Tom Banton showcased his sharp fielding skills with an excellent low catch during England’s first ODI against Sri Lanka at the Riverside in Durham. The wicketkeeper reacted quickly at cover to hold onto a difficult chance and dismiss Pavan Rathnayake. The catch came during Sri Lanka’s chase when Jamie Overton bowled a cutter full and outside off. Rathnayake timed his cover-drive well but failed to keep the ball down, giving Banton an opportunity to make an impressive low take.
Tom Banton takes a brilliant low catch to dismiss Pavan Rathnayake
Banton immediately went down low and completed the catch with both hands. The England wicketkeeper showed excellent reactions to get underneath the ball and hold on as Rathnayake walked back to the pavilion. Rathnayake was dismissed for 13 off 23 balls, with the wicket coming at 19.4 overs.
The catch gave England another breakthrough as Sri Lanka continued to struggle in their pursuit of 266. The dismissal also highlighted Banton’s value behind the stumps and in the field, with the wicketkeeper making no mistake despite the ball coming quickly towards him.
Here’s the video:
Sharp hands from Banton 🤲
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Also READ: Will Jacks’ all-round heroics power England to dominating win over Sri Lanka in 1st ODI
Will Jacks stars as England beat Sri Lanka in first ODI
England posted 265 after being asked to bat first, with Harry Brook top-scoring with 67 and Will Jacks making an unbeaten 46. England struggled during the middle overs against debutant leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage, who claimed 3/44 and dismissed Joe Root for his maiden international wicket.
However, their total proved more than enough as Sri Lanka’s chase never really got going. Kusal Mendis scored 42 on his return from injury, while Dunith Wellalage made 45, but England continued to take wickets at regular intervals. Jacks was the star with the ball, claiming 5/22, including three wickets in four deliveries to finish off the Sri Lankan innings. England bowled the visitors out for 176 to secure an 89-run victory and take an early lead in the ODI series.
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