England Lions dominate Sri Lanka A in Galle as fast bowler Matthew Fisher stars with the ball
- Planet Sport writer
- 31 January 2023
Matthew Fisher took five wickets before England Lions' top order powered the tourists into a 113-run lead after the first day of their unofficial Test match against Sri Lanka A in Galle.
Fisher, looking to make up for lost time after being sidelined by injury last year, claimed 5-34 from 9.4 overs as the hosts were bowled out for just 136 after electing to bat.
The 25-year-old Yorkshire fast bowler made his Test debut in the West Indies last March but suffered a stress fracture of the lower back in his first county game of the season the following month.
Spinner Liam Patterson-White was also among the wickets in Galle, taking 3-51, while wicketkeeper Jamie Smith claimed five catches and a stumping.
When the Lions came out to bat they embraced the attacking approach employed by the senior side under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum as they raced to 249-3 in 48 overs, scoring at a rate of 5.18.
Alex Lees, dropped from England's Test team at the end of the home summer, struck 56 from 69, while captain Haseeb Hameed scored 81 from 109.
Although Tom Abell fell cheaply, Tom Haines (62 not out) and Josh Bohannon (26no) continued to attack as the Lions built up a healthy lead heading into the second day.
