There was not a great deal of encouragement from the Lord’s pitch and a thin crowd made for a slightly sleepy Sunday. But by 5pm, after another five-wicket haul from the soaring comet that is Gus Atkinson, England had sealed a series win against Sri Lanka and set up the prospect of their first perfect Test summer for 20 years.
Not since 2004, when New Zealand and West Indies were swept aside by Michael Vaughan’s men, have England won every Test in a home season. Although they play one fewer these days, a 2-0 lead over Sri Lanka – secured with a 190-run victory in this second Test – to follow the 3-0 win against West Indies still presents a rare opportunity. Ollie Pope, two wins from two as stand-in captain but personally light on runs, will welcome the return to the Oval this week.
