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Home » Live Cricket Score » England in Sri Lanka, 3 Test Series, 2018 » Summary

Sri Lanka vs England Live Cricket Score, 2nd Test, England in Sri Lanka, 3 Test Series, 2018, November 14, 2018

ENG 290/10 (75.4) , 346/10 (80.4)
England beat Sri Lanka by 57 runs
SL 336/10 (103) , 243/10 (74)
Match over
Commentary :
0.0 : Hello and welcome to the 2nd Test between Sri Lanka and England live from Kandy. It is not often you hear the Lankans losing a Test match against a foreign team. But they need to get their act together if they want to comeback in this Test series. Without Dinesh Chandimal out with an injury and Rangana Herath retiring, it is time for the experience of Angelo Mathews and other to contribute and put up a fight. Coming to the visitors they were brilliant both with the bat and ball. Keaton Jennings
TOSS - Joe Root has won his seventh straight toss and opts to bat.
TEAM NEWS - England named their team a day before the game with no changes. For the hosts, two forced changes. Roshen Silva and Malinda Pushpakumara come in for injured Dinesh Chandimal and retired Rangana Herath.
We are all set to get underway! England openers, Rory Burns and Keaton Jennings make their way out to take center stage. For the home team, skipper Suranga Lakmal will take the new cherry. 3 slips and a gully for him.
0.1 : S Lakmal to Burns, Starts of with a full delivery on middle, Burns defends it off the front foot and into the ground.
0.2 : S Lakmal to Burns, Length delivery outside off, the batsman lets it be.
0.3 : S Lakmal to Burns, Back of a length on middle, Rory defends it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
0.4 : S Lakmal to Burns, Four! Easy pickings there for Burns. Full delivery on middle, he flicks it towards mid on and the ball races away to the fence. First boundary of the innings.
0.5 : S Lakmal to Burns, Length delivery outside off, the batsman lets it go.
0.6 : S Lakmal to Burns, Identical delivery, Batsman shoulders arms to it.
Dilruwan Perera to bowl from the other end.
1.1 : D Perera to Jennings, Lovely. Loopy ball outside off. Keaton look to play it with a straight bat but gets beaten.
1.2 : D Perera to Jennings, On leg, Jennings looks to paddle it but the it hits his pads and rolls towards fine leg. They take a leg bye.
1.3 : D Perera to Burns, Outside off, punched off the back foot.
1.4 : D Perera to R Burns, Outside off again, Burns cuts it towards point.
1.5 : D Perera to Burns, A bit flat on off, Burns rocks back and gives it to the point fielder.
1.6 : D Perera to Burns, Turn from the first over itself. Loopy ball outside off, Burns looks to poke at it but is beaten again.
2.1 : S Lakmal to Jennings, Length delivery angling it, Jennings works it to leg side for a single.
2.2 : S Lakmal to Burns, In the channel outside off, Rory lets it be.
2.3 : S Lakmal to Burns, Full on middle, Burns defends it from within the crease.
2.4 : S Lakmal to Burns, Fuller length on middle, the batsman tucks it square leg. They rotate strike.
2.5 : S Lakmal to Jennings, Length delivery came back a bit. Keation tried to poke at it but misses it completely.
2.6 : S Lakmal to Jennings, Back of a length outside off, Jennins shoulders arms to it.
3.1 : D Perera to Burns, Full on middle, the batsman tried to flick it but it hits the pad.
3.2 : D Perera to Burns, Little bit flatter from Perera, Burns hangs back and defends it off the back foot.
3.3 : D Perera to Burns, Tossed up on middle, Rory defends it off the front foot by presenting the full face of the bat.
3.4 : D Perera to Burns, Arm ball from Dilruwan, struck the front pad of the batsman. The bowler appeals but the umpire does not react to it.
3.5 : D Perera to Burns, Flighted on middle, the batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
3.6 : D Perera to Burns, On middle, the batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
4.1 : S Lakmal to Jennings, Comes from around the wicket and lands it full outside off, Keaton is not bothered to play at it.
4.2 : S Lakmal to Jennings, Better. Gets this one to come back in. On a good length, nips back in. Keaton points his bat skywards to let it through.
4.3 : S Lakmal to Jennings, OUT! Edged and taken! First blow for England and some good bowling from the skipper. Got one to go come in previously and this one just goes away to get the edge. Fuller ball around off, moves away a bit. Keaton is forward to play at it. The ball gets a thick edge and Dickwella at the back makes no mistake. The match-winner of the 2nd innings of the first game falls early and this is just the start the hosts needed.
Ben Stokes is the new man in. This is the first time he will be batting at the no. 3 position. Can he do well?
4.4 : S Lakmal to Stokes, Full and around off, Stokes blocks it out.
4.5 : S Lakmal to Stokes, Drags his length back on off, Stokes shoulders his arms to it.
4.6 : S Lakmal to Stokes, FOUR! Easy pickings. Full and down leg, Stokes shuffles across and flicks it through square leg for a boundary to get off the mark.
5.1 : D Perera to Burns, Little bit quicker on off, Rory pushes it towards point for a couple of runs.
5.2 : D Perera to Burns, On middle, Burns taps it to the point region.
5.3 : D Perera to Burns, FOUR! Good shot that. Tosses it up on middle, the batsman goes in one knee and sweeps it fine towards deep sqaure leg for and the ball races away to the boundary.
5.4 : D Perera to Burns, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
5.5 : D Perera to Burns, Loopy delivery on middle, Burns leans forward and defends it off the front foot and into the ground.
5.6 : D Perera to Burns, Quicker delivery around off, Rory drives it sweetly through mid on.
6.1 : S Lakmal to Stokes, Good length around off, Stokes is confident in his defense.
6.2 : S Lakmal to Stokes, Another very confident and positive shot! This was slightly fuller in length around middle, Ben Stokes punches it towards mid on. The fielder fumbles but no runs conceded.
6.3 : S Lakmal to Stokes, Three! Slightly short and outside off, Stokes nicely guides it through backward point for three. Runs will keep coming till the time Stokes is out there.
6.4 : S Lakmal to Burns, On the pads, the batsman works it through square leg for a single.
6.5 : S Lakmal to Stokes, Around off, Stokes walks down the track and defends it towards mid off.
6.6 : S Lakmal to Stokes, Back of a length on off, Stokes gets right behind the line and keeps it out.
7.1 : D Perera to Stokes, Flatter delivery on middle, Stokes strokes it to long on for a single.
7.2 : D Perera to Burns, FOUR! His third of the innings.Full delivery from Dilruwan, Rory sweeps it fine towards dep sqaure leg and the ball races away to the boundary.
7.3 : D Perera to Burns, Back of a length on middle, Burns taps it towards point.
7.4 : D Perera to Burns, Floats it up on middle, Rory defends it with a straight bat.
7.5 : D Perera to Burns, Flatter trajectory from Dilruwan on off, Burns hangs back and defends it off the back foot.
7.6 : D Perera to Burns, On middle, the batsman drives it through the cover region.
8.1 : S Lakmal to Stokes, Changes the angle and bowls it from over the wicket. He lands it on a length around off, Stokes defends it onto the ground.
8.2 : S Lakmal to Stokes, He has come out with an attacking approach here. Walks down the track and flicks it nicely but finds the fielder at mid-wicket.
