England vs Sri Lanka, SL in ENG, 3 Tests, 2024 Full score card

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!

Tossed up, full and on off, Joe Root lunges and blocks it out.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Slanting in, full and on middle, Joe Root lunges and stabs it down the deck.

Darted in, on a nagging length, on middle, Joe Root presses forward in defence.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Sliding on with the angle again, fuller in length, Chris Woakes keeps it out off the front foot.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Bowls it on leg, fuller, Chris Woakes blocks it out with a straight bat.

On the pads, shorter in length as well, Chris Woakes tucks it down on the leg side off the pads.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Back of a length just outside off. Joe Root guides it towards deep point and gets a single.

Fuller delivery just outside off. Jamie Smith performs a classy drive toward the left of wide mid off and steals a single.

Good-length delivery on off. Jamie Smith pushes it on the off side.

Pitches up on middle. Joe Root clips it a bit late towards deep fine leg for another single.

Fuller on middle. Jamie Smith comes forward and flicks it towards deep square leg for a comfortable single.

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

Touch fuller on off. Joe Root defends it right under his eyeline.

Back of a length on middle and leg. Joe Root rocks back and tucks it towards short square leg fielder for no runs.

On a length just outside off. Jamie Smith eases it towards vacant cover and gets a single.

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.

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.

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

On a length just outside off. Jamie Smith eases it towards the left of the bowler.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Flighted up, on the stumps, Jamie Smith tucks it on the leg sdie.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Angling in, on a good length, on middle, pushed with a straight bat to mid on by Smith.

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.

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.

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

Fuller and slanting in, on middle, Jamie Smith blocks it out off the front foot.

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

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.

Another one sliding on with the arm, fuller and on off, Jamie Smith lunges and defends it on the off side.

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

Touch fuller on stumps. Jamie Smith comes forward and nudges it towards square leg for another single.

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.

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!

Back of a length in the channel of off. Joe Root hops a bit and dabs it towards cover-point for no runs.

Pitches up on off. Joe Root defends it down solidly.

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.

Much fuller outside off. Jamie Smith jams it out towards his off side for no runs.

Pitches up on off. Jamie Smith lunges and blocks it back to the bowler.

Touch fuller on middle. Joe Root eases it towards vacant cover for another single.

Low full toss on middle. Joe Root lap sweeps the delivery towards deep fine leg and gets a couple of runs.

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

Flatter and fuller on off. Jamie Smith strides out and blocks it down.

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.

Much fuller, on middle and leg. Joe Root flicks it towards deep square leg and gains a single.

Back of a length on off. Joe Root blocks it towards his off side.

Pitches up just outside off. Joe Root places his front foot and performs a solid defence right under his eyeline.

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.

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.

Pitches up and just outside off. Joe Root punches it towards vacant cover and gets a single.

Flatter and fuller on middle. Joe Root presses forward and rests it down.

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

Fuller on middle. Joe Root prods and defends it down.

Tossed up fuller outside off. Joe Root pushes it towards cover.

Tossed up fuller on off. Joe Root strides out and defends it towards his off side.

Pitches up on leg. Joe Root glances it down to fine leg for a single.

Fuller and on off. Joe Root drives it from the inner half towards mid on.

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!

On a length just outside off. Joe Root nudges it across the line towards off mid on for no runs.

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.

On a length just outside off. Joe Root blocks it out.

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

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.

Tossed up fuller on middle and leg. Joe Root paddles it towards deep fine leg for a single.

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.

Full-length delivery just outside off. Harry Brook punches it towards vacant cover-point and gets a single.

Pitches up on off. Brook rests it towards his off side.

Tossed up fuller on middle. Harry Brook strides out and ease it back to the bowler.

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

Back of a length just outside off. Joe Root hops a bit and dabs it towards cover.

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

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.

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.

Fuller delivery outside off. Joe Root presses forward and pushes it towards mid off.

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.

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

Tossed up fuller on middle and leg. Harry Brook rocks back and works it towards his leg side.

Fuller delivery on off. Harry Brook plants his front foot and eases it towards the cover fielder.

Touch fuller on middle and leg. Brook goes back and tickles it towards square leg.

Fullish just outside off. Harry Brook presses forward and punches it towards short cover for no runs.

Flatter and fuller on middle. Harry Brook strides out to block it down but connects it on the inner half.

Short of a length, just outside off. Joe Root dabs it towards his off side.

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.

On a length on leg and middle. Joe Root rocks back and tickles it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.

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

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

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.

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

Serves it on off, fuller. Harry Brook strides out to block it on the off side.

Fuller on leg. Harry Brook lunges and eases it towards his leg side.

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.

Full-length delivery on leg. Joe Root goes deep into his crease and flicks it towards square leg for one.

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.

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.

Length, on middle and off, Harry Brook offers another block down the deck.

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.

Digs it in, on a short of a length, over off, Harry Brook stabs it down the deck.

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.

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.

Goes straight and full, on the leg peg, Harry Brook blocks it confidently.

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

Slants it away, on a length and on middle, Harry Brook sees it out.

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

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!

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

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.

Length, on off, Harry Brook punches it to cover.

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.

Shorter than a good length, over off, Harry Brook cuts it to point.

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.

On a good length just outside off, Harry Brook pushes it to mid off.

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.

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.

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.

Gets the line tight and attacks the stumps, fuller, Joe Root watchfully blocks it out.

Fuller and on off, Joe Root eases it through covers for a brace.

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.

Drags the length short and bowls it over middle and off, Harry Brook blocks it right under his eyeline.

Angling in, straight and full, on middle and off, Harry Brook dead bats this right down the deck.

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

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

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

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

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.

Fires one full and on leg, Joe Root sees the line and pads it out.

Nagging length, flatter and on the stumps, Joe Root watchfully defends it out.

Lands it full and on the stumps, Joe Root keeps it out.

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.

Full and on middle and off, Joe Root knocks it back to the bowler.

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.

Keeps it tight on a length and outside off, Harry Brook leaves it alone.

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.

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

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.

Lands it on a good length, over off, Harry Brook knocks it down the deck.

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

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

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

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

Sprays it down leg, fuller in length again, Harry Brook pads it away.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Flatter and fuller, on leg, Harry Brook gets his bat ahead and makes a solid block.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Hurls this one on off too, on a length, Joe Root leans ahead and keeps it out.

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.

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.

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.

Goes full, on off, Joe Root firms his drive but straight to cover.

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.

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

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

Fired it full, on middle and leg, Joe Root stabs it down the deck.

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.

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.

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.

Floated full, on leg, Harry Brook lunges out and pats it to square leg.

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

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.

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.

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.

Fuller and outside off, Joe Root walks towards the ball and stabs it down.

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

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

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

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.

Tossed up, on middle and leg, Harry Brook lunges and blocks it out on the leg side.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Flighted up, on the stumps, Dan Lawrence sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a brace.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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'.

Floated up, outside leg, Ollie Pope pads it away.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Shaping away, fuller and outside off, Dan Lawrence watchfully makes the leave.

