![ENG vs SL [WATCH]: Mark Wood bowls a snorter to dismiss Kusal Mendis on Day 1 of the first Test](http://betvisa68.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Mark-Wood-dismisses-Kusal-Mendis-with-a-tremendous-delivery.webp "ENG vs SL [WATCH]: Mark Wood bowls a snorter to dismiss Kusal Mendis on Day 1 of the first Test")
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In a thrilling first-test encounter between England and Sri Lanka, Mark Wood showcased his raw pace and skill, delivering a stunning 93 mph delivery to dismiss Kusal Mendis, setting the tone for England’s dominance in the first innings.
Mark Wood dismisses Kusal Mendis with a tremendous delivery
It was the 16th over of Sri Lanka’s innings when Wood’s searing short ball proved too much for Mendis, who had been looking to steady the ship after a shaky start from the hosts. The delivery, angling towards off-stump, left Mendis in two minds. His attempt to fend it away failed, as the ball rocketed off his bottom thumb and flew directly towards Harry Brook at second slip. Brook made no mistake, completi🀅ng a strai📖ghtforward catch without having to move an inch.
Mendis, who had managed to score 24 runs off 34 balls, including four boundaries, was forced to acknowledge the brilliance of the delivery as he trudged back to the pavilion, visibly uncomfortable with his right hand, which had been heavily strapped before the match. Sri Lanka will be anxiously hoping that no serious injury has occurred to their key batter, given the team’s challenging start to the innings.
Here is the video:
Pace like 🔥
— England Cricket (@englandcricket)
Also READ: 3 records Joe Root can break during England vs Sri Lanka Test 🥃series
England bowlers domination
Having won the toss and opted to bat first, Sri Lanka’s decision quickly seemed to backfire as they found themselves struggling against a clinical English bowling attack. By the time lunch was called, Sri Lanka had limped to 80 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 25 overs.
England’s bowlers were in fine form from the outset, with Chris Woakes particularly standing out. Woakes struck early in the innings, dismissing both Sri Lankan openers. His first breakthrough came when he removed Nishan Madushka for just 4 runs, setting the tone for England’s dominance. Woakes then delivered a crucial blow to Sri Lanka’s hopes when he trapped the experienced Angelo Mathews, who failed to score, departing for a duck.
As the players headed off for the lunch break, England had clearly t🍸aken control of the opening day, leaving Sri Lanka reeling. With five wickets already down, Sri Lanka will need to regroup and find stability in the second session if they hope to post a competitive first-innings total. For England, the opening session has provided an ideal start, with their bowlers exhibiting precision, pace, and control, putting them in the driver’s seat.
