England vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test Day 3: Highlights from Manchester

Right then, that's a wrap for the first Test match, where England secured a 1-0 lead in this three-match series, clinching victory with five wickets in hand. Sri Lanka, despite the loss, have plenty of positives to draw from this game and will undoubtedly come back stronger in the next encounter. The second Test is set to take place at the Lord's in London on Thursday, the 29th of August, at 10 am GMT, and promises to be another thrilling red-ball contest. Hope you enjoyed our coverage! Until next time, cheers and goodbye!

The captain of England, Ollie Pope says that it was the kind of pitch that suited the new ball. Tells that they knew one could cash in after the first 15-20 overs. Lauds the bowlers for the way they bowled. Mentions that there was a sense of calmness when Joe Root was out there. Appreciates Jamie Smith for his maiden Test ton and says that he is happy for him. Shares that he enjoyed captaining the side and finding different ways to take 20 wickets. Further says that the first day was a bit more taxing but he knew that was always going to be the case.

Dhananjaya de Silva, the skipper of Sri Lanka says that he is happy with the performance of the team in the second innings but feels they didn't do well in the first innings which was the reason for them ending on the losing side. Adds that they didn't bowl well and credits Jamie Smith for the way he batted. Further says that he has a lot of faith in the batters but they will need to execute their plans according to the conditions. Appreciates Kamindu Mendis's contribution and says he is a key player for the side. Concludes that they have two more chances and if they execute well they can certainly bounce back. 

Jamie Smith is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his outstanding batting contributions across both innings. He says that the maiden Test ton was a great milestone to tick off. Adds that having missed out on a hundred in the previous series, he is relieved to get the hundred. Tells that his main focus was to put the team in the lead and he feels proud to have done that job. Shares that Sri Lanka bowled nicely and made it difficult for them to score. Mentions that it has been an enjoyable journey so far in Test cricket and it is a great honour to be a part of the team.

It's time for the Presentation Ceremony... 

On Day 1, Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat first only to stumble to 6/3 before Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal provided some stability. However, poor shot selection and execution led to continued wickets on a pitch that wasn't overly challenging for bowlers. Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva rescued the innings, supported by debutant Milan Rathnayake in the lower order, helping Sri Lanka reach 236 before being bowled out. England's bowlers kept things tight and were rewarded. As the light faded, Sri Lanka had to rely on spin in England’s first innings, but Dan Lawrence and Ben Duckett comfortably piled on runs before the play came to a close just after 4 overs of spin.

Weather played spoilsport on Day 2, delaying the start and wiping out the entire first session. England managed to surpass Sri Lanka's first-inning total, finishing with a 23-run lead while losing six wickets by the close of play as Jamie Smith remained steady at the crease. Asitha Fernando made early inroads, claiming three crucial wickets despite stabilizing efforts from Dan Lawrence and Joe Root. Harry Brook then built a strong partnership with Smith, which was seamlessly continued by Chris Woakes after Brook's dismissal. However, Sri Lanka managed to break both partnerships, ending the day tired but not disheartened.

Earlier in the Test match, Sri Lanka had plenty to be pleased about by the end of Day 3. Jamie Smith kicked off the day with his maiden Test century, and with the English tail wagging effectively, the hosts built a strong 122-run lead. However, Angelo Mathews, the anchor of Sri Lanka's lineup, expertly steadied the innings after early wickets threatened their position. England started strong but were gradually worn down by Sri Lanka's resilience, further hindered by fielding lapses and a few overturned decisions on review. Kamindu Mendis held firm at one end, while Dinesh Chandimal, despite a painful thumb injury, bravely returned to guide Sri Lanka past the deficit, securing an 82-run lead by the close of play.

Day 4 was filled with its fair share of twists and turns, but it was England who held firm and emerged on top. The day began perfectly for Sri Lanka, with both Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis batting confidently and navigating the first session without losing a wicket. Kamindu went on to notch up his third Test century, but England’s pacers capitalized on the second new ball to limit Sri Lanka to 326, setting themselves a target of 205 runs. Though the English top order struggled to convert their starts, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith yet again settled the nerves guiding England to calmer waters eventually sealing the game with ease.

The final session of the day was tough for the visiting team, as their bowlers struggled to trouble the well-set batters, Joe Root and Harry Brook. The duo batted steadily, finding the occasional boundary and gradually taking the game deeper. They kept the scoreboard ticking until Prabath Jayasuriya broke the partnership by dismissing Brook against the run of play. However, Jamie Smith, the centurion from the first innings, seamlessly transitioned into his role, and alongside Root, almost brought the chase to a close. Asitha Fernando's late breakthrough, dismissing Smith, was nothing more than a consolation as Chris Woakes and Joe Root completed the chase, securing the win for England.

England secure the game with relative ease, taking a 1-0 lead in this three-match series with a five-wicket victory. Joe Root, with solid support from Harry Brook and later Jamie Smith, once again delivered crucial knocks at the pivotal moments, guiding this Ollie Pope-led English side to a comfortable win.

57.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, FOUR! Launched down the ground and that will do nicely for England! Jayasuriya gives the ball air and gets the ball to drift in, on middle and leg, Joe Root puts the dancing shoes on and lofts it through the line. Gets it up and over mid on for a boundary to take his side over the line. England win by 5 wickets and go 1-0 up in this three-match series!

57.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up, full and on off, Joe Root lunges and blocks it out.

56.6: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Bangs it on a shorter length and on the hips, Joe Root flicks it to deep fine for a single. England are just 4 runs away now.

56.5: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, That could have gone anywhere! On a nagging length, on off, Joe Root switches his stance and goes for his reverse lap. Gets this one off the toe end and it deflects to hit him on the body and rolls beside the pitch on the leg side.

56.4: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Gets the yorker in, on off and middle, Joe Root squeezes it out in front of short square leg.

56.3: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Leading edge but Root gets away with it! Fuller and at the stumps, Joe Root shapes up to work it across the line but closes the bat face early and gets a leading edge that gets past the outstretched right hand of Rathnayake on his follow through.

56.2: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, An optimistic shout for LBW but that is heading down leg and Sri Lanka have no reviews left! A scrambled seam delivery from Rathnayake that jags back in sharply, on a good length, on the pads, Joe Root gets beaten on the inside edge on the flick and wears it on the front pad.

56.1: Milan Rathnayake to Chris Woakes, Milan starts from over the wicket and lands it outside off, on a good length, Chris Woakes waits on it and dabs it in front of deep backward point for a single.

Change? Yes, Milan Rathnayake rejoins the attack. 

55.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Speared in, fuller and attacking the pads, Joe Root gets a good stride in to keep it out on the leg side.

55.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Flatter and shorter, coming in with the angle, on the pads, Joe Root goes deep in his crease and tucks it between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. England are just a hit away now. They need 6 more runs.

55.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Gives the ball air does Jayasuriya and gets a hint of away turn, on off, Chris Woakes makes room and knocks it down to long off for a single.

55.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Full and sprayed on the pads, Joe Root flicks it off his pads to deep square leg for a single.

55.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Slanting in, full and on middle, Joe Root lunges and stabs it down the deck.

55.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Darted in, on a nagging length, on middle, Joe Root presses forward in defence.

