England put Bazball away to get over line against Sri Lanka

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England’s last two Test wins showcased two sides of their game and two different elements of the talent of Jamie Smith, all of which bodes nicely for the evolution of this team.

At Edgbaston against West Indies a month ago, Ben Stokes slotted England’s quickest half century in the race to victory and Smith smote a six high and wide over the Hollies Stand in his thrilling, career-announcing 95.

This time England put Bazball in cold storage and eked out 205 to win, finishing the game off in the evening light at 7.15pm to preserve their 100 per cent record this summer. Smith played with patience and maturity to settle a nervy England and set them on the path to victory alongside Joe Root in a man-of-the-match performance in only his fourth Test.

Coming in at 119 for four, England 86 short and Sri Lanka playing a clever game on a tricky pitch, heavy outfield and shivering conditions, Smith bided his time, making six off his first 25 balls as he played himself in, clearly studying how Root does his best work.

His first four off his 26th ball (England’s first for an hour) was followed next delivery by perfectly pulling spinner Prabath Jayasuriya for another boundary. In his next over he powerfully hit Jayasuriya for six over midwicket when he dropped short. Suddenly nerves were settled. Root, at the other end, took his cue and hit his first four off his 95th ball, head down in true Yorkshire over-my-dead-body style.

Smith was bowled playing a drive with 22 needed but by then he had lifted England out of their slumber and pushed them within sight of victory, adding 39 from 48 balls, that was worth more in the circumstances, to his first innings hundred.

Root finished the job off, his painstaking 62 from 128, underlining that some things never change. It was good work from Root but no surprises there. Instead it was the composure of 24-year-old Smith that was the gain, sealing across two innings England’s five-wicket win after four long days of slog that at times was a hard watch because of weather, pitch and an outfield that sucked the life out of good shots.

Sri Lanka recovered from six for three in their first innings to have a realistic shot at victory which proved they will be a real challenge over the next two Tests with more time in the middle and England struggling with injuries. Despite the grinding nature of the result, however, England will learn a lot from this game and at least they answered those who have accused them of style over substance; of putting entertainment before winning.

The absence of Stokes tamed the Bazballers, inevitably his presence was impossible to replace, and for stand-in captain Ollie Pope this was about winning, not trying to make a statement, despite his pre-match assertion that nothing would change. It was nothing like the rollicking Bazball chases against New Zealand and India in the summer of 2022 when it was all so fresh and new and everyone needed a lift.

Set 205, weakened by a makeshift opener in Dan Lawrence, the absence of Stokes and a batsman short to accommodate five bowlers, England were always going to have to huff and puff on a dry pitch which threatened the odd shooter.

This was a new-ball surface but England coped pretty well until Ben Duckett was superbly caught by Kusal Mendis taking the edge of an inswinger from Asitha Fernando. Sri Lanka brought Jayasuriya on after just four overs, and it became a little like a sub-continent run chase.

Lawrence’s unconvincing conversion to opener – with the lack of footwork and playing across the line to leg – continued. He did play one outstanding shot, a lofted straight drive off Jayasuriya for six, but looked very shaky outside off stump and indeterminate in his movements. It was no surprise he was leg before to one that nipped back.

With Pope’s debut Test as captain ending with two single figure scores – he was out tentatively reverse sweeping to slip – it was left to Root and Harry Brook to provide impetus. They chose to take it slowly, troubled by Jayasuriya over the wicket, the reverse sweeps going nowhere, and the seamers bowling straight as Sri Lanka plugged the boundary gaps.

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Brook was circumspect but a flurry of fours after tea lifted the pressure a little. It was back on when Jayasuriya went round the wicket and Brook knocked back a return catch on 32, the stand with Root worth 49 at 2.5 an over.

Sri Lanka just lacked express pace and a wrist spinner capable of making something happen and putting doubt in England’s mind. Their attack worked away, Jayasuriya bowled few bad balls but did not turn the ball prodigiously so England could hold back and make sure they did not bring about their own demise. Root enjoyed rolling up his sleeves.

From one for two in their second innings, Sri Lanka made a game of it with a total of 326 thanks to the excellence of Kumindu Mendis’s third Test century, an outstanding 113 which was only ended when Gus Atkinson went round the wicket at the suggestion of Pope. Combined with the bravery of Dinesh Chandimal, who put aside the pain of a thumb injury to make 79, Sri Lanka never gave up. It took the second new ball to finish the resistance, the last four wickets falling for 19 in 26 balls.

The lack of Mark Wood hurt England, his thigh strain robbing Pope of a lethal threat who put Chandimal in hospital on Friday. Pope did pretty well as captain, running through his bowling options and communicated constantly with his bowlers even if it was all a little predictable at times. He turned to Brook and Duckett for advice, and all three will learn from this exposure to leadership, another sign of the team’s development.

England survive minor wobble to take first Test: as it happened

07:44 PM BST

Boycott’s verdict: Root and Smith guide England home

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07:36 PM BST

Ollie Pope speaks to Sky, (Athers to be more precise)

On pitch and the win...

On Joe Root anchoring the run chase...

On Jamie Smith’s fine form...

07:32 PM BST

No shock to see Jamie Smith...

...win player of the match.

On scoring his first Test ton...

On getting three figures...

07:26 PM BST

A word on Sri Lanka

They proved they’re no pushovers and but for yesterday morning, when they weren’t at the races at all, letting England eke out a bigger lead than had looked possible, could have produced a shock win.

Highlight of the day for me was Kamindu’s wonderful century - they have another peach of a batsman to add to the country’s illustrious list.

07:17 PM BST

ENGLAND WIN BY FIVE WICKETS

Root dances down the track and lofts the ball down the ground for four, hitting the winning runs in the process. He ends unbeaten on 62, an innings that included just two fours, an illustration of the fact England ground out the win rather than steamrollered Sri Lanka, which, on the first morning,  it looked as though they might.

A convincing win in the end after some nervous times.

07:16 PM BST

OVER 57: ENG 201/5 (Root 58 Woakes 8)

With five to win Sri Lanka tell the sweepers to come in off the boundary...possibly a bit late. Anyway, Root then tries to bring Bazball back with a scoop that goes nowhere but up and down luckily for him, safely. Four needed now.

07:11 PM BST

OVER 56: ENG 199/5 (Root 57 Woakes 7)

This is very un-Bazball like, England getting to the target in singles. It’s been that kind of innings, pedestrian rather than panache. Six now needed.

07:08 PM BST

OVER 55: ENG 195/5 (Root 54 Woakes 6)

One from this Asitha Fernando over and 10 runs are now needed.

07:03 PM BST

OVER 54: ENG 194/5 (Root 53 Woakes 6)

Three runs from this Jayasuriya over, the one talking point being that Woakes looks as though he’s hobbling a bit. England will hope he’s OK, as they can not afford another bowler being crock for Lord’s (assuming Wood won’t be fit for the next Test that starts on Thursday).

06:58 PM BST

OVER 53: ENG 191/5 (Root 51 Woakes 5)

A bottom-hand flick from Woakes looks catchable for a while, but it evades the mid-on and goes for four. Just 14 needed now...

06:54 PM BST

OVER 52: ENG 186/5 (Root 50 Woakes 1)

Change of ends for Jayasuriya. Root then brings up his 64th Test 50 with a push into the covers, it’s been a grind but such a valuable innings for England.

Nineteen needed for the win now...

06:51 PM BST

OVER 51: ENG 185/5 (Root 49 Woakes 1)

You strongly suspect that that Smith wicket will count for little, England having broken the back of this run chase already...

06:48 PM BST

WICKET!

Smith b A Fernando 39

A tiny bit of inswing does for Smith, who, you suspect, has broken the back of this run chase.

FOW: 183/5

06:45 PM BST

OVER 50: ENG 182/4 (Root 47 Smith 39)

Vishwa Fernando is hit for three singles before another arrives. In terms of excitement this match is all but over. As I type that Smith launches a pull in front of square for an imperious four. He’s taken this run chase by the scruff of the neck.

06:41 PM BST

Fair to say Scyld is a big fan of Smith (who isn’t?!)

06:40 PM BST

OVER 49: ENG 174/4 (Root 45 Smith 33)

One last throw of the dice for Sri Lanka as Asitha Fernando replaces Jayasuriya. Two singles come from the over and this match, having been tense for so much of today, is now meandering to an England win, baring a miracle.

06:35 PM BST

OVER 48: ENG 172/4 (Root 44 Smith 32)

Thanks to Smith, England are back to being firm favourites for the win, squeaky-bum time is well and truly over. As if to illustrate the shift, Root brings up his first boundary of the innings, in doing taking this vital partnership past the 50 mark.

The England man is then wrapped on the pads, it’s given not out and, such is the need for a wicket, Sri Lanka review. The ball hits Root more than three metres from the stumps so they stay with the onfield decision.

Thirty-three now needed.

06:30 PM BST

OVER 47: ENG 167/4 (Root 39 Smith 32)

Smith top edges a sweep off Jayasuriya but, luckily for him and England it’s safe and he gets three runs for his troubles. Two balls later he smashes the left-arm spinner for six. The flurry of runs from Smith continues as, last ball, he sweeps for two and this innings has lifted the tension that had seemingly enveloped the hosts.

England now need 38 for victory.

06:25 PM BST

OVER 46: ENG 153/4 (Root 36 Smith 20)

Vishwa Fernando bowls four dot balls before he tries a surprise bouncer that, on this slow pitch, sits up for Smith who waits before pulling for four. A quick single follows and 52 runs are now needed.

06:23 PM BST

Smith is as calm as they come

06:20 PM BST

OVER 45: ENG 148/4 (Root 36 Smith 15)

The drinks break has probably come at good time for the tourists, any chance to break the concentration of Root and Smith. There have been only seven boundaries from England so far - an illustration of how tight and tense this run-chase has been.

Jayasuriya continues to build pressure, but it’s not turning much and the plan is to hope that pressure causes an error. There’s no error this over as Smith sweeps for four, the hosts’ first boundary for an hour (a first in the Bazball era?). Another quickly follows, the very next ball, as he punches off the back foot for four between mid-on and mid-wicket.

England now need 57 for the win.

06:13 PM BST

OVER 44: ENG 139/4 (Root 36 Smith 6)

Vishwa Fernando returns to the attack, he’s been the most loose of the Sri Lankan bowlers so possibly a chance for some runs. Three dot balls are followed by a single, another follows last ball and England now need 66 for the win. It’s time for drinks.

