England’s Bowlers Dominate Early to Rattle Sri Lanka in First Test

England's bowlers shone in the first test's opening session against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, reducing the visitors to 80 for five by lunch. Despite winning the toss and choosing to bat, Sri Lanka faltered early, losing three quick wickets. England’s seam attack exploited the pitch conditions effectively.

England's bowlers delivered a superb performance in the first session of the opening test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, reducing the visitors to a precarious 80 for five by lunchtime on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva opted to bat after winning the toss under overcast skies, a decision that quickly proved costly as his team was reeling at three down for six runs within seven overs.

Exploiting a hard pitch that offered ample assistance, England's seamers stifled Sri Lanka's batting lineup early. Dimuth Karunaratne fell attempting a swish at a rising delivery from Gus Atkinson, nicking it to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Chris Woakes then struck twice in an over, dismissing Nishan Madushka and Angelo Mathews in quick succession. Though Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal temporarily steadied the innings, England's bowlers continued to dominate, with Mark Wood and Shoaib Bashir further dismantling the Sri Lankan side before lunch.

(With inputs from agencies.)