54.6: Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Well held but is there a bat or glove involved? Dhananjaya de Silva has a chat with the keeper and takes the review with a couple of seconds left on the timer. This is on a back of a length, around leg, Chris Woakes lifts his front leg to get the pull shot away but fails to lay any bat on it. The keeper, Kusal Mendis dives low to his left and takes a good catch. However, the UltraEdge shows no spike.

54.5: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, In the channel on off, fuller as well, Joe Root gets himself on the front foot and opens the bat face to guide it past backward point. He waits for the ball to go past the fielder there and then sets off for the run.

54.4: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, At 131 kph, on a nagging length, on off, Joe Root looks to play it square of the wicket on the off side but the ball nips back in to catch the inside edge onto the pads.

54.3: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Very full, attacking the stumps, Joe Root stays low and works it with a closed bat face to mid-wicket.

54.2: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Fernando digs it in short and serves it around leg, Joe Root gets inside the line of the ball and lets the ball go through to the keeper.

54.1: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, On a good length, honing in at the pads, Joe Root misses the flick and wears it on the front pad.

53.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Looped up, on a fullish length, on middle, Joe Root takes it on the full and paddles it down to deep fine leg for a single. 11 more needed now for England.

53.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, This is on a nagging length, on middle, Chris Woakes drops it with soft hands in front of cover and gets to the other end quickly.

53.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Jayasuriya pushes it through, short and wide on off, Chris Woakes throws his hands at the delivery but misses.

53.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Sliding on with the angle again, fuller in length, Chris Woakes keeps it out off the front foot.

53.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Coming in with the arm but this is slower, on a nagging length, Chris Woakes lunges and defends it with a straight bat.

53.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Drifting in, full and on off, Joe Root presses forward and dabs it with an angled bat face to cover where a misfield results in a single.

52.6: Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Looks for the yorker at the stumps, but misses the length by a touch, Chris Woakes gets his bat down and digs it back to the bowler. 

52.5: Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Goes full again, on the stumps, Chris Woakes works it to mid-wicket.

52.4: Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Fernando follows up with a tight line, on off, Chris Woakes presses ahead and blocks it to the off side. 

52.3: Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, FOUR! In the air, but just away from the fielder. Fernando bowls this full, on the stumps, Chris Woakes with a strong bottom hand flicks it uppishly to the left of mid on for a boundary. Dhananjaya de Silva dives with an outstretched left hand but just can't reach. 

52.2: Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Hurls this on a nagging length, on off, Chris Woakes with deft hands looks to glide it but can't get it past the fielder at gully.

52.1: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Length, on off, Joe Root taps it in front of backward point and scampers across for a single. 

51.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Bowls it on leg, fuller, Chris Woakes blocks it out with a straight bat. 

51.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, On the pads, shorter in length as well, Chris Woakes tucks it down on the leg side off the pads. 

51.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Flighted full, on the stumps, Chris Woakes charges down the track and whips it straight to mid off. 

51.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Drifts it right in the rough, around off and gets the ball to bite and turn a bit, Chris Woakes watchfully punches it out to the off side. 

51.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Chris Woakes, Flights it up, on middle and off, Chris Woakes takes a good stride out and pushes it to mid off. 

51.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, FIFTY for Joe Root! As he has done so often, Root has held this English chase together. From around the wicket, Jayasuriya bowls it short and on off, Joe Root hangs back and cuts it to deep point for a single. Root brings up his 64th Test fifty. No celebration from Root as he knows the job is not over yet.

50.6: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Continues to keep it full, honing at the stumps, Joe Root brings his bottom hand to play and just nudges it behind square on the leg side for a single. 

50.5: Asitha Fernando to Chris Woakes, Attempts the yorker but bowls a low full toss, on leg, Chris Woakes flicks it right to deep square leg for a single and gets off the mark. 

Chris Woakes makes his way out to the centre.

50.4: Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, OUT! TIMBER! Asitha Fernando gets the better of Jamie Smith! Just when things seemed dead and buried, Fernando charges in and bowls it full on off, with a hint of inward movement. Jamie Smith takes a step out and looks for the big lofted drive down the ground. A hint of reverse swing results in the ball sneaking under the bat and rattling the off stump. England still need 22 more runs for the win.

50.3: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, A touch fuller in length and on off, Joe Root leans on and drives it to deep point for a single. 

50.2: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Fernando continues to keep it on the stumps, on a length, Joe Root takes a step out and across before blocking it to mid on. 

50.1: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Angling into the pads, on a good length, Joe Root tucks it straight to short mid-wicket. 

49.6: Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Oh...that sounded so sweet! Good-length delivery on off and middle. Jamie Smith trusts the bounce of the delivery and pulls it uppishly to clear mid-wicket. The ball bounces off towards the fence for four more runs. 

49.5: Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Back of a length just outside off. Joe Root guides it towards deep point and gets a single. 

49.4: Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Fuller delivery just outside off. Jamie Smith performs a classy drive toward the left of wide mid off and steals a single. 

49.3: Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Good-length delivery on off. Jamie Smith pushes it on the off side.

49.2: Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Pitches up on middle. Joe Root clips it a bit late towards deep fine leg for another single. 

49.1: Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Fuller on middle. Jamie Smith comes forward and flicks it towards deep square leg for a comfortable single. 

48.6: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, On a hard length now, on middle, angling in. Joe Root works it across towards short square leg fielder. 

48.5: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Touch fuller on off. Joe Root defends it right under his eyeline.

48.4: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Back of a length on middle and leg. Joe Root rocks back and tucks it towards short square leg fielder for no runs. 

48.3: Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, On a length just outside off. Jamie Smith eases it towards vacant cover and gets a single. 

48.2: Asitha Fernando to Jamie Smith, Good-length delivery on middle, angling it in. Jamie Smith presses forward and tucks it where Angelo Mathews at short mid-wicket dives to his right to make the stop.

48.1: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Full-length delivery in the channel of off. Joe Root leans on the delivery and pushes it in the huge gap in the cover region for a single. 

47.6: Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Pitches up, on off. Jamie Smith plants his front foot and places his willow in front of his pads to perform a defence. 

47.5: Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, On a length just outside off. Jamie Smith eases it towards the left of the bowler. 

47.4: Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Hard-length delivery, in the channel on off. Joe Root gets on his toes and punches it through point for a single. 

47.3: Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, A big, big shout for LBW but turned down by the umpire! The around-the-wicket angle seemed to be taking the ball down leg. Slanting in, on a nagging length, on middle and leg, Joe Root walks across his stumps and takes a few steps ahead to clip it away but gets beaten on the inside edge to get rapped on the front pad. Dhananjaya de Silva sends it upstairs for a review. UltraEdge shows no bat but the Ball Tracking shows the wickets to be hitting but the impact is umpire's call since Root was more than 3 metres out of his crease. Sri Lanka keep their review but the on-field decision is upheld.

47.2: Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, FOUR! TOP SHOT! Short of a length just outside off. Joe Root cuts it and cuts it hard to beat the fielder at backward point and it races away for a boundary.

47.1: Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Vishwa Fernando comes from over the wicket and bowls on a length on middle, angling it away. Joe Root with no room, hangs back and guides it straight to the fielder at gully for no runs. 