06:08 PM BST

OVER 43: ENG 137/4 (Root 35 Smith 5)

Jayasuriya goes over the wicket to Smith, to see if he fancies a sweep. He doesn’t, in fact he plays the first two shots with a very straight bat, the second of which earns him two down the ground.

06:06 PM BST

OVER 42: ENG 135/4 (Root 35 Smith 3)

Just one from this over, virtue of an overthrow. And it remains tight. There are no freebies from either end. The runs aren’t coming fluently for the England batsmen and there’s more than a hint of tension and frustration out in the middle at the moment.

06:01 PM BST

OVER 41: ENG 133/4 (Root 34 Smith 3)

Another Jayasuriya over and another maiden. His figures are 19-4-60-2.

England need 72 for the win.

05:58 PM BST

OVER 40: ENG 133/4 (Root 34 Smith 3)

Root gets two the first ball of this Rathnayake over, before a dab for another two down to third man. Six from the over.

05:54 PM BST

OVER 39: ENG 127/4 (Root 29 Smith 2)

Here’s a stat that illustrates the state of the game and nature of the pitch: Root hasn’t scored a boundary this innings. The pitch is dying a bit, and the Sri Lankan attack, especially Jayasuriya and Rathnayake, have been tight. England need 78 to win.

05:50 PM BST

OVER 38: ENG 123/4 (Root 26 Smith 1)

Rathnayake is still being parsimonious, a Root single gets new batsman, a centurion from the first innings, Smith on strike. He’s off the mark first ball and he’ll keep the strike.

This cricket is tense and very watchable.

05:47 PM BST

OVER 37: ENG 121/4 (Root 25 Smith 0)

On from this Jayasuriya over.

05:45 PM BST

OVER 36: ENG 120/4 (Root 24 Smith 0)

Rathnayake has bowled well. He’s given the England batsmen nothing to hit and there’s only a Root single off this over.

Sri Lanka have a spring in their step...yet another BIG 30 minutes coming up (think I’ve said that about five times today...)

05:41 PM BST

OVER 35: ENG 119/4 (Root 23 Smith 0)

More good stuff from Jayasuriya as Sri Lanka go in search of a much-needed wicket, he’s making Root and Brook play every ball. And that does the trick for Brook who is sent bnack to the pavilion. Once again, the tourists have a glimmer of hope. That wicket will have given them a massive lift.

05:39 PM BST

WICKET!

Brook c&b Jayasuriya 32

The change to bowling round the wicket has worked for Sri Lanka and Jayasuriya as Brook tries to drive but only sends the ball back to the mitts of the left-arm spinner.

FOW: 119/4

05:35 PM BST

OVER 34: ENG 117/3 (Root 22 Brook 31)

Rathnayake, who took Lawrence’s wicket, replaces Vishwa Fernando. Two balls in Root needs to change bats, the old trusty one seemingly at the end of its lifespan, RIP. The new bit of willow is brought into action straight away as the probing Rathnayake forces a solid forward defensive from the England man.

05:29 PM BST

OVER 33: ENG 116/3 (Root 22 Brook 31)

Jayasuriya comes round the wicket, good decision as you get the feeling they need to change something here. It’s a maiden.

05:27 PM BST

OVER 32: ENG 116/3 (Root 22 Brook 31)

This partnership is doing the trick as far as England are concerned, but Sri Lanka are only two quick wickets from being on top. At least, that’s what they’ve got to think. Fernando V continues with his left-arm over the wicket seamers, three runs from the over. England need 89 to win.

05:23 PM BST

OVER 31: ENG 113/3 (Root 20 Brook 30)

It seems as though Sri Lanka are a bit more quiet than they were before tea. The two England men haven’t been troubled these past few overs and they are slowly, but surely, getting England back on top. This Yorkshire partnership is now worth 43.

05:20 PM BST

OVER 30: ENG 111/3 (Root 19 Brook 29)

Vishwa Fernando returns to the attack and Brooks welcomes him back by peeling off a beautiful cover drive, he gave himself room before freeing the arms with grace.

England need 94 for victory.

05:16 PM BST

OVER 29: ENG 104/3 (Root 18 Brook 23)

Brook sweeps for three before the field is changed for Jayasuriya. They now have a short fine-leg and a deeper square-leg. Root and Brook remain cautious as they play off the back foot, scoring three runs in the process.

05:11 PM BST

OVER 28: ENG 98/3 (Root 17 Brook 18)

Having momentarily lifted the shackles they are back on. Just one from this Asitha Fernando over. The run-rate is exactly 3.5, positively pedestrian in the Bazball era.

05:08 PM BST

OVER 27: ENG 97/3 (Root 17 Brook 17)

Much-needed four for Brook who sweeps over square-leg. For a moment at least the shackles are off. Eight from that over before which this pair were going at two an over and it felt as though something had to give.

05:03 PM BST

OVER 26: ENG 89/3 (Root 14 Brook 12)

A Brook single gets Root on strike and he pushes for another run to the leg side. This is cautious batting from this pair who doubtless don’t want to put the lower order under any unnecessary pressure.

