Gus Atkinson’s century helps England post 427 before Sri Lanka limps to 32-2 in 2nd test at Lord’s

LONDON (AP) — Gus Atkinson hit his maiden test century before England took further control of the second test at Lord’s by removing Sri Lanka’s openers before lunch on Day 2.

After Atkinson’s swashbuckling 118 — containing 14 fours and four sixes — helped England post 427 all out, Sri Lanka’s reply was wobbling on 32-2 at the home of cricket with Nishan Madushka (7) and Dimuth Karunaratne (7) both playing the ball onto their own stumps.

Pathum Nissanka was on 10 not out for the Sri Lankans, who lost the first test in Manchester last week.

The 26-year-old Atkinson now has his name on both of England’s storied honors boards in the home dressing room at Lord’s in his first summer playing test cricket.

He also did so by taking 10 wickets in the first test against the West Indies last month, having taken a five-fer in both innings that match.

A powerful straight drive for four took Atkinson to three figures off 103 balls. He was the second century-maker for England in the second test, after Joe Root (143) on Day 1.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket