Very strange decision by Foakes not to review. I didn't think there was any bat involved watching live and there clearly wasn't. Most odd!
Another brilliant knock from Curran. Apparently he's already hit more sixes in his 7 Tests than Alastair Cook hit in his whole Test career!
Seems the general view of those in the know is that England's score is way above par for this ground and could be done and dusted in 3 days, depends how close Sri Lanka get in their first innings, but pitch already showing prodigious turn......
Yeah, Brad Hogg said on Sky this morning that as soon as he saw the pitch he thought 'that's one I'd like to carry around with me'. Seems the Sri Lankans prepared a pitch to suit their spinners, forgetting that England had three decent ones too. A good toss to win (didn't Root win five out of five against India?), and the consensus was that 220 would be a competitive score batting first, so England are in a strong position.
A bit of a struggle for England this morning, but Ben Stokes steps up again with a an excellent catch and a brilliant run-out. England still in a strong position, with Sri Lanka on 139-4.
Poor bowling by England has allowed Sri Lanka a first-innings lead - 42 and counting. Sri Lanka now favourites for this one.
I guess if he got out, there wouldn't be time for another batsman to come in. Also solves the number 3 question!
An excellent captain's innings from Root has put England back in charge. Root 113 n.o out of 285 for 6. All six batsmen out sweeping, but then nearly all of the runs have come from sweep shots.
This has turned into a really good match, both teams doing better 2nd time round but Sri Lanka now half way there on 151-4, we need a wicket quickly...
219/5 at tea, Sri Lanka need another 82 to win, building up to a close finish. Wonder if those 5 penalty runs that England were given on to their 1st innings total will make a difference........... Turned into a good test......
As expected we wrapped it quite comfortably in the end, spinners excellent & feel for fast guys out not getting into the game but made a contribution with the bat.
Yes, Curran and Anderson put on 60 in the first innings and Anderson also shared in a last-wicket 41 partnership with Foakes in the second. Everyone contributed, but I'd say the match-winning performance was Root's century in a game that was expected to be very low-scoring. Another good win for England.
A remarkable collapse by Sri Lanka this morning as 173-1 becomes 224-9. Excellent bowling from Rashid and Stokes and excellent catching by Jennings.
Yes been watching some of it & a mix of poor shots & good bowling, looks like we should get a decent lead.
