By Caroline
May 20 2006

England has conquered the first day of the test match against Sri Lanka. Trescothick made a fantastic 106 while Cook made a comfortable 89. With a series of not outs been called England have been very lucky today, although Trescothick did help them on their way.

Flintoff won the toss and chose to bat first on a lovely sunny day at Lords, his decision to bring Sajid Mahmood into the team, with slow bowler Monty Panesar coming in as well, sent Ian Bell and Jon Lewis back home.

A couple of scares into the game a convincing lbw appeal from Nuwan Kulasekara with Tresco only on 28 was ruled not out by popular umpire Rudi Koertzen. Nevertheless Sri Lanka still kept fighting when Mahela Jayawardene went to take a superb diving catch to deny Andrew Strauss. Now on 86 it was up to Trescothick and the young batsman Alistair Cook to keep England’s hope up, and that is what they did. As tea approached England were lucky with two appeals; cook was missed at slip and Trescothick had an lbw appeal turned down, again!

After tea and play had resumed, Trescothick returned and remained head strong as he made his century at Lords. Soon after though a catch by Jaywardene sent Trescothick to the stands with an impressive 106 in 180 balls.
It was Pietersons time to shine although he did it in a very slow fashion. For the third time today another lbw appeal was turned down, to the surprise of Pieterson who was already walking to the pavilion! So when the new ball option was available Sri Lanka, with no surprise, took the ball. Next Cook went who wafted at a ball outside off-stump to edge Maharoof behind. Matthew Hoggard came in as a nightwatchmen to accompany Pieterson who both will now resume play tomorrow morning.

The day ended England 318-3