green grabbed the only wicket with his first ball of a new spell when Perera edged to Carney.

After a second break, Sri Lanka's batters adopted a more aggressive approach. Abeywickramashingha led the charge with six boundaries in his unbeaten 35 from 41 balls, putting pressure back on England's bowlers.

Kalupahana, who reached his half-century from 98 balls, also started to accelerate, hitting Farhan Ahmed over the ropes. He was unbeaten on 70 when a third rain delay ended play.

Sri Lanka will be hoping to continue their fightback on day two, while England will be looking to regain the initiative and press for victory.

Tags: #YouthMen'sTest, #EnglandU19, #SriLankaU19, #Wormsley, #Cricket