Sri Lanka Debutant Milan Rathnayake Sets New Test Record at No. 9

Sri Lanka's Milan Rathnayake shattered a 41-year-old record by scoring the highest for a No. 9 batter in men's Test cricket. His 72-run knock, in his debut Test against England, surpassed Balwinder Sandhu's 1983 record. England finished Day 1 at 22/0 after Sri Lanka's 236.

Sri Lankan debutant Milan Rathnayake made history by surpassing a 41-year-old Test record with the highest score ever by a number 9 batter in men's red-ball cricket. The 28-year-old eclipsed India's Balwinder Sandhu's previous record of 71, which was set against Pakistan in Hyderabad in 1983.

Taking center stage on the first day of the Test match between Sri Lanka and England in Manchester, Rathnayake displayed remarkable resilience. Coming in at number nine after a clinical English bowling attack had Sri Lanka struggling at 113/7, Rathnayake took command. England's Chris Woakes (3/32) and Gus Atkinson (2/48) were instrumental in dismantling Sri Lanka's top order.

Rathnayake's composed 72 off 135 balls helped Sri Lanka to a total of 236 before the conclusion of the opening day. Teaming up with captain Dhananjaya de Silva, Rathnayake put together a crucial 63-run partnership for the 8th wicket.

His valiant effort ended when young spinner Shoaib Bashir tempted him into a lofted drive, resulting in a comfortable mid-on catch by Woakes. Despite Sri Lanka's collapse, England's opening pair Ben Duckett and Daniel Lawrence gave the hosts a solid start, ending the day at 22/0.

With England aiming to build on their cautious start, Day 2 promises to be another exciting contest, especially as they continue to embrace their aggressive 'Bazball' strategy.

(With inputs from agencies.)