8.3 : S Lakmal to Stokes, Good change in length there! The bumper and it is probably the first one. Stokes however, is in control of his pull shot and he plays it all along the ground towards deep square leg for a single. Not a bad move by Lakmal that with a fielder in the deep.
8.4 : S Lakmal to Burns, Way too wide outside off, tempting Burns to play a loose shot. He resists and makes a leave.
8.5 : S Lakmal to Burns, Shuffles right across and the batsman works it to mid-wicket.
8.6 : S Lakmal to Burns, Lands it on a length and around off, Burns is half-forward and keeps it out.
9.1 : D Perera to Stokes, Flatter on middle, Stokes hangs back and pushes it towards point.
9.2 : D Perera to Stokes, On middle, Stokes leans forward and defends it off the front foot and into the ground.
9.3 : D Perera to Stokes, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
9.4 : D Perera to Stokes, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Review time! An appeal for an LBW has been turned down. Lakmal has signaled the 'T'. Looks high. Ben Stokes is the man in question.
9.5 : D Perera to Stokes, NOT OUT! Umpire's call but a good review in the end! It ended up to be much closer than we thought. This is was bowled flatter and around middle, the ball straightens a touch. Stokes is on the back foot as he tries to block but plays for the original trajectory. It hits him high on the pads. An appeal follows but the umpire shakes his head. After a chat, Suranga signals the 'T'. Replays roll in and it shows the ball to be clipping the top of the stumps. Lanka do not lose
9.6 : D Perera to Stokes, On the off pole, the batsman lunges and keeps it out.
10.1 : S Lakmal to Burns, Back of a length on middle, Rory defends it with a straight bat.
10.2 : S Lakmal to Burns, Back of a length on middle, Burns taps it to the off side.
10.3 : S Lakmal to Ben Stokes, FOUR! EXQUISITE! Overpitched from Lakmal, Stokes leans forward and drives it firmly through mid on and the ball races to the fence. Brilliant shot that.
10.4 : S Lakmal to Stokes, Length delivery on middle, Stokes defends it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
10.5 : S Lakmal to Stokes, Back of a length around off, Stokes pushes it to the off side. The batsmen rotate strike.
10.6 : S Lakmal to Burns, Full length delivery on middle, Rory clips it through fine for a single.
11.1 : D Perera to Burns, FOUR! Short and wide and it is asking to be put away! Burns does exactly that as he cuts it through point and the ball races away.
11.2 : D Perera to Burns, Short again and Burns punches it through covers for a single.
11.3 : D Perera to Stokes, Better this one! A touch slower and it is on middle, goes on with the arm. Stokes tries to defend but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket. Burns wants a run but is sent back.
11.4 : D Perera to Stokes, Brings out the paddle and plays it nice and fine. A couple taken.
11.5 : D Perera to Stokes, Tosses it up on off, Stokes defends it. Perera consistently needs to bowl this length and line.
11.6 : D Perera to Ben Stokes, Two good balls to end! Flighted and on off, Stokes reaches out and keeps it out.
Malinda Pushpakumara is into the attack.
12.1 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, Flatter delivery on middle, Rory defends it off the back foot and into the ground.
12.2 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, Tosses it up on middle, Burns pushes it straight back to the bowler.
12.3 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, Full on middle, Burns clips it to the leg side.
12.4 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, Identical delivery, Rory tucks it to the mid-wicket region.
12.5 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, Gives a bit of air on off, the batsman drives it straight to the bowler.
12.6 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, On middle, Rory flicks it straight to the the mid-wicket fielder. Starts off with a maiden.
13.1 : D Perera to Stokes, Misfield! It is the skipper, Lakmal who is the culprit. Stokes uses his feet but does not get to the pitch of the ball. He still manages to drives it towards mid off and that too firmly. Lakmal slides and tries to stop but misfields. Concedes an extra run.
0.0 : A huge appeal but not given! Stokes is once again the man in question and Lakmal has reviewed straight away. Looks very close this one.
13.2 : Perera to Stokes, OUT! Prodigious use of the review by Lanka! That looked really, really close and Hawk Eye returns three reds. Stokes there was beaten in length I feel. This is tossed up around off, Stokes goes back to a ball which he could have played forward. He tries to defend for the original trajectory but it straightens. Beats the outside edge of Stokes' bat and hits him on the back pad. A huge appeal follows but the umpire does not agree. Lakmal straightaway goes for the review. Re
Drinks! Also, Joe Root is the new man in.
13.3 : D Perera to Root, Tosses it up around off, Root defends it onto the ground.
13.4 : D Perera to Root, Works it with the turn through mid-wicket for a run.
13.5 : D Perera to Burns, Fires it outside off, Burns throws his bat at it but gets it off the inner half towards covers.
13.6 : D Perera to R Burns, EDGED BUT SHORT! En excellent over by Perera comes to an end! This is floated on off, it pitches and then turns away. Takes the outside edge of Burns bat but falls just short of the first slip fielder.
14.1 : Pushpakumara to Root, No run.
14.2 : M Pushpakumara to Root, Full on middle, Root defends it of the front foot and into the ground.
14.3 : M Pushpakumara to Root, FOUR! Good intent from Root. Flighted delivery on middle, He comes down the track and goes uppishly over mid on for a boundary.
14.4 : M Pushpakumara to Root, Floats it up on middle, Root strkes it to wide mid on for a single.
14.5 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, Quicker on off, Rory pushes it to covers for a single.
14.6 : M Pushpakumara to Root, On middle, Root tucks it straight to the leg side.
15.1 : D Perera to Burns, That was close! Excellent effort! Actually, it would have been out had it hit the stumps. Burns dances down the track and flicks it towards short leg. Mendis there who is really sharp, sticks his hand out to the right. The ball sticks and then has a shy at the striker's end. Luckily for Burns it misses the stumps.
15.2 : D Perera to Burns, Flatter again but it is a little too straight. Worked around the corner for a run.
15.3 : D Perera to Root, Tosses it up on off, Root defends it onto the ground.
15.4 : D Perera to Joe Root, A little too full this time, Root times it to mid on.
15.5 : D Perera to Root, Eases this through mid on and takes a run.
15.6 : D Perera to R Burns, Slightly short and outside off, Burns goes back and guides it through point for a brace.
16.1 : M Pushpakumara to Joe Root, Full toss in middle, Root drives it to long on for a single.
16.2 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, Full on middle, Rory defends it off the front foot and into the ground.
16.3 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, Quicker on middle, Burns goes in one knee and sweeps it towards deep square leg for a run.
16.4 : M Pushpakumara to Root,Fires it on off, Root pushes it to ther cover region.
16.5 : M Pushpakumara to Joe Root, Flighted delivery on middle, Root strokes it to long on. The batsmen rotate strike.
16.6 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, Tosses it up on middle, Burns pushes it straight to the bowler.
17.1 : D Perera to Root, Tosses it up on off, Root has drives it to the point region for a single.
17.2 : D Perera to Burns, Fullish length on middle, Burns works it to mid-wicket for a single.
17.3 : D Perera to Joe Root, Fuller delivery on middle, Root works it off side.
17.4 : D Perera to Root, On middle, the batsman defends it with a straight bat.
17.5 : D Perera to Root, Quicker on middle, Root defends it off the back foot and into the ground
17.6 : D Perera to Root, On middle, Root defends it from within the crease.
18.1 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, Sweeps it nicely with the turn through mid-wicket. A run taken.
