Joe Root 143, Atkinson fifty deflate Sri Lanka on Day 1

Star England batter Joe Root's masterclass 143-run knock and Gus Atkinson's maiden Test fifty helped the hosts deflate Sri Lanka on the opening day of the Lord's Test. Root scored 143 to lead his team's recovery to 358 for 7 on Day 1 of the second Test on Thursday. Root's only misstep during his masterful innings came when he played an ill-advised scoop shot that led to his dismissal just before stumps.

Root, batting on 99 for 12 consecutive deliveries, finally opened the face of his bat to guide the ball between slips and gully for four, marking his sixth Test century at Lord's. This achievement earned him another place on the prestigious honours board in the Lord's Pavilion. Upon reaching his century, Root celebrated by raising his right hand, removing his helmet, kissing the England badge, and saluting the crowd before pointing to the sky. In the all-time list of Test century-makers, only nine players have more centuries than Cook and now Root who provided stability for England in his 145th Test match.

Sri Lanka, having opted to bowl first under clear skies, had England struggling at 130-4 and later 192-5, with only the tailenders left to bat. However, Gus Atkinson's unbeaten 74—his maiden Test fifty—shifted the momentum back in England's favour. This was particularly important after Root's decisive 62 not out had led England to victory in the first Test in Manchester last week.

Root's innings was highlighted by an elegant cover drive after reaching three figures, drawing applause from the Lord's crowd. He started his innings confidently, clipping his first ball through square leg for four, and quickly reached his 50th Test half-century. Root has now surpassed 50 runs 97 times in Test cricket, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar (119), Jacques Kallis (103), Ricky Ponting (103), and Rahul Dravid (99) in this achievement.

Despite his impressive innings, the 33-year-old Root left the field visibly frustrated after his dismissal, shaking his head following an attempted ramp shot that resulted in a catch at point. Nonetheless, he received a standing ovation for his efforts.

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka made the most of the favorable conditions, claiming three wickets before lunch. England's batting line-up faltered due to a mix of disciplined bowling and poor shot selection. Lahiru Kumara recalled to the Sri Lankan side, took the wicket of Dan Lawrence, caught behind for 9. Stand-in captain Ollie Pope (1) and Ben Duckett (40) also fell to poor shot selection, which led to their dismissals.

Pope, cramped for space, mishit a pull shot off Asitha Fernando that was caught by Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva at square leg, leaving England at 42-2. Duckett later top-edged a reverse sweep off spinner Prabath Jayasuriya's first over, with Kumara taking the catch near the boundary, making it 82-3.

Harry Brook (33) and Jamie Smith (21) were dismissed in the middle session before Root took charge, capitalizing on the tiring Sri Lankan seam attack. Matthew Potts (20 not out) was at the crease with Atkinson when stumps were drawn, their partnership having reached 50 runs.