Preamble
Hello, hello, hello and welcome to HQ for day two of this second Test between England and Sri Lanka. The opening day belonged to the hosts – just about – after Joe Root’s 33rd Test ton (!) and Gus Atkinson’s unbeaten 74. The latter, playing just his fifth Test and already on the Lord’s honours board for his bowling, is finding Test cricket way too easy at the moment. The morning’s subplot will be whether he can get himself to three figures.
Sri Lanka were poor in that final session yesterday but they’re still very much in this game. I don’t think people have clocked just how good their batting lineup is; they just need one of the top three to fire to back up a very accomplished middle order. Here’s to a tight day two that sets up a proper Test match.
I’ll be with you for the first half of the day. Send in your thoughts/queries/summer highlights/film recommendations/worries/wisdom/wishes/whatever provides you the most joy.