18.2 : M Pushpakumara to Root, Gives it air on middle, the batsman blocks it out.
18.3 : M Pushpakumara to Root, FOUR! No one out in the deep so a boundary! Root goes down on one knee and sweeps it well, through square leg and it races away.
18.4 : M Pushpakumara to Root, A little flatter on off, Root goes back and guides it to point.
18.5 : M Pushpakumara to Root, Loopy ball on off, Root pords forward and blocks it out.
18.6 : M Pushpakumara to Root, OUT! TIMBER! Pushpakumara strikes! All three bowlers to have bowled now have one apiece. The straighter one does the trick. It is on off and it comes back in with the angle. Root tries to defend leaving a gap between bat and pad. The ball takes the inside edge, hits the pads and then the stumps. England's talisman falls cheaply and once again it is a left-arm spinner who gets him. Three out of three against that type of a bowler. England's top order once again fails
Jos Buttler replaces his skipper.
19.1 : D Perera to Burns, Flatter trajectory on middle, Burns taps it to the cover region.
19.2 : D Perera to Burns, FOUR! Dilruwan bowls it full on middle, Rory goes in one knee and sweeps it firmly through deep sqaure leg for a boundary. The fielder tries to stop it but it crosses the fence.
19.3 : Perera to Burns, Tosses it up on middle, the batsman tries to defend it off the back foot, the ball straightens a bit and hits the back pad. The bowler appeals but looked like it was missing the stumps.
19.4 : D Perera to Burns, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
19.5 : D Perera to Burns, Fuller on middle, Burns flicks it to the leg side.
19.6 : D Perera to Burns, Short and wide outside off, Burns tries to slash it hard but misses it completely. Good take by the keeper.
20.1 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Slower through the air on middle, Buttler defends it.
20.2 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Floats it up on middle, Buttler gets it off the inner half towards mid on.
20.3 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Uses his feet and drives it nicely but to the man at cover.
A stumping appeal has been taken up. Good glove work from Dickwella but Buttler looks to be safe.
20.4 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, NOT OUT! Buttler has made it in! That was vicious turn and bounce there for Pushpakumara. This was tossed up around off, it pitches, bounces a touch more and spins away quite a lot. Buttler tries to force it through the off side but is beaten. He drags his foot out and Dickwella collects the ball and whips the bails off. He appeals and the umpire takes it upstairs. Replays roll in and it shows Buttler is safe.
20.5 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Floats it up on off, it is kept out.
20.6 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, On the stumps, it is kept out.
Dhananjaya de Silva comes into the attack.
21.1 : de Silva to Burns, Starts off with a fuller delivery on middle, Burns flicks it to the leg side.
21.2 : de Silva to Burns, Flatter trajectory on middle, Burns rocks back and punches it to the cover region.
21.3 : de Silva to Burns, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
21.4 : de Silva to Burns, Silva pushes it through on middle, Burns hangs back and punches it through point for a single.
21.5 : de Silva to Buttler, Quicker on off, Butler has pushed it to the mid on fielder.
21.6 : de Silva to Buttler, Fullish length on middle, Butler works it to the fine leg region for a run.
22.1 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Plays the paddle towards fine leg and a couple taken.
22.2 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Takes it on the full and paddle sweeps it fine for another couple. Buttler will keep finding ways to score.
22.3 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, BEAUTIFUL! Floats it up around off, it pitches and turns away. Buttler tries to play it with an open face but is beaten by the turn away.
22.4 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Good stop! Dilruwan saves a boundary! The reverse sweep comes out and it is hit well towards backward point. Perera there dives to his left and makes a good half-stop. Two taken.
22.5 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Once again brings the reverse sweep out but finds the fielder at point.
22.6 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Lovely shot! Now brings out the paddle sweep, hits it well for a brace. Bowl it on the stumps, he will paddle sweep you, bowl it outside off, he brings out the reverse sweep. Very tough to bowl at such batsman.
23.1 : de Silva to Burns, Little bit fuller on middle, Rory leans forward and tries to defend it but was hit on the pads. Luckily Rory gets the inside edge of the bat otherwise he would have been a goner.
23.2 : de Silva to Burns, Tosses it up on middle, Rory pushes it the cover region for a single.
23.3 : de Silva to Buttler, Flighted delivery on middle, Buttler gets the leading edge and the ball rolls it to the off side. The batsmen rotate strike.
23.4 : de Silva to Burns, Fuller on off, Burns pushes it to the mid-off region.
23.5 : de Silva to Burns, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
23.6 : de Silva to Burns, Flatter in length on off, Burns hangs back and punches it off the back foot. The ball goes straight to the mid off region.
24.1 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Once again plays the reverse sweep, it is not off the middle but the batsmen take a single as the ball goes through point.
24.2 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, Slower through the air on middle, Burns works it fine down the leg side and takes two.
24.3 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, Plays the sweep and it is in the gap through the square leg region. Another brace.
24.4 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, This is tossed up outside off, Burn goes for the reverse sweep but hits it onto the ground. Dhananjaya stops it.
24.5 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
24.6 : M Pushpakumara to Burns, Eases this through mid on for a run.
Akila Dananjaya to roll his arm.
25.1 : A Dananjaya to Burns, Starts of with a fuller delivery on middle, Rory defends it off the front foot and into the ground.
25.2 : A Dananjaya to Burns, Drags his length short, Burns hangs back and cuts it through point for a run.
25.3 : A Dananjaya to Burns, Nicely floated delivery around off, Burns tries to sweep it but the ball spins away and misses the outside edge of the bat. Good delivery that from the offie.
25.4 : Dananjaya to Burns, A huge appeal but not given! This is flighted around off, it turns away. Bruns brings out the sweep. There is a noise as the ball passes the bat. Dickwella takes it and like he always does, puts in a loud appeal. The umpire is unmoved. The Lankans opt against the review and rightly so. Replays show that the noise was off the bat hitting the ground.
Have Sri Lanka got another? They have gone upstairs to check if the catch is clean.
25.5 : A Dananjaya to Burns, OUT! It is clean as a whistle! The bowling change has done the trick. Akila strikes in his first over. A good catch by Dhananjaya de Silva. This is bowled slower through the air on off. The ball pitches and turns away. Burns plays inside the line, the ball takes the outside edge and goes low towards first slip. Dhananjaya seems to have taken it inches above the ground. Sri Lanka start celebrating and Burns starts walking back. The umpires though ask him to wait as th
25.6 : A Dananjaya to Ali, Floats it up on off, Ali blocks it out.
26.1 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Fuller and quicker on middle, Buttler defends it from within the crease.
26.2 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Similar delivery, Buttler pushes it straight to the point region.
26.3 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Full on middle, Buttler leans forward and tries to defend it but the gets the inside half of the bat and the ball rolls it to the leg side for a run.
26.4 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Buttler reverse sweeps it through the fine leg for a single.
26.5 : M Pushpakumara to Ali, Full on middle, Ali tries to sweep it but was hit on the pads. Bowler appeals but the umpire is not interested.
26.6 : M Pushpakumara to Ali, Flatter trajectory on middle, Ali defends it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
27.1 : A Dananjaya to Buttler, FOUR! Swept and swept hard! This is full and outside off, Buttler plants his front foot outside the line of off and then sweeps it crisply through square leg for a boundary.
27.2 : A Dananjaya to Buttler, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries! Once again Buttler plays the sweep shot and gets the desired result. It is creamed through square leg. Need not run for those.
27.3 : A Dananjaya to Buttler, FOUR! Make that three in three! Through the off side this time. They brought in an extra fielder on the leg side from the off side so Buttler decides to play the reverse, connects well through point and a boundary results. 100 up for England.
27.4 : A Dananjaya to Buttler, From around the wicket bowls it down the leg side, Buttler tries playing the conventional sweep but misses.
27.5 : A Dananjaya to Buttler, Works it with the turn to mid-wicket.
27.6 : A Dananjaya to Buttler, Reverse sweep towards deep point for a run. 13 from this over.
28.1 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Fuller length on middle, Buttler reverse sweeps it through deep point for a single.
28.2 : M Pushpakumara to Ali, Full on middle, Ali paddles it through fine leg for a run.
28.3 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, FOUR! Reverse sweep again from Buttler. Full toss on his pads, Buttler sweeps it crisply through deep square leg for a boundary.
28.4 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Fires it on middle, Buttler sweeps it again towards sqaure leg . The batsmen rotate strike.
28.5 : M Pushpakumara to Ali, Flatter on middle, Ali rocks back and tucks it to the leg side for a run.
28.6 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, FOUR! Superb from Buttler again. It was bowled full on middle, Buttler goes down in one knee and creams it through deep square leg for a boundary.
Dilruwan Perera to bowl the last over before Lunch.
29.1 : D Perera to Ali, Tosses it up on off, Moeen Ali defends it out.
29.2 : D Perera to Ali, Fires it on middle, Ali works it to mid-wicket.
29.3 : D Perera to Ali, Down the leg side and it is swept to fine leg for a run.
29.4 : D Perera to Buttler, Buttler has either swept or has defended. Once again he brings out the paddle sweep through short fine leg for a brace.
29.5 : D Perera to Buttler, Surprisingly does not play the sweep shot this time as it is on the shorter side. He goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a run.
29.6 : D Perera to Ali, Tosses it up around off, Ali tries to defend but gets an outside edge towards the backward point region. A single taken. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 1!
Both the sides will be happy after the first session. England, because they have managed to score runs at a good rate. Sri Lanka, because they have got rid of the English top order. After electing to bat, the visitors lost Jennings early. Stokes then came out in his new batting position, looked fluent to start with but could not make most of the start. Root too, fell cheaply. Burns and Buttler did try and build a partnership of some sort but it was cut short as Burns fell 7 short of a half ton.
Sri Lanka on the other hand, were excellent to begin with. They hit the right lines and lengths and the wicket also assisted them. Each of their bowlers, except for Dhananjaya has a wicket. However, they had England in a similar position in the first Test but failed to capitalize. This time though they would not want to repeat the mistakes from the last game.
Will Sri Lanka bowl the tourists out cheaply or will the English lower order once again come to their rescue? Join us in a while to find out.
... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...
We are back for the afternoon session. Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes will resume their innings. Malinda Pushpakumara will start the proceedings. Here we go...
30.1 : M Pushpakumara to Ali, Starts off with a fuller delivery on middle, Ali tucks it to the leg side.
30.2 : M Pushpakumara to Ali, Full on middle, Ali pushes it to mid off.
30.3 : M Pushpakumara to Ali, Quicker on middle, Ali sweeps it to the fine leg region for a single.
30.4 : M Pushpakumara to Ali, Little bit slower down the leg side, Moeen tries to sweep but hits the pad.
30.5 : M Pushpakumara to Ali, On middle, Ali flicks it to the mid-wicket region.
30.6 : M Pushpakumara to Ali, Floats it up on middle, Ali works it to the on side for a run.
Suranga Lakmal to bowl from the other end.
31.1 : S Lakmal to Ali, Fuller delivery outside off, Ali leans forward and drives it through covers for a run.
31.2 : S Lakmal to Buttler, Back of a length on middle, Buttler defends it off the back foot and into the ground.
31.3 : S Lakmal to Buttler, Full on middle, Buttler drives it straight to the cover fielder.
31.4 : S Lakmal to Buttler, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
31.5 : S Lakmal to Buttler, Back of a length on middle, Buttler tucks it to the leg side.
31.6 : S Lakmal to Buttler, A tad fuller, Buttler pushes it to the cover.
32.1 : M Pushpakumara to Ali, Drags his length short, Ali hangs back ans works it through square leg for a single.
32.2 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Fires it quicker on off, Buttler tries to revers sweep it but it takes the bottom edge and it rolls to the first slip fielder.
32.3 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Full on middle, Jos pushes it to the cover region.
32.4 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Quicker on off, the batsman rocks back and pushes it to the cover region.
32.5 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, FOUR! Too easy for Buttler. This was tossed up on off, Buttler goes on one knee and sweeps it through deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
32.6 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Bowls it quicker again this time, Buttler reverse sweeps it towards square leg. The batsmen rotate strike.
33.1 : S Lakmal to Buttler, Length delivery on middle, Butter opens the face of the bat and guides it third man for a couple of runs.
33.2 : S Lakmal to Buttler, Back of length on middle, Jos shuffles across and tucks it towards the square leg for a brace.
33.3 : S Lakmal to Ali, Length delivery outside off, Ali shoulders arms to it.
33.4 : S Lakmal to Ali, Back of a length on middle, Moeen defends it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
33.5 : S Lakmal to Ali, Outside off, Batsman lets it go.
33.6 : S Lakmal to Ali, Just a tad short, Moeen ali punches it off the back foot through covers for a run.
34.1 : M Pushpakumara to Ali, Works it with the turn towards mid-wicket.
0.0 : Sri Lanka have reviewed an LBW decision given them. Moeen Ali is the man in question. Looks like it will be going down the leg side.
34.2 : M Pushpakumara to Ali, OUT! That is hitting the middle of leg stump and Moeen Ali has been given his marching orders. Did not see that coming, at first, it looked like it would spin down the leg side but Hawk Eye has proven us wrong. Pushpakumara bowls this a touch shorter in length around middle, it comes in with the angle. Ali goes back to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal follows but the umpire shakes his head. Lakmal asks his keeper and bowler and then reviews it. Repl
Ben Foakes walks out to bat.
34.3 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, Tosses it up on off, Foakes defends it out.
34.4 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, Another tossed up delivery, it is pushed to covers.
34.5 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, Loopy ball on off, Foakes defends it out.
34.6 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, Gives it air again, Foakes is solid in defense.
35.1 : S Lakmal to Buttler, Fuller on middle from Lakmal, Foakes pushes it to mid on.
35.2 : S Lakmal to Foakes, Short on middle, Ben quickly gets on the position and pulls it towards deep sqaure leg for a brace.
35.3 : S Lakmal to Foakes, Full on middle, the batsman watchfully defends it.
35.4 : S Lakmal to Foakes, Length delivery on off, Ben opens the face of the bat and taps it to second slip. The fielder misfields and batsmen sneak a single.
35.5 : S Lakmal to Buttler, In the channel around off, Butler leans forward and defends it presenting the full face of the bat.
35.6 : S Lakmal to Buttler, Back of a length on around off, Butler punches it off the back foot towards mid off for a single.
36.1 : Pushpakumara to Buttler, Full on off, Buttler tries to reverse sweep it but hits the toe end pf the bat and the ball rolls it to slip.
36.2 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Buttler gets into the position early and reverse sweeps it through square leg for a run.