46.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Fired in now by Jayasuriya, on the pads, Jamie Smith sweeps it fine and gets it past the keeper for a couple of runs more. A productive over for England, 14 runs off it and that leaves them needing 38 more runs to win.

46.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, SIX! Dispatched! Jayasuriya errs in length as he bowls a long hop, on middle and leg, Jamie Smith gets on the back foot in a flash and nails the pull. Hits it high and handsomely over deep square leg for a biggie.

46.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Jayasuriya gives the ball air and bowls it full, on leg, Joe Root sweeps it slightly uppishly but well in front of deep backward square leg for a single.

46.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Streaky! Floated up, full and down leg, Jamie Smith takes on the sweep shot but gets a bit of top edge that evades both the keeper and the leg slip and rolls down towards the fine leg fence. The leg slip fielder gives it a chase and cuts it off. Three runs taken. England need less than 50 now. They need 47.

46.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Looped up, down leg, Joe Root sweeps it down to deep backward square leg and rotates the strike.

46.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Short and on middle, Jamie Smith pulls it hard towards mid-wicket where the fielder gets a hand to it and parries it in front of mid on for a single.

45.6: Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, At 132 kph, on a length, on off, Jamie Smith pats it to the right of mid off and gets to the other end quickly.

45.5: Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Gap picked to perfection! Fernando goes into the wicket, at the batter, the ball comes on slower than Jamie Smith anticipated. He waits and then rolls his wrists on the ball to pull it to the right of deep backward square leg for a boundary.

45.4: Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, On a back of a length, on middle and leg, Jamie Smith tries to work it away on the leg side but closes the bat face early and gets a leading edge that rolls towards mid off.

45.3: Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Fuller in length and on the pads, Jamie Smith skips down the track and looks to clip it away but misses and wears it on the front pad. A pretty optimistic shout for LBW by Fernando but that was going down leg.

45.2: Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Slanting across the batter, on a back of a length, around off, Jamie Smith dabs it square of the wicket but straight to point.

45.1: Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, On a hard length, over middle, Jamie Smith walks into the shot and punches it back to the bowler.

44.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Full and on the pads, clipped through mid-wicket for a single by Jamie Smith. 9 runs off the first over after drinks. England need 57 more runs to win.

44.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, FOUR! A gift and Jamie Smith accepts it gleefully! Way too short by Jayasuriya, on middle and leg, Jamie Smith goes back in his crease and jabs it between mid-wicket and mid on for four more runs.

44.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Jamie Smith sweeps and sweeps well! Tossed up, down leg, Jamie Smith reaches out and sweeps it hard and wide of backward square leg for a boundary. First boundary for England in an hour.

44.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Half a shout for LBW but turned down! Turning away, full and around middle, Jamie Smith looks to keep it out with a straight bat but gets beaten by the turn as it spins away to go past the bat and catch him on the back pad.

44.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Flighted up, on the stumps, Jamie Smith tucks it on the leg sdie. 

44.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Full and on middle and leg, Jamie Smith blocks it stright.

Drinks! England are just 66 runs away from victory, and with both batters now well set, the task doesn’t seem too challenging. Sri Lankan spirits have noticeably dipped over the past half hour, and they’ll need something to lift them up and rekindle their belief if they are to still make a fight of this.

43.6: Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, Too straight, at the hips, Jamie Smith gets inside the line of the ball and tucks it through square leg for a single.

43.5: Vishwa Fernando to Jamie Smith, At 132 kph, on a nagging length, on middle, Jamie Smith presents a straight bat and knocks it down to mid off.

43.4: Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Fuller this time by Fernando as he slants it across the batter, Joe Root waits on it and glides it wide of backward point for a single.

43.3: Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, On a shortish length, on off, Joe Root stays back in the crease and dabs it in front of cover.

43.2: Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Into the wicket again, over middle and leg, Joe Root hops and nudges it in front of mid-wicket.

43.1: Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Begins from over the wicket and bowls it on a back of a length, over middle and leg, Joe Root uses his feet and turns this one to mid-wicket.

Vishwa Fernando (4-0-26-0) comes back into the attack. 

42.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Aimed at the pads again, full in length, Jamie Smith works it off his pads to mid-wicket.

42.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, A better length by Jayasuriya, forcing the batter to get on the front foot. Jamie Smith gets his bat out in front and keeps it out.

42.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Jayasuriya drops it short and on leg, Jamie Smith uses the depth of the crease and brings his wrists into play to whip it to the right of mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

42.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Pushes it through, around the pads, Jamie Smith gets on the back foot and tucks it to mid-wicket.

42.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Jayasuriya comes from over the wicket now with a leg slip in place and bowls it on a nagging length, on the pads, Jamie Smith steps out and pushes it to mid-wicket.

42.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up, full and on off, Joe Root presses forward and opens the bat face to ease it through covers for a single.

41.6: Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, At 129 kph, full and on off, Jamie Smith shapes up to drive it down the deck with a straight bat but gets it off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.

41.5: Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Keeps it full, on off, Jamie Smith checks his drive back to the bowler.

41.4: Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Fuller and outside off, Jamie Smith sees the width on offer and throws his hands at the delivery but miscues it off the toe end of the bat back to the bowler.

41.3: Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Angling in, on a good length, on middle, pushed with a straight bat to mid on by Smith.

41.2: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Buzzers! Full and sliding onto the pads, Joe Root stays balanced in the crease and clips it straight to short square leg. Root was out of his crease as he played that shot and Ramesh Mendis sensed the chance to have a shy at the batting end. He misses and it rolls behind towards point for a single.

41.1: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Rathnayake gets a hint of away shape in the air, full and around off, Joe Root looks to play it square of the wicket on the off side but plays outside the line of the ball. Gets an inside edge onto the pads.

40.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Slower and fuller, on off, Jamie Smith makes room and firms the drive but straight to cover.

40.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Fuller and slanting in, on middle, Jamie Smith blocks it out off the front foot.

40.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Short and around the pads, Jamie Smith goes on the back foot and dabs it in front of square leg.

40.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Slanted in again from around the wicket, full and on off, Jamie Smith gets his bat out in front of the front pad in defence.

40.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Another one sliding on with the arm, fuller and on off, Jamie Smith lunges and defends it on the off side.

40.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Darted in, short and on off, Jamie Smith goes on the back foot and pats it back to the bowler.

39.6: Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, Touch fuller on stumps. Jamie Smith comes forward and nudges it towards square leg for another single. 

39.5: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Pitches up, on off. Joe Root shuffles a bit, covers the stump and looks to push it back to the bowler but hits it off the inside edge towards square leg for a single. 

39.4: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Outswinger, on a length, pitching it well outside off, Joe Root opens the bat face to guide it through the point region for a brace. England are nicely rotating their strike! 

39.3: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Back of a length in the channel of off. Joe Root hops a bit and dabs it towards cover-point for no runs. 

39.2: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Pitches up on off. Joe Root defends it down solidly. 

39.1: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Full-length delivery on middle, angling in. Joe Root places his front foot and tickles it off his pads towards deep fine leg for a couple.

38.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Much fuller outside off. Jamie Smith jams it out towards his off side for no runs. 

38.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Pitches up on off. Jamie Smith lunges and blocks it back to the bowler. 