Tighter line, angling in, at the batter, on a length, Dan Lawrence defends it on the leg side.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Serves it on a hard length, on middle, Ollie Pope stabs it down the deck with a straight bat.

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.

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.

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.

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

Slanting down leg, on a length, Dan Lawrence shapes up for the paddle sweep but misses.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Serves it in the corridor on off, on a good length, Dan Lawrence shoulders arms.

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.

In the channel on off and it moves away off the deck, on a nagging length, Dan Lawrence makes the leave.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

On a shortish length, on off, Dan Lawrence gets on his toes and stabs it down the deck.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

Angling into the pads, on a length, Ben Duckett punches it to mid on.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Bowls it outside off, on a length with a hint of away movement, Dan Lawrence leaves it alone.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

OUT! CAUGHT! Matthew Potts claims his third wicket as England finally manage to bowl Sri Lanka out for 326 runs. Chandimal, who could have stayed longer at the crease, opts to go big but ends up throwing his wicket away. Matthew Potts hurls this nice and full, in and around off, Dinesh Chandimal looks for the big heave through the off but doesn't quite get the timing right. Hits it high in the air over covers. Harry Singh the substitute fielder charges in from the ropes and settles under it to take a simple catch. Sri Lanka end with 204 run lead at the end of the innings.

Drags the length down does Potts, on off, Dinesh Chandimal waits back and cuts it to deep point but doesn't take the run.

FOUR! Nicely hit! Chandimal may just opt to go all out now. Fuller in length from Potts, on off, Dinesh Chandimal tonks it over mid off for a boundary.

Asitha Fernando is the last man in for Sri Lanka.

OUT! LBW! Fernando doesn't survive the second one! Dinesh Chandimal suggests sending this upstairs and Fernando does. Woakes lands this full and on middle and leg, getting the ball to nip back in and skid through the surface. Vishwa Fernando opens his stance up and looks to keep it out but the ball zips past the bat to ping him on the pad. The UltraEdge shows no spike when the ball passes the bat and all three reds come up on the Ball Tracking. The on-field call stays and Vishwa Fernando walks back for a duck. Sri Lanka lose their 9th!

Survives the first one! Woakes hurls this fuller in length and gets the ball to shape away, from outside off, Vishwa Fernando gets closer to the line and leaves it alone.

Takes pace off and bowls it fuller in length, on middle, Dinesh Chandimal nudges it in front of mid on and takes a quick single. Sri Lanka's lead is now 200!

On a back of a length, around off, Dinesh Chandimal hops closer to the line and dabs it to mid off.

Woakes bowls an away swinging delivery, just outside off, Dinesh Chandimal looks to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal pushes it to the leg side.

Vishwa Fernando walks up to the middle.

OUT! EDGED AND CAUGHT by Harry Brook! He fumbles on the first attempt but secures it on the second. A crucial breakthrough for Potts. He bowls this outside off, on a nagging length tempting Jayasuriya to go for the drive. He does play it away from his body with not much foot movement and only manages to get a thick outside edge that flies straight to Harry Brook at second slip. He tries to take it high on the left but gets his fingers at it as the ball pops out behind him. He swivels quickly and grabs hold of it the second time.  Sri Lanka lose their 8th wicket with a lead of 199 runs.

With a scrambled seam, Potts hurls this one and outside off, Prabath Jayasuriya looks for a poke at it but misses on the outside edge.

Tap and run! Similar line and length from Potts, Chandimal with soft hands taps it in front of mid off and gets to the other end.

FOUR! Gets it right off the screws this time! Too full from Potts, on off, Dinesh Chandimal gets his front leg out, leans on and times his drive through the gap at covers for another boundary.

Swing and a miss! Very unlike Chandimal! Potts keeps this outside off, and on a fuller length, swinging further away, Dinesh Chandimal stays put and throws absolutely everything at it but connects thin air.

Charges in from over the wicket and straight up, lands it full at the stumps, Dinesh Chandimal drives it firmly to cover.

Woakes bowls this on a good length, in the corridor on off, Prabath Jayasuriya looks for the drive away from his body and gets it to the right of mid off and the batters steal two runs.

Woakes surprises Jayasuriya with a sharp bouncer, angling in, over leg, Prabath Jayasuriya quickly ducks under.

Tries to nip one away, on a good length and over middle and leg, Prabath Jayasuriya opens up his stance and dead bats it down the deck.

Into the pads, on a nagging length, Prabath Jayasuriya tucks it in front of square leg.

Attacks the stumps on a good length, Prabath Jayasuriya just about manages to stick his bat down and keep it out to point.

Woakes serves this on the full, outside off, the ball stays low off the pitch. Prabath Jayasuriya leaves it alone.

FOUR! Not an ideal length to be bowled at Chandimal who is looking solid at the crease. Atkinson offers width outside off and drags the length short, Dinesh Chandimal waits deep back in the crease and slashes it over point for a boundary. Sri Lanka's lead is now 192 runs!

Atkinson hurls this one full, and on off, Dinesh Chandimal leans ahead and blocks it to the off side.

Lands it on a back of a length and around off again, Prabath Jayasuriya opens the bat face and guides the ball past the slip cordon for three runs to get off the blocks.

Switches back to over the wicket angle and bowls it on a length, around off, Prabath Jayasuriya blocks it to point.

Prabath Jayasuriya walks in at number 9. England into the tail now with Sri Lanka leading by 185 runs.

OUT! CAUGHT! Oh dear, just jinxed it! Gus Atkinson finally breaks through and gets the biggest fish out in Kamindu Mendis! That dejected face of Chandimal says it all. Atkinson switches to 'round the wicket angle and lands it on a short of a length on off. Gets the ball to straighten a bit off the deck. Kamindu Mendis plays for the angle as he looks to punch it through the off side. Pokes at the delivery half-heartedly and ends up getting an outside edge to first slip. Joe Root crouches low and takes a sharp catch. Mendis walks off to a standing ovation from the crowd and the teammates on the balcony. He goes for a well-made 113.

The break doesn't seem to have bothered both these batters. Timing right up there! This is full from Atkinson, on off, Dinesh Chandimal firms his drive through covers. The ball dies down just in front of the ropes and the batters scamper three runs.

This is on a short of a good length, on off, Kamindu Mendis pushes it back to the bowler from the crease.

Woakes goes wide of the crease but sprays it on the pads, on a nagging length, Dinesh Chandimal misses the tickle as the ball rolls off his thigh pad on the leg side for a leg bye.

Good-length delivery, on off, Dinesh Chandimal gets on the back foot to punch it to cover.

Woakes continues to get the away movement off the deck, on a good length, around off, Chandimal hangs on the back foot and stabs it down with a straight bat.

Short of a length and outside off, Dinesh Chandimal punches it to mid off.

Bowls an out swinging delivery, outside off, Dinesh Chandimal looks for a gentle push through the off side but gets beaten.

FOUR! That was just class written all over it! Atkinson lands this a tad fuller than a good length and outside off, Mendis leans on, with a high elbow presentation drives it though the gap at covers for yet another boundary. 12 runs come off this over and Sri Lanka lead by 181 runs.