04:59 PM BST

OVER 25: ENG 87/3 (Root 13 Brook 11)

More Jayasuriya over the wicket and Root uses his front pad well, watchful. Another maiden.

04:57 PM BST

OVER 24: ENG 87/3 (Root 13 Brook 11)

Four for Brook as Asitha Fernando sends one down that’s short and wide, the England man fiercely cutting to the boundary. Two balls later the bowler sends down a peach (from famine to feast...) it rears up and beats Brook’s bat. It doesn’t seem to take an edge on the way, but, for some reason, Sri Lanka review and Hawk-Eye reveals that, as it appeared live, there was no edge. The second poor review of the innings from the tourists, who now just have one review left.

04:52 PM BST

OVER 23: ENG 83/3 (Root 13 Brook 7)

It’s not the first time I’ve written this today, but hey ho, here goes...there’s a HUGE hour coming up here. Whoever does better in the next 60 minutes, wins this Test, I reckon...

No shock to see Jayasuriya with the first ball after tea, the left-arm spinner has posed more than a few problems bowling over the wicket so far. Brook twice sweeps him and find the square-leg fielder both times. The field is up and there are no freebies out there for the batsmen.

04:46 PM BST

Bazball gone missing

04:37 PM BST

Teatime verdict: Squeaky-bum time

04:28 PM BST

OVER 22: ENG 82/3 (Root 13 Brook 6)

Rathnayake has done well (bar the no-balls). He’s given England no freebies and kept the pressure on in tandem with Jayasuriya. There’s very little Bazball on display at the moment.

It’s time for tea. Good spell from Sri Lanka. They are still well in this game. England need 123 runs and the tourists need seven wickets.

04:24 PM BST

OVER 21: ENG 80/3 (Root 11 Brook 6)

Jayasuriya is persisting with going over the wicket to the right-handers and he very nearly has another wicket as Brook sweeps: it’s in the air and the sub fielder at square-leg gets a hand to it with a flying dive. A drop or a good stop? Given he’s been sat down in the changing room for over three days, I think we’ll go easy on the sub...good stop it is.

04:20 PM BST

OVER 20: ENG 78/3 (Root 11 Brook 4)

Rathnayake starts, not for the first time, with a no-ball. Apparently, ‘it’s part of his game’, not sure his various captains will be too pleased with that view.

04:15 PM BST

OVER 19: ENG 76/3 (Root 11 Brook 3)

Jayasuriya gets one to spit off a length to Brook, the Yorkshireman playing it well by getting on top of the bounce with soft hands. Two balls later Root attempts the reverse sweep and misses it, at least it looks as though he does. The tourists appeal for lbw...it’s given not out and they review...think this is the dictionary definition of ‘wishful thinking’. The left-arm spinner is bowling over the wicket and line has to be an issue. Hawk-eye sees a snick and it’s not out. It also shows that it was pitched outside leg...poor review.

04:10 PM BST

Lawrence, an opener?

04:09 PM BST

OVER 18: ENG 75/3 (Root 11 Brook 2)

Twenty minutes until tea, how much Sri Lanka would love another scalp before the break.

To quote Brian Clough, I am not saying this is the most crucial partnership, but it’s in the top one...

Four from the over.

04:05 PM BST

OVER 17: ENG 71/3 (Root 8 Brook 1)

Another wicket here will be very interesting...It’s Jayasuriya to Brook and it’s six dot balls.

04:03 PM BST

OVER 16: ENG 71/3 (Root 8 Brook 1)

Game very much on again...

Root thought that Lawrence was high as well, but England are now three down. Good spell of cricket from the tourists here.

WinCiz now as it as 57 per cent England 43 per cent Sri Lanka, interesting...

04:01 PM BST

WICKET!

Lawrence lbw b Rathnayake 34

There’s little doubt that is is out in Rathnayake’s mind who runs down the pitch celebrating as much as appealing, Stuart Broad-like there...and it’s not hard to see why, it’s plumb in terms of line...Lawrence reviews on account of height. Hawk-eye has it as umpire’s call and the opener is out.

FOW: 70/3

03:57 PM BST

OVER 15: ENG 67/2 (Lawrence 32 Root 7)

Jaysuriya stays over the wicket trying to bowling into what little rough there is outside the leg stump. First up Lawrence sweeps him orthodoxly for two. Then he brings out the reverse sweep seemingly not bothered by Pope’s dismissal. Root joins the reverse sweep party and there are four from the over.

England need 138 runs and Sri Lanka need eight wickets. Hosts are strong favourites.

03:53 PM BST

OVER 14: ENG 62/2 (Lawrence 29 Root 5)

Five from this Rathnayake over, four from the bat of Root.

03:51 PM BST

How times change

03:50 PM BST

OVER 13: ENG 57/2 (Lawrence 29 Root 1)

The first ball of the over is Lawrence in a nutshell: he comes down the pitch before whipping the Jayasuriya delivery from outside off to the mid-wicket boundary. Great hands and wrists from the stand-in opener. Pope then tries the reverse sweep one too many times and the ploy of Jayasuriya of going over the wicket (seen as defensive) works a treat, however, that was a gift of a wicket from the stand-in skipper.

03:48 PM BST

WICKET!