38.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Touch fuller on middle. Joe Root eases it towards vacant cover for another single. 

38.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Low full toss on middle. Joe Root lap sweeps the delivery towards deep fine leg and gets a couple of runs. 

38.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Tossed up fuller on middle. Jamie Smith drives it a bit uppishly, but well away from the bowler towards long on for a single. 

38.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Jamie Smith, Flatter and fuller on off. Jamie Smith strides out and blocks it down. 

37.6: Milan Rathnayake to Jamie Smith, On a length and just outside off. Jamie Smith lunges for the drive but gets an inside edge towards deep fine leg to open his account with a single.

37.5: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Much fuller, on middle and leg. Joe Root flicks it towards deep square leg and gains a single. 

37.4: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Back of a length on off. Joe Root blocks it towards his off side. 

37.3: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Pitches up just outside off. Joe Root places his front foot and performs a solid defence right under his eyeline.

37.2: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Now this one stays low! Good-length delivery wide outside off, on the seventh stump. Joe Root hangs back to keep it out but the ball stays low. Root does well to put his bat down and eases it towards gully.

37.1: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Milan Rathnayake comes from over the wicket and bowls fuller just outside off. Joe Root leans on the delivery and punches it but straight to the short cover fielder. 

36.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Pitches up and just outside off. Joe Root punches it towards vacant cover and gets a single. 

36.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Flatter and fuller on middle. Joe Root presses forward and rests it down. 

36.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Coming on with the arm, full and on middle, Joe Root gets his bat out in front to keep it out.

36.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Fuller on middle. Joe Root prods and defends it down. 

36.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up fuller outside off. Joe Root pushes it towards cover. 

36.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up fuller on off. Joe Root strides out and defends it towards his off side. 

35.6: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Pitches up on leg. Joe Root glances it down to fine leg for a single.

35.5: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fuller and on off. Joe Root drives it from the inner half towards mid on. 

35.4: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, On a length just outside off. Joe Root stays back and dabs it towards the left of the bowler. Joe Root looks a bit uncomfortable just after he plays the shot. It looks like he got a bit of cramp!

35.3: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, On a length just outside off. Joe Root nudges it across the line towards off mid on for no runs. 

35.2: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Woah, where did that come from? Shaping away, on a hard length, outside off, Joe Root pokes at the delivery but the ball shoots off the deck and catches Root by surprise as it whizzes past his bat.

35.1: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, On a length just outside off. Joe Root blocks it out. 

The centurion of the first inning, Jamie Smith walks out to the middle.

34.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Big wicket for Sri Lanka! They have been provided with a much-needed breakthrough by Prabath Jayasuriya. Jayasuriya bowls it flatter and fuller just outside off, drifting it in. Harry Brook strides out and looks to push it past the bowler but he gets the connection from the inner edge. It goes uppishly to the left of the bowler. Prabath Jayasuriya stays low and picks the catch near his shoelaces to give his team an opening. England lose their fourth wicket in the form of Harry Brook. They are now 119/4, requiring 86 more runs to win.

Has that carried? Sri Lanka are celebrating, but Harry Brook is asked to wait by the umpires. The first replay is clear enough to show that Prabath Jayasuriya has his fingers clearly underneath the ball.

34.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up fuller on middle and leg. Joe Root paddles it towards deep fine leg for a single. 

34.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Flatter and fuller, drifting in, from off. Joe Root lunges to perform a defence but gets a connection on the inner edge and to the pads. 

34.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Full-length delivery just outside off. Harry Brook punches it towards vacant cover-point and gets a single.

34.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Pitches up on off. Brook rests it towards his off side. 

34.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Tossed up fuller on middle. Harry Brook strides out and ease it back to the bowler. 

33.6: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Hard-length delivery just outside off. Joe Root comes forward, stands tall and blocks it down to the pitch. 

33.5: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Back of a length just outside off. Joe Root hops a bit and dabs it towards cover. 

33.4: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Pitches up, on off, shaping it in. Joe Root shuffles and clips it towards mid-wicket for no runs. 

33.3: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Full-length delivery just outside off. Joe Root lunges and places his bat in front of his eyeline to perform a defence. 

A change of bat for Joe Root as the bottom part of the current one has been damaged. Root makes the selection and we are all good to go.

33.3: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, NO BALL! Full-length delivery on off. Joe Root prods and clips it across the line towards mid-wicket. Milan Rathnayake has over stepped and England get a bonus run. 

33.2: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fuller delivery outside off. Joe Root presses forward and pushes it towards mid off. 

33.1: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Good-length delivery, wide outside off. Joe Root places his front foot to ease it towards his off side but ends up withdrawing his willow and makes a leave. 

32.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Pitches up just outside off. Harry Brook drives it but straight to the fielder at cover. Maiden for Prabath Jayasuriya.

32.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Tossed up fuller on middle and leg. Harry Brook rocks back and works it towards his leg side. 

32.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Fuller delivery on off. Harry Brook plants his front foot and eases it towards the cover fielder. 

32.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Touch fuller on middle and leg. Brook goes back and tickles it towards square leg. 

32.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Fullish just outside off. Harry Brook presses forward and punches it towards short cover for no runs. 

32.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Flatter and fuller on middle. Harry Brook strides out to block it down but connects it on the inner half. 

31.6: Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Short of a length, just outside off. Joe Root dabs it towards his off side. 

31.5: Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Pitches up, outside off, angling it away. Joe Root lunges to ease it towards his off side but gets the connection on the toe end and the ball bounces off towards the right of the keeper. 

31.4: Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, On a length on leg and middle. Joe Root rocks back and tickles it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs. 

31.3: Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Back of a length on off, shaping away. Harry Brook cuts it towards deep point and gets a single. 

31.2: Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Fullish now, on off. Harry Brook places his bat out and blocks it to the off side.

31.1: Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Good-length delivery on off, shaping it away from the batter. Harry Brook stays back and defends it off the outer part of his bat towards gully. 

30.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Drags his length a shy bit, on leg and middle. Harry Brook sweeps it towards backward square leg for a single. 

30.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Serves it on off, fuller. Harry Brook strides out to block it on the off side.

30.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Fuller on leg. Harry Brook lunges and eases it towards his leg side. 

30.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Flatter and fuller, down the leg. Harry Brook looks to sweep it fine but misses. The ball thumps him low on the pads and rolls towards the short fine leg fielder. 

30.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Full-length delivery on leg. Joe Root goes deep into his crease and flicks it towards square leg for one. 

30.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Flatter and fuller, pitching it down the leg. Joe Root lunges and rests it from the inner part of his willow towards his leg side. 

29.6: Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, FOUR! Wow, Harry Brook makes it look very easy! Fernando bowls it full, on off, Harry Brook charges down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and creams his drive through covers for a boundary. Sri Lanka haven't found a way to challenge the batters in this session yet.

29.5: Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Length, on middle and off, Harry Brook offers another block down the deck. 

29.4: Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Attempts a yorker, but lands it marginally short, just outside off, Harry Brook digs it out through the gap at point and cover for a couple of runs. 

29.3: Vishwa Fernando to Harry Brook, Digs it in, on a short of a length, over off, Harry Brook stabs it down the deck. 

