England vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test Day 3 Highlights Score: Eng In Control As SL Go 6 Down; Kamindu Mendis Key

We are back with Sri Lanka's reply in their second inning! The umpires are out and are followed closely by the England team who spread out to take the field. Nishan Madushka and Dimuth Karunaratne are the openers for Sri Lanka who are marking their guards. Chris Woakes is handed the new ball and will start the proceedings for England. Here we go..

... THIRD INNINGS ...

Right then, with the game finely poised it will be fascinating to see how Sri Lanka approaches their second innings. Can they dig out a big second innings lead, or will the English bowlers rise to the challenge once again? The stage is set for a riveting third innings, where every run and wicket will shape the narrative of this encounter.

On the other hand, the Lankan bowlers began their innings on a promising note, claiming 4 wickets for just 125 runs. However, as the game progressed, things started to unravel for them. They struggled to find breakthroughs, and even when they managed to take a wicket, they couldn't capitalize on it. A much-needed respite finally came late in the day when they broke the partnership between Atkinson and Smith, triggering a mini-collapse. From there, they were able to take successive wickets, eventually bundling England out for 358 runs.

England have set themselves up for success in the first innings, securing a substantial lead of 122 runs. A series of small but crucial partnerships have propelled the Three Lions forward, with special credit due to the middle order. Notably, Root, Brook, and Smith contributed significantly, turning the tide in England's favour. Jamie Smith deserves particular praise for his maiden century, a well-crafted 111 runs off 148 deliveries. The lower order also played a vital role, adding valuable runs to ensuring England firmly hold the upper hand at the close of the innings.

OUT! CAUGHT! Vishwa Fernando picks up his second wicket and England have been all out for 358 runs. They head into the innings break with a healthy lead of 122 runs. It is a short ball, around off. Matthew Potts thinks about riding the bounce here and goes for the kill. He pulls it powerfully towards deep square leg, but does not middle it. Kusal Mendis charges in from the deep, dives in front of him and takes a sharp catch.

FOUR! Innovation at its best. Fuller one, outside off. Potts shuffles, sets himself up nicely and scoops it down to fine leg for four runs. The crowd is on their feet here. They are loving it.

Full ball, angling across, outside off. Potts pushes it to mid off for no run.

Asitha Fernando continues to keep things tight. Good length, in the channel. Shoaib Bashir hangs back and eases it into the off side for no run. England now lead by 118 runs.

Three dots on the trot. Fuller one, angled in around off. Bashir tucks it towards mid on.

Another dot ball now, as Fernando goes short but errs in his line as it goes down leg. Bashir leaves it alone.

Asitha Fernando dishes a length ball this time, outside off, moving away a bit. Bashir hangs back and pushes it into the off side.

Very full this time, on the stumps. Potts backs away a bit and knocks it into covers, along the ground as well for one.

Good length, around off. This one flies off the deck. Matthew Potts comes across the line, and goes for the scoop shot here, but gets no bat on it. Dinesh Chandimal gathers it above his head. This one carried really well.

Just a single to end the over here. Vishwa Fernando goes very full, around leg. Potts gets some bat on it and works it to the left of the keeper. Dinesh Chandimal times his dive to perfetion, and makes a really important stop to keep it down to just a single.

Pitched up this time, wide of off. Bashir gets on his front foot and drives it towards deep point. The fielder in the comes across and keeps it down to two runs, but he concedes an overthrow which eventually allows the batters to sneak in another single.

Length ball, around off. Potts pushes it into covers for one.

Shorter one, on middle. Potts eases it back to the bowler.

Way too full, but sliding down the leg side. Potts tries to tickle it away but misses.

This is full, tailing into the pads. Potts tries to loft it down the park but misses and takes a blow on his pads.