Second Test update: England 8-15 after first-innings fightback

Day One analysis

England finished the first day of the second Test in Pallekele in the ascendancy after Sam Curran's knock of 64, featuring six sixes, helped them reach a respectable total of 285 all out.

Curran shared a 60-run last wicket stand with Jimmy Anderson (seven not out) as England recovered from 171-7 and there was further joy for the tourists as off-spinner Jack Leach bowled Sri Lanka opener Kaushal Silva for six, leaving the hosts 26-1 at the close.

Sri Lanka had made early inroads and Jos Buttler (63) was the only other England batsman to pass 50.

But there were similarities to the first day of the Test in Galle with England's lower order getting them out of trouble and putting them in a position from which they will fancy their chances of going on to win.

England have shortened to 8-15 to prevail, while Sri Lanka are out to 11-5.

Star of the day

Sam Curran was the undisputed star performer after rescuing England's innings from the ruins of 171-7.

He showed all the qualities required of a lower-order batsman, offering a straight bat and a steely nerve in the early stages of his innings and switching to all-out attack when faced with the prospect of running out of partners.

Best bet for day two

Sri Lanka are hanging in there at 26-1 but they could struggle to get anywhere close to England's total on a pitch which is offering prodigious turn.

England should secure a healthy first-innings lead and there may be value in taking bet365's 10-11 that Sri Lanka's total falls below 246.5 runs.

Recommendation
Sri Lanka under 246.5 first-innings runs
1pt 10-11 bet365

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