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England Vs Sri Lanka
England was closing in on victory against Sri Lanka in the first test Friday after reducing the tourists to 107-4 in their second innings. The Sri Lankans still trailed England by 15 runs and might only have five wickets left, with Dinesh Chandimal taken to the hospital after being forced to retire hurt following a blow to his right thumb off a quick delivery by Mark Wood. England took a 122-run lead after the first innings thanks to a maiden test century by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, whose 111 helped the hosts post 358 all out after resuming Day 3 on 259-6. Sri Lanka slumped to 6-3 in its first innings and didn't start its second innings any better after being 2-1 following the departures of Nishan Madushka and Kusal Mendis for ducks before lunch. Dimuth Karunaratne was the first to go in the second session when he was outdone by the pace of Wood off his very first ball and nicked an inside edge onto his body and up to Harry Brook at second slip for 27. Chandimal looked in pain
England captain Ben Stokes had to be helped off the field after suffering an injury while playing for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred domestic cricket competition, raising concerns he could miss the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. The 33-year-old Stokes pulled up while running between the wickets as the Superchargers chased a victory target of 153 against Manchester Originals at Old Trafford. Stokes appeared to clutch his left hamstring as he was completing a quick single from the non-striker's end. Stokes, who had bowled 15 overs in the match, retired hurt on two runs with England teammate Harry Brook coming out to replace him. Asked about Stokes, Brook told Sky Sports: It doesn't look great unfortunately but I think he'll be getting a scan tomorrow (Monday) and see how he is. Stokes led England to a 3-0 series sweep against West Indies last month. England opens its Test series against Sri Lanka on Aug. 21 at Old Trafford, with the third and final Test at the Oval fr