Sri Lanka's Karunaratne Reflects on Test Series Struggles Against England

Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne acknowledges challenging batting conditions in England after Sri Lanka's back-to-back Test losses. Despite efforts, Joe Root's performances have been pivotal. Sri Lanka aims to curb Root's runs in upcoming matches.

As the Sri Lankan team prepares for the third Test against England, opener Dimuth Karunaratne has highlighted the tough batting conditions in England. After the first two matches, Karunaratne managed to score 91 runs at a strike rate of 44.39.

Currently trailing 2-0 in the Test series, Sri Lanka faced a five-wicket defeat in the first game and a 190-run loss in the second. Karunaratne noted that even England's top-order batsmen struggled with the conditions. 'Aside from Joe Root, other English batsmen have also found it challenging despite playing at home,' he told ESPNcricinfo.

Karunaratne admitted that Sri Lanka's attempts to contain Root have failed, with his decisive innings being the turning point in both matches. Recapping the second Test, England posted 427 runs in the first innings, aided by centuries from Root (143) and Gus Atkinson (118). Asitha Fernando was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka with five wickets.

In response, Sri Lanka could only muster 196 runs, with Kamindu Mendis top-scoring with 74. England's bowlers, led by Chris Woakes and Olly Stone, dominated Sri Lanka's batting lineup. Despite a better bowling performance in England's second innings, Sri Lanka could not prevent them from scoring 251 runs.

Chasing 483 runs, Sri Lanka showed resilience but were eventually bowled out for 292 runs, losing by 190 runs. Key contributions came from Karunaratne (55), Dinesh Chandimal (58), and Dhananjaya de Silva (50). Atkinson's five-wicket haul earned him the 'Player of the Match' award.

(With inputs from agencies.)