36.3 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, Flighted delivery on middle, Foakes plays away from the body and gets the thick outside edge and the ball rolls it towards backward point.
36.4 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, Flatter on middle, Ben punches it off the back foot.
36.5 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
36.6 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, Full on middle, the batsman works it towards mid-wicket for a single.
37.1 : S Lakmal to Foakes, Good length around off, Foakes guides it towards point for a quick run. Good running that.
37.2 : S Lakmal to Buttler, Fifty for Buttler, it is his 11th in this format. It is also the second fastest fifty by an English batsman in Sri Lanka. A solid counter-attacking innings, full of sweeps and reverse sweeps. He though knows his job is not yet done and England would hope he can stay out there for long. He gets to the milestone by pulling this ball hard towards deep square leg for a single.
37.3 : S Lakmal to Foakes, FOUR! Delightful! How good was that shot? Full and around off, Foakes gets his front foot towards the pitch of the ball and then times it through covers.
37.4 : S Lakmal to Ben Foakes, Fullish again but this is closer to the off pole. Foakes strokes it to mid off.
37.5 : S Lakmal to Foakes, A little too wide outside off, left alone.
37.6 : S Lakmal to Foakes, Good length on off, it is guided towards point.
38.1 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, FOUR! 150 comes up with that boundary. It was full toss on middle, Jos reverse sweeps it through deep square leg for a boundary.
38.2 : M Pushpakumara to Jos Buttler, Full on middle, Jos plays the same shot but this time for a run.
38.3 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, Quicker on middle, Foakes plays it with a striaght bat.
38.4 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, Four! This time by Foakes. Little bit slower from the bowler on middle, Ben goes on one knee and sweeps it through deep fine. Umpire singals a boundary.
38.5 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, On middle, the batsman defends it off the front foot and into the ground.
38.6 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, Full on off, Foakes drives it straight to the covers.
Dilruwan Perera is back on.
39.1 : D Perera to Buttler, Flatter and on middle, Buttler goes back and tucks it around the corner for a run.
39.2 : D Perera to Foakes, Tosses it up on middle, Ben comes down the track and flicks it towards leg side.
39.3 : D Perera to Foakes, Full on middle, the batsman sweeps it towards fine leg for a run.
39.4 : D Perera to Buttler, Appeal for LBW. It was nicely tossed up, Buttler tries to reverse sweep it, the ball spins back a bit, and hits the back pad. It was looking close from the naked eye. But the Umpire shows no interest in the appeal.
39.5 : D Perera to Buttler, Fuller on middle, Buttler works it through mid-wicket.
39.6 : D Perera to Buttler, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
40.1 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, Floats it up on middle, it is worked with the angle through mid-wicket for a run.
40.2 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Brings out the reverse sweep but it goes off the inner half towards short third man for a single.
40.3 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, FOUR! Poor ball and it has been put away! Short and outside off, Foakes has all the time in the world to rock back and cut it through point. A boundary.
40.4 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, Floats it up on off, Foakes defends it onto the ground.
40.5 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, Slower through the air on off, BF pushes it to covers.
40.6 : M Pushpakumara to Foakes, On the stumps and it has been kept out.
41.1 : D Perera to Buttler, Flighted on middle, Buttler dances down the track and strokes it to long on for a single.
41.2 : D Perera to Foakes, Full on middle, Foakes flicks it through mid-wicket.
41.3 : D Perera to Ben Foakes, OUT! Another one bites the dust and Sri Lanka are right on top here. Foakes, the hero of the last game, walks back cheaply this time. This is tossed up outside off, Foakes plants his front foot outside the crease and tries to sweep. The ball takes a faint inside edge, hits his pads and then goes to the slip fielder. Dhananjaya de Silva there is safe as houses. The Lankans start celebrating but Foakes waits. The umpire then raises his finger and Ben starts walking ba
Sam Curran is the new man in.
41.4 : D Perera to Curran, Flatter and on off, Curran guides it to the point region.
41.5 : D Perera to Curran, Floats it up on middle, it is kept out.
41.6 : D Perera to Curran, On the shorter side, it is kept out.
42.1 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Full on middle, Buttler reverse sweeps it towards deep point for a run.
42.2 : M Pushpakumara to Curran, Flighted on middle, Sam defends it wit a straight bat.
42.3 : M Pushpakumara to Curran, On middle, Curran strokes it to long on for a single.
42.4 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Buttler reverse sweeps it again through point. The batsmen rotate strike.
42.5 : M Pushpakumara to Curran, A tad fuller on middle, SC defends it from with the crease.
42.6 : M Pushpakumara to Curran, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Drinks!
43.1 : D Perera to Buttler, Flighted delivery from Dilruwan but the ball spins away and keeper collects it behind the stumps.
43.2 : D Perera to Buttler, Tossed it up on middle, Buttler comes down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
43.3 : D Perera to Buttler, Floats it up on middle, Jos works it towards leg side for a single.
43.4 : D Perera to Curran, Gives a bit of air, Curran tries to leans forward but missed the outside edge of the bat.
43.5 : D Perera to Curran, Brilliant delivery again. Tosses it up on middle, the ball spins away and the ball misses the outside edge of the bat.
43.6 : D Perera to Curran, Little bit fuller on middle, the batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
44.1 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Tosses it up on middle, the batsman keeps it out.
44.2 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, Slightly shorter and outside off, the batsman pushes it through covers for a run.
44.3 : M Pushpakumara to Curran, Floats it up on off, Curran keeps it out.
44.4 : M Pushpakumara to Curran, Loopy ball on off, Curran is solid in defense.
44.5 : M Pushpakumara to Curran, Flighted ball on off, it is kept out.
44.6 : M Pushpakumara to Curran, Floated around off, this is pushed to covers.
45.1 : D Perera to Buttler, Full on middle, Buttler sweeps it towards deep square leg for a run.
45.2 : D Perera to Curran, Flighted on middle, SC defends it with a straight bat.
45.3 : D Perera to Curran, Flatter trajectory arround off, Curran tries to poke at it but misses it completely.
Stumping appeal has been taken upstairs! Curran is the man in question.
45.4 : D Perera to Curran, NOT OUT! Curran has his foot inside and he has his bat inside on the second attempt. This is tossed up outside off, Curran is forward in defense. The ball pitches and turns away. Dickwella whips the bails off and appeals. Curran then falls over, Dickwella however sees that and then takes a stump out and continues his appeal. The umpire refers it upstairs. Replays show that Curran is home in both the occasion. Dickwella was a little hesitant the second time, had he not h
45.5 : D Perera to Curran, Works it to mid-wicket with the angle.
45.6 : D Perera to Curran, Floats it up on middle, kept out.
46.1 : M Pushpakumara to Buttler, OUT! You live by the sword you die by it. The reverse sweep and sweep was so productive before this for Buttler one but unfortunately he has to walk back. Tossed up ball on middle and leg. Jos looks to reverse sweep this one but gets a top edge towards backward point. Dimuth Karunaratne there gets under it and makes no mistake. A good counter-attacking innings comes to an end. Can the hosts wrap up things quickly now?
0.0 : Adil Rashid is the next man in.
46.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Flighted delivery on middle, Adil defends it off the front foot and into the ground.
46.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Full on middle, Rashid drives it striaght to the cover region.
46.4 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Tossed up on middle, Adil comes down the track and strokes it towards long on for a single.
46.5 : M Pushpakumara to Curran, Loopy delivery on middle, Sam tucks it to the leg side for a run.
