This summer's second Test series presented a striking difference compared to last month's clash with the West Indies. England emerged victorious in both encounters, first with a dominant performance at Lord’s, securing the match in just three days by an innings and 114 runs. The second victory was a more drawn-out affair at Old Trafford, where Joe Root played a crucial role in sealing a five-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka, just as the fourth day came to a close.
While the retirement of Jimmy Anderson infused the Lord’s match with a wave of sentimentality, the final moments at Old Trafford were marked more by the golden light of a setting sun than by nostalgia. Despite England's success being driven by a veteran player in his 144th match, the overall vibe of the team was one of youthful energy and forward momentum. Ollie Pope, captaining the side for the first time at 26, and Jamie Smith, the 24-year-old Surrey wicketkeeper who impressed in his debut Test summer, hinted at a squad with its eyes firmly on the future. Although both matches began with the opposition faltering—West Indies collapsing to 88 for seven and Sri Lanka to 92 for six—the similarities ended there. While some supporters might prefer quick and decisive victories, this recent game at Old Trafford saw England pushed to their limits, fighting for every run until the very end, in stark contrast to the relaxed atmosphere of the fourth day at Lord’s, where some players spent time on the golf course.
During Saturday’s match, Root was keen to avoid the game dragging into Sunday, with golf clearly on his mind. His innings was out of the ordinary, as it took him 95 balls to strike his first boundary, a stark deviation from his typical rate of one boundary every 16 balls. In his partnership with Harry Brook, Root managed just 15 runs from 51 deliveries. Reflecting on this, he attributed it to the pitch, describing it as "slow and turgid," with an outfield more akin to the semi-rough on most golf courses.
Despite their shaky start and limited preparation, Sri Lanka delivered an exhilarating performance, especially after an unexpected dip on day three. Asitha Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya bowled with precision, while Dhananjaya de Silva, in only his fourth match as captain, led with positivity and enterprise. Kamindu Mendis emerged as a standout talent, boasting three centuries and two fifties in his first seven Test innings, indicating a bright future ahead. With this experience now under their belts, Sri Lanka is likely to be even more competitive in the upcoming matches.
England, on the other hand, continues to evolve. The addition of 20-year-old Josh Hull brings another injection of youth to the squad as they gear up for the return to Lord’s for the second Test starting on Thursday. This recent victory, while not achieved with the aggressive flair that has become synonymous with Brendon McCullum’s coaching, was a source of pride for the team.
Root acknowledged the unusual conditions for this time of year in England, expressing satisfaction in the team’s ability to adapt and grind out a tough win. He mentioned that while "winning ugly" isn’t something the team aims for regularly, the ability to do so with a day to spare shows their growth in game management and situational awareness.
With Mark Wood sidelined due to a thigh strain, Root, now the second-oldest player in the squad at 33, commented on how the younger players help him feel youthful, likening the experience to Peter Pan, where one never truly has to grow up. He noted the strong camaraderie within the team, even if it comes with some playful teasing, as Brook had humorously called him "grandad."
Root also reminisced about a light-hearted moment from the opening day when he and the 25-year-old Brook found themselves racing to chase down a boundary. Brook had jokingly urged him not to get caught, which Root reflected as a reminder of the joy of the game, where sometimes it's best to forget the stakes and simply enjoy the moment.
As the series progresses, the upcoming Test at Lord’s on Thursday promises to build on this positive momentum, ensuring an exciting atmosphere for both the team and their fans.