Sri Lanka Secures First Test Win Over England

Sri Lanka achieved a stunning Test victory over England, winning by 219 runs at The Oval, marking their first win in England in a decade. After a disastrous top-order collapse, England was bowled out for just 156 in their second innings, despite initially leading the series 2-0. Pathum Nissanka was pivotal for Sri Lanka, scoring an unbeaten 127 to lead the run chase decisively. England's batting woes were highlighted by their failure to capitalize on solid positions, with Ollie Pope's 154 in the first innings overshadowed by a collapse from 221-3 to 325 all out. The defeat leaves England in sixth place in the World Test Championship standings, while Sri Lanka moves up to fifth, requiring strong performances in their upcoming matches against Pakistan and New Zealand to keep their final hopes alive. Former players criticized England's aggressive batting approach, labeling it as potentially the worst of the 'Bazball' era.