England’s Sam Curran revels in last-wicket stand with James Anderson after setting Sri Lanka imposing total

After Sri Lanka’s spinners ripped through England, Curran predicted that the tourists’ dangerous trio of twirlers could do an even better job as the pitch deteriorates

Sam Curran and James Anderson have become accustomed to opening the bowling together and bowling vital spells, but on Wednesday at Pallekele the pair had to fight for what Curran admitted was a “crucial” last-wicket stand to drag England to 285 all out and post an imposing first-innings total. Fortunately, with Curran in explosive form, they also managed to enjoy themselves in the process.

The tourists had looked in trouble at several points throughout the first day, having won the toss and elected to bat. At 89/4 and later 171/7, England had been praying they could get past 200 and maybe to 250 but Curran’s knack for clearing the ropes, coupled with Anderson’s ability to keep Sri Lanka’s spinners at bay and rotate the strike, swung momentum back in England’s direction.

“Me and Jimmy had quite a bit of fun out there,” said Curran, who hit six sixes as he ramped up his aggressive innings.

“It was crucial, getting close to 300 was massive for us. Jimmy was properly trying to calm me down, telling me to trust him.

“You’ve just got to back your ability, take the risks when you need to. Rooty (captain Joe Root) has been massive in the dressing room saying ‘don’t worry about making mistakes’ and we’re just trying to go out with a positive mindset.

Sam Curran hit six sixes as he helped England to an imposing total (Getty Images) (Getty)

“We’ve got a nice score on the board and it was a great positive for Leachy to bowl a beautiful ball the rid of their opener in the evening.”

A total of 285 could prove to be rather impressive on a pitch that was turning almost from the first ball.

And after Sri Lanka’s spinners ripped through England, Curran predicted that the tourists’ dangerous trio of twirlers could do an even better job as the pitch deteriorates.

“The next couple of days are going to be exciting for spin bowlers and batters are going to be on their toes,” he said.

“Spinners are going to have a huge role and we’ve got three great spinners all bowling very nicely. We have a score we’re fairly happy about with the surface breaking up and cracks getting a bit bigger.”