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England vs Sri Lanka, 3rd Test Commentary, Live Updates

ENG vs SL, 2024 - Test Live Commentary

England vs Sri Lanka Scorecard

Match Ended

Kennington Oval, London , Sep 06, 2024

England

325&156

Sri Lanka

263&219/2 (40.3)

Sri Lanka beat England by 8 wickets

Player of the Match

Pathum Nissanka

Player of the Series

Joe Root

Right then, this marks a wrap to this immersive 3-match Test series. It has been nothing short of entertaining and a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. England take the series and further improve their standings in the World Test Championship. Whereas, a bittersweet end for Sri Lanka as they couldn’t clinch the series, but displayed what could be in store for them in the future with this win. Both teams have a streak of Test matches lined up for the next few months. England will be taking on Pakistan for a 3-match Test series, well, the venues haven’t been officially confirmed yet and it may take place outside Pakistan as well. That series will commence on October 7th. But before that, another bigger challenge awaits England in white ball cricket, as they will host Australia for a 3-match T20I series and a 5-match ODI series at home, in just about a week or so. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has a week’s rest before they host New Zealand at home in a 2-match Test series in Galle, which will begin on September 18th. Until then, cheers and take care!

The English players are now awarded with their medallions. Ollie Pope is requested to collect the silverware now. He collects the glittering trophy and walks towards his fellow teammates who pose for a team photograph. Clean sweeping the West Indies by 3-0 back in August, and now clinching a series win over Sri Lanka by 2-1. England have dominated this English summer with a 5-1 winning performance. And with this, the English Summer comes to a wrap.

The skipper of England, Ollie Pope is up for a talk now. Pope says that it is a disappointing result, but credit to Sri Lanka and they deserved the win. Adds that on Day 3, they kind of shot themselves in the foot as they didn't execute the plans effectively, and praises Nissanka for the way he batted. Says that there was no complacency, they stuck to their approach but just didn't score enough runs. Mentions that it was just one of those days where things didn't work out and they will look at it and try to improve in the upcoming games. Further adds, if they get the balance right, it will be alright as they have shown in the past. Credits Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes for playing all six Tests because it is not easy for fast bowlers. Tells that they have won 5 out of 6 Tests this summer, and they will learn from this defeat. Says when Stokes will be fit, he will be back leading the side, but he has enjoyed every moment of being the captain. Ends by saying that there have been a few words against him, and it was good to block that noise by scoring runs, but it doesn't matter because it came in a losing cause. Nonetheless, it was great to be back among the runs.

Time for the skippers' talk now! The captain of Sri Lanka, Dhananjaya de Silva is up for a flash interview. He says that there were no emotions in the changing room but is very proud of this team and happy for the win. Adds it is a very big moment, tells they had a tough time in the last two weeks. Adds that to come to England and get the win in these difficult English conditions, is a huge moment for the whole country. Mentions that to get 20 wickets, which they didn't execute in the first two Tests was special. On being asked about Nissanka, he tells that he wanted Pathum Nissanka in the playing XI and he proved that he is the best opening batter for Sri Lanka currently. Says they have a fixed batting lineup up and it is hard to bring someone in. Also adds that Kamindu Mendis and others have been consistently scoring runs in the domestic circuit and is happy to see them perform overseas. Ends by saying that they have will take a lot of confidence and positives from this series and is certain that they can beat any other team.

Kamindu Mendis wins the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for Sri Lanka for his all-round contributions throughout the series. Mendis says that it is a great win for the team. Adds that obviously these are challenging conditions, but their seamers did very well and Pathum Nissanka was excellent as well. Says that he just wanted to enjoy his time in the middle in these conditions. Mentions that he just made small changes here and there that helped him in this series but the main thing is to be confident in your abilities. Ends by saying that he is happy with playing in the middle order, but if the team wants to move him up, he will not mind that as well.

Joe Root wins the PLAYER OF THE SERIES award for England. He is also nominated as the PLAYER OF THE SUMMER for his immaculate contributions with the bat. He says it has been a great summer and is always nice to contribute as a senior player. He adds that he is trying to evolve every day. Mentions that this game is fickle and things change very quickly and that you need to keep working hard and keep training hard. On being asked whether he is at the peak of his career, he tells that the last few years have been the most enjoyable of his career. Also adds that they tried to find ways to put pressure on the opposition and stuck to the basics. Says it is what brings the best out of them.

Pathum Nissanka is adjudged as the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his fabulous 127 off just 124 balls. He says that this was a great opportunity for him to play in England and he enjoyed his knock. Adds that it was slightly difficult in the morning but he has a positive mindset which helped him. Ends by saying he just wanted to play his normal game. When asked 'Why he didn't play in the first Test?', he just smiled.

... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

England's bowling lineup, usually a formidable force, found itself grappling with unexpected hurdles. The promising Gus Atkinson, hampered by a nagging quad issue, struggled to find his usual rhythm. This left Chris Woakes, the seasoned campaigner, shouldering much of the responsibility as the most experienced bowler in the squad. Josh Hull was impressive with the ball, but his fitness too, was under the scanner. Although with the Day 4 pitch, full of roughs and turn, England could have tried to utilize some of Root, Lawrence and especially more of Bashir. But, overall, the positive thing for them is that they have clinched this series by 2-1.

Woakes tried his heart out by bowling those outswingers and tempted Mathews to just poke and edge one. The trap was set with short barrages from one end and fuller ones from the other - however, as patient as they needed to be, with just a couple of blemishes, Sri Lanka sailed nicely along with Nissanka taking on anything that was wide of off with those productive square cuts. Nissanka then went on to notch his 2nd Test century in the end. Angelo Mathews, using all his vast experience of over a hundred Tests, played a very responsible role in racking a steady 32 and preventing any fall of wicket further. A 111-run partnership between the two is all that took Sri Lanka to get home comfortably in the end.

Day 4 dawned under ominous grey skies, with gloomy weather that seemed to promise challenges. Sri Lanka needed 125 runs. A cold London morning it was with wind and swing, but the two accomplished Sri Lankan batters navigated the first thirty minutes or so nicely. However, a short ball ploy for Mendis turned fruitful for Gus Atkinson, courtesy of a screamer of a catch by Bashir.

Chasing 219, Sri Lanka lost Dimuth Karunaratne early, but he did become the fourth Sri Lankan batter to cross 7000 Test runs. However, Pathum Nissanka played aggressively, while Mendis supported him well. Together, they kept the scoreboard moving and found regular boundaries. Nissanka reached a fine half-century, and the pair added over 50 runs, steadily closing in on the target. Bad Light eventually halted play, with Sri Lanka needing 125 more runs and 9 wickets in hand.

Day 3, often called the 'Moving Day,' saw a significant momentum shift as Sri Lanka gained the upper hand. The day began with debutant Josh Hull redeeming himself by dismissing the set Dhananjaya de Silva, followed by Woakes removing Kamindu Mendis. England wrapped up Sri Lanka’s innings quickly, securing a 62-run lead. However, their aggressive approach with the bat backfired as Duckett and Pope were dismissed before Lunch. In the second session, Sri Lanka’s pacers took control. Dan Lawrence's reckless approach saw him edge one to Lahiru Kumara, and Vishwa Fernando's pinpoint in-swinging yorkers removed both Root and Brook. Jamie Smith fought back with a rapid fifty, but Vishwa struck again just before Tea. England's innings collapsed, with Kumara finishing with four wickets.

Sri Lanka then, with the bat found themselves in a bit of a tangle. Apart from Nissanka, who notched 64, none of the top and middle-order batters could get going. But the alliance of skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis came to their rescue and literally bailed them out from a precarious 93-5. Their valiant 127-run stand for the 6th wicket injected new hope for the islanders. The second day by and large went to the islanders before the play was stopped due to bad light.

But credit where it's due - the Lankan bowlers didn't just roll over and play dead. They showed some grit in the end and managed to put the brakes on what was looking like a runaway train. In the end, they kept England to 325, which, could've been a whole lot worse given how things were going and how brilliantly England batted. Milan Rathnayake snagged an impressive 3-fer while Vishwa, Lahiru Kumara and the skipper Dhananjaya de Silva too, chipped in with a couple each.

Alright then, let's take a quick trip down memory lane for this third and final Test, shall we? Sri Lanka decided to let the hosts have the first crack with the willow. England, true to form, and sincere to their Bazball approach, pretty much owned day one. The English inning was a bit of a rollercoaster, with Ben Duckett smashing a solid 86 and skipper Ollie Pope going absolutely bonkers, notching up the quickest 150 The Oval's ever seen.

Wins at The Oval in 1998, then in Nottingham in 2006 followed by a triumph in Leeds in 2014 and now breaching The Oval, again! Yes, Sri Lanka did lose the series, courtesy of immaculate cricket from the English side in the first two Tests, but this win will surely prove as a confidence booster for the island nation. Sanath Jayasuriya, the current Sri Lankan head coach, who was also part of those two famous wins against England, welcomes the centurion Pathum Nissanka and his partner Angelo Mathews with a broad smile and pats his back with proud emotions.

From London to Colombo, the Sri Lankans rejoice in delight and pride as they have defeated England by a convincing margin of 8 wickets. A win in Kennington Oval back in 1998 and now in 2024 as well - which is, 26 long years of wait. This victory marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan cricket, breaking their decade-long drought of wins against England in Test matches. It's their fourth Test win on English soil and 9th overall in head-to-head against England. Also, this marks the highest fourth innings chase at The Oval by any Asian team. Previously, Pakistan held this record by chasing 180 runs, which has been breached by Sri Lanka this time around. For a team that has faced its share of struggles in recent years, this win at the iconic Oval could be the spark they needed.

End Of The Over 40.3 : 219/2

5 Runs

140.1
040.2
440.3

P. Nissanka

127 (124)

A. Mathews

32 (61)

S. Bashir

3.3-0-28-0

40.3

Shoaib Bashir To Pathum Nissanka

FOUR! Pathum Nissanka fittingly hits the winning runs! SRI LANKA WIN BY 8 WICKETS! Shoaib Bashir drags his length back, outside off, Pathum Nissanka lets it come to him and cuts it away nicely wide of backward point for a boundary. Angelo Mathews hugs Nissanka as they get appreciation from the crowd and the English players. We can also see the Lankan skipper, Dhananjaya de Silva shaking hands with the head coach of England, Brendon McCullum. A famous victory and this will surely go down as one of the finest moments in Sri Lanka's history.

40.2

Shoaib Bashir To Pathum Nissanka

Tossed up, full and on middle, Pathum Nissanka defends it on the front foot.

40.1

Shoaib Bashir To Angelo Mathews

Short and on middle, Angelo Mathews nudges it through square leg for a single. Sri Lanka just one hit away from the win!

End Of The Over 40 : 214/2

6 Runs

039.1
139.2
039.3
139.4
439.5
039.6

P. Nissanka

123 (122)

A. Mathews

31 (60)

J. Hull

6-0-38-0

39.6

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Short of a length and on middle now, Pathum Nissanka stays back and keeps it out on the pitch.

39.5

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

FOUR! Touch of class from the centurion! Josh Hull hits the hard length and just outside off, Pathum Nissanka gets on top of the bounce and punches it with sweet timing through extra covers for a boundary.

39.4

Josh Hull To Angelo Mathews

Digs it into the pitch again, on middle, Angelo Mathews pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a run. Into single digits now!

39.3

Josh Hull To Angelo Mathews

Josh Hull bangs in a bouncer now, outside off, Angelo Mathews leaves it alone.

39.2

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Short of a length and on middle, Pathum Nissanka clips it just wide of square leg for a quick single.

39.1

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Back of a length but down the leg side, Pathum Nissanka misses his flick.

Lunch is just a few minutes away but the session will get extended further as Sri Lanka just need 11 runs to win. Also, Josh Hull is back into the attack now, replacing Olly Stone.

End Of The Over 39 : 208/2

6 Runs

038.1
038.2
038.3
138.4
138.5
438.6

A. Mathews

30 (58)

P. Nissanka

118 (118)

S. Bashir

3-0-23-0

38.6

Shoaib Bashir To Angelo Mathews

FOUR! Connects well this time! Shoaib Bashir gives this one some more air, full and on middle, Angelo Mathews goes down on one knee and nails his sweep towards the vacant deep square leg fence for a boundary. That brings up the 100-run partnership between these two batters as well. Sri Lanka are almost there!

38.5

Shoaib Bashir To Pathum Nissanka

Short once more, on off, Pathum Nissanka punches it through covers for one more.

38.4

Shoaib Bashir To Angelo Mathews

Short and on off, Angelo Mathews steers it through point for one.

38.3

Shoaib Bashir To Angelo Mathews

Oh..turn! This is exactly why Shoaib Bashir should have bowled more here! Floats it up, full and on off, grips and turns in sharply, Angelo Mathews strides out to push it away but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball just goes past the off pole.

38.2

Shoaib Bashir To Angelo Mathews

Shorter in length and on middle, Angelo Mathews stays back and pats it towards short leg.

38.1

Shoaib Bashir To Angelo Mathews

Flatter, full and on off, Angelo Mathews goes down to sweep it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

End Of The Over 38 : 202/2

10 Runs

137.1
137.2
137.3
137.4
037.5
637.6

P. Nissanka

117 (117)

A. Mathews

25 (53)

O. Stone

8-0-45-0

37.6

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

SIX! 200 up for Sri Lanka and they now need just 17 runs to win! Another predictable short-pitched delivery from Stone, on the stumps, Pathum Nissanka reads the length early, gets in position quickly with a stable base and still head position, clobbers the pull shot into the air and deposits it rows behind deep backward square leg.

37.5

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Short, at off, punched solidly by Nissanka off the back foot.

37.4

Olly Stone To Angelo Mathews

Over the pegs on the back of a length, Angelo Mathews shuffles a bit across off and lifts his front leg to pull it away. Gets it off the inner half of the blade which runs towards wide deep fine for a single.

37.3

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Length-delivery, on pads, this is tucked away to deep backward square leg for a single by Nissanka.

37.2

Olly Stone To Angelo Mathews

Short again, on the stumps, Angelo Mathews pulls it to deep fine for one.

37.1

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

That sounded so good off the bat, but just a single. Short and on the middle and leg, Pathum Nissanka powers away the pull shot along the ground to deep square leg for a single.

End Of The Over 37 : 192/2

2 Runs

136.1
136.2
036.3
036.4
036.5
036.6

A. Mathews

23 (51)

P. Nissanka

109 (113)

G. Atkinson

11-1-44-1

36.6

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Length on the pads, Mathews looks to flick it but is early into the shot and closes his bat face early. He gets a leading edge in front of mid on.

36.5

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Almost a yorker and on the stumps, Angelo Mathews just about manages to squeeze it out off the inner half of the bat to square leg.

36.4

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Over the top of the middle, on a good length, Angelo Mathews swats it to mid-wicket.

36.3

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Hard length, outside off, Mathews punches it off the back foot towards wide cover. Ollie Pope moves and dives to his left to intercept the ball.

36.2

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Dug in short and on the middle, Pathum Nissanka comfortably pulls it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.

36.1

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Under 30s now, is what Sri Lanka need to win! On the pads, Angelo Mathews glances it off the back foot towards deep square leg for an easy comfortable single.

End Of The Over 36 : 190/2

9 Runs

035.1
635.2
1 WD 35.3
135.3
135.4
035.5
035.6

P. Nissanka

108 (112)

A. Mathews

22 (46)

O. Stone

7-0-35-0

35.6

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Back of a length on the stumps, Nissanka defends it with a straight bat and off the back foot.

35.5

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Stone goes full outside off, Pathum Nissanka drives it solidly off the middle, but finds cover.

35.4

Olly Stone To Angelo Mathews

A bouncer from Stone and Mathews controls the pull nicely to deep backward square leg for a single.

35.3

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

DROPPED! Bashir never looked closely comfortable to take that one! Steep bumper on offer, Pathum Nissanka is a bit late to ramp it up. Gets it off the toe end of the bat and into the overcast skies. The ball hangs for an eternity in the air over deep third. Shoaib Bashir runs to his front and loses the ball in the clouds, but tries to position himself by crouching and eventually shells it. They cross one.

35.3

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

WIDE! He will have to reload that one again! Way down leg, wided.

35.2

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

SIX! Clobbered away! Stone bowls it on a length, around off, Pathum Nissanka waits for this one, allows it to arrive at him, creates a strong base before pulling it behind deep square leg for a cracking six. Sri Lanka are 32 more runs away now.

35.1

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

A vicious bumper from Stone this! Digs it into the surface, on off, Pathum Nissanka alertly arches back and lets it go through.

End Of The Over 35 : 181/2

5 Runs

034.1
334.2
034.3
034.4
034.5
234.6

A. Mathews

21 (45)

P. Nissanka

101 (107)

G. Atkinson

10-1-42-1

34.6

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

In the air...and safe! Mathews looks in a hurry now! Full and on the off stump line, Angelo Mathews mistimes it in the air over mid on. The ball lands in front of long on and they cross for a couple of more runs. 38 more needed now.

34.5

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Back of a length on the stumps, defended off the back foot.

34.4

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Outside off and on a length, Mathews is not interested at all, and leaves.

34.3

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Good length and in the channel outside off, Mathews shoulders his arms to this one.

34.2

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

HUNDRED FOR PATHUM NISSANKA! A special, special century for the right-hander! His 2nd Test Hundred in 11 matches and the maiden one against England. Back of a length, around off, Pathum Nissanka rides on the bounce and cuts it past point for three runs. Gets a huge round of applause from the crowd and the Sri Lankan dressing room. Kisses his bat looking towards the sky. A brave innings from him, full of class and comfort.

34.1

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Starts off with regular three slips and a deep backward point. Tests Nissanka by pitching it wide of off on a fuller length, Pathum Nissanka strides out to push it to the off side but plays inside the line of the ball and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Gus Atkinson (9-1-37-1) replaces Chris Woakes.

End Of The Over 34 : 176/2

4 Runs

033.1
1 LB 33.2
233.3
033.4
133.5
033.6

A. Mathews

19 (41)

P. Nissanka

98 (105)

O. Stone

6-0-26-0

33.6

Olly Stone To Angelo Mathews

Banged short, on the bodyline, Mathews rides on the bounce and drops it with soft hands to the pitch. Sri Lanka now need 43 more runs to win.

33.5

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Full and straight at 135 kph, outside off, Pathum Nissanka drives it nicely along the ground towards deep covers for a single.

33.4

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

'Nother nip-backer from Stone, angling on leg, on a length, Pathum Nissanka looks to nudge it to the square leg region but plays over the line, and gets pinged on the front pad.

33.3

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Length ball, outside off, Nissanka guides this one to wide deep third for a couple of runs. Moves onto 97 now!

33.2

Olly Stone To Angelo Mathews

A loud ambitious appeal for LBW but 'No' says the umpire! Angled down the leg stump line from Stone, full in length, Angelo Mathews misses the flick and gets rapped on the front pad, the ball rolls towards the square leg region and they cross over. England do not opt for a review.

33.1

Olly Stone To Angelo Mathews

Absolute jaffa! Olly Stone lands it just outside off on the fourth stump line, Angelo Mathews tries to defend it off the back foot, but again, opens his body, gets squared up and hangs his bat away from his body. Gets beaten by a whisker on the outside edge.

End Of The Over 33 : 172/2

6 Runs

032.1
032.2
232.3
432.4
032.5
032.6

P. Nissanka

95 (102)

A. Mathews

19 (38)

C. Woakes

12-0-52-1

32.6

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Goes back to his fuller length, on middle, Pathum Nissanka tucks it to the left of short leg.

32.5

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Hard length and on off, Pathum Nissanka stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

32.4

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

FOUR! Slashed away! Chris Woakes lands this short of a length and outside off, Pathum Nissanka gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it away over the backward point region for another boundary. The target moves to under 50 now!

32.3

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Back of a length and around off, Pathum Nissanka punches it away wide of deep point for a couple of runs. He moves into the 90s now!

32.2

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Full again, on middle, shaping in, Pathum Nissanka just about manages to get his bat in line of the ball and tucks it towards short leg.

32.1

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Full and off, Pathum Nissanka strides out to get closer to the line of the ball and blocks it out towards short covers.

End Of The Over 32 : 166/2

5 Runs

031.1
031.2
031.3
131.4
031.5
431.6

A. Mathews

19 (38)

P. Nissanka

89 (96)

O. Stone

5-0-23-0

31.6

Olly Stone To Angelo Mathews

EDGED AND FOUR! Olly Stone lands this on hard length and in that channel outside off, nips away a bit, Angelo Mathews looks to block it from his crease, and gets an outside edge that flies between gully and slip cordon for a boundary. Sri Lanka needs 53 more runs to win now!

31.5

Olly Stone To Angelo Mathews

Fuller in length and on off, shapes away, Angelo Mathews steers it away towards point.

31.4

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Short of a length and around leg, Pathum Nissanka pulls it away towards fine leg for a single.

31.3

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Good bowling! Olly Stone serves this a bit fuller, this one swings in sharply in the air, Pathum Nissanka looks to drive it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards short mid-wicket, Angelo Mathews sets off for the run but is sent back and rightly so.

31.2

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Good length, on middle, angling in, Pathum Nissanka hops up a bit and knocks it down the pitch.

31.1

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Back of a length and on off, Pathum Nissanka dabs it towards point.

End Of The Over 31 : 161/2

9 Runs

030.1
130.2
030.3
4 B 30.4
4 LB 30.5
030.6

A. Mathews

15 (36)

P. Nissanka

88 (92)

C. Woakes

11-0-46-1

30.6

Chris Woakes To Angelo Mathews

Pitched up and around off, Angelo Mathews fends it away.

30.5

Chris Woakes To Angelo Mathews

FOUR LEG BYES! The runs keep on coming! Fuller again and angling into leg, Angelo Mathews tries to glance it away but misses, the ball goes off his pads and between leg slip and keeper for another boundary.

30.4

Chris Woakes To Angelo Mathews

FOUR BYES! Bonus runs for Sri Lanka! Chris Woakes goes completely loses his radar, serves this full but way, way down the leg side, Angelo Mathews lets it go, Jamie Smith dives to his left, gets one hand on that but only manages to parry it behind him, the ball rolls away to the fine leg fence beating the dive of the fielder in the deep for a boundary.

30.3

Chris Woakes To Angelo Mathews

On a length and on middle, Angelo Mathews stays in his crease and tucks it away towards short mid-wicket.

30.2

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Fuller but angling into the pads, Pathum Nissanka easily clips it away towards fine leg for a single.

30.1

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Good length and on off, angles in, Pathum Nissanka prods forward and blocks it out off the inner half of his bat to the leg side.

Drinks! It has been Sri Lanka's morning, by a fair margin. With just a single blemish, they have sailed past the first challenging hour nicely. Pathum Nissanka, in particular, continued from where he left off on Day 3 and didn't spare anything that was thrown at him outside off. He currently stands unbeaten on 87 with Angelo Mathews providing a very responsible hand by tapping and running. England on the other hand, need wickets, and in a bundle now because they just have 67 runs to defend. They have utilized all their pacers and even summoned spin to break the shackles, in bowling-friendly conditions but have just managed to get a solitary wicket of Kusal Mendis. Also, Joe Root was seen swapping the bails at one end, just being superstitious. Will that bring some luck? Jokes apart, a change in bowling again, Chris Woakes is back into the attack.

End Of The Over 30 : 152/2

5 Runs

029.1
229.2
229.3
029.4
029.5
129.6

P. Nissanka

87 (90)

A. Mathews

15 (32)

O. Stone

4-0-18-0

29.6

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Pitched up and on middle again, gets it jag back in sharply, Pathum Nissanka looks to defend it with a straight bat but gets an inside edge through square leg for one. 5 runs off the over!

29.5

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

On a length and on middle, shaping in, Pathum Nissanka keeps it out to the leg side, he wants the run but is sent back.

29.4

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Goes fuller now, on middle, Pathum Nissanka prods forward and blocks it out.

29.3

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Hard length and around middle, Pathum Nissanka hops up and nudges it away wide of deep square leg this time for another brace. 150 up for Sri Lanka now!

29.2

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Short again and outside off, Pathum Nissanka connects with his cut this time, the ball goes wide of deep point as the batters take a double.

29.1

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

So close! Short of a length and outside off, invites the batter to go after it, Pathum Nissanka slashes hard at it but, that away movement takes the ball just past the outside edge.

Ollie Stone switches ends. Replaces Hull who is not totally fit as mentioned by the on-air commentator, Michael Atherton.

End Of The Over 29 : 147/2

10 Runs

128.1
028.2
428.3
128.4
028.5
428.6

A. Mathews

15 (32)

P. Nissanka

82 (84)

S. Bashir

2-0-17-0

28.6

Shoaib Bashir To Angelo Mathews

FOUR! Nicely played! Flighted, full and around middle, Angelo Mathews knows the square leg is up in the circle, goes down across on one knee and scoops it excellently over that fielder for another boundary. Sri Lanka are targeting the spinner here!

28.5

Shoaib Bashir To Angelo Mathews

Flatter, short once more, on off, Angelo Mathews stays back and keeps it out towards short leg.

28.4

Shoaib Bashir To Pathum Nissanka

Short again and on off, Pathum Nissanka punches it through covers for a run.

28.3

Shoaib Bashir To Pathum Nissanka

FOUR! Poor delivery and rightly punished! Shoaib Bashir bowls a half-tracker here, on middle, Pathum Nissanka has all the time in the world, rocks back and pulls it away easily towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

28.2

Shoaib Bashir To Pathum Nissanka

Goes short and on middle, Pathum Nissanka moves back and pats it down towards short leg.

28.1

Shoaib Bashir To Angelo Mathews

Tossed up, full and around off, Angelo Mathews takes a big stride forwards and pushes it towards covers for a single.

Spin has now been introduced by England. Shoaib Bashir (1-0-7-0) replaces Olly Stone.

End Of The Over 28 : 137/2

8 Runs

027.1
227.2
127.3
127.4
027.5
427.6

P. Nissanka

77 (81)

A. Mathews

10 (29)

J. Hull

5-0-32-0

27.6

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

FOUR! Cut away, again! 9th boundary for Nissanka and the maximum of them have been struck square of the wicket towards point. Josh Hull bangs in short in length, on off, Pathum Nissanka climbs on the bounce on his toes and cuts it with a horizontal bat, through deep point. Shoaib Bashir puts in a dive to intercept it but the ball is too quick to evade him for a boundary.

27.5

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Back of a length, straight on off, Pathum Nissanka brings his bat in line of the ball and presents a solid front foot defence with a straight bat.

27.4

Josh Hull To Angelo Mathews

Back of a length, on middle, Angelo Mathews clips it to square leg for a single.

27.3

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Short delivery outside off, Nissanka stands tall and cuts it to deep backward point for a single.

27.2

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Hull delivers a wobble seam ball on the pads, on the back of a length, Pathum Nissanka nudges it in front of square leg. The ball rolls square of the wicket and Nissanka calls for a double and Barnwell, the substitute fielder is quick on the ball running from deep square leg, and forces Mathews to put in a desperate dive at the non-striker's end. A direct hit would have been curtains for Mathews there.

27.1

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Good-length delivery around off, Nissanka gets in line, leans on the ball, and defends it to cover.

End Of The Over 27 : 129/2

5 Runs

026.1
126.2
126.3
126.4
226.5
026.6

A. Mathews

9 (28)

P. Nissanka

70 (76)

O. Stone

3-0-13-0

26.6

Olly Stone To Angelo Mathews

Fuller and on the stumps, Mathews pushes it to mid on.