Follows up with a straight one, on the stumps, Kamindu Mendis blocks it down the deck.

FOUR! Atkinson can't seem to find the line and length right. Goes shorter this time and offers width outsdie off, Kamindu Mendis hangs back and punches it wide of gully for another boundary

Goes wider than the previous one and on a fuller length, Kamindu Mendis leaves it alone.

FOUR! An absolute gift and Kamindu Mendis makes the most of it. Atkinson serves it full, outside off, Mendis leans on and drives it firmly through the gap at covers for a boundary.

Full and on middle and off, Kamindu Mendis drives it back to the bowler.

On a length outside off, Dinesh Chandimal is happy to leave it alone.

Bowls it full and outside off, tempting the batter to go for the drive. Dinesh Chandimal leaves it alone.

On a back of a length and angling in, on middle and off, Dinesh Chandimal hops back and tries to keep it out with a straight bat but gets an inside edge onto his body.

Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Dinesh Chandimal gets right behind the line of the ball and defends it with a straight bat.

Full and at the stumps, Dinesh Chandimal pats it to mid on.

Bowls it nicely on a length, outside off, getting the ball to shape away further, Dinesh Chandimal leaves it alone.

Welcome back for the start of the second session on Day 4. The sun is shining in all its glory as the two umpires and players make their way out to the middle. Dinesh Chandimal marks his guard and gets ready to face Chris Woakes first up after Lunch. Here we go!

... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...

With a lead of 169 runs, Sri Lanka will not want to think too far ahead. They will be focused on starting well after Lunch and then take it from there. England, on the other hand, have a lot of work to do and will need to make the most of the new ball, which is just 2 overs old, when play resumes after Lunch. Join us back at 12.55 pm GMT for what promises to be another enthralling session of Test cricket.

On the other hand, England have been left scratching their heads, struggling to find a way to break this partnership. The absence of Mark Wood, sidelined for the day due to a right thigh muscle injury, was clearly felt as the hosts lacked the penetrative edge needed to create consistent pressure. The lack of help from the surface made the job even more challenging for the pacers as well as Shoaib Bashir.

Sri Lanka take the honours of the morning session on Day 4! The visitors dominated the session, adding 87 runs from 22 overs without losing a wicket. Starting the day with an 82-run lead, Sri Lanka made an encouraging start. Both Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal batted with intent, capitalizing on loose deliveries and keeping the scoreboard ticking. The surface seemed to have slowed down, offering no major alarms as both went about their business nicely. Even the brief rain interruption could not dislodge them as Mendis brought up his third Test ton before Lunch.

Beauty to end the over! Atkinson keeps it short of a length and angles it away on off, Kamindu Mendis looks to ride the bounce and play it on the off side but the ball misses his bat and whizzes past the outside edge to the keeper. That will be LUNCH on Day 4!

Nice looking shot but goes straight to the fielder again. Atkinson offers width, outside off and digs it marginally short of a good length, Kamindu Mendis cuts it hard and finds the fielder at point.

Looks for the swing and lands it full, just around off, Kamindu Mendis leans on and firms the drive straight to covers.

Launches this one fuller and on the stumps, Kamindu Mendis prods his bat out and blocks it right in front.

Lands it on a good length and shapes it away, just outside off. Kamindu Mendis trusts the line and the bounce and holds his bat high making a confident leave.

Steams in from over the wicket and hits the length right, on middle and leg, Dinesh Chandimal covers the line and dabs it behind square on the leg side and gets a single.

It will be Gus Atkinson to operate with the new cherry from the other end.

Good three balls to end the over! This is on a length and on top of off, Kamindu Mendis checks his shot to cover.

Bowls an inswinger, on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis keeps it out to the leg side.

Follows up with a tight delivery! Straight on the stumps, the length stays good too, Kamindu Mendis stabs it down the deck right under his eyes.

FOUR! HUNDRED for Kamindu Mendis! This has been a magnificent knock from Mendis and it has come just at the right time for his side. Woakes errs in line and bowls it outside off, on a short of a good length as well, Kamindu Mendis extends his arms and cuts it past gully for a boundary to bring up his third Test ton. Mendis takes the helmet off and soaks in the applause from the crowd and his teammates.

Nicely bowled! Gets the line right this time does Woakes! On a good length and on off, Kamindu Mendis with a straight bat blocks it back to the bowler.

Woakes charges in from over the wicket and bowls it on a length and on the pads, Kamindu Mendis with deft hands tucks it in front of fine leg and gets two handy runs off it.

The second new ball is now due. Surely, England take it straight away? Yes, they are taking it. It will be Chris Woakes to make the first use of it. With not much time left for Lunch, can England break the stand before the break? Let's find out.

Roots bowls it full again, on middle and off, Dinesh Chandimal yet again takes a step out but doesn't get enough width to whip it on off. Adjusts and knocks it back to the bowler.

Looped fuller in length and outside off, Kamindu Mendis with an extended arm drives it in front of deep cover and gets to the other end.

Continues to keep it full does Root, on off, Dinesh Chandimal taps it to long on for a single.

Root darts this one quicker and fuller, on middle and off, Dinesh Chandimal offers a solid front foot defence.

Flighted up, outside off, Kamindu Mendis takes a step out and plays it away from his body. Drives it on the full to deep cover for a single.

Root comes from around the wicket and bowls it full, on the stumps, Dinesh Chandimal presses out and whips it to long on for a single.

One over left before the second new ball is due. It will be Joe Root to bowl it.

Turns it away slightly from around off, on a shorter length, Kamindu Mendis waits deep in the crease and cuts it well but finds the fielder at cover.

Flighted up, on middle and off, Dinesh Chandimal knocks it to long on and rotates the strike over.

A hint of width outside off, short too, Kamindu Mendis punches it to deep cover and gets a single.

From around the wicket to the left-hander, Lawrence tosses it full and on leg, Kamindu Mendis sweeps it well to the left of deep fine. Chris Woakes is quick on the turf to get across and throws a dive to cut it off for just two runs.

Goes fuller this time and on off, Dinesh Chandimal eases it out to the point region and gets to the other end.

Starts from over the wicket and lands it short of a good length, around off, Dinesh Chandimal hangs back and pats it down to the off side.

Comes from around the wicket and digs it short, over middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis ducks below and leaves it alone.

We are all set for play to resume! We'll have 20 minutes of play before Lunch. The sun is shining, and let's hope there are no more interruptions today. Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal stride out to resume their innings. Matthew Potts is ready to complete his over. Let's play...

UPDATE - 11.45 am GMT - Good news! As we had hoped, it was indeed a passing shower and the covers are coming off. The ground staff are running the rope over the outfield to clear the excess water. More promising signs as the umpires are out to inspect the outfield. We have a restart time, folks - Play will resume at 11.55 am GMT with Lunch to be taken at 12.15 pm GMT.

