England Clinches Series Victory Over Sri Lanka Led by Root and Atkinson's Stellar Performances

England's stand-in captain Ollie Pope credited an extra 100-120 runs for their series win against Sri Lanka. Joe Root and Gus Atkinson delivered standout performances, securing a 190-run victory and a 2-0 series lead. Atkinson received the 'Player of the Match' award for his all-round effort.

In the aftermath of England's series win over Sri Lanka, stand-in captain Ollie Pope highlighted the significance of gaining an additional 100-120 runs, which bolstered the team's strong position. He praised Joe Root and Gus Atkinson for their exceptional performances, contributing to England's 190-run victory that secured a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Root's twin centuries brought him closer to breaking Sachin Tendulkar's run tally, and he surpassed former skipper Alastair Cook's century record for England. Atkinson, showcasing an all-around show, further established his rise at the international level. "Really happy to be 2-0 up in the series. Some very special individual performances this week and very good contributions throughout the whole side," said Pope after the game.

Pope also acknowledged the challenges in using reviews effectively but chose to focus on their positive impact. He lauded Atkinson, along with pacers Matthew Potts and Olly Stone, for their significant roles. "Getting those extra runs can put you in a very good position," Pope stated, noting the importance of resting bowlers and the strategic use of spinners given the pitch conditions. Pope concluded by recognizing the importance of the next Test at the Oval and the contributions of Surrey team members in the squad.

(With inputs from agencies.)