Jamie Smith's unbeaten 72 helped England secure a 23-run advantage over Sri Lanka on the second day of the opening Test at Old Trafford. Only 57 overs were possible due to weather disruptions, including a washed-out first session and play halted by bad light.
Harry Brook's 56 brought England close to Sri Lanka's first innings total, with the hosts at 259-6 when play was stopped due to dimming light and a light drizzle, with Smith and Gus Atkinson at the crease. Sri Lanka had earlier managed 236 in their first innings but couldn't utilize their fast bowlers due to poor light, allowing England to score 22 runs off spin in four overs.
After a delayed start due to a wet outfield, Sri Lanka capitalized on the overcast conditions to claim three early wickets, putting England on the defensive. Asitha Fernando led the charge, dismissing Ben Duckett leg-before and breaking through Ollie Pope's defense, while Vishwa Fernando caught Dan Lawrence behind for 30.
Joe Root and Brook stabilized the innings with a 58-run partnership, but Asitha struck again, catching Root off-guard and leading to a smart catch by Dinesh Chandimal. Brook, however, dominated Sri Lanka's bowling, maintaining a high strike rate typical of England's aggressive 'Bazball' strategy, finishing unbeaten on 53.
Jamie Smith and Brook combined for England's second fifty-run partnership before tea, but Jayasuriya later dismissed Brook and Chris Woakes, leaving England bewildered. Smith continued to challenge Sri Lanka, scoring his third fifty in four tests since his debut. Play was eventually called off after 61 overs, with umpires preventing Sri Lanka from using their fast bowlers in the fading light.