UPDATE - 11.25 am GMT - The drizzle has intensified and it is absolutely lashing down. The umpires take the players off and on come the ground staff with the hover cover. England won't be too concerned with this break, as it offers their pacers some rest ahead of the second new ball. So far, it has been Sri Lanka's morning, and they’ll aim to build on their current lead of 153 when play resumes. Let’s hope this is just a passing shower. Stay tuned for further updates.

Fires a short one on off. Kamindu Mendis ducks and makes another leave.

Short of a length on middle. Kamindu Mendis pulls it towards mid-wicket for no runs.

Slower bouncer now, wide outside off. Kamindu Mendis goes deep into his crease expecting a short one. But ends up missing the delivery due to the lack of pace on the ball.

Bangs a short one on middle and angling it in. Kamindu Mendis detects the short delivery and ducks under it.

Back of a length on middle and leg, around the ribs of the batter. Dinesh Chandimal pulls it from the middle of his bat towards deep square leg for an easy single.

It has become extremely dark out in the middle, and the ground staff are preparing for the worst. The advertising boards have been pushed aside, making way for the hover cover to be brought in if necessary.

Fuller and wide outside off, turning it away from the batter. Kamindu Mendis lunges and lifts his wilow up to leave it alone.

Tossed up fuller on off. Dinesh Chandimal comes dancing down the pitch and drives it towards long off and gets three runs in the middle.

Flatter and touch fuller on off. Dinesh Chandimal strides out and rests it down.

Fuller on off and middle. Dinesh Chandimal nudges it towards his leg side.

A bit flatter and fuller on middle. Dinesh Chandimal comes down the track and eases it back to the bowler.

Tossed up fuller just outside off. Dinesh Chandimal lunges and puts his willow down before the ball turns.

Drinks break! Sri Lanka have dominated the proceedings so far, adding to the scoreboard at a brisk pace. In the 16 overs of play so far, they have added 67 runs, taking their lead to 149 runs. Both Chandimal and Mendis have looked solid, seamlessly continuing from where they left off last evening. England, missing Mark Wood, haven't posed much of a threat so far, and their leg-side field trap has yet to produce the desired results. The second new ball which is 4 overs away will be key for both sides. England will be eager to break this partnership soon before the pressure mounts any further. Dark clouds loom in the distance, and there are already a few spots of rain in the air.

Hard-length delivery on off. Kamindu Mendis hops back a bit and cuts well with not much of room towards the vacant cover region for a couple of runs.

Back of a length, on middle and shaping it away. Kamindu Mendis crouches down and makes another leave.

Hard length once again coming in from Potts, on middle. Kamindu Mendis gets on his toes and dabs it down.

Fires another short delivery, and angles it away from the left-hander. Kamindu Mendis pulls it gently towards the square leg fielder for no runs.

Hard-length on off, angling it in. Dinesh Chandimal pulls it well towards deep backward square leg for a comfortable single.

Bangs a short one on off and middle. Dinesh Chandimal detects the short delivery and ducks underneath the delivery pretty quickly.

Yet again! Flatter and touch fuller outside off, spinning it away. Kamindu Mendis lunges and shoulders arms to the delivery.

Tossed up fuller outside off, turning it away from the left hander. Kamindu Mendis strides well out and leaves it alone to the keeper.

Beautifully cut! Drags his length back and wide outside off. Kamindu Mendis trusts the width of the delivery and cuts it pretty late towards deep backward point to get a brace.

Full and on off. Kamindu Mendis blocks it back to the bowler.

Tossed up fuller on off. Dinesh Chandimal strides out and closes the face of the bat to ease it towards the right of the square leg fielder to get a single.

Short of a length on off, turning it in. Dinesh Chandimal shuffles to cover the stump and nudges it towards square leg.

Short of a length just outside off. Kamindu Mendis dabs it down.

Not a leave that Kamindu Mendis had in mind! Matthew Potts bowls it on a back of a length outside off, angling it a wee bit in. Kamindu Mendis first looks to play at it but withdraws his willow back. However, the ball catches the toe end of the bat and rolls to the left of the keeper.

Good length now, just outside off. Kamindu Mendis plants his front foot towards the delivery and punches it straight towards short cover.

Fires it fuller on middle, shaping in. Dinesh Chandimal with no footwork flicks it towards the left of the mid-wicket fielder and sprints for a single.

Full-length delivery on off. Dinesh Chandimal eases it towards the right of the silly mid on for no runs.

Pitches up on off. Dinesh Chandimal presses forward and knocks it towards his leg side.

Darted in, full and on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis lunges and keeps it out.

Slower and fuller, outside off, turning it away from the batter. Kamindu Mendis leaves it alone.

Fuller just outside off. Kamindu Mendis blocks it towards his off side.

Full and on off, Kamindu Mendis drives it straight to cover.

FOUR! TOP SHOT! Drags his length back on middle and leg. Kamindu Mendis opens his stance and pulls it through mid-wicket to get a boundary.

FIFTY FOR Dinesh Chandimal! He was retired hurt, went to hospital for scanning, came back and has scored a fighting half century! Tossed up fuller on off. Dinesh Chandimal eases it towards his off side and gets a single.

Another fullish delivery on stumps to end the over. Kamindu Mendis pushes it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Full-length delivery on off and middle. Dinesh Chandimal presses on his front foot and flicks it towards wide mid-wicket to get a single.

Pitches up on middle. Dinesh Chandimal nudges it towards Ollie Pope at silly mid on for no runs.

Good running between the wickets! Pitches up on off, shaping it in. Dinesh Chandimal clips it through square leg and shouts for a double. That's some positive intent from both the batters!

Fullish once again on off and middle. Dinesh Chandimal presses forward to block it down to the pitch.

Matthew Potts comes from over the wicket and fires a full-length delivery on on middle. Dinesh Chandimal tickles it from his pads towards square leg.

FOUR! Nicely done by Mendis! Bashir darts this one flatter and fuller on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis plants his front leg across and sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a boundary. Sri Lanka now lead by 132 runs.

Floated up, on middle and off, Kamindu Mendis watchfully keeps it out.

A tad shorter in length this time from Bashir, outside off as well, Mendis pats it down to point.

Flighted up, on the stumps, Kamindu Mendis presses ahead and blocks it straight back to the bowler.

Fires it full and on middle and off, the ball keeps low off the deck, Kamindu Mendis adjusts well and gets his bat down in time to jam it out.

Starts from over the wicket and keeps it short, on middle and leg, Dinesh Chandimal gets low and pulls it all along the ground to deep square leg for a single. This also brings up 250 runs for Sri Lanka.

Shoaib Bashir is tossed the ball.

Comes from around the wicket for the left-hander and bowls it in the channel on a fuller length, Kamindu Mendis shoulders arms. We have had 10 overs so far in which Sri Lanka have added 45 runs to their overnight score, taking their lead to 127 runs.

Sprayed on the pads again by Potts, on a length, Dinesh Chandimal turns this one wide of mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

Half a shout but it is heading down leg! Another one on the pads, on a length, Dinesh Chandimal plays all around it and wears it on the pads. Potts indicates that the ball is sliding down leg and England do not contemplate the review.

