Essex’s Lawrence amongst the runs on an impressive Test debut

Essex’s Dan Lawrence marked his Test Match debut with an assured performance with the bat as England seized control on day two against Sri Lanka in Galle.

The Leytonstone-born right-handed batsman became the 123rd player to play Test cricket for England this century, scoring 73 off 150 deliveries as the tourists continued to build a handsome first-innings advantage.

The 23-year-old was in the middle for 182 minutes, hitting six 4s and one 6 amongst his haul before he was dismissed, caught at short leg by Kusal Mendis off Dilruwan Perera – His fourth-wicket partnership with skipper, Joe Root, 173.

Earlier, Sri Lanka were dismissed inside 47 overs for 135 – Deputising skipper, Dinesh Chandimal top-scoring with 28 – Dom Bess doing the majority of the damage with the ball, taking 5/30 from 10.1 overs.

At tea on the second day, England had reached 320/4 – a lead of 185. Root still at the crease, unbeaten on 168.