Pope c De Silva b Jayasuriya 6

The England captain more than flirts with the reverse sweep more than once this over and it proves his undoing as he toe-ends a Jayasuriya ball to at gully.

FOW: 56/2

03:43 PM BST

OVER 12: ENG 51/1 (Lawrence 24 Pope 6)

On comes Milan Rathnayake (his batting has been more impressive than his bowling so far...) and he starts with a no-ball that brings up England’s 50. Sri Lanka could do with another wicket here, this game is a bit placid at the moment, they need to inject some urgency into proceedings.

03:36 PM BST

OVER 11: ENG 49/1 (Lawrence 23 Pope 6)

Four dot balls are followed by a push from Lawrence to mid-on for one and that’s the only run from the over.

03:32 PM BST

OVER 10: ENG 48/1 (Lawrence 22 Pope 6)

Asitha Fernando bowls a wide one that Pope wafts the bat at (with purpose rather than airy fairy) for an easy two. There’s a sense that the opening bowler is almost trying too hard. With the Duckett wicket he went with the old verities of line and length, since then he’s possibly bowled a bit too short.

03:28 PM BST

OVER 9: ENG 45/1 (Lawrence 22 Pope 4)

Jayasuriya is coming round the wicket to the right-handers and they play the left-arm spinner well, four from the over.

03:24 PM BST

OVER 8: ENG 41/1 (Lawrence 19 Pope 3)

Two leg-byes from this Asitha Fernando over. The Sri Lankan is bowling well, the last ball sees him square up Lawrence.

03:20 PM BST

OVER 7: ENG 39/1 (Lawrence 19 Pope 3)

Five runs from this Jayasuriya over. It’s amazing what a wicket does, that set of six balls saw the tourists be far more vocal in the field with the spinner testing the England batsmen.

03:16 PM BST

OVER 6: ENG 34/1 (Lawrence 17 Pope 0)

Sri Lanka have the breakthrough they need. Pope, the captain, is the new man and he leaves the remaining two deliveries.

03:15 PM BST

WICKET!

Duckett c Mendis b A Fernando 11

Lovely ball from Asitha Fernando who gets one to move away from over the wicket to the left-hander who tries to drive it but only suceeds in edging it to stand-in wicketkeeper Mendis.

FOW: 34/1

03:10 PM BST

OVER 5: ENG 33/0 (Duckett 11 Lawrence 16)

It’s a slow outfield but that matters little when you hit a reverse sweep with the force and elan of Duckett. Sublime shot off the new bowler Jayasuriya. The left-arm spinner is then hit downtown by Lawrence who smacks one down the ground over his head for six. Another good over for England, 12 from it.

03:05 PM BST

OVER 4: ENG 21/0 (Duckett 6 Lawrence 9)

Asitha Fernando is trying to cramp Duckett for room with some luck in this over. The opener gets off strike with a push to the off-side. Lawrence pushes for two to leg (where he’s strongest). Three from the over.

03:01 PM BST

OVER 3: ENG 18/0 (Duckett 5 Lawrence 7)

Lawrence edges a wide, full one from Vishwa Fernando, but its along the ground, goes through the slips all the way to the boundary for four. The bowler is probing Lawrence’s corridor of uncertainty but, so far, the opener is up to the challenge.

02:57 PM BST

OVER 2: ENG 10/0 (Duckett 2 Lawrence 2)

Asitha Fernando takes the new ball from the other end. And third ball Lawrence plays a nothing shot, a dab/flash/waft away from his body that nearly results in an edge behind.

A single follows two balls later then Duckett is sent back to the pavilion thanks to some great wicketkeeping from Kusal Mendis. Or is he? The ball is tickled down legside by the opener and the stand-in wicketkeeper dives to his right and takes a great catch BUT the replay show he grounds it during the dive and Duckett lives to see another day.

02:49 PM BST

OVER 1: ENG 9/0 (Duckett 2 Lawrence 1)

It’s been a new-ball Test match so it goes without saying that the next hour is vital for the tourists.

It’s Vishwa Fernando with the first over, he has two slips and a gully as he goes over the wicket to his fellow lefty, Duckett, who is off the mark with a scampered single off the first ball. Second ball is a BIG wide (so wide that ‘big’ is deserving of the caps-lock treatment, Steve Harmison at the Gabba-esque there) that nearly misses the cut strip, it goes for four wides...slack start. The third delivery sees Lawrence off the mark with a push to legside. Ultimately, nine come off the over. Good start for England.

02:39 PM BST

There are 66 overs left to bowl

WinViz has England on 72 per cent to win. BUT Sri Lanka aren’t without a chance of pulling off a memorable win...

02:36 PM BST

Test is far from over

02:33 PM BST

England set 205 for victory

It should be an interesting run chase. Sri Lanka made it to the 200 mark and that will give them some psychological hope.

The ball hasn’t done much, either seam or spin, so England are favourites, but you never know...

02:32 PM BST

Sri Lanka bowled out for 326

Chandimal needs to work out how he can get 20 or so runs here with No.11, the new Fernando, at the other end. He hits one for four over mid-off before he holes out to deep extra cover.