With a silly mid on in place, Potts angles it into the right-hander, on middle and leg, on a length, Dinesh Chandimal gets his bat out in front of the pads in defence.

Short and wide on off, cut in front of square to deep cover for a single by Mendis.

Potts starts from around the wicket and bowls it on a hard length, on off, Kamindu Mendis cuts it hard but can't beat the dive of the man at backward point.

Matthew Potts (11-4-26-1) comes back into the attack.

FOUR! Short and punished! Woakes goes wide of the crease on the over-the-wicket angle and bowls a slower bumper, on off, Dinesh Chandimal stands tall and hammers the pull through square leg for a boundary. Sri Lanka's lead is now 125.

Fuller and on off, Dinesh Chandimal firms the drive with a straight bat back to the bowler.

On a good length, around off, Dinesh Chandimal waits on the back foot and taps it to short mid off.

Good running! Another off-pace delivery by Woakes, on a back of a length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal waits for the ball to arrive and steers it to the right of Joe Root at first slip. Chandimal comes charging back and completes the second run.

Woakes takes pace off but slips it down leg, fuller in length, Dinesh Chandimal misses the tickle.

Shaping away, on off, on a good length, Dinesh Chandimal gets on the front foot and pushes it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Two in two for Kamindu Mendis! Atkinson digs it in short but not short enough to trouble the batter. Kamindu Mendis rolls his wrists nicely on the ball and pulls it all along the ground towards deep backward square leg for four more runs. 12 runs off the over that take Sri Lanka's lead to 119.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Everything correct about that shot. Atkinson delivers it full and on off, Kamindu Mendis picks up the line and length early and presses forward. Transfers his weight on the front foot and times the drive through extra cover for a boundary.

At the pads, on a length, clipped through backward square leg for a single by Dinesh Chandimal.

At 141 kph, on a shortish length, on off, Kamindu Mendis hops and rides the bounce nicely and opens the bat face to glide it through gully. Dan Lawrence gives it a chase and keeps it down to three. Lawrence seems to have tweaked something in his right ankle after releasing the throw and limps back to his position.

Goes wide of the crease and bowls it on a good length, on middle, Kamindu Mendis keeps it out with a straight bat.

Atkinson sprays it down leg, Kamindu Mendis lets it go.

Oh, that's kept low! Similar to the one that got Chandimal out in the first inning but luckily for him, this was not in the line of the stumps. Woakes bowls it on a back of a length, outside off but this just scoots through and goes under the bat of Dinesh Chandimal as he looks to play at it.

Fuller but the line stays the same, just outside off, Dinesh Chandimal gets his bat out in front of the pads and keeps it close to the front pad in defence.

On a nagging length, around the sixth stump line, Dinesh Chandimal hangs on the back foot and pushes it to cover.

A silly mid on comes in place now for Chandimal as Atkinson lands it on a length, around off, Dinesh Chandimal plays inside the line of the ball and gets it off the outer half of the bat to point.

Angling in, on a length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal gets right behind the line of the ball and taps it to mid on.

This straightens off the deck and comes on slower than the batter anticipated, on a length, on middle, Dinesh Chandimal plays it well in front of his body and pushes it half-heartedly to mid on.

Around the wicket for the left-hander, on a length, on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis positions himself to clip it through mid-wicket but has to delay his shot. Hits it uppishly but well wide of mid-wicket and collects two runs. 13 runs off the over and Sri Lanka now lead by 107 runs.

Hurls it on a nagging length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal lunges to drive it through covers but the ball seems to stop in the surface. As ar result, Chandimal has to check his shot and pushes it wide of cover for one.

FOUR! Streaky but Sri Lanka will take it! Atkinson bangs it into the deck again, on off, Dinesh Chandimal swivels for the pull but gets an inside edge that sneaks past the leg stump and races into the fence.

Atkinson digs it in short, over middle, Dinesh Chandimal lifts his front leg and pulls it along the ground behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs. Sri Lanka now lead by 100!

Honing in at the pads, on a hard length, Dinesh Chandimal gets into a tangle to help it away off his pads and wears it high on the thigh pad.

FOUR! Ungainly but it fetches Chandimal a boundary! Atkison bowls it on a length, on off and middle, Dinesh Chandimal shapes up to go big on the off side but miscues the shot and it comes off the inner half of the bat. It goes past the two men square of the wicket on the leg side and trickles into the fence. A strange shot and none of the fielders knew where the ball went.

Sliding on the pads, on a length, Kamindu Mendis works it off his pads to square leg.

Woakes takes all the pace off and serves it at 102 kph, on a length, on middle, Kamindu Mendis reads it a bit late and almost went into the flick early. Adjusts well in the end to nudge it in front of mid-wicket.

Fuller and attacking the stumps, Kamindu Mendis gets his head over the ball and blocks it out with a straight bat.

At 131 kph, on a nagging length, angling in, around off, Kamindu Mendis arches back and threads it between the slip cordon and gully for a couple of runs.

Goes slightly wide of the crease and lands it in the channel on off, on a length, Kamindu Mendis firms the drive but picks out the man at cover.

Comes from around the wicket for the first time today does Woakes and zones it in at the stumps, on a short of a good length, Kamindu Mendis is solid in defence as he keeps it out with a straight bat.

Another one that beats the batter for pace, on a hard length, on middle and leg, Dinesh Chandimal fails to help it away off his pads and catches it high on the thigh pad.

Delivers it at 137 kph with a scrambled seam and gets the ball to skid through and jag back in, on a good length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal shapes up to play it square of the wicket on the off side and gets an inside edge on the pads.

Continues to angle it into the right-hander with a leg side heavy field, on a nagging length, Dinesh Chandimal gets on top of the bounce and whips it straight to the man at mid-wicket.

Slanting into the pads, on a short of a good length, Dinesh Chandimal is late on the flick again and wears it high on the thigh pad.

Bangs it on a hard length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal stays leg side of the ball and dabs it in front of cover.

With a leg gully in place, Atkinson serves it full and targets the pads, Dinesh Chandimal misses the flick and gets an inside edge onto the pads.

In and around the off stump line, on a back of a length, Kamindu Mendis is unable to free his arms and chops it down on the deck.

This straightens a bit off the deck, on a length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal shows the full face of the bat to keep it out but gets an outside edge that rolls past backward point for a single.

Strays on the pads again does Woakes, on a length, Dinesh Chandimal turns this one behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

And again! Fuller and honing in at the pads, Dinesh Chandimal times the clip well and the ball is in the air for a brief period but it drops just short of the man at mid-wicket.

So nearly went to hand! Woakes hurls it on a good length, a hint of late away movement, on middle and leg, Dinesh Chandimal looks to push this one down the ground but the ball comes on slower than he anticipated. Chandimal goes through his shot early and chips it to the right of the bowler. Luckily for Chandimal, the ball evades Woakes and drops in front of the man at mid on.

