Gus Atkinson shines as England seals Test series victory against Sri Lanka

England secured a decisive 190-run victory over Sri Lanka on the fourth afternoon at Lord's, clinching the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. This victory marks England's fifth consecutive win this summer and the second under stand-in captain Ollie Pope.

Gus Atkinson was the standout performer, following his first-innings century with a match-winning five-wicket haul that dismantled Sri Lanka's batting lineup. The visitors were bowled out for 292, with England sealing the win shortly after Tea. Atkinson's early spell with the new ball proved crucial, claiming three quick wickets, including the key dismissal of Dhananjaya de Silva, who scored his 16th Test fifty.

England's bowlers dominated the afternoon session, with Chris Woakes delivering the final blow by dismissing Lahiru Kumara. Dinesh Chandimal offered brief resistance for Sri Lanka, scoring a quickfire 50 off 42 balls, the fastest by a Sri Lankan at Lord's, but his efforts were in vain as England's relentless pressure proved too much.

Shoaib Bashir broke a promising partnership between Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, while Atkinson returned to remove both Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis, leaving Sri Lanka in disarray. A late stand between skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Milan Rathnayake provided some hope, but Atkinson struck again to bowl de Silva for 51, sealing the match for England.

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka's chase was dented by the loss of Dimuth Karunaratne, who had battled hard for his half-century before falling just before lunch. England's bowlers, led by Olly Stone, made crucial breakthroughs at key moments, ensuring Sri Lanka never gained momentum.

With this victory, England continues their dominant run this summer, and with the series now decided, they will head into the final Test aiming for a clean sweep under Pope's leadership.