ENG vs SL | Twitter reacts to flying Rathnayake’s superman-like catch end Atkinson’s astounding show at Lords

Arijit Kundu

ByArijit Kundu, SportsCafe Editor

1674
no photo

Unstoppable forces can come to rest through an improved usage of strategizing coupled with incredible effort. A similar show took centre stage as rigorous usage of short ball ploy was backed by Milan Rathnayake’s outstanding fielding to end Gus Atkinson’s maiden Test ton at Lord’s on the second day.

The overnight batters Matt Potts and Gus Atkinson seemed watchful against the new ball at the start of the second day but a few looseners helped the latter with boundaries, nearing him to the ninety-run mark thick and fast. After a couple of dots in the 93rd over, the Surrey bowler prodded forward on a fuller delivery to execute a lofted drive fine of mid off to race to his maiden Test ton in First Class career. Eventually, he switched gears to pile up runs for the Three Lions but a smart ploy coupled with tremendous fielding helped Sri Lanka get rid of him.

As the new ball wore out, the visitors opted for a short ball barrage against the English duo of Atkinson and Olly Stone. While Asitha Fernando was counterattacked with a couple of fours in the 100th over, the third ball did the magic with a fielder placed at the deep. Atkinson miscued a wild hack after clearing the front leg and incurred a top-edge on a short ball. The red rock swirled high towards the right of deep mid wicket where Rathnayeyke judged the ball well and prowled towards his right to grasp the red cherry mid-air. As his body thuded with the ground, the fielder managed to hold onto the ball firmly, sending the Twitterverse in awe of his incredible athleticism.

Oh what a catch!

Incredible

Sensational

Brilliant

Fabulous

Superb

Phenomenal

Unbelievable

True

Amazing

laught0
astonishment0
sadness0
heart0
like0
dislike0

Comments

Sign up or log in to your account to leave comments and reactions

0 Comments