The scorers in Kandy took a familiar tone with several members of the England team on day one of the second Test.
The imposing scoreboard at Pallekele Stadium referred to a handful of the touring team on first-name terms – with ‘Rory’, ‘Keaton’, ‘Sam’, ‘Adil’ and ‘James’ all listed.
Naming conventions are different in the sub-continent, and several of the Sri Lankans were also alluded to by their forenames.
England captain Joe Root, referred to by his surname, was listed at the top of the order, as is customary for skippers in Sri Lanka, with Suranga Lakmal at the head of the list for the hosts.
‘Sam’ referred to all-rounder Sam Curran, who finished England’s first innings as top-scorer, making 64 and sharing a last-wicket partnership of 60 with ‘James’ (Anderson) for the final wicket.
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