Nipping back into the right-hander from wide of the crease on the over-the-wicket angle, on a nagging length, Dinesh Chandimal covers the line of the ball and stabs it down on the leg side.

Slightly fuller and on middle and leg, Dinesh Chandimal stays balanced in the crease and brings his wrists into play. Clips it through mid-wicket and collects three runs as Ollie Pope gives it a chase and mops it up.

Delivers it on a hard length, on off and middle, Dinesh Chandimal waits on the back foot and defends with a straight bat with the right hand coming off the bat.

Half a shout for LBW but that is heading down leg! Serves it on a nagging length, slanting into the pads, Dinesh Chandimal plays all around it and wears it high on the front pad.

A leg gully in place now for Atkinson as he pitches it right up to the batter, on middle, Dinesh Chandimal presses forward and drives it without much timing to mid on.

Drags the length back and angles it into the right-hander, Dinesh Chandimal gets on his toes and tries to glance it away off his pads but misses and wears it high on the thigh pad.

With two slips in place, Atkinson charges in from over the wicket and goes full. Gets a hint of shape towards the batter. Dinesh Chandimal lets the ball go through to the keeper.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Gus Atkinson!

At 127 kph, on a hard length, on off, Kamindu Mendis defends it right under his eyeline.

FOUR! Kamindu Mendis and Sri Lanka are away on Day 4! A hint of width on offer by Woakes, on a length, Kamindu Mendis stays leg side of the ball and angles the bat face perfectly to drive it square and to the left of the man at short point for a boundary. A desperate dive by the man chasing the ball but in vain.

Brings the line closer to the batter, on the sixth stump line, on a good length, Kamindu Mendis hangs back and dabs it square in front of point.

Serves it in the channel on off, on a length, Kamindu Mendis makes a watchful leave as he shoulders arms.

A hint of inward movement off the deck, on a good length, on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis gets right behind the line of the ball and defends it down the deck.

Beats the bat straight away! Not much carry though as Woakes steams in from over the wicket and slants it across the left-hander, on off, on a short of a good length. Kamindu Mendis looks to keep it out with a straight bat but gets beaten on the outside edge and it goes on the bounce to the keeper, Jamie Smith.

In all readiness for the action on Day 4 to begin! The two umpires stride out to the middle, followed by the English team as they take their positions. Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis, who now bear the crucial responsibility of guiding their side forward, also make their way to the crease to resume their innings. Chris Woakes will start the proceedings with the ball for England. Away we go..

JUST IN - England have been dealt a blow ahead of the start of play as Mark Wood will not take the field on Day 4 due to a right thigh muscle injury. Wood, who walked off the field late yesterday, will continue to be assessed by the England medical team.

Mathews couldn’t capitalise on his lifeline, but Mendis continued to battle, keeping Sri Lanka’s hopes alive. Having returned with a clear X-ray, Chandimal came back to the crease and, along with Mendis, guided Sri Lanka through to the close of play with a lead of 82 runs. Today, the visitors face two key challenges - first, surviving the crucial first hour, and then handling the second new ball, which is 20 overs away. England, on the other hand, will be eager to dismiss these two set batters and get a crack at the tail with the new red cherry. Stick around as the first ball on Day 4 is not far away.

However, Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis showed immense grit, digging deep to erase the deficit and even push Sri Lanka into the lead. But as we’ve seen so often during this and the previous English summer, the replacement ball did a lot more than the previous one, and yesterday was no exception. However, the English fielders couldn’t fully back up their bowlers, giving reprieves to both Mathews and Mendis.

Jamie Smith’s maiden Test century was the standout performance for England, guiding them to a solid first-innings lead of 122 runs. In response, Sri Lanka were rocked early and suffered further setbacks as the English pacers chipped away at the wickets. The situation looked bleak for the visitors when Dinesh Chandimal had to walk off after taking a blow to his right thumb.

Hello and a warm welcome, folks! Day 4 is upon us, and it could very well be the final day of this intriguing first Test. After three days of gripping action, England have their noses in front and will be confident of wrapping things up today. As for Sri Lanka, they aren’t completely out of the contest, but it will take a monumental effort to turn the tide in their favour.

.... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...

The final hour of play saw England's bowlers struggle to maintain pressure. Milan Ratnayake then joined in and got off to a decent start. It felt like he could be able to repeat the heroics of the first innings, but it wasn't the case as Joe Root was forced to step up to fill the void, making an immediate impact by claiming his wicket on his second delivery. Yet, Mendis held firm, ensuring Sri Lanka reached stumps without further damage and with a lead of 82 runs. It was a captivating end to a day filled with ups and downs. England need early wickets at the start of Day 4 or this 82 can turn into a daunting total. For now, Sri Lanka will be delighted to get past that England score, looking at the way they started their innings. They will surely come out with an intent tomorrow morning as well, and the Lankan fans will pray that Chandimal is able to find his best form. To find out how things pan out, do join us at 10 am GMT, on 24th August 2024. ADIOS!

Dinesh Chandimal then joined Angelo Mathews at the crease, and the pair looked poised to take the game further away from England. They focused on rotating the strike, keeping the scoreboard ticking with well-placed singles and doubles. Just as things were starting to go in Sri Lanka’s favour, an unfortunate injury to Chandimal, caused by a nasty blow to his right hand, forced him to retire hurt with a swollen finger. Despite the setback, Mathews maintained his composure and found another capable partner in Kamindu Mendis. Together, they put together the highest partnership of the innings, adding 78 crucial runs.

Sri Lanka’s innings began on a shaky note, with their top order struggling against the new ball. The early pressure saw them falter, but experienced campaigners Angelo Mathews and Dimuth Karunaratne took charge, stabilizing the innings. The duo forged a vital 51-run partnership, setting a solid foundation for the middle order. However, their promising stand was cut short when Mark Wood caught Dimuth Karunaratne by surprise with a sharp bouncer, breaking the partnership just as it seemed to be taking root.

Uff! What a way to end the moving day. Dinesh Chandimal got retired hurt and then came back at the fag end to make sure his side head back into the dressing room with some momentum on their side.

FOUR! What a way to end the day! Sri Lanka are fighting as hard as they can and end the day with a lead of 82! With the fielders in the circle, Bashir bowls this fuller and on off and middle. Dinesh Chandimal takes a step out and lofts the delivery over the mid on region for a boundary.

Short of a length on middle and leg. Dinesh Chandimal flicks it towards square leg.

Full-length delivery on middle. Dinesh Chandimal clips it towards short mid-wicket for no runs.

Flatter on off. Dinesh Chandimal lunges and works it across the line towards mid on.

200 up for Sri Lanka! On a length and around off. Dinesh Chandimal drives it towards the gap at covers and gets a couple of runs.

Fuller delivery on middle. Dinesh Chandimal tickles it towards square leg for no runs.

Fuller length delivery on middle. Kamindu Mendis nudges it towards mid on.

Good-length delivery on middle and leg. Kamindu Mendis clips it towards square leg.

A bit slower now, on a length just outside off and shaping it in. Kamindu Mendis works across the line towards his leg side.

