The Latest Breaking News from Ollie Pope

Poor return at the crease in First Test underlines demands on stand-in skipper

NEW DELHI: After England's five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, captain Ollie Pope praised batters Joe Root and Jamie Smith for their match-winning performances, calling Root a "greedy Yorkshire man" for his insatiable hunger for runs.

Root finished unbeaten on 62 as England chased down 205 to win by five wickets.

England were 82 for three at tea in pursuit of 205.

Angelo Mathews led the tourists’ resistance at Old Trafford after Jamie Smith’s fine 111 had given England a substantial first-innings lead

The England wicketkeeper’s astonishing introduction to Test cricket gathered pace with a maiden century that never looked in doubt

NEW DELHI: Jamie Smith's unbeaten 72 helped England secure a slim first-innings lead against Sri Lanka in the opening Test at Old Trafford on Thursday, despite the second day being curtailed by poor light and rain. England reached 259-6, a lead of 23 runs, in response to Sri Lanka's 236.

Just 57 overs were possible in Manchester, with the morning session wiped out by rain and bad light curtailing the evening’s play.

Brook’s 53 not out allowed England to reach 176 for four after an extended afternoon session – trailing by 60 runs at tea on day two.