Joe Root's second hundred in as many Lord's Tests was the cornerstone of England's recovery on the first day of their series opener with Sri Lanka today.
Root's 102 not out helped take England to 344 for five at stumps on the first day of the first Test after they'd been struggling at 74 for three when the 23-year-old Yorkshireman walked out to bat.
Root, who made a Test-best 180 against Australia at Lord's last year, was well supported by Matt Prior (76 not out) in a so-far unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 135.
However, recalled wicketkeeper Prior was fortunate not be out for a second-ball duck before completing just his second 50 in 21 Test innings.
Moeen Ali (48), one of three debutants in a new-look England side following their 5-0 Ashes drubbing in Australia, had previously helped Root steady the ship during a fifth-wicket stand of 89.
"It's a very slow wicket and hard to time when the ball goes softer," Root told Sky Sports.
"It was a day when you had to scrap," he added after batting for more than five hours.
"Nothing beats Test cricket in my eyes and the challenge of trying to score runs in the first Test of the summer after the winter we had was one I relished."
Before this match, Australia great Shane Warne said England ought to have given a debut to Jos Buttler and left Prior out.
However, Root said he was delighted to have the Sussex gloveman alongside him.
"I love batting with Matty. He's a great bloke to have in the side and to play how he has is testament to his character and his quality as a player."
Things initially went well for Sri Lanka after captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and elected to field.
Although sunny blue skies above suggested ideal batting conditions, the pitch was a greener-looking one than usually associated with Lord's at this time of year.
- Early double strike -
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Mathews's decision yielded a quick reward as England lost both their openers inside the first half hour.