Chandimal b sub (Harry Singh) b Potts 79

02:30 PM BST

OVER 89: SL 321/8 (Chandimal 75 A Fernando 0)

The lead is 200 as Chandimal pushes for a single that leaves new batsman Fernando with two Woakes deliveries to face. The first the tailender leaves then the second wraps him on the pad... and it’s given out lbw...it’s reviewed but Hawk Eye proves it was the right decision...

02:29 PM BST

WICKET!

Fernando lbw b Woakes 0

Its straight and the new batsman plays around it and it’s plumb...

FOW: 322/9

02:25 PM BST

OVER 88: SL 321/8 (Chandimal 74 Fernando 0)

Atkinson may have got the vital wicket of Kamindu but he went for 22 runs in the process (in two overs) after lunch and Pope is ruthless and gives the ball to Potts.

The Durham man then dishes up a wide, half-volley and Chandimal hits a peach of a drive through extra-cover for four. England are bowling too many gifts at the moment...

Then, after a single, Jayasuriya, edges to Brook...

02:24 PM BST

WICKET!

Jayasuriya c Brook b Potts 5

Brook only caught it at the second attempt, but Potts removes the tailender who drives uppishly at one pitches just back of a length.

FOW - 321/8

02:18 PM BST

OVER 87: SL 316/7 (Chandimal 69 Jayasuriya 5)

Two runs from this Woakes over and the Sri Lankan lead is up to 194.

02:14 PM BST

OVER 86: SL 314/7 (Chandimal 69 Jayasuriya 3)

That was the end of a quite brilliant innings from Kamindu, one to remember. England needed that wicket and the momentum swings, slightly, back to them.

Jayasuriya is the new batsman and he’s off the mark with a run down to the vacant third man region for three. The over ends with a Chandimal cut for four - that was a buffet ball (help yourself) from Atkinson, short and wide.

02:10 PM BST

WICKET!

Kamindu c Root b Atkinson 113

The change of angle does the trick, as Atkinson goes round the wicket angling the ball into Kamindu who pushes at the delivery but only succeeds in edging it to Root at first slip.

FOW: 307/7

02:08 PM BST

OVER 85: SL 304/6 (Kamindu 113 Chandimal 63)

Woakes is bowling wide of the crease trying to angle the ball in to Chandimal, but, so far, without any luck. This pair has picked up where they left off before lunch, they’re looking calm and in control.

02:04 PM BST

OVER 84: SL 303/6 (Kamindu 113 Chandimal 62)

Atkinson has two slips and two gullies and a backward point, but when you bowl a wide half-volley to a batsman on 101 they do not come into play - meat and drink to Kamindu, who is finding this Test cricket lark to his liking.

One of the gullies is brought into play as Kamindu cuts well for another boundary. It was hit into the ground so there was no chance of a catch. This over is another example of how the Sri Lankan is great off both front and back foot.

As I type that Kamindu then plays the shot of the day: he leans on one, hitting it at the top of the bounce for a four through the covers. Such a good batsman and England need to get him out soon or the tourists will soon be the favourites...

01:58 PM BST

OVER 83: SL 291/6 (Kamindu 101 Chandimal 62)

BIG (yes, that big that caps lock is needed...) session coming up. Winner of this session wins the Test, I reckon...

It’s Woakes to Chandimal and it’s a maiden as the Sri Lankan is watchful in defence.

01:24 PM BST

Lunchtime verdict: England up against it

01:18 PM BST

Classy Kamindu

01:16 PM BST

LUNCH: Sri Lanka’s session

What a great morning for the tourists and what an innings from Kamindu. England know they have to play well from here to win, and who would have said that after the start to the tourists’ second innings?

01:15 PM BST

OVER 82: SL 291/6 (Kamindu 101 Chandimal 62)

Atkinson has the new ball from the other end as WinViz now has Sri Lanka on 42 per cent and England on 53 per cent. Great effort from the tourists and the more they add to their, current, 169-run lead the more you will have to favour them. Long way off yet, but the hosts know they are in a battle now.

01:10 PM BST

OVER 81: SL 290/6 (Kamindu 101 Chandimal 61)

As expected England take the new ball. The floodlights are on and you feel the hosts need to strike soon to get the narrative back on their side.

It’s Woakes with the new conker and there’s a bit of swing, but it’s too straight and Kamindu can glance with ease for two. He’s just three away from three figures now... two balls later he’s given width and he flashes to the boundary for a brilliant century. It’s his third in seven Test innings and it’s been a joy to watch. He came in with Sri Lanka under huge pressure and he’s been faultless, great off the front foot, brilliant off the back, and has played shots all around the ground.

01:05 PM BST

OVER 80: SL 284/6 (Kamindu 95 Chandimal 61)

Joe Root comes on to bowl with the new ball an over away. Kamindu pushes him for a single through the covers after a Chandimal single. Four from the over.

01:01 PM BST

OVER 79: SL 280/6 (Kamindu 93 Chandimal 59)

Dan Lawrence comes on, he’s been an all-rounder for Surrey in the County Championship this year and has taken 15 wickets, so he’s not one to take lightly.  Five runs from the over as Kamindu moves to within seven of a deserved ton.

12:57 PM BST

OVER 78: SL 275/6 (Kamindu 90 Chandimal 57)

Potts bowls the remaining ball of his over, and it now looks like a beautiful, late-summer’s day in Manchester.

