On this day in 2021: England conquer Galle to register a thumping win
On 18th January 2021, England completed their annihilation of the Sri Lankan side at the Galle International Stadium. England skipper Joe Root stepped up and scored a superb double century to inspire his side to a victory. In this eventful match, the Sri Lankan side batted first and was bowled out for just 135.
Such was the poor state of affairs that none of the Sri Lankan batters could even cross the 30-run mark. Off-spinner Dom Bess sliced through the England batting lineup and picked up a five-wicket haul with the red cherry in hand, while Stuart Broad picked up 3 wickets.
In reply, the England side piled up a total of 421 on the board, with their skipper Joe Root leading from the front with a superb 228. Root struck 18 fours and a six in his 321-ball stay out in the middle. Dan Lawrence also chipped in with a handy 73 as well.
Dilruwan Perera was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka in the first innings and scalped a four-wicket haul, while left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya picked up 3 wickets.
Sri Lanka put up a better batting performance in the second essay and posted a total of 359 on the board. While Lahiru Thirimanne scored a marvellous century, Angelo Mathews scored a patient 219-ball 71. Left-arm spinner Jack Leach scalped a fifer in the Sri Lankan second innings.
England were set a target of 74 for victory, and even though there were some early jitters as they lost their first 3 wickets for just 14 runs, the visitors romped home with ease, as Jonny Bairstow and Dan Lawrence forged together an unbeaten 62-run stand for the 4th wicket. Lasith Embuldeniya scalped 2 wickets for Sri Lanka in the second innings. Needless to say, England batting legend Joe Root won the Player of the Match award for his match-winning double century.