26.5

Olly Stone To Angelo Mathews

Short again at 135 kph, angling on the leg stump, Angelo Mathews glances it off the back foot towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.

26.4

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Tap and run! Back of a length, over the top of the middle, Pathum Nissanka hops on the back foot and taps it along the ground towards wide mid on for a single.

26.3

Olly Stone To Angelo Mathews

Misses his line in search for that swing, does Stone, sprays it on the pads, on a good length, Angelo Mathews clips it nicely to deep square leg for a single.

26.2

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Slightly short and outside off, Pathum Nissanka punches it off the back foot to wide cover for a single.

26.1

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Length, on the stumps, Nissanka pushes it to mid on with a straight bat face.

End Of The Over 26 : 124/2

1 Runs

025.1
025.2
125.3
025.4
025.5
025.6

A. Mathews

6 (25)

P. Nissanka

68 (73)

J. Hull

4-0-24-0

25.6

Josh Hull To Angelo Mathews

Hull lands it across off on a length, a gentle push from Mathews back to the bowler. Hull starts decently.

25.5

Josh Hull To Angelo Mathews

Almost a yorker, on the stumps from Hull, Angelo Mathews deals with it carefully, brings his bat down in time, and clips it off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.

25.4

Josh Hull To Angelo Mathews

Fractionally outside off on a length, Angelo Mathews defends it with soft hands to cover.

25.3

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Back of a length, and outside off, Pathum Nissanka pushes it off the back foot to deep backward point for a single.

25.2

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Nissanka looks to whip this fuller length ball sliding down leg side but misses.

25.1

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Double change from England. Josh Hull now comes into the attack, replacing Atkinson. Pitches it up, full and on the middle, Pathum Nissanka watches it closely and blocks it off the front foot.

End Of The Over 25 : 123/2

3 Runs

224.1
024.2
124.3
024.4
024.5
024.6

A. Mathews

6 (22)

P. Nissanka

67 (70)

O. Stone

2-0-8-0

24.6

Olly Stone To Angelo Mathews

Beaten! Slight away movement on a good length, just around the corridor of uncertainty. Angelo Mathews gets invited on the front foot, pats his front leg ahead for a defence but gets beaten by the outswing on the outside edge.

24.5

Olly Stone To Angelo Mathews

Bangs in a steep bumper on the bodyline. Angelo Mathews can only duck underneath it. Good delivery from Stone.

24.4

Olly Stone To Angelo Mathews

Full, on the stumps, Angelo Mathews with a firm prod and push to mid off.

24.3

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

More full, but on middle again, Nissanka defends off the inner half of the blade. The ball rolls towards the square leg region and they cross for a single.

24.2

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Straight and full, on the middle, Pathum Nissanka replies solidly with a front foot defence to mid on.

24.1

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Olly Stone begins his new spell with three slips and a gully. Begins with a shorter one, on the middle, Pathum Nissanka lifts his front leg in the air and pulls it past square leg. Nissanka realises that it does not have enough steam to breach the fence, puts on the afterburners and completes the double quickly.

First bowling change of Day 4. Olly Stone replaces Chris Woakes.

End Of The Over 24 : 120/2

0 Runs

023.1
023.2
023.3
023.4
023.5
023.6

A. Mathews

6 (19)

P. Nissanka

64 (67)

G. Atkinson

9-1-37-1

23.6

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

And again! Same line, same length, on middle, Angelo Mathews gets behind the line of the ball and clips it to the short leg fielder.

23.5

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Short and right on the bodyline, Angelo Mathews hops and tucks it with soft hands to the fielder at short leg who collects on the bounce.

23.4

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Outside off on the back of a length, Angelo Mathews offers no shot at it and lets it pass alone.

23.3

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Goes short does Gus Atkinson but way down the leg stump, Angelo Mathews sways away from the line of the ball. Jamie Smith moves to the direction of the ball, to his left and collects it high on his chest level.

23.2

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Full again, identical line, on off, Angelo Mathews blocks it with soft hands to the off side.

23.1

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Too full, on off, at 134 kph, Mathews prods ahead and meets the ball right under his eyes with a solid defence.

End Of The Over 23 : 120/2

5 Runs

022.1
022.2
122.3
422.4
022.5
022.6

P. Nissanka

64 (67)

A. Mathews

6 (13)

C. Woakes

10-0-45-1

22.6

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

First false shot from Nissanka, but gets away! Woakes offers more width this time, on the back of a length, swinging away, Pathum Nissanka slashes hard at it to access the square of the wicket with a cut but misses.

22.5

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Attacks the off peg, on a tighter line, Nissanka responds with a solid front foot defence.

22.4

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

FOUR! Nissanka has been so productive square of the wicket! Bread and butter for him! Back of a length, outside off, Nissanka gets a good bounce and width, pounces on it by weighing on the back foot and cutting it crisply past point for a boundary. The lead gets down to double figures now. 99 runs more needed.

22.3

Chris Woakes To Angelo Mathews

Oh, an inswinger! Starts from outside off and curves back in sharply on the off and middle channel, Angelo Mathews negotiates well and clips it to wide mid-wicket for a single.

22.2

Chris Woakes To Angelo Mathews

Back of a length, on the off stump, keeps low on the bounce, Angelo Mathews hops on the back foot and taps it off the inner half of the bat to the leg side.

22.1

Chris Woakes To Angelo Mathews

Woakes continues from over the stumps! Fuller and angling on the leg stump line, at 126 kph, Angelo Mathews clips it with soft hands to wide mid on.

End Of The Over 22 : 115/2

4 Runs

021.1
121.2
021.3
021.4
021.5
321.6

A. Mathews

5 (10)

P. Nissanka

60 (64)

G. Atkinson

8-0-37-1

21.6

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Fuller and on middle, shaping in, Angelo Mathews steps across a bit and flicks it away between mid-wicket and mid on for three more runs.

21.5

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Hits the good length, angles into the batter, Angelo Mathews pats it towards mid on.

21.4

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Hard length and on off, takes off a bit, Angelo Mathews rides the bounce well and keeps it out to the off side.

21.3

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Back of a length and on off, Angelo Mathews stays on the back foot and blocks it out.

21.2

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

On a length and on middle, Pathum Nissanka nudges it away through square leg for a single.

21.1

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Short of a length and on off, Pathum Nissanka dabs it down towards point.

End Of The Over 21 : 111/2

2 Runs

020.1
020.2
020.3
120.4
120.5
020.6

A. Mathews

2 (6)

P. Nissanka

59 (62)

C. Woakes

9-0-40-1

20.6

Chris Woakes To Angelo Mathews

Back of a length and just outside off, Angelo Mathews plays inside the line of it as the ball goes through to the keeper.

20.5

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Pitched up and on middle, Pathum Nissanka tucks it past short leg for one. Nelson on the board. Will this bring in a wicket for England?