46.6 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Gives a bit of air on off, Adil leans forward and drives it uppishly towards covers but luckily in the gap. Batsmen get a run.
47.1 : D Perera to Rashid, This is down the leg side, Rashid fails to flick. The ball bruhses the pads and goes fine down the leg side for a leg bye.
47.2 : D Perera to Curran, Tosses it up on middle, the batsman blocks it out.
47.3 : D Perera to Curran, Another tossed up ball, the batsman is solid in defense.
47.4 : D Perera to Curran, A good leave in the end! This is flatter and around off, Curran leaves thinking it will turn away. This one holds its line and goes close past the off pole.
47.5 : D Perera to Curran, Floats it up on off, the batter blocks it out.
47.6 : D Perera to Curran, Gives it air on off, Curran strokes it to covers.
48.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Full on middle, Rashid defends it off the front foot and into the ground.
48.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Flighted on off, Adil leans forward and pushes it towards point.
48.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Identical delivery, AR drives it towards covers.
48.4 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
48.5 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Flatter on middle, Rashid hangs back and punches it off the back foot.
48.6 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
49.1 : D Perera to Curran, Flatter trajectory on middle, Curran punches it off the back foot. The batsmen get a run.
49.2 : D Perera to Rashid, Loopy delivery on off, Rashid tries to push it but misses it completely.
49.3 : D Perera to A Rashid, Fuller on middle, Rashid strokes it to long on for a single,
49.4 : D Perera to Curran, Flighted delivery on middle, Sam gets the thick outside edge of the bat and the ball rolls it to off side.
49.5 : D Perera to Curran, Tosses it up on middle, Curran eases it to long off for a run.
49.6 : D Perera to Rashid, Drags his length short on middle, Rashid tucks it the fine leg. The batsmen rotate strike.
50.1 : M Pushpakumara to Sam Curran, Curran says, enough of the dots. He steps down and tries to go big but it goes off the inner half down to long on for a run.
50.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Floats it up on off, the batsman defends it out.
50.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Gives it a loop around middle, it is defended.
50.4 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, It is slower through the air around off, Rashid goes back and guides it through point for a run.
50.5 : M Pushpakumara to Curran, Works it with the turn towards mid-wicket.
50.6 : M Pushpakumara to Curran, Floated on middle, flicked to mid-wicket.
Akila Dananjaya is back on.
51.1 : A Dananjaya to Rashid, Drags it short, Adil tucks it to fine leg for a run.
51.2 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Little bit quicker on middle, Sam defends it from within the crease.
51.3 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Shorter in length again, Curran punches it to long on for a run.
51.4 : A Dananjaya to Rashid, Loopy delivery on middle, Adil defends it off the front foot and into the ground.
51.5 : A Dananjaya to Rashid, Tosses it up on middle, Adil leans forward and defends but gets a thick outside edge and the ball rolls it to the first slip.
51.6 : A Dananjaya to Rashid, Quicker on off, Adil pushes it to point for a run.
52.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
52.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Little bit short on middle, Adil defends it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
52.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, SIX! SMASHED! Loopy delivery on middle, Rashid comes down the track and smashes it over long of for a huge maximum.
52.4 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Full on middle, AR pushes it towards the cover region for a run.
52.5 : M Pushpakumara to Curran, Flaater through the air on middle, the batsman defends it from within the crease.
52.6 : M Pushpakumara to Curran, Loopy delivery on middle, Curran gets the inside edge. Hits the pad and the ball rolls it to the slip fielder.
53.1 : A Dananjaya to Rashid, Flighted ball on off, Rashid defends it out.
53.2 : A Dananjaya to Rashid, Very full on middle, the batsman goes to flick but gets it off the inner half towards mid-wicket.
53.3 : A Dananjaya to A Rashid, FOUR! Nice shot! Never easy to play against the turn. It was floated on the stumps, Rashid makes room and then drives it through covers for a boundary.
53.4 : A Dananjaya to Rashid, Flatter and around off, Rashid goes back and defends it onto the ground.
53.5 : A Dananjaya to Rashid, With the angle works it around the corner for a run.
53.6 : A Dananjaya to Sam Curran, Flighted delivery on middle, Akila drives it to mid off.
54.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Flighted delivery on middle, Adil defends it off the front foot and into the ground.
54.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Full on middle, Adil psuhes it towards point.
54.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Quicker on middle, Rashid strokes it to long on for a run.
54.4 : M Pushpakumara to Sam Curran, Tosses it up on middle, Sam leans forward ans drives it through wide on. They get a run.
54.5 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
54.6 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Flatter through the air on off, Rashid punches it off the back foot.
55.1 : A Dananjaya to Curran, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
55.2 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Loopy delivery on middle, Curran defends it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
55.3 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Loopy delivery on middle, Sam leans forward and defends it by presenting the full face of the bat.
55.4 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Fuller on middle, Curran drives it straight to the bowler.
55.5 : A Dananjaya to Sam Curran, Flatter on off, Sam cuts it hard and it flies over the slip and batsmen get three runs for it.
55.6 : A Dananjaya to A Rashid, A touch fuller on middle, Rashid drives it towards mid on for a run.
Suranga Lakmal is back on.
56.1 : S Lakmal to Rashid, FOUR! Good shot that. Back of a length delivery on middle, Rashid rocks back and cuts it towards cover-region for a boundary.
56.2 : S Lakmal to Rashid, Full on middle, Rashid drives it towards covers for a run.
56.3 : S Lakmal to Curran, Back of a length on middle, Curran has punched it off the back foot.
56.4 : S Lakmal to Curran, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
56.5 : S Lakmal to Curran, A touch fuller on this occasion, Curran leans forward and drives it straight to the mid- off region.
56.6 : S Lakmal to Curran, On middle, Curran watchfully keeps it out.
57.1 : A Dananjaya to Rashid, Nicely tossed up around off, Rashid blocks it out.
57.2 : A Dananjaya to Rashid, Shorter in length on middle, it is pushed down to long on for a run.
57.3 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Gives it air on middle, Curran defends it onto the ground.
57.4 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Another loopy ball on middle, it is kept out.
57.5 : A Dananjaya to Curran, BEAUTY! This is bowled flatter and quicker around off, it pitches and then turns away sharply, beating the outside edge of Curran's bat.
57.6 : A Dananjaya to Curran, On the shorter side, Curran goes back and pushes it to covers.
58.1 : S Lakmal to Rashid, Inside edge saves Rashid there! The in-dipper from Lakmal. Rashid goes for a drive but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
58.2 : S Lakmal to Rashid, Once again tries to hit the pads of Rashid but the batter gets his bat down in time and works it to mid-wicket.
58.3 : S Lakmal to Rashid, Good length around off, Rashid gets behind the line and defends it onto the ground.
58.4 : S Lakmal to Rashid, On the fuller side, Rashid strokes it towards mid off.
58.5 : S Lakmal to Rashid, On a length and around off, Rashid defends it onto the ground.
58.6 : S Lakmal to Rashid, Wide outside off, the batsman shoulders arms to it.
59.1 : A Dananjaya to Curran, On the shorter side around off, Curran pushes it through covers for a run.
59.2 : A Dananjaya to Rashid, Flatter and on middle, Rashid uses his wrists and works it through mid-wicket for a run.
