Report Hamza Shaikh century caps powerful display from Young Lions batters Rocky Flintoff unbeaten on 82 at close as Sri Lanka face daunting first-innings deficit ECB Reporters Network 17-Jul-2024 • 23 mins ago Jaydn Denly made 91 as England thrived at Cheltenham • Getty Images England U19 401 for 5 (Shaikh 107, Denly 91, Flintoff 82*, Fonseka 76) lead Sri Lanka U19 153 (Weerasinghe 77, Sharma 5-44) by 248 runs Hamza Shaikh played a true captain's innings to put England firmly in control at the end of day two in the second Youth Men's Test against Sri Lanka at Cheltenham. Displaying an admirable work ethic, sound temperament and no little skill, the Warwickshire batsman fashioned a high-class innings of 107 from 210 balls and shared in a transformative partnership of 121 with Rocky Flintoff for the fifth wicket as England reached the close on 401 for 5, a handsome first-innings lead of 248. Flintoff also impressed, raising a measured 82 not out from 148 deliveries with 8 fours and 2 sixes, while Jaydn Denly posted 91 and Keshana Fonseka 76 as England fought hard to assume pre-eminence at the College Ground.

Sri Lanka's bowlers worked tirelessly throughout to build pressure on a true pitch, but it is the home side who will be in a position to dictate terms when they resume their first innings on day three with five wickets still standing. With two days still to play, England have an opportunity to further extend their advantage and still allow themselves plenty of time to .