England took a midget lead of 23 runs and still have a set batter in Jamie Smith, with four wickets in hand and might just be a touch ahead of Sri Lanka but the whole batting innings on the second day was a sea-saw for the home side as whenever the hosts threatened to run away with the game, Asitha Fernando and Co. would take a wicket. The second day started with Asitha Fernando pegging England back early with a couple of wickets. Ben Duckett was trapped LBW in front while the stand-in skipper Ollie Pope was cleaned up in his first innings as England captain for just 6. Dan Lawrence, the new opener however, wasn't afraid of playing his shots despite the ball seaming in overcast conditions at Old Trafford. Lawrence's defiance lasted only a few overs as Vishwa Fernando got him caught behind and England were in a bit of trouble at 67/3. Joe Root and Harry Brook, the two senior men of the team now in Ben Stokes' absence took the mantle in their hands to get their team through shaky waters. Both Root and Brook as per the Bazball menu weren't afraid to play their shots but respected good deliveries as well, especially from Asitha Fernando.