59.3 : A Dananjaya to Curran, The attempted leg break but ends up bowling a full toss. Curran finds mid-wicket with his slog.
59.4 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Another googly, this time it is tossed up. Curran makes the mistake of going back and trying to defend it but is beaten by the away turn.
59.5 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Fires it on off, Curran guides it to point.
59.6 : A Dananjaya to Curran, On the shorter side, the batsman cuts it through point for a run. TEA ON DAY 1!
Another session which both the teams will be happy with. However, it could have been the Lankans who this session could have been awarded to. But once again it is England's lower order which is fighting hard.
Sri Lanka did manage to get Foakes and Moeen Ali early in the second session. Buttler then continued and he brought up his half ton. However, he fell and at that time England were in trouble at 171 for 7. Sam Curran and Adil Rashid though have come to the rescue and the two are amidst a 41-run stand. The tourists will somehow hope they can get past the 250-run mark which will be a good score.
Sri Lanka on the other hand, bowled really well in the initial stages of the session but once again lost it towards the end. However, another decent start to the third session will see them wrap this England batting. We have had two shared sessions till now, who will the third one go to?
... Day 1, Session 3 ...
We are back for the final session of the day. Will these last 3 wickets make the Lankan bowler's toil or will the host clean them up? Curran and Rashid walk out while Pushpakumara will bowl the first over post Tea.
60.1 : M Pushpakumara to Sam Curran, Full delivery on middle, Sam strokes it to long on for a single.
60.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Tosses it up on middle, Rashid drives it to point for a run.
60.3 : M Pushpakumara to Curran, Flighted on middle, SC keeps it out.
60.4 : M Pushpakumara to Curran, Full on middle, Sam eases it to long on for a run.
60.5 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Loopy delivery on middle, Rashid defends it off the front foot and into the ground.
60.6 : M Pushpakumara to Rashid, Fullish in length on off, Rashid drives it towards cover. Batsmen rotate strike.
61.1 : D Perera to A Rashid, Tossed up on middle, Adil drives it through covers.
0.0 : Action straightaway! Rashid has been given out LBW. He reviews though.
61.2 : D Perera to Rashid, OUT! That is plumb in front and Rashid has to continue his walk back. He takes a review along. This is flatter and around off, it pitches and turns back in. Rashid fails to get his bat down in time and it hits the back pad. An appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Rashid reviews, a desperate review one can say. Time for the replays and it shows three reds. A handy knock and a handy 45-run stand for England comes to an end. Perera gets his 3rd and once again Sri Lanka
Jack Leach is in at no. 10.
61.3 : D Perera to J Leach, Edged but safe. Fuller and flatter on off, Leach tries to defend but gets an outside edge between the two slip fielders and down towards third man for a couple. That went along the ground though. Leach had played it with soft hands.
61.4 : D Perera to Leach, Fuller outside off. It misses the outside edge of the bat.
61.5 : D Perera to J Leach, Tosses it up on middle, Leach drives it firmly through covers.
61.6 : D Perera to Leach, Similar delivery the batsman taps it to the point region.
Akila Dananjaya is back on.
62.1 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Full on middle, Sam defends it off the front foot and into the ground.
62.2 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Flighted on off, SC blocks it out.
62.3 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Little bit quicker on off, Sam pushes it towards point for a run.
62.4 : A Dananjaya to Leach, Gives a bit of air, Leach pokes and gets a thick outside edge but falls just short of the second slip fielder.
62.5 : A Dananjaya to Leach, FOUR! WHACKED! Floats it up on middle, Leach goes in one knee and slogs it over deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
62.6 : A Dananjaya to Leach, On middle, the batsman has pushed it through the point region.
63.1 : D Perera to Curran, Flatter on middle, Curran reverse sweeps it straight to the point fielder.
63.2 : D Perera to Curran, Fires it on off, SC guides it through the point region.
63.3 : D Perera to Curran, Flatter and quicker around off, Sam cuts it straight to the backward point fielder.
63.4 : D Perera to Curran, Curran punches it off the backfoot. Batsman gets a run.
63.5 : D Perera to Leach, Good delivery that. Tossed it up on middle, he leans forward and missed the outside edge of the bat.
63.6 : D Perera to Leach, Quicker on middle, Leach pushes it through covers for a single.
64.1 : A Dananjaya to Leach, BEATEN! Flatter and around off, the ball turns away. Leach gets beaten as he tries to defend.
64.2 : A Dananjaya to Leach, Floats it up on middle, the batsman tries to flick but gets a soft leading edge back to the bowler.
64.3 : A Dananjaya to Leach, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
64.4 : A Dananjaya to Leach, OUT! BOWLED 'EM! That is an absolute beauty! But once again, like quite a few English batsman, Jack Leach pays the price for not coming onto the front foot. This is tossed up on middle, Leach is rooted to his crease as he tries to defend. The ball spins past the outside edge and hits the top of off. End is nigh now for England.
James Anderson is the last man in.
Is that it? Anderson is given out LBW but he takes the review. Doesn't look out though. Let's find out.
64.5 : A Dananjaya to Anderson, NOT OUT! Anderson survives as the impact is outside the off pole. Good use of the review by England this time. This is flatter and around middle, it pitches and turns square. Anderson's outside edge is beaten and it hits him on the pads. The players appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Anderson has to review and he does so. Replays show that the on-field call has to be overturned.
64.6 : A Dananjaya to J Anderson, DROPPED! Dickwella is the culprit. Tosses it up around off, this one pitches and turns away. Takes the outside edge of Anderson's bat as he tries to defend. It goes towards Niroshan who fails to hang on. He kicks the turf in disgust. The innings could have ended it but it is not the case. Curran is on strike now and he could add a few handy runs. He will surely attack now.
65.1 : D Perera to Curran, Drags his length short, Sam comes down the track and pushes it towards point for a run.
65.2 : D Perera to Anderson, Fuller on middle, Jimmy defends it from within the crease.
65.3 : D Perera to Anderson,Floats it up on middle, Anderson reverse sweep it but the goes falls it striaght to the point fielder.
65.4 : D Perera to Anderson, Quicker and flatter around off, the ball spins away sharp only to miss the outside edge of the bat.
65.5 : D Perera to Anderson, On middle, Anderson sweeps it towards fine leg for a single.
65.6 : D Perera to Curran, Fires it on middle, Curran pushes it through covers. 1 run added to the total.
66.1 : A Dananjaya to Curran, The batsman defends it off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
66.2 : A Dananjaya to Curran, SIX! What a shot! Tosses up delivery on middle, Curran comes down the track and smashes it over long on for a maximum.
66.3 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Drifts on to his pads, Curran tries to flick it but misses it.
66.4 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
66.5 : A Dananjaya to Curran, SIX! Two in one over. Loopy delivery on middle, Sam dances down the track again and heaves it over long on for another maximum.
66.6 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Little bit fuller on middle, SC drives it through mid on. Batsman rotate strike. Good over for England.
67.1 : D Perera to Curran, Curran defends it off the front foot and into the ground.
67.2 : D Perera to Curran, On middle, Curran watchfully defends it.
67.3 : D Perera to Curran, Little bit quicker on middle, Curran tries to flick it but it was struck on the thigh pad.
67.4 : D Perera to Curran, On middle, SC comes down the track and jams it out.
A stumping appeal has been taken up. Touch and go this.
