Sri Lanka Fights Back with Dazzling Half-Centuries on Day 1 Against England

Sri Lanka managed to post a score of 236 on the first day of the first Test against England, thanks to half-centuries from captain Dhananjaya de Silva and debutant Milan Rathnayake. England responded with 22-0, but play ended early due to bad light. Key performances included Chris Woakes' 3-32.

Sri Lanka recovered from a dire start to post a respectable 236 on the first day of the first Test against England, driven by half-centuries from captain Dhananjaya de Silva and debutant Milan Rathnayake at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

England was 22-0 in their reply before bad light ended play early in Manchester. The day began with a tribute to the late England batter, Graham Thorpe.

Coming off a dominant 3-0 series win over the West Indies, England, missing captain Ben Stokes due to injury, started strongly by taking early wickets. However, Sri Lanka's lower order, led by de Silva's 84-ball 74 and Rathnayake's 72, helped them to a competitive total, giving England something to think about.

(With inputs from agencies.)