20.4

Chris Woakes To Angelo Mathews

Close call! Fuller one and on off, Angelo Mathews pushes it towards covers and sets off for the run, the fielder picks up but puts in a wild throw at the batter's end, Pathum Nissanka has to put in a desperate dive here. A direct hit from Atkinson, and it would have been close. Sri Lanka needs to communicate better between the wickets.

20.3

Chris Woakes To Angelo Mathews

And again! Chris Woakes hits the length hard and in that channel outside off, shapes away again, Angelo Mathews has a poke at it as he completely opens up his body, but the ball zips past the outside edge.

20.2

Chris Woakes To Angelo Mathews

Touch fuller and on off, Angelo Mathews hangs his bat out and blocks it out.

20.1

Chris Woakes To Angelo Mathews

BEAUTY! Chris Woakes lands this on a good length and just around off, shapes away a shy bit, Angelo Mathews gets squared up as he does so often, tries to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

End Of The Over 20 : 109/2

3 Runs

119.1
119.2
W 19.3
119.4
019.5
019.6

P. Nissanka

58 (61)

A. Mathews

1 (1)

G. Atkinson

7-0-33-1

19.6

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

On a length and on middle, Pathum Nissanka pats it down wide of short leg.

19.5

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Hard length and on middle, jags back in sharply, Pathum Nissanka gets hurried, his bottom hand comes off but he manages to keep it down wide of short leg.

19.4

Gus Atkinson To Angelo Mathews

Fuller and on the pads, Angelo Mathews clips it towards fine leg for a single. Gets off the mark.

The Sri Lankan veteran, Angelo Mathews walks in at number 4 with 111 runs more to win.

19.3

Gus Atkinson To Kusal Mendis OUT!

OUT! TAKEN! Absolute screamer in the deep! No luck this time for Kusal Mendis and Gus Atkinson gets his man. He bowls another sharp short ball, angling into the batter, Kusal Mendis once again goes for the pull, but the ball gets big on him, takes the top edge and flies wide of fine leg, Shoaib Bashir stationed there moves to his left a bit and then takes a stunning diving catch with both hands. England needed a wicket badly and they got the opening as Atkinson breaks the 69-run stand for the second wicket! Mendis departs on a brisk 39.

19.2

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Back of a length and around off, Pathum Nissanka guides it towards point for a single.

19.1

Gus Atkinson To Kusal Mendis

In the air....safe! Gus Atkinson bangs in a sharp bouncer here, on middle, Kusal Mendis goes for the pull shot but gets hurried a bit, the ball takes the top edge and goes up in the air. However, it lands wide of Shoaib Bashir at deep square leg who runs in from deep fine and mops it up. They cross.

End Of The Over 19 : 106/1

5 Runs

118.1
018.2
018.3
018.4
118.5
318.6

K. Mendis

38 (35)

P. Nissanka

57 (58)

C. Woakes

8-0-38-1

18.6

Chris Woakes To Kusal Mendis

Short of a length and outside off, Kusal Mendis cuts it away, not from the middle but in the gap, point runs after it and collects it. Three runs taken.

18.5

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Pitched up and on off, Pathum Nissanka pushes it through cover-point for a run.

18.4

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

A stifled appeal for LBW, but turned down! Hard length and on middle, nipping back in sharply, Pathum Nissanka looks to work it across the line but misses and gets hit high on the pads.

18.3

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

On a length and around off, Pathum Nissanka stays in his crease and blocks it out.

18.2

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Fuller and on middle, angles down the leg side, Pathum Nissanka looks to flick but misses, it goes off his pads to the keeper, Jamie Smith collects it and appeals, but nothing doing.

18.1

Chris Woakes To Kusal Mendis

Risky run! Good length and on off, shapes away, Kusal Mendis steers it off the outer half of the bat to wide of point, the batters hesitate a bit for the single but set off for it eventually, Gus Atkinson picks up and scores a direct hit at the batter's end, but Mendis just about manages to get inside. The replay confirms the same!

End Of The Over 18 : 101/1

2 Runs

217.1
017.2
017.3
017.4
017.5
017.6

P. Nissanka

56 (54)

K. Mendis

34 (33)

G. Atkinson

6-0-30-0

17.6

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

On a length and on off, keeps low again, Pathum Nissanka tries to guide it away but gets a bottom edge on the pitch as the ball rolls towards short leg.

17.5

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Touch fuller, on middle, angling in and keeps low too, Pathum Nissanka adjusts well to get his bat down in time and blocks it out.

17.4

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Hits the good length, on off, nips back in, Pathum Nissanka gets a bit cramped up, but manages to negate the bounce and keeps it out to the leg side.

17.3

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Back of a length and on middle, Pathum Nissanka hops up and pats it on the bounce to short leg.

17.2

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Full again and on off, shapes in again, Pathum Nissanka drills it down the ground, but there is a mid on who mops it up.

17.1

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Full and on middle, shaping in sharply, Pathum Nissanka looks to block it out but gets an inside edge just past short leg, the batters take two. 100 up for Sri Lanka! They now need 118 more runs to win.

End Of The Over 17 : 99/1

1 Runs

016.1
016.2
016.3
116.4
016.5
016.6

K. Mendis

34 (33)

P. Nissanka

54 (48)

C. Woakes

7-0-33-1

16.6

Chris Woakes To Kusal Mendis

Hits the length hard, on off again, Kusal Mendis stabs it down towards gully this time.

16.5

Chris Woakes To Kusal Mendis

Short of a length and around off, Kusal Mendis dabs it out towards point.

16.4

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Pitched up and angling into the pads, Pathum Nissanka glances it towards fine leg for a single.

16.3

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Edged but does not carry! Pulls his length back a bit, on off, nips away again, Pathum Nissanka prods forward and defends with soft hands, it takes the outside edge and goes on two bounces to second slip.

16.2

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

More movement! Fuller one and on middle, shapes away again, Pathum Nissanka gets squared up, the ball goes off the leading edge and rolls safely towards cover-point.

16.1

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Chris Woakes begins with a good-length delivery, on off, shapes away a bit, Pathum Nissanka stays back and blocks it out towards short covers.

Chris Woakes (6-0-32-1) to share the attack. Three slips and a gully in position for him to start with.

End Of The Over 16 : 98/1

4 Runs

015.1
015.2
015.3
015.4
015.5
415.6

K. Mendis

34 (31)

P. Nissanka

53 (44)

G. Atkinson

5-0-28-0

15.6

Gus Atkinson To Kusal Mendis

FOUR! Sri Lanka gets going on Day 4! Gus Atkinson pitches it up a bit more and on off, Kusal Mendis strides out, presents the full face of the bat and drives it away beautifully through mid off, Ollie Pope gives chase and slides in to push it back inside but fails to do so. First boundary of the day!

15.5

Gus Atkinson To Kusal Mendis

Hard length, on middle, Kusal Mendis clips it towards short leg, a fumble but no harm done.

15.4

Gus Atkinson To Kusal Mendis

Goes fuller this time, on off, shaping in, Kusal Mendis blocks it out with a straight bat.

15.3

Gus Atkinson To Kusal Mendis

Short of a length and just outside off, Kusal Mendis goes for the cut but loses his bottom hand and mistimes it to point.

