Root leads England to victory over Sri Lanka in first Test

England defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in the first Test at Old Trafford. Chasing 205, Joe Root’s unbeaten 62 and Jamie Smith’s 39 guided England to victory. Earlier, Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis scored 113, helping set the target. Despite a strong Sri Lankan resistance, England reached 205-5 to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Root’s patient innings and Smith’s support were crucial in overcoming Sri Lanka’s challenge, especially given the absence of regular captain Ben Stokes due to injury. AFP