12:56 PM BST

Sun, rain, sun

12:55 PM BST

It’s now sunny in Manchester

Delightful.

The players are back out there and there will be about 20 minutes for England to try and break this good partnership between Kamindu and Chandimal before lunch.

12:43 PM BST

Lunch is due to be taken at 1.15

They could, in theory, push it back.

12:43 PM BST

News from Old Trafford

It’s stopped raining and the covers are coming off - hurrah!

12:42 PM BST

Expect an early lunch

12:27 PM BST

Great session, so far, for Sri Lanka

Anyone who thought today was merely about when England wrap this Test up (including me...) has been proven wrong. Kamindu and Chandimal have been brilliant this morning, the Sri Lankan lead is up to 153 and, if nothing else, have illustrated that the tourists have class and ability to go with a fair amount of character.

12:24 PM BST

Here’s something you hear a lot...

...It’s raining in Manchester.

In fact its lashing it down and the players rush off in a bid to keep dry.

12:22 PM BST

OVER 77: SL 274/6 (Kamindu 90 Chandimal 56)

The new ball is 24 balls away at the start of this Bashir over, England need it, going on the evidence of the first hour and a quarter. Chandimal uses his feet well to drive the offie down the ground for three. This pair has taken no chances and yet have accumulated runs seemingly at will. As I type that the floodlights come on and the ground staff make moves on the boundary.

12:16 PM BST

OVER 76: SL 271/6 (Kamindu 90 Chandimal 53)

England now have no orthodox slips for Potts (they have a fly slip who is way out of the TV view), a sign of who, currently, is on top at Old Trafford. This Sri Lankan pair has dominated the first 70 minutes of the day. Kamindu moves into the nervous 90s with a cut for two. He definitely deserves a ton, it would be his third in just seven Test innings. To say he’s ‘one to watch’ isn’t really doing his obvious talent justice.

12:09 PM BST

OVER 75: SL 268/6 (Kamindu 88 Chandimal 52)

Three from this Bashir over and the lead is up to 146.

12:05 PM BST

OVER 74: SL 265/6 (Kamindu 86 Chandimal 51)

First false shot from Kamindu as he tries to leave one outside off stump and inadvertently gets bat on ball, the ball trickling harmlessly to Smith. He is human. One from the over.

12:01 PM BST

OVER 73: SL 264/6 (Kamindu 86 Chandimal 50)

Chandimal brings up his 27th Test 50 with a single off Bashir, he’s played well after that knock to his thumb. That gets Kamindu on strike and he smashes the off-spinner for four first up, it was short and a batsman of the left-hander’s class isn’t going to look that gift horse in the mouth.

Kamindu’s Test career may only be seven innings old, but he is averaging over a hundred. He looks good...to put it mildly.

11:57 AM BST

OVER 72: SL 259/6 (Kamindu 82 Chandimal 49)

It’s been Sri Lanka’s session so far. England haven’t really looked like getting a wicket and Kamindu and Chandimal look well set and composed. Five runs from this Potts over.

11:53 AM BST

OVER 71: SL 254/6 (Kamindu 80 Chandimal 46)

Time for spin, or at least Pope thinks so. Bashir comes on. Yesterday the Sri Lankan’s took the game to him having let him dictate terms in the first innings. The offie gets one to keep low and Kamindu does well to get bat on ball. There’s one from the over until Kamindu sweeps the last delivery for four and the tourists have reached the 250 mark. We have a game on...

11:48 AM BST

OVER 70: SL 249/6 (Kamindu 76 Chandimal 45)

Two singles from Potts’ first over of the day and bar that pea-roller England haven’t looked like taking a wicket. This pair look well set and are looking in control.

11:44 AM BST

OVER 69: SL 247/6 (Kamindu 75 Chandimal 44)

Two runs from this Woakes over until the final ball when Chandimal pulls well for four. No real signs of his sore thumb affecting him so far...

The tourists’ lead is now up to 125.

11:41 AM BST

Don’t give your wicket away!

11:40 AM BST

OVER 68: SL 241/6 (Kamindu 75 Chandimal 38)

More worrying injury signs for England as Lawrence goes over on his ankle having chased a Kamindu shot to backward point. He’s hobbling and staying out there, for now...

I’ve said it before and may well say it again: Kamindu is pleasing on the eye. He plays a peach of an off-drive, balanced, high elbow, full face of the bat for four - that oooooozed class. He follows that up with a pull shot for four. Good off both front and back foot, not a bad combo.

11:34 AM BST

OVER 67: SL 229/6 (Kamindu 64 Chandimal 37)

Sri Lanka have been good so far - solid and watchful in defence while attacking when the chance presents itself, as with that last Atkinson over. As I type that Woakes bowls a pea-roller to Chandimal, who, remember was out to a Bashir shooter in the first innings...had he got out to this pea-roller (it past off peg by about five cms...) he might well have thought ‘someone up there doesn’t like me’. That’s a maiden.

11:31 AM BST

Wood injury shows why having five bowlers is essential

11:29 AM BST

Chance for England’s Mitchell Starc?