15.2

Gus Atkinson To Kusal Mendis

Back of a length and on middle, Kusal Mendis stays back and pats it down towards short mid-wicket.

15.1

Gus Atkinson To Kusal Mendis

Not an ideal start! Gus Atkinson goes full but loses his line and serves this down the leg side, Kusal Mendis misses his flick.

All set for Day 4 to commence at the Kennington Oval! The floodlights are glittering with the spectators in their hoodies and sweaters as it is a cold London morning. The umpires and the English players have already taken their positions. Gus Atkinson will get things underway with the ball. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis will resume their innings for Sri Lanka with Mendis to face the first delivery. Here we go...

As reckoned by Nasser Hussain on-air yesterday, the London skies are dark with a thick cloud cover hovering, threatening to pour down. Also, it is comparatively very cold and windy out there - 15 degrees, to be precise. It hasn't rained though, but the moisture content of a cold morning, with an already dampened surface coming into Day 4, will play a big factor as it will help the ball to curve and tail in. The seamers often tend to get some assistance off the deck in such conditions. So, the first hour of play will be very crucial from both teams' perspectives.

Despite conceding the lead, Sri Lanka showed far more hunger and determination than in previous games. Their bowlers were on point from the start, and every decision by skipper Dhananjaya de Silva paid off immediately. The second session was crucial, with Vishwa Fernando’s brilliant in-swinging yorkers removing Joe Root and Harry Brook. Though Jamie Smith fought back with a quick 67, Sri Lanka dismissed him just before Tea and swiftly cleaned up the tail. In the run chase, Pathum Nissanka took an aggressive approach, while Dimuth Karunaratne played cautiously before falling early. Kusal Mendis then joined Nissanka, and together they punished any loose deliveries. Nissanka reached a fine half-century as the duo started to reduce the target rapidly. Bad light interrupted their momentum, with Nissanka and Mendis unbeaten on 53 and 30, respectively, but they will hope that this partnership score the bulk of the remaining runs to secure a famous win on English soil. Stay tuned as all the action on Day 4 begins shortly.

England began Day 3 strongly, with their pacers exploiting the conditions to wrap up Sri Lanka's innings, securing a 62-run lead. However, in the brief period before Lunch, they lost Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope cheaply. After the break, England’s middle order collapsed again, with Jamie Smith being the lone bright spot. Despite little support, he counter-attacked brilliantly, scoring a quick-fire 67 and helping England set a target of 219. Though Chris Woakes dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne early, the hosts struggled to contain the batters. Sri Lanka responded with aggressive intent, nearly halving the target before Bad Light ended play. The hosts will hope that just like Day 3, they can use the conditions better in the morning session and put the pressure back on the Lankans by picking up a few wickets.

Hello and welcome, everyone! Day 3 was action-packed, with the game moving at a rapid pace. While the weather played its part again, Sri Lanka made an impressive comeback in the available play. They now find themselves in a strong position, and it wouldn’t be wrong to say they are the current favorites. England had a tough day with both bat and ball, and their hopes of finishing the summer with a perfect Test record have taken a hit. As we head into Day 4, despite some weather concerns, a result seems likely. The equation is simple - Sri Lanka needs 125 runs, while England requires 9 wickets.

... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...

Right then, that is it from our coverage of an immersive Day 3 of this final Test, Sri Lanka is in the driving seat with two of their accomplished batters standing unbeaten. Although, they will have to score 125 more runs to taste the sweet nectare of victory. Will they be able to prevent England from executing a 6-0 sweep in this summer? Or will England miraculously strike back as they have a decent attack in the bowling ranks? Only time will tell. The first hour of the new day's play will be very, very crucial from both teams' perspectives. We are far from drawing conclusions as of now, folks! Day 4 will commence on Monday, September 9th and the first ball will be bowled at 10 am GMT. Till then, take care!

So, the third day of this final Test has bounced back and forth in favor of both sides, but Sri Lanka surely will be the happier of the two sides to have managed to assert dominance as of now. England has been good, but in patches and now, they need 9 wickets but have 125 runs to defend. Well, a total of 98 overs were scheduled to be bowled today to cover the overs lost on the first two days, but since the light didn't permit it to continue any further, it means, we will have the same number of overs and if needed, another half an hour of extended play on Day 4, conditions applied with the weather permitting or we get the result before that.

In came the Pathum Nissanka-Kusal Mendis alliance who didn't flinch a bit and took the English bowlers, almost taking a leaf out of England's approach. They played on merit and avoided any risky shots that could create any inroad for the opposition. But fair to say, England wouldn't be really pleased with how the last session panned out for them.

However, as the third and final session began, Sri Lanka didn't waste much time to clean up the tail. They then faced the task of chasing 219 for victory, a target that, while seemingly moderate, carries significant weight in Test cricket where any pursuit exceeding 200 can prove challenging. Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka approached their innings with poise and skill, initiating a steady start to the chase. Their composed batting, coupled with a brisk scoring rate, especially from Nissanka, soon began to exert pressure on the English side. Karunaratne, mostly watchful, fell courtesy of a spectacular catch from Woakes in his own bowling.

Cut to the second session, Sri Lanka came well-prepared as their pacers ran a riot and cleaned up the English top order in a flash. Root, Duckett, Pope, and Brook all went without any impact and Sri Lanka were sniffing a comeback with the lead not as threatening as it could. But in comes the young 24-year-old Jamie Smith who valiantly battled the storm single-handedly and bailed England out of an extremely turbulent situation. But, the Lankan bowlers are to be fairly blamed here, when the ball was doing its mischief when pitched on a fuller length, the ploy to drag the length back indeed cost them dearly as they were tonked mercilessly by Smith all over the park.

This dismissal triggered a procession of wickets. The pace bowlers, who had limited opportunities on the second day due to poor light, diligently performed their duties this time around, removing Sri Lanka's lower-order batters who struggled to add runs. Despite this, Sri Lanka managed to reduce the deficit to double digits. England's bowlers implemented a strategy of short-pitched deliveries to dismantle the Sri Lankan tail. This tactic proved effective, allowing England to execute their plans successfully and secure a 62-run lead. Coming to bat, the Englishmen didn't flinch from their 'Bazball' style of play and showed intent straightaway. Duckett however, couldn't stay long and perished with Pope too, following suit right before Lunch.

'Moving Day', as the cricket pundits call it, and the first session had a bit of everything - rain, aggressive strokes, brilliant bowling all combined. England aimed to lay a siege on Day 3 at their opponents by taking early wickets and the first hour of any day in Test cricket is very crucial and a bit tough for the batting side. The ball moved and curved in the early morning and tested the patience of the batters. Hull, in redemption, dismissed DDS whom he dropped on Day 2.

Well, it didn't take long, did it? The official word is in and that will be STUMPS ON DAY 3! SESSION SUMMARY - 110 runs and 3 wickets in 18 overs! An amazing day of Test cricket and this is exactly why we love this format. The game ebbed and flowed and both sides had their moments, but as things stand, it is Sri Lanka who have the upper hand in this game needing 125 runs to win with 9 wickets in hand, and plenty of time in the Test as well.