29.2: Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Fractionally short in length and angling into the pads, Joe Root tucks it down to square leg for a single. England are 100 runs away from sealing this game now. 

29.1: Vishwa Fernando to Joe Root, Charges from around the wicket and bowls it on off, and on a good length, Joe Root knocks it down the deck. 

Vishwa Fernando returns to the attack.

28.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Goes straight and full, on the leg peg, Harry Brook blocks it confidently. 

28.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Drgas the length short and on middle and off, Harry Brook quickly hops back and slaps it through covers for a couple more runs. 

28.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Slants it away, on a length and on middle, Harry Brook sees it out. 

28.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Bowls a low full toss, on middle, Joe Root sweeps it to deep square leg for a single. 

28.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Bowls it down leg, fuller, Harry Brook sweeps it and just about manages to get enough to get it past the keeper. Ramesh Mendis chases the ball and throws a dive to keep it down to just three. Also brings up 100 runs for England!

28.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Fuller in length and on middle and leg, from over the wicket angle, Harry Brook lunges out and makes a block. 

27.6: Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Tap and run! Short of a length and angling in, over off, Harry Brook dabs it in front of backward point and squeezes a quick single. 

27.5: Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Length, on off, Harry Brook punches it to cover. 

27.4: Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Firmly driven but straight back at the bowler. Fernando lands it full, on middle and off, Harry Brook with a full presentation of the face of the bat drives it straight. Asitha Fernando gets a hand to it and parries it away to the fielder at mid on. 

27.3: Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Shorter than a good length, over off, Harry Brook cuts it to point. 

27.2: Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Holds the pose with a solid defence does Brook! Asitha Fernando hurls this onto the stumps, on a length, Brook gets his front leg out and blocks it under his eyes. 

27.1: Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, On a good length just outside off, Harry Brook pushes it to mid off.

26.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Fires this one on leg again, fuller, Harry Brook tries to sweep it away yet again but gets a faint edge past the keeper for a single. 

26.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, FOUR! Connects well and gets it through! Floated full on leg, Harry Brook sweeps it behind square on the leg side for four more runs. 

26.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Drifts this one back into the right-hander, on middle and leg, Joe Root shifts back and tucks it to mid-wicket for a single. 

26.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Gets the line tight and attacks the stumps, fuller, Joe Root watchfully blocks it out. 

26.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Fuller and on off, Joe Root eases it through covers for a brace. 

26.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Jayasuriya looks for the loopy delivery on the pads, Joe Root lunges out and takes it on the full before sweeping it straight to the fielder at backward square leg. 

25.6: Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Drags the length short and bowls it over middle and off, Harry Brook blocks it right under his eyeline.

25.5: Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Angling in, straight and full, on middle and off, Harry Brook dead bats this right down the deck.

25.4: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, Bowls it into the pads, on a length, Joe Root clips it in front of deep mid-wicket and takes a run. 

25.3: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, This is on a hard length, on off, Joe Root with an angled bat dabs it down the deck.

25.2: Asitha Fernando to Joe Root, On a good length, around off, Joe Root presses forward and taps it to cover.

25.1: Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Full and sliding onto the pads, Harry Brook clips it past square leg and gets to the other end.

24.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Jayasuriya bowls this with some extra revs and lands it full, on leg, Joe Root looks for the flick but wears it on the pads.

24.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Fires one full and on leg, Joe Root sees the line and pads it out. 

24.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Nagging length, flatter and on the stumps, Joe Root watchfully defends it out. 

24.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Lands it full and on the stumps, Joe Root keeps it out.

24.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Drags the length down and bowls it around the hips, Joe Root quickly goes deep in the crease and tucks it behind square on the leg side for a single. 

24.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Full and on middle and off, Joe Root knocks it back to the bowler. 

23.6: Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, That one kept low! Fernando bowls it outside off, around the sixth stump line, and continues to keep the length right. The ball skids low and scoots under the bat of Brook as he looks to jam it out. 

23.5: Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Keeps it tight on a length and outside off, Harry Brook leaves it alone.

23.4: Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, A huge appeal for caught behind but from Asitha Fernando alone! Dhananjaya de Silva sends it upstairs for a check and Kusal Mendis doesn't seem too convinced about this. Fernando hits the deck hard, on a short of a length just outside off, the ball shoots off the deck a bit and Harry Brook misses out on making the desired connection trying to keep it out with a straight bat. The UltraEdge confirms there was absolutely nothing as the ball zipped past the outside edge and Sri Lanka burn their review. Sri Lanka have only one review remaining now.

23.3: Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Adjusts the line back to the off stump, and bowls it on a length, Harry Brook checks his shot to covers. 

23.2: Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, FOUR! Cut away hard! Asitha Fernando serves this with width and shorter in length, Harry Brook with a high back lift cuts it firmly to the left of deep point where the fielder slides but in vain as it races away for a boundary. 

23.1: Asitha Fernando to Harry Brook, Lands it on a good length, over off, Harry Brook knocks it down the deck. 

22.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Quicker and fuller, on off, Brook pushes it to mid off who fails to keep it out allowing the batters to steal a run. 

22.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Loops this one full, on the stumps, Harry Brook tucks it to mid-wicket.

22.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Flighted up, on middle, Harry Brook sweeps it to the fielder at backward square leg again. 

22.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Attacks the pads, full, Harry Brook sweeps it well but Ramesh Mendis at backward square leg does even better to make a sharp stop. 

22.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Sprays it down leg, fuller in length again, Harry Brook pads it away.

22.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Starts from over the wicket and bowls it full, on middle and leg, Harry Brook offers a solid block straight up. 

Welcome back for the third and final session of Day 4! Joe Root and Harry Brook walk down the stairs and they are followed by Dhananjaya de Silva and his men. Sri Lanka are starting with spin in the form of Prabath Jayasuriya. A slip and a leg gully in place. Let's play...

... DAY 4, SESSION 3 ...

With only 122 runs left to defend, Sri Lanka will be aiming for a couple of quick wickets at the start of the final session to gain control. England, on the other hand, need to build on their current partnership to make the chase more manageable. An exciting end to the day is on the horizon. Join us in 20 minutes for the action!

With 205 runs needed to win, England set out to bat through the session with an aggressive mindset. Ben Duckett and Dan Lawrence both made promising starts, but Duckett failed to make the most of a reprieve when keeper Kusal Mendis claimed a catch that was later deemed to have touched the ground, leading to Duckett's dismissal shortly after. Ollie Pope also struggled, falling to Prabath Jayasuriya, and Dan Lawrence, who looked set, was dismissed by Milan Rathnayake. This left England in a spot of bother at 70/3. However, Root and Brook steadied the ship and saw through the session without further damage.

Shortly after Lunch, England made excellent use of the second new ball, executing their plans perfectly. Atkinson claimed the prized wicket of Kamindu Mendis, who had battled his way to a gritty 113. Matthew Potts and Chris Woakes maintained relentless pressure on the incoming batters, efficiently dismantling the tail. Dinesh Chandimal attempted to accelerate the scoring rate with just one wicket remaining but fell in the process, leaving Sri Lanka with a lead of 204 runs. Considering their shaky start, it was a commendable effort, though one that could have been further capitalized on.

Session Summary - 29.3 Overs, 117 Runs and 7 Wickets. Wow, what a thrilling session this has been! It kept us on the edge of our seats. For those who thought this game was heading in just one direction, it’s clear now that it’s far from over. Sri Lanka have made crucial inroads at just the right time, and this match is very much still alive for them.

21.6: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Keeps it full, on off, Joe Root gets a good stride in and gets his head over the ball to stab it down on the off side. That will be TEA on Day 4!

21.5: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Attacking the stumps with a full delivery, Joe Root shows the full face of the bat and times the drive to mid on.

21.4: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, At 131 kph, on a length, outside off, Joe Root leans for the drive and with a high elbow, just times it through covers for a couple of runs.

21.3: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Goes full does Milan and gets a good away shape, outside off, Joe Root uses his feet and pushes it with soft hands to cover.

21.2: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, On a back of a length, over middle, Joe Root tucks it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

21.1: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, On the off stump line, a hint of inward movement off the deck off a good length, Joe Root gets his bat close to the front pad and defends it out.

20.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Flatter and fuller, on leg, Harry Brook gets his bat ahead and makes a solid block. 

20.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Another sweep attempted by Brook to a full delivery, outside the line of the leg and he misses again.

20.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Full and fired in on the pads, Harry Brook misses the sweep and the ball strikes him on the front pad outside leg.

20.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Was that a chance? Yes, a tough one though. We have seen such catches stick but it did not this time for Ramesh Mendis and Sri Lanka. Flat and sort, on middle and leg, Harry Brook nails the sweep and hits it flat towards backward square leg. The substitute fielder, Ramesh Mendis flings himself to his right but the ball hits him on the wrist and rolls behind for a couple of runs.

20.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, With a leg slip in place, Jayasuriya pushes it through, full and on the pads, Harry Brook gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the front pad.

20.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Aims at the rough outside leg, full in length, Harry Brook goes for the sweep but gets a bottom edge onto the pads.

19.6: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Hurls this one on off too, on a length, Joe Root leans ahead and keeps it out. 

19.5: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Continues to bowl it on off, and drags the length marginally short than the previous one, Joe Root offers another solid block to mid off. 

19.4: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Solid in defence! This is on a length and over off, Joe Root covers the line and dead bats it straight back to the bowler. 

19.3: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Keeps it full and just outside off, Joe Root plays at it with soft hands and the ball goes off the outer half to the fielder at gully. 

19.2: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Goes full, on off, Joe Root firms his drive but straight to cover.

19.2: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Bowls it fuller than a length, on off, Joe Root blocks it down the strip. Milan Rathnayake has overstepped again and that will be a No Ball. 

19.1: Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Angles it into the pads, on a length, Harry Brook taps it with soft hands to the leg side and gets a single. 

18.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Tossed up, on the stumps, Joe Root gets a big stride out and blocks it right under his eyes.

18.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Fired it full, on middle and leg, Joe Root stabs it down the deck. 

18.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, An appeal for LBW, but the umpire turns it down. After a long discussion, DDS sends it upstairs. This is straight and full, on middle and leg, Joe Root looks for the reverse sweep but misses onto his front pad. There seemed to be some bat involved. The replays roll back on, and the UltraEdge shows some spike as the ball goes past the edge of the bat. Joe Root survives and Sri Lanka lose a review. The Ball Tracking rolled in after the review was complete and it shows the ball had pitched outside leg so, it would have stayed NOT OUT even if there was no bat or glove involved.

18.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Just wide of the leg slip! Jayasuriya bowls it into the pads and on a fuller length, Harry Brook tucks it off his pads and evades the outstretched left hand of the fielder at leg slip for a single. 

18.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Sees the batter make room, Jayasuriya follows him with a short one that bounces off the deck, Harry Brook adjusts well and keeps it out. 

18.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Floated full, on leg, Harry Brook lunges out and pats it to square leg. 

17.6: Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, Short of a length and on off, Harry Brook cuts it to deep point for a single. 

17.5: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, This is outside off, on a short of a good length, Joe Root lets the ball come to him and steers it with an open bat face down to deep third for a single.

17.4: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Tailing back into the right-hander, on a good length, around off, Joe Root gets a good stride in to defend but the ball brushes the front pad first as it nips back in and then makes contact with the bat. A stifled appeal for LBW but the impact was outside off.

17.3: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Angling into the pads, on a short of a good length, Joe Root glances it off his pads to the right of deep fine leg. Prabath Jayasuriya is quick across the turf and tumbles to his right to prevent the boundary. The third umpire is called into action for a boundary check but Jayasuriya had no part of his foot touching the ground when he was in contact with the ball. Just the two runs off it then.

17.2: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Fuller and outside off, Joe Root walks towards the ball and stabs it down.

17.1: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, On a back of a length, on off and middle, Joe Root gets on his toes and pats it down the deck.

16.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, This is flat and short, on the pads, Harry Brook goes on the back foot and nudges it to square leg.

16.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Slows it up even more, full and on the pads, Harry Brook clips it but can't get it past mid-wicket.

16.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Jayasuriya gives the ball a bit of air and keeps it on middle and leg, Harry Brook gets forward and dead bats it with a straight bat.

16.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Tossed up, on middle and leg, Harry Brook lunges and blocks it out on the leg side.

16.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, Quicker and shorter, on off, Harry Brook makes room and punches it well but picks out the man at cover.

16.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Harry Brook, From over the wicket Jayasuriya pushes it through, short and at the stumps, Harry Brook gets on the back foot to defend.

15.6: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Nipping back in a touch, on off, on a short of a good length, Joe Root defends it right under his eyeline.

15.5: Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, At 130 kph, on a back of a length, over middle, Harry Brook stays on the back foot and tucks it in front of square on the leg side and gets off the mark with a single.

15.4: Milan Rathnayake to Harry Brook, On a good length, on the off stump line, Harry Brook gets his head over the ball and blocks it out.

Harry Brook steps out to bat next with England in a bit of trouble.

15.3: Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, OUT! LBW! This looks straight but Dan Lawrence has reviewed it straight away! Did he get some bat on it? Or is it going over? Rathnayake bowls it with a scrambled seam and gets the ball to nip back in off a nagging length, on off. Dan Lawrence is caught on the crease as he looks to defend with a straight bat and gets beaten on the inside edge to ping him on the flap of the back pad. There is no bat involved on UltraEdge and the ball is clipping the middle stump on Ball Tracking. It is umpire's call and therefore, the on-field decision will stand. Sri Lanka have their third wicket with England still requiring 135 more runs.

15.2: Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, On a back of a length, outside off, Dan Lawrence stands tall and punches it to the left of the diving cover fielder and collects a couple of runs.

15.1: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Swinging away from the right-hander, on a hard length, outside off, Joe Root rides the bounce nicely and dabs it late to deep backward point for a single.

14.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Joe Root joins the reverse sweep brigade too. Tossed up, on middle and leg, root hits it behind square on the off side and gets a single.

14.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Full, on middle and leg, Dan Lawrence gets his reverse sweep right this time and works it past backward point for a single. 

14.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Bowls this short and on middle and leg, Dan Lawrence looks for a reverse sweep but misses and gets pinged flush on the front pad. There was a slight appeal for LBW but it had pitched outside leg. 

