22 august 2024 : On Day 1 of the first Test at Old Trafford, England found themselves 214 runs behind Sri Lanka after play was halted due to poor lighting. The visitors’ choice to bat first proved detrimental, as they were dismissed for a total of 236 runs. Sri Lanka’s captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, won the toss and chose to bat in overcast conditions; however, his team quickly faltered, losing three wickets for just six runs within the first seven overs. De Silva then played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings, scoring a solid 74 runs from the middle order.
England were 22 for no loss in four overs with Ben Duckett and Dan Lawrence at the crease. Sri Lanka, who were unable to get their fast bowlers to use the new ball in fading light, opted to walk off with a few minutes left until stumps.
Pakistan overcame a jittery start on a rain-hit opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi as Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel scored fighting half-centuries to guide the hosts to 158/4 at stumps. Opener Ayub fell for 56 while Shakeel was unbeaten on 57 as the duo steadied the ship with a 98-run stand after Bangladesh won the toss and wreaked havoc through their pace bowlers on a helpful pitch.