UPDATE - 5.47 pm GMT - One more over? Not as of now. The artificial light has taken over now and the players are being requested to walk off the field. It is not officially called Stumps as yet though. Nasser on-air reckons that the weather for Day 4 is not a promising one either.

End Of The Over 15 : 94/1

7 Runs

414.1
114.2
114.3
014.4
114.5
014.6

P. Nissanka

53 (44)

K. Mendis

30 (25)

S. Bashir

1-0-7-0

14.6

Shoaib Bashir To Pathum Nissanka

Drags his length back, on middle, Pathum Nissanka moves back and pats it to the leg side.

14.5

Shoaib Bashir To Kusal Mendis

Flighted, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis sweeps it away towards deep square leg for one.

14.4

Shoaib Bashir To Kusal Mendis

TURN AND BOUNCE! Floats this up, short and outside off, this one lands in the rough and turns in viciously with extra bounce, Kusal Mendis has no time to get out of the way as it hits his gloves and falls on the pitch.

14.3

Shoaib Bashir To Pathum Nissanka

Short again, on middle, Pathum Nissanka heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

14.2

Shoaib Bashir To Kusal Mendis

Goes short and on middle, Kusal Mendis moves back and pulls it away through mid-wicket for a single.

14.1

Shoaib Bashir To Kusal Mendis

FOUR! Sweeps and sweeps well! Tossed up, full and around middle, Kusal Mendis goes down on one knee and swipes it away excellently through square leg, it zips away to the fence for a boundary.

Well, it has started to drizzle now, and the umpires also deem that the light is not safe enough for the pacers to bowl. Ollie Pope has a chat with the umpire and after having a discussion with his players asks Shoaib Bashir to come into the attack. This probably can be the last over of the day as well. We can see the shadows of the players and a thick cloud cover hovering over at The Oval. The floodlights are glittering now as well.

End Of The Over 14 : 87/1

6 Runs

013.1
013.2
013.3
213.4
013.5
413.6

P. Nissanka

52 (42)

K. Mendis

24 (21)

J. Hull

3-0-23-0

13.6

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

FOUR! Cracked away! FIFTY for Nissanka! His 7th in the Test career! Josh Hull overcompensates and lands a juicy half volley around off, Pathum Nissanka pats his front foot, slaps it through the cover and mid off gap for a boundary.

13.5

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Oh, almost a chance created! Hull gets some inward movement on the fullish length, at the middle and off channel, Pathum Nissanka is a bit early in his defence and plays over the line of the ball, inside edges it onto the pads.

13.4

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Back of a length, on the middle, Pathum Nissanka hops on the back foot and clips it to deep mid-wicket for a quick brace.

13.3

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Oh, that almost flew off the deck, but Jamie Smith does well to collect it behind the stumps! Hull gets a good bounce and carry on a good length, across off, Nissanka goes for a wild pull and misses.

13.2

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Attacks the pegs, on a fuller length, Pathum Nissanka watchfully guides it to gully.

13.1

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Back of a length on the leg stump, defended off the back foot.

Drinks! Well, the Sri Lankans have well and truly asserted their dominance in this Test now. With 219 to chase, Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne started off steadily with the former scoring at a brisk rate. Sri Lanka did lose Karunaratne cheaply but the Kusal-Nissanka alliance has looked unfazed. They have added 42 runs together so far without any risky strokes. England on the other hand, haven't been at their A-game with the ball and need wickets, in a bulk, that too, quickly to even stay in the game. Josh Hull to continue after the Drinks break.

End Of The Over 13 : 81/1

5 Runs

112.1
412.2
012.3
012.4
012.5
012.6

K. Mendis

24 (21)

P. Nissanka

46 (36)

O. Stone

1-0-5-0

12.6

Olly Stone To Kusal Mendis

Banged in short and around off, Kusal Mendis is hurried into the shot and manages it to glove it away to the wide point region. It must have stung him hard on the fingers though.

12.5

Olly Stone To Kusal Mendis

At the pegs, on a fullish length, Kusal Mendis watchfully blocks it to the right of Olly Stone.

12.4

Olly Stone To Kusal Mendis

Back of a length, at the middle stump line, Kusal Mendis taps it to short mid-wicket and straightaway denies a single on a sharp call.

12.3

Olly Stone To Kusal Mendis

Brings the angle a bit closer but it is still outside off, on a good length, Kusal Mendis hangs his bat and gets beaten on the back foot.

12.2

Olly Stone To Kusal Mendis

FOUR! Crunched away! The Sri Lankan batters have been very productive through the covers! Short of a good length, a hit me ball outside off, Kusal Mendis pounces on the width and crunches it with a solid punch through cover for a boundary.

12.1

Olly Stone To Pathum Nissanka

Olly Stone replaces Woakes! Starts off with a good length ball, at off, Pathum Nissanka shuffles a bit to the off side and gets behind the line of the ball and tucks it with soft hands to the square leg region for an easy single.

End Of The Over 12 : 76/1

13 Runs

211.1
411.2
111.3
011.4
211.5
411.6

K. Mendis

20 (16)

P. Nissanka

45 (35)

J. Hull

2-0-17-0

11.6

Josh Hull To Kusal Mendis

FOUR! Kusal Mendis into his 20s now! Sweetly timed shot! Across off on the back of a length, Kusal Mendis waits for it to arrive, goes on the back foot and cuts it past cover-point for a cracking boundary. No chance for Olly Stone to intercept it who charges in to his right from deep backward point.

11.5

Josh Hull To Kusal Mendis

Pope has now moved from gully to mid-wicket! Hull bangs it short at 132 kph, on the leg stump, Kusal Mendis pulls it comfortably towards deep mid-wicket and completes the second run easily.

11.4

Josh Hull To Kusal Mendis

Hull searches for a fuller one, but slips in a tailing in full toss on the knee length, Kusal Mendis reacts a bit late to swipe it across, inside edges onto the pads.

11.3

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Short of a length on the off stump, Nissanka gets on his toes and pushes to the left of extra cover for a quick single.

11.2

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

FOUR! Nissanka is looking unstoppable and is caressing the ball with sheer timing! In-between length, across off, Pathum Nissanka gets the desired bounce, transfers his weight on the back foot and punches it solidly through point for a boundary.

11.1

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Full and outside off, Pathum Nissanka pats his front foot ahead and lofts it over covers for a brace.

End Of The Over 11 : 63/1

12 Runs

410.1
010.2
410.3
010.4
010.5
410.6

K. Mendis

14 (13)

P. Nissanka

38 (32)

C. Woakes

6-0-32-1

10.6

Chris Woakes To Kusal Mendis

FOUR! In the gap and four more! Chris Woakes bowls a tired delivery, a predictable short one, on the middle, sits up nicely for Kusal as he weighs back and pulls it along the ground and though the vacant deep mid-wicket region for a boundary. Chris Woakes probably won't get another over as he has already bowled six on the bounce.

10.5