14.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Flighted up, on the stumps, Dan Lawrence sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a brace. 

14.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Great running this! Tossed up on middle, Joe Root nudges it in front of square leg and scampers across for a single. 

14.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Jayasuriya darts this full and on middle and leg, Joe Root prods out and blocks it right under his eyes. 

13.6: Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, Attacks the stumps, on a length, Dan Lawrence clips it off his pads straight to mid-wicket.

13.5: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Continues to land it over off, on a good length, Joe Root just pushes it in front of deep point and gets a single. 

13.4: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, On off, and on a length, Joe Root punches it to deep point for a couple of runs. 

13.3: Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, Hits the deck hard, slightly short of a good length and gets the ball to jag back in a bit, over middle and leg, Dan Lawrence looks to keep it out but misses and gets hit high on the thigh pad. The ball rolls back down the deck and to the off side and the batters take a leg bye.

13.2: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Angles this into the pads, on a length, Root covers the line and tucks it to deep square leg for a single. 

13.1: Milan Rathnayake to Joe Root, Lands it on a good length, outside off, with a touch of away movement, Joe Root holds his stance and makes a leave. 

12.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Joe Root, Short and around the pads, Joe Root rocks on the back foot and tucks it behind square on the leg side and gets off the mark with a single.

Joe Root walks out to bat at number 4 for England!

12.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, OUT! CAUGHT! The change of angle has done the trick for Prabath Jayasuriya! The plan comes to fruition for Sri Lanka. Jayasuriya serves it on a fullish length from over the wicket, on middle, Ollie Pope goes for the reverse sweep but this comes off the toe end of the bat. It pops up tamely towards first slip where Dhananjaya de Silva takes the simplest of catches. After completing the catch, the Sri Lankan skipper points his finger towards the bowler, saying 'I told you'.

12.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, Floated up, outside leg, Ollie Pope pads it away.

12.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, A loud shout for LBW but that came off the gloves! On a fullish length by Jayasuriya, on middle and leg, Ollie Pope brings out the reverse sweep but fails to lay any bat on it and wears it on the strap on his gloves.

12.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Comes from over the wicket does Jayasuriya as he looks to bring the rough into play, Dan Lawrence clears his front leg and nudges it in front of square on the leg side for one.

12.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, FOUR! Good proactive batting! Tossed up, full and on off, Dan Lawrence shuffles across and also walks down the track. Brings his wrists into play and whips it behind square leg for a boundary.

11.6: Milan Rathnayake to Ollie Pope, Another one that swings away from the batter, outside off, on a good length, Ollie Pope defends it right under his eyeline.

11.5: Milan Rathnayake to Ollie Pope, Delivers it in the corridor on off, on a back of a length, Ollie Pope lets it go through to the keeper.

11.4: Milan Rathnayake to Ollie Pope, At 128 kph, swinging away, full in length, Ollie Pope sees the width on offer and cracks the cut but it goes straight to the man at cover.

11.3: Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, This is on a back of a length, around leg, Dan Lawrence gets on his toes and gets inside the line to glance it down to deep fine leg for a single.

11.2: Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, Shaping away, fuller and outside off, Dan Lawrence watchfully makes the leave.

11.1: Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, Tighter line, angling in, at the batter, on a length, Dan Lawrence defends it on the leg side.

11.1: Milan Rathnayake to Dan Lawrence, NO BALL! A false start for Milan Rathnayake! Slips it down leg, on a length, Dan Lawrence fails to tickle it fine. Rathnayake has overstepped.

Drinks! England have made a strong start despite losing Ben Duckett. Ollie Pope has seamlessly joined the action, and together with Dan Lawrence, they’ve navigated the challenging initial phase. With just 155 runs left to defend, Sri Lanka urgently needs to take wickets in quick succession to build pressure, which, at the moment, seems to be slipping away. With that said, skipper DDS throws the ball to the debutant, Milan Rathnayake. 

10.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, Shorter and on middle and leg, Ollie Pope clips it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

10.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Very full, on middle, knocked down to long on for a single by Dan Lawrence.

10.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Flat and on a nagging length, on off and middle, Dan Lawrence gets himself on the front foot and defends it out.

10.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, An optimistic shout for LBW but that is going down leg! Darted in, full and at the pads, Dan Lawrence plays all around it as he looks to clip it away and wears it on the pads. The Ball Tracking shows the ball to be missing the leg pole.

10.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Slower and shorter, on off and middle, Dan Lawrence stays on the back foot and defends it right under his eyeline.

10.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Speared in, full and on off, Dan Lawrence angles the bat face and drives it square towards point. There is a slight misfield and the batters think about the run but decide against it in the end.

9.6: Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, Attacks the stumps, on a good length, Ollie Pope gets his head over the ball and presents the full face of the bat to keep it out.

9.5: Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, A hint of away shape off the deck, on off, on a back of a length, Ollie Pope gets on the back foot and pats it back to the bowler.

9.4: Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, Serves it on a hard length, on middle, Ollie Pope stabs it down the deck with a straight bat.

9.3: Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, Short and wide on off, Ollie Pope frees his arms and cuts it along the ground to the left of deep point for a couple of runs.

9.2: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Strays on the pads does Asitha, on a back of a length, Dan Lawrence misses the tickle as the ball rolls away off his thigh pad and rolls down to fine leg for a leg bye.

9.1: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, At 134 kph, bowls it just outside off, on a length, Dan Lawrence gets on the front foot and firms the drive to mid on.

8.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Slightly slower and the length is pulled back on off, Dan Lawrence dabs it in front of cover-point for a single.

8.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Slanting down leg, on a length, Dan Lawrence shapes up for the paddle sweep but misses.

8.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, This keeps coming in with the angle, full and on middle and leg, Dan Lawrence makes room and times the drive to mid off.

8.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Looped up, full and on middle, Dan Lawrence shimmies down the track and whips it to the right of long on for a couple of runs.

8.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, Slips it down leg, on a shorter length, Ollie Pope gets on the back foot and tickles it to deep fine leg for a single.

8.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, Speared in, fuller and on off, Ollie Pope gets a good stride in and dead bats it with a straight bat.

7.6: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, At 132 kph, on a hard length, on off, Dan Lawrence gets squared up as the ball moves away late but does well to keep it out on the off side off the back foot.

7.5: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Dan Lawrence gets behind the line of the ball and pats it to mid on.

7.4: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Serves it in the corridor on off, on a good length, Dan Lawrence shoulders arms.

7.3: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Fernando bowls it too straight, on the pads, on a back of a length, Dan Lawrence fails to help it away off his pads. The ball rolls off his pads to the right of deep fine leg for a couple of leg byes.

7.2: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, In the channel on off and it moves away off the deck, on a nagging length, Dan Lawrence makes the leave.

7.1: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Angling in, on a nagging length, on off, Dan Lawrence walks across his stumps and looks to clip it through in front of square but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

6.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, Slower through the air but not much turn on offer, short and on off, Ollie Pope goes back in his crease and tucks it in front of square leg.

6.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Fired in now, fuller and on off, Dan Lawrence lunges and opens the bat face to dab it wide of cover for a single.