Short of a length outside off. Kamindu Mendis dabs it towards cover for no runs.

Pitches up on off. Kamindu Mendis presses forward to perform a defense.

Fullish delivery outside off. Kamindu Mendis covers the stump and steers it towards backward point for no runs.

Full and on off. Dinesh Chandimal gets behind the line and blocks it back to the bowler.

Flatter and fuller outside off. Dinesh Chandimal prods and drives it gently through the cover region towards sweeper cover for a couple of runs.

Tossed up fuller on off. Dinesh Chandimal leans on the delivery and eases it down.

A bit fuller on middle. Dinesh Chandimal lunges and eases it back to the bowler.

Drags his length back down the leg. Dinesh Chandimal hangs back and flicks it towards square leg.

Fuller and just outside off. Dinesh Chandimal drives it towards mid on.

On a length just outside off. Kamindu Mendis eases it outside off.

FOUR! He gets it this time! Good-length delivery, angling outside off. Kamindu Mendis slaps it perfectly from the middle of his bat with the perfect timing through the gates of cover and point to continue his count of boundaries. Sri Lanka's lead now goes up to 74 runs.

On a length outside off. Kamindu Mendis looks to slap but connects the inner edge to it. The ball bounces towards short cover.

Back of a length down the leg. Dinesh Chandimal pulls it from the inner part of his bat towards deep fine leg for a single.

Short of a length just outside off. Dinesh Chandimal ducks quickly and allows the ball to travel to the keeper.

Back of a length just outside off. Dinesh Chandimal hops and dabs it down.

Full and outside off. Kamindu Mendis drives it towards mid off.

Darts this one full and on the stumps, Dinesh Chandimal jams it to the on side and gets a single.

Great signs! Dinesh Chandimal walks back to bat after getting his scans done and cleared earlier.

OUT! CAUGHT! Joe Root gets the job done! Root bowls fuller outside off. Milan Rathnayake makes a big stride to heave it with the turn but fails to get the proper connection. The ball goes high up in the air and towards long off region, where Ben Duckett settles himself under the skier and takes an easy catch. Milan Rathnayake has to depart for 10 runs off 15 deliveries.

Flatter and fuller just outside off. Milan Rathnayake lunges and eases it down.

Mark Wood seems to have pulled a muscle midway through the run-up. Oh dear, off he goes! It doesn't look to be anything serious as he walks off. It will now be Joe Root to complete the rest of the over.

On a length just outside off. Milan Rathnayake defends it towards cover.

Hard-length delivery on middle, shaping it away. Milan Rathnayake punches it but straight to the short cover fielder.

Full-length delivery wide outside off, swinging in. Kamindu Mendis prods and leaves it to the keeper.

Fullish on middle. Kamindu Mendis eases it towards mid on for no runs.

Back of a length on leg. Milan Rathnayake nudges it towards square leg for a single.

Fullish on middle and leg. Milan Rathnayake drives it from the inner part of his willow back to the bowler.

Fullish on off. Milan Rathnayake drives it towards long off and gets a couple.

Fullish on off. Milan Rathnayake puts his bat down and eases it down the pitch.

On a length outside off. Kamindu Mendis blocks it outside off.

Back of a length on middle and leg. Kamindu Mendis nudges it towards mid-wicket.

FOUR! Quality shot from the quality player! What a way to reach the half-century! Good-length delivery on off and angling it away. Kamindu Mendis trusts the bounce and pulls it uppishly to clear the mid-wicket region and gets four more runs added into his account.

Good-length delivery on leg, towards the batters lane. Milan Rathnayake hops and flicks it towards fine leg for a single.

Bangs a short one on middle and leg. Milan Rathnayake tries for a hook but misses the connection.

Fires this one on a length down the leg, no movement on the delivery. Milan Rathnayake looks to flick and misses on the inner edge.

Good leave! On a length, pitching just outside off and shaping it away. Kamindu Mendis lunges to cover the stump and lifts his bat high to make a leave.

Fullish delivery outside off. Kamindu Mendis goes for a drive but gets beaten on the outer edge.

Hard-length delivery around off. Kamindu Mendis knocks it towards cover.

On a length on off. Kamindu Mendis blocks it out.

England were roaring for the appeal and up goes the finger of the umpire! Kamindu Mendis opts for a review now! Fuller delivery pitches on the middle, and shapes it back towards the batter. It looks like an out but the Ultra Edge shows that there is a clear connection on the inner edge as the ball passes the bat. The umpire reverted his decision and Kamindu Mendis survives too!

Back of a length on off, shaping it away. Kamindu Mendis blocks it toward his off stump.

On a length on stump. Milan Rathnayake knocks it down.

FOUR! TOP SHOT! Full-length delivery outside off. Milan Rathnayake swings hard and drives it towards deep cover-point fence for four more runs. Sri Lanka now lead by 60 runs.

Beautiful shot! That deserved a boundary! Back of a length just outside off. Kamindu Mendis stays back and punches it with the perfect timing towards the right of the diving short cover, but the ball stops rolling just before it reaches the fence. Three runs taken in between.

And again! Back of a length on off. Kamindu Mendis dabs it back to the bowler.

Hard-length delivery on middle. Kamindu Mendis camps back and shows the full face of his blade to dab the delivery down to the pitch.

On a length outside off. Kamindu Mendis stands tall and plays it from the inner part of his willow.

Sri Lanka need Milan Rathnayake to repeat the heroics of the first innings. He needs to capitalize on this lifeline.

A huge shout for LBW and the umpire raises the finger with absolutely no hesitation. Milan Rathnayake sends it upstairs for a review. Woakes bowls this on a hard length just around off and gets the ball to shape back in sharp. Milan Rathnayake hops back and looks to fend it out but gets pinged plumb in front of the pegs. The UltraEdge shows a spike and Rathnayake survives an early scare. Top review this!

Pitches up on off. Milan Rathnayake drives it towards cover for a couple of runs. Milan Rathnayake opens his account well now!

Milan Rathnayake is the new batter in.

OUT! TAKEN! England gets the important breakthrough! Chris Woakes comes from over the stump and bowls it fuller on off and middle. Angelo Mathews looks to work it across the line but plays it a bit early. He gets the connection on the leading edge and the ball loops towards the front of the point fiedler. Matthew Potts dives to his front and gets the catch safe into his hands. Angelo Mathews has to depart after an exceptional knock!

Hard-length delivery outside off, and swings it a bit away from the batter. Angelo Mathews plays it inside and misses on the outer edge.

Back of a length just outside off. Angelo Mathews opens the face of the bat and eases it towards short cover for no runs.

Full-length delivery on off. Angelo Mathews prods and rests it down to the pitch.

FOUR! Cracked! Oh my... that sounded so well from the willow! Good-length delivery, pitching just outside off and shapes it outside off. Kamindu Mendis rocks back and cuts it hard through point towards the fence for four more runs.

Back of a length on middle. Kamindu Mendis hangs back and cramps a bit for room and pushes it towards short cover for no runs.

On a length on leg. Kamindu Mendis tickles it from his pads towards square leg.