67.5 : D Perera to Curran, NOT OUT! That was touch and go! Could have gone either way. This is tossed up around off, Curran tries to defend but is beaten by the turn away. Dickwella collects the ball and whips the bails off. An appeal follows and the umpire takes it upstairs. Time for the replays and it at first shows Curran's foot to be in the air, but on replays from different angles, it looks like he has his foot grounded. However, the third umpire has given the benefit of the doubt to the bat
67.6 : D Perera to Curran, SIX! That is huge! What a shot! Curran dances down the track, also makes room and tonks it over the long off fence.
68.1 : A Dananjaya to Anderson, FOUR! 250 up for England. The dropped catch has been proving costly for Lankans.It was bowled full on middle, Anderson sweeps it towards fine leg for a boundary. These are important runs for England.
68.2 : A Dananjaya to Anderson, Anderson tried to reverse sweep it but gets the toe end of the bat and the ball goes in between the keepers leg and they sneak a single.
68.3 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Flatter on middle, Curran defends it off the back foot.
68.4 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Fuller on middle, SC comes down the track and jams it out.
68.5 : A Dananjaya to Curran, SIX! Top shot from the young Sam Curran. It was flighted on middle, Curran comes down the track and lofts it over extra cover for a maximum. Counter attack from Sam.
68.6 : A Dananjaya to Sam Curran, It was bowled wide outside off, Curran pushes it towards covers for a run. These are important runs for England. 12 from the over.
69.1 : D Perera to Curran, Flatter on off, Curran goes back to keep it out.
69.2 : D Perera to Curran, This is flatter and around off, Curran keeps it out.
69.3 : D Perera to Curran, FOUR BYES! Now all going England's way! This is tossed up on middle, Curran swings across the line but misses. It takes off after pitching and Dickwella fails to collect it. Races to the third man fence.
69.4 : D Perera to Curran, Quicker on off, Curran blocks it out.
69.5 : D Perera to Sam Curran, Fires it on off, the batsman pushes it through covers for a single.
69.6 : D Perera to Anderson, Tosses it up on off, the batsman lunges and blocks it out.
70.1 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Full down leg, Curran reverse sweeps it towards deep point but he does not take a run.
70.2 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Play and miss. Tossed up on middle, spins away sharply and beats the outside edge of the bat.
70.3 : A Dananjaya to Curran, SIX! Brings up his third Fifty. What a knock from the young Sam Curran. Looking at the match situation it has been a quality knock and England would like to stay there for some more time. It was dragged short and he quickly rocks back and pulls it over deep sqaure leg for a huge six. It has been a high class innings so far.
70.4 : A Dananjaya to Sam Curran, SIX! Second of the over. Errs in line and length, Sam goes back and pulls it over deep-id wicket for a maximum. Counter attack at its best from Curran.
70.5 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Fuller on middle, the batsman works it through mid-wicket.
70.6 : A Dananjaya to Curran, 1 run.
71.1 : D Perera to Curran, Flatter on off, Curran pushes it back to the bowler.
71.2 : D Perera to Curran, Tosses it up on middle, Curran blocks it out.
71.3 : D Perera to Curran, Quicker and flatter again outside off, Curran punches it back to the bowler.
71.4 : D Perera to Curran, Down the leg side, Curran misses the sweep shot. Dickwella fails to collect it.
71.5 : D Perera to Curran, This is eased down to long on for a run. One ball is all Anderson has to play out now.
71.6 : D Perera to Anderson, Not sure if that is how Curran wanted him to play it, he still negotiates it. This is tossed up outside off, Anderson goes for the sweep but gets it off the inner half towards deep square leg. The single is not taken.
72.1 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Flighted on middle, the ball spun a bit, the batsman gets a thick leading edge and rolls it to the off side.
72.2 : A Dananjaya to Curran, DROPPEED! What a miss. Flighted on middle, Curran comes down the track and tries to hit it over long on. Did not get the timing he wanted. Goes straight in the hands of Pushpakumara who drops an easy catch.
72.3 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Fuller on middle, Curran works it the leg side.
72.4 : A Dananjaya to Curran, SIX! WHACKED! Adding insult to injury. Two balls before he was dropped and now he makes full use of it. It was nicley tossed up on middle, Sam dances down the track and whacks it over long on for a maximum.
72.5 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Full on leg side, It struck the thigh pad and the ball rolls it to leg side. Batsmen rotate strike.
72.6 : A Dananjaya to Anderson, On middle, Anderson reverse sweeps it through deep fine leg. But Curran refuses to take a single on the last ball.
73.1 : D Perera to Curran, Tossed up ball on middle and off, Curran taps it with soft hands to the off side.
73.2 : D Perera to Curran, Down leg, Curran works it with the turn.
73.3 : D Perera to Curran, Happy to defend another one. On off, kept out.
73.4 : D Perera to Curran, Wow! 4 dots to Curran. Flatter ball outside off, Curran shoulders his arms.
73.5 : D Perera to Sam Curran, Full around off, driven to covers. Last ball now, will look for the run.
73.6 : D Perera to Curran, Doesn't get it. Short ball on off, punched to the man at covers. Maiden over.
Drinks!
74.1 : A Dananjaya to Anderson, Full on middle, Anderson tucks it to the leg side for a run.
74.2 : A Dananjaya to Curran, Full and wide down leg, Curran flicks it to the square leg.
74.3 : A Dananjaya to Sam Curran, Tossed up on middle, Sam comes down the track and hits the toe end of the bat and the ball rolls it to the on side.
74.4 : A Dananjaya to Curran, FOUR! Errs in line and length from Akila. Sam makes full use of it. He sweeps it fine and the ball races away to the fence.
74.5 : A Dananjaya to Curran, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
74.6 : A Dananjaya to Sam Curran, Gives a bit of air on middle, Sam drives it through wide mid on and batsman rotate strike.
75.1 : D Perera to Curran, A tad short on middle, Curran defends it off the back foot and into the ground.
Has Mathews pulled off a blinder? He is not sure though. They have gone upstairs to check. The soft signal is NOT OUT.
75.2 : D Perera to Curran, NOT OUT! A valiant effort from Mathews there. It dropped just short. It was flighted on middle, Sam Curran comes down the track and tries to go over long on. Did not get the proper connection and Mathews goes for the catch in the deep. Umpire goes upstairs to see whether he caught properly or not. The replay shows us that it was dropped just short. Curran survives.
75.3 : D Perera to Curran, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
75.4 : D Perera to Curran, OUT! Finally! Curran holes out! Loopy ball around off, Sam makes room, goes inside out and looks to clear the boundary. The bat shakes in his hand and it lobs towards long off where Karunaratne takes a simple catch. The 60-run stand comes to an end and ENGLAND ARE ALL OUT FOR 285.
60 runs is what the last wicket have added. England were 225 for 9 after Rashid and Leach fell quickly after the break. Anderson then was dropped on 0. Post that, we witnessed the Curran show. He smashed the bowlers all around the park and he has taken England to a score which they will be more than happy with. He walks off to a standing ovation and he deserves every bit of it.
The top order for England once again failed to make an impact. Burns did play a good innings but could not make most of his start. However, Buttler's quickfire innings and Sam Curran's knock was the highlight. Especially the youngster, he was came at the crease when England were in trouble at 165-6. However, two brilliant partnerships between Adil Rashid and Curran first and then Curran and James Anderson sees England go on top.
The Lankan bowling was really good throughout. Pushpakumara and Perera were the star as the two took a total of 7 wickets.