England in their second innings will look to build a big lead over Sri Lanka before likely starting to bowl the visitors out on the fourth day of the third Test in this series. Join The Roar for live scores from the day starting from 8pm AEST.
On the third day of the Test England managed to bowl Sri Lanka out in the first innings for a total of 288, leaving themselves with a 128-run advantage at that point in time.
The Sri Lankans ultimately failed to capitalise on some good batting from Day 2, collapsing relatively quickly and losing their last three wickets for just 12 runs in total.
Kaushal Silva proved to be Sri Lanka’s most prolific batsman with 79 runs to his name. England’s bowlers had a fairly even spread with Chris Woakes and Steven Finn taking three wickets apiece, and Stuart Broad and James Anderson two each. Woakes was the most economical of the lot, giving up less than two runs per over.
England then took to the crease for their second innings but wouldn’t be especially pleased with their progress, putting together a total of 109 runs but losing four wickets along the way.
Nick Compton (19) and Jonny Bairstow (32) put in solid if unspectacular contributions before their wickets fell, but it would be Joe Root (4) and James Vince (0) who were the most regrettable. Opener Alex Hales remains at the crease with 41 not out, Finn (6 not out) his partner.
Nuwan Pradeep was the key bowler for Sri Lanka, taking the wickets of Root, Vince and Bairstow.
All in all it leaves England with a 237-run lead at the beginning of Day 4, which they will no doubt look to build today using the six wickets they still hold in hand.
Join The Roar for live scores from the day starting from 8pm AEST.