6.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ollie Pope, Way too short by Jayasuriya, around the pads, Ollie Pope gets on the back foot quickly and whips it in front of square on the leg side. Places it between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for three runs.

6.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, This goes straight on, on off, on a length, Dan Lawrence plays for the angle as he looks to close the bat face and work it on the leg side. Gets a leading edge that rolls past point for a single.

6.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Speared in again, on a nagging length, on off, Dan Lawrence gets a good stride in to block it out.

6.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Darted in, full and at the stumps, Dan Lawrence gets his bat out in front of the front pad and keeps it out.

5.6: Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, Short and not close enough to make the batter play, Ollie Pope leaves it alone.

5.5: Asitha Fernando to Ollie Pope, Lands it on a length, around off, Ollie Pope shoulders arms and lets it go through to the keeper.

English skipper, Ollie Pope comes out to bat at number 3. 

5.4: Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Asitha Fernando gets Duckett eventually! Fernando stays over the wicket and bowls it in the channel on off, gets the ball to angle back into the left-hander and lures Ben Duckett into the drive. The ball holds its line and catches the outside edge. It goes low to the left of the keeper, Kusal Mendis who gets down low quickly and get his gloves under the ball clearly to grab it. England are 34/1 and need 171 runs more. 

5.3: Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, Serves it on a good length, on off, Ben Duckett punches it back to the bowler.

5.2: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, So nearly dragged it on! Shaping away from the batter, on a back of a length, around off, Dan Lawrence pokes at the delivery and gets an inside edge that sneaks past the stumps for a single.

5.1: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, On a shortish length, on off, Dan Lawrence gets on his toes and stabs it down the deck.

4.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, Pulls the length down and bowls it flatter, on middle and leg, Dan Lawrence punches it to long on and gets a single. 12 runs come off that over and England are just 172 runs away now.

4.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Dan Lawrence, SIX! BANG! Runs coming thick and fast for England! Flighted full, on middle, Dan Lawrence takes a step out and pumps it over the bowler's head for a maximum. 

4.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ben Duckett, Drags the length down, over middle, Ben Duckett flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

4.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ben Duckett, Darts this one quicker does Jayasuriya, fuller too, Ben Duckett attempts the reverse sweep again but misses. The ball brushes the toe end of the bat and rolls over his arms before falling short of the fielder at slip. 

4.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ben Duckett, FOUR! That's a shot and a half from Ben Duckett! Flighted up, on middle, Ben Duckett quickly reads the length and reverse sweeps it square of the wicket on the leg side for a boundary. 

4.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ben Duckett, Starts from over the wicket and floats it right up, on off, Ben Duckett with a good stride out pushes it back to the bowler. 

3.6: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Lands it on a hard length and attacks the stumps, Dan Lawrence knocks it to mid on. 

3.5: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Keeps the length right, but serves it on the hips, Dan Lawrence clips it with ease through mid-wicket for a couple more runs. 

3.4: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Hits the deck hard, on a back of a length, over off, Dan Lawrence gets right behind the line of the delivery and stabs it down the strip. 

3.3: Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, On a length and outside off, Ben Duckett punches it to deep point and rotates the strike over.

3.2: Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, A half-hearted appeal for LBW but it seemed to be going down leg. Asitha Fernando bowls this full and on middle and leg, with a hint of inward movement. Ben Duckett looks to tuck it across the line but misses and gets pinged flush on the front pad. 

3.1: Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, Angling into the pads, on a length, Ben Duckett punches it to mid on. 

2.6: Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Bowls it on a good length and outside off, Dan Lawrence is happy to make the leave. 

2.5: Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Better line and length this time around from Vishwa Fernando! Angles it away, just outside off, Dan Lawrence leaves it alone. 

2.4: Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, FOUR! Not a very convincing shot but it does fetch Dan Lawrence four runs. Outside off, on a length from Fernando, Lawrence with no foot movement throws his hands at it attempting a drive through off but gets an outside edge that falls short and wide of first slip and races away to the fence for a boundary. 

2.3: Vishwa Fernando to Ben Duckett, Fernando bowls this outside off, on a length, Ben Duckett pushes it to deep backward point for a single. 

2.2: Vishwa Fernando to Ben Duckett, Fernando lands it on a hard length, on off, Ben Duckett gets on his toes and rides the bounce to punch it through covers for a couple of runs.

2.1: Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Swings this back into the pads, on a length, Dan Lawrence flicks it to deep square leg for a single. 

1.6: Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett, A valiant effort from Kusal Mendis behind the stumps, but Ben Duckett survives an early scare! Asitha Fernando, coming over the wicket to the left-hander, delivers a length ball on leg stump. Duckett attempts to glance it fine past the keeper but gets an inside edge that flies to the right of Mendis. The keeper stretches out his right hand and dives to make an impressive grab, but replays confirm that the ball brushed the turf just as he was collecting it.

Is that a clean catch? The front-on replays indicate that Kusal Mendis may have grassed the ball. The third umpire takes a few more looks and concludes that it is not a fair catch.

1.5: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Digs it short and over middle and leg, Dan Lawrence shuffles across and pulls this off the inner half of the bat behind square on the leg side for a single. 

1.4: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, On a length and just outside off, Dan Lawrence takes a step out and covers the line before patting it down to mid on. 

1.3: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Nearly nicked that one did Lawrence. Fernando bowls it on a short of a length nd outside off, Dan Lawrence looks to cut it away from the body and misses. The ball zips past the under edge and goes through to the keeper. 

1.2: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Bowls it outside off, on a length with a hint of away movement, Dan Lawrence leaves it alone. 

1.1: Asitha Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Fernando comes from over the wicket and lands it on a back of a length, outside off, Dan Lawrence pushes it to covers.

0.6: Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Too straight by Vishwa, on a back of a length, at the hips, Dan Lawrence fails to help it away. The ball comes off his thigh pad and rolls away on the leg side for a leg bye.

0.5: Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Slight hesitation but no harm done! Fuller and it tails back into the right-hander, on off and middle, Dan Lawrence gets on the front foot and times the drive to the right of mid off. The fielder dives to his right but parries the ball away from him. Lawrence wants to take the single but Ben Duckett is caught ball watching, resulting in Lawrence to retreat.

0.4: Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, This is on a back of a length, on off, Dan Lawrence waits on the back foot and dabs it with soft hands beside the pitch on the leg side. Tries to sneak in a single but Vishwa Fernando is quick to get to the ball on his follow through and prevents the single.

0.3: Vishwa Fernando to Ben Duckett, Angling in, on a back of a length, on middle, Ben Duckett works it off his pads in the vacant mid-wicket region for a single.

0.2: Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, Keeps it on a hard length, at the hips, Dan Lawrence gets on his toes and nudges it off his hips to deep square leg for a single.

0.2: Vishwa Fernando to Dan Lawrence, FIVE WIDES! Wayward from Vishwa as he sprays it way outside off, on a back of a length. The ball bounces in front of second slip and races through the slip cordon for a boundary. Sri Lanka cannot afford to give away such extras.

0.1: Vishwa Fernando to Ben Duckett, On a back of a length, shaping away, around off, Ben Duckett hangs on the back foot and taps it wide of cover for a single. Ben Duckett and England are underway.