11:28 AM BST

OVER 66: SL 229/6 (Kamindu 64 Chandimal 37)

Chandimal miscues into the leg side...and it trickles to the mid-wicket boundary... None of England’s fielders had a clue where the ball went, amusing to watch professionals look slightly hapless (like us mere mortals...). Another four comes via the inside edge down to fine leg, that was lucky but this pair have shown good intent so far and deserve the fortune that comes their way. Thirteen from that Atkinson over and the lead is now over 100 - hurrah!

11:23 AM BST

OVER 65: SL 216/6 (Kamindu 62 Chandimal 25)

Kamindu guides one down to deep point for two, he looks like a good, compact batsman. Those are the only runs from that Woakes over, Sri Lanka’s lead is now 94...they need at least 200, I reckon, to have the hint of a chance.

11:20 AM BST

OVER 64: SL 214/6 (Kamindu 60 Chandimal 25)

Atkinson is looking the more dangerous of the two bowlers so far. He bowls one that will have all coaches salivating, moving in to the top of off that Chandimal gets an inside edge on to his pads to. It’s a maiden and both side will say their start to the day has been ‘solid’.

11:15 AM BST

OVER 63: SL 214/6 (Kamindu 60 Chandimal 26)

Chandimal chips one that gives Woakes and Pope (at mid-on) a hint of a chance but it falls safely. Hussain, on Sky commentary, says this pitch is now acting like a sub-continent track, chances of catches in front of the wicket.

11:10 AM BST

OVER 62: SL 211/6 (Kamindu 60 Chandimal 23)

Gus Atkinson gets more lift from the other end and a bit more movement to boot. He wraps Chandimal on the pads with a fuller one but it’s sliding down legside and the appeal is half-hearted at best. A watchful over from Chandimal and a probing one from Atkinson, three runs from it.

It’s been a slow outfield and that was (here’s an ‘exciting’ stat...) the 27th three of this Test - delightful...

11:05 AM BST

OVER 61: SL 208/6 (Kamindu 60 Chandimal 20)

It’s Woakes with the first over of the day and with the first ball beats the outside edge of Kamindu’s bat. The ball is dying on Smith at wicketkeeper, a soft ball and placid (ish) pitch combining there. The first runs of the day come from a cover drive from Kamindu, lovely shot, pleasing on the eye.

11:00 AM BST

The players are out on the hallowed (if you’re Lancastrian...) turf

And the first over is moments away.

11:00 AM BST

Mathews not happy with the ball change

10:25 AM BST

Listen: Sir Geoffrey looks ahead to today’s play

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10:05 AM BST

Wood out with thigh injury

Mark Wood will not bowl for England today after hobbling off with a muscle injury in his right thigh yesterday evening.

Wood was assessed this morning in Manchester after leaving the field the previous evening, midway through his 11^th over.

He will not return to the field today and will continue to be assessed by the England medical team to determine the full extent of the injury.

It is a major blow for England given Wood’s importance to the side and exceptional bowling all summer. Wood has been hailed as the fastest bowler in English cricket history.

Aged 34, Wood has found some of the best form of his career this summer. He has been clocked as fast as 97.1mph. In the three Tests that he has played this season, he has taken 11 wickets at an average of just 22.5, providing a threat to batsmen as well as their wickets.

The Durham fast bowler is at the heart of England’s Test team and their strategy for regaining the Ashes in 2025/26. In his career he has taken 119 Test wickets at an average of 30.4 from 37 Tests.

In the short-term the news is a major boost to Sri Lanka’s prospects of mounting a stunning come-from-behind victory, although England remain heavy favourites. Sri Lanka closed day three on 204-6 in their second innings, a lead of 82 runs after England were bowled out for 358 in their first innings. If Sri Lanka can set England a target approaching 200 it would give them a realistic chance of securing just a fourth Test victory on English soil.

10:02 AM BST

Day three preview: England chase ruthless finish

Hello and welcome to live coverage from day four at Old Trafford.

England are chasing a ruthless finish to this first Test after Jamie Smith’s maiden hundred yesterday set up a winning position.

At 24, Smith became the youngest English wicketkeeper to post a Test ton, taking Les Ames’ 94-year-old record, as he converted his overnight 72 into a highly accomplished 111.

His century, in just his fifth innings, carried the hosts to 358 all out in the morning session as they moved into a 122-run lead.

By stumps last night the tourists had scrapped to 204 for six, with Angelo Mathews (65) and Kamindu Mendis (56 not out) showing fight after another torrid start saw them lose their first two wickets with just one run on the board.

The Sri Lankans will now resume this morning 82 runs ahead but with just four wickets remaining.

At the close of play yesterday, Smith thanked Ian Bell for his helping him become a Test centurion, even though the former England batsman is currently behind enemy lines with Sri Lanka.

Bell, a five-time Ashes winner during his playing days, is currently working with Cricket Sri Lanka as a batting consultant but was more than happy to assist Smith during their time together in the Hundred over the past month. The pair also worked together with England Lions during Smith’s ascent through the pathway.

“Belly has been a great help for me both in the Lions and with Birmingham Phoenix for the last couple of years. The knowledge that he passed on and his willingness to throw balls at me before games when I had an eye on the Test series is something I’m really grateful for,” he said.

“It’s great when people are willing to be in your corner, I guess, and help you out even though they’re in the opposition side. So I was grateful for his help.

“It felt really good to come away with that milestone today. I felt very relaxed. I felt comfortable to go out there and just play.”