Watch: Lahiru Kumara’s fiery response to Olly Stone’s bouncer: 'Will give him taste of his own medicine'

The ongoing third Test match between England and Sri Lanka at The Oval might not have much significance other than the important World Test Championship (WTC) points, but the series is still being fought hard by the two teams. Although Sri Lanka have already lost the series, they are still carrying that fire inside them.

During the first innings of Sri Lanka when their last pair of Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando were batting, something happened that was unexpected. Fast bowler Olly Stone bowled a quick bouncer to the tailender Lahiru Kumara which left him rattled and he somehow ducked under it.

It was a sharp bouncer from Stone who is enjoying a good comeback in Test cricket. On the stump mic, Lahiru Kumara was heard telling Asitha Fernando to give Olly Stone the taste of his own medicine.

"We need to give him a taste of his own medicine," Lahiru Kumara said to Asitha Fernando in Sinhalese after the bouncer. Both Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara are fast bowlers and are known for bowling at a high pace.

Hope you heard what Asitha Fernando said to Lahiru Kumara through the stump microphone after that bouncer from Stone. ‘We need to give him a taste of his own medicine.’ I have actually omitted one word. Can’t put that here.

— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) September 8, 2024

Initially I thought it was the non-striker. But no, it was Lahiru.

— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) September 8, 2024

Watch: Nasser Hussain hilariously falls off commentary chair as Chris Woakes surprises with spin-bowling

Watch- Lahiru Kumara's conversation with Asitha Fernando on Olly Stone

pic.twitter.com/tT45v6BpCF

— Shehan Sanjeewa (@Shehan64) September 8, 2024

England take a first-innings lead

The last wicket pair of Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara added 15 runs for the final wicket as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 263 in their first innings. As a result, England claimed a lead of 62 runs after the first innings of both teams ended.

Earlier, England were bowled out for 325 in their first innings after being in a good position. England were 261-3 at one stage but lost 7-64 in a dramatic collapse. The batters tried to play an ultra-aggressive brand of cricket, as England have often played in the Bazball era. But it was one of those days when it backfired.

Ollie Pope returns to form

Stand-in skipper Ollie Pope struck a magnificent 154 off 156 balls for England and marked his return to form. Pope smashed 19 fours and 2 sixes during his knock and took the attack to the opposition. However, he too was dismissed while trying to play an expansive shot. Opener Ben Duckett also struck a belligerent 86 off 79 balls.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan bowlers had a collective effort as Milan Rathnayake picked up 3 wickets while Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Dhananjaya de Silva picked up 2 wickets each.

Sri Lanka's bowlers fought back in the second innings and took three early wickets. While England is expected to continue with their Bazball approach and will look to extend their lead further, Sri Lanka will hope for some disciplined bowling performance.

England are already 2-0 up in the three-match series but given the crucial WTC points at stake, this Test holds the utmost importance for both teams.