Fullish on middle. Kamindu Mendis nudges it towards short mid-wicket for no runs.

Full and on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis taps it to mid on.

Angles it across on a length, just over off, Kamindu Mendis punches it to cover.

An absolute peach of a delivery! Woakes bowls this on a length and on off, gets the ball to nip away just enough to beat Angelo Mathews's bat as he looks to keep it out.

On top of off, the length stays tight, Angelo Mathews knocks it to mid on.

Hits the deck hard on a length, just outside off, with a hint of away movement, Angelo Mathews looks to poke at it away from the body but gets beaten on the outside edge.

On a length, slightly down leg, Angelo Mathews moves across the line and tries for the flick but misses out on making any connection.

Into the pads, on a length, Kamindu Mendis tucks it in front of fine leg for a single.

Comes from over the wicket and hurls it on a good length, over off, Kamindu Mendis eases it down to covers.

Change? Yes, Chris Woakes is back in the attack.

Angling in, on middle and leg, back of a length as well, Kamindu Mendis tucks it to fine leg for a single.

Keeps the length short, on leg, Kamindu Mendis tucks it to mid-wicket.

On a good length and outside off, Kamindu Mendis blocks it to cover.

Full and outside off, Kamindu Mendis drives it to cover.

FIVE WIDES! Oh dear, this just went from bad to worse in a matter of three balls! This is short and down leg, swinging further more as it passes the batter and the diving keeper towards the fine leg fence.

FOUR LEG BYES! This is just adding salt to the wound! Sliding down leg, on a back of a length, Kamindu Mendis looks for the flick but the ball just brushes the pads and evades the keeper for a boundary.

Was that another dropped catch? Oh yeah, it certainly was! This time it was Gus Atkinson who drops Kamindu Mendis on 39! Width outside off from Potts on a shorter length, Kamindu Mendis drives it away from the body and chops it to left of Atkinson at gully who gets low to his left but makes a mess of the ball.

Nice bowl to end the over! Gets it right up there around off and on a hard length with some movement off the deck, Angelo Mathews is cramped up in the crease as he pulls out his bat in time. The ball whizzes past the outside edge.

Fuller and outside off, Angelo Mathews looks for the drive but misses.

The ball has started to offer something all of a sudden! This is on a nagging length, outside off and nips back in to scoot below the bat of Mathew as he looks to push at it.

Outside off, with a hint of away movement that takes the ball further away, Angelo Mathews leaves it alone.

On a length and on the pads, Kamindu Mendis clips it to deep square for a single.

Length around middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis leaves it alone.

Beats the outside edge beautifully! Keeps the length tight around off and gets the ball to straightens off the deck a bit. Angelo Mathews looks to block it with a straight bat but misses.

DROPPED! Oh dear, Joe Root has put one down and he has dropped Angelo Mathews on 65! This will hurt England and the faces say it all. Potts bowls it outside off, on a length and gets the ball to shape away just a hint. Angelo Mathews looks for the expansive drive and gets a thick outside edge straight to Root at first slip. He seemed unready for the ball as he tries to make up and collect it around hs shoulder but the ball just pops out.

Nagging length, just around middle and off, Angelo Mathews is squared up a bit but adjust well and pokes it out.

A tad fuller than a good length and in and around off stump line, Angelo Mathews stays deep in the crease and pushes it to covers.

Goes full and just outside off, Angelo Mathews drives it straight to cover.

Hits the length and angles it in, on middle and off, Angelo Mathews defends it right under his eyes.

Drinks! England needs a wicket as soon as possible, or this lead might get stretched which might not please them at all. However, Sri Lanka are fighting back superbly. Ollie Pope is back on the field as well!

FOUR! Errs in line and Kamindu Mendis gets enough to send it through. Sri Lanka lead by 35 runs. Atkinson bowls it on leg with the angle coming into the left-hander on a short of a length, Kamindu Mendis gets across a step and just tucks it fine. The ball races through to fine leg fence for a boundary.

Angling in, on middle and off, Kamindu Mendis tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Around off, on a length again, Kamindu Mendis dabs it down the deck off the glove.

Keeps the length right and just turns the line outside off, around the fifth stump, Kamindu Mendis stands tall and punches it to covers.

Hurls it nice and full, on middle, Kamindu Mendis pushes it to point.

Angles it across on a hard length but down leg, Kamindu Mendis leaves it alone. Jamie Smith does very well to make the stop to his right.

On a good length and on the stumps, Angelo Mathews sees it out well.

Drags the length down a bit and slants it into the bodyline, Angelo Mathews stays deep rooted and dabs it to the on side.

Continues to keep the line and length tight and lands it just around off, Angelo Mathews carefully pats it to short cover.

At the stumps, a touch fuller in length, Angelo Mathews dead bats it to mid on.

Length on off, Angelo Mathews offers a front foot block to the off side.

Comes from over the wicket and sprays it slight down leg, on a length, Angelo Mathews covers the line and tries to tickle it away but misses.

A short one to conclude the over, on leg, Angelo Mathews gets across the line and helps it all along the turf to long leg for a single.

Goes back to the tight length and keeps it around off, Angelo Mathews blocks it to covers.

FOUR! Angelo Mathews has grown in confidence and it is certainly showing! Atkinson digs it short over middle and leg, Angelo Mathews with deft hands pulls it over the keeper for a boundary.

Keeps the length right, and angles it in, slightly over middle and off, Angelo Mathews tucks it to square leg.

Launches this one on a hard length and attacks the batter over middle and off, Angelo Mathews blocks it off awkwardly.

On a good length, on off, Angelo Mathews offers a solid block with a straight bat.

A drag down delivery on off, Kamindu Mendis hangs back and slaps it straight to point again.

Floated up, just outside off, Kamindu Mendis firms the drive but straight to point.

Keeps it full and on middle, Angelo Mathews taps it in front of long on and gets to the other end.

Loops this one up, right in front of the crease, Kamindu Mendis drives it firmly to deep covers for a single.

Tossed up, on middle, Kamindu Mendis drives it to covers.

Bowls it full, outside off, Kamindu Mendis leans ahead but watches the line and offers no shot whatsoever.

It seems like the seam of the ball is damaged and the umpires are having a check. So they decided to change the ball and they also called for drinks. Sri Lanka are in a comfortable position now, having a lead of 24 runs. They would definitely love to build on the momentum. The bowling unit of England are searching for an important breakthrough to break this strong partnership. The new ball has arrived and Shoaib Bashir will continue his over. Let's see if the new used ball would bring some fortune to the English bowlers.

Maiden from Atkinson! Keeps the length tight and lands it around off, Angelo Mathews punches it to mid on.

Hits the deck hard over off, Angelo Mathews dabs it down the strip.

Attacks the body, on a short of a length, Angelo Mathews hops a bit before tucking it down to square leg.

That one keeps a bit low! Pitched on a good length, outside off, Angelo Mathews gets his bat down and cuts it to mid off.

Down leg, on a length, Angelo Mathews looks for the flick but misses.