Re: Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]
Only 44 overs were possible on day1, as a result of rain interruption. Ollie Pope looked good out there, and he is batting on 103, with Harry Brook at the other end. Jamie Smith is to come next, and he has been in terrific form recently. At the moment, his test average stands at 50.50. And need to mention the 86 from Ben Duckett as well. He was the one who was aggressive early on. Each and every bowler failed from the Lankan side, although Lahiru Kumara picked up two wickets (after going at 7 per over).
Rain interruptions are frustrating for one team and in this match it is England who are not liking these interruptions because they are batting so well in this match and would not like to stop the match. Ollie Pope showed character in this match as he made 103 runs and still batting. He could aim for 200 runs too in the England team's bat for the two sessions today. If England manage to score 450+ runs, it will put a lot of physiological pressure on the Sri Lankan batsmen.
Pope passes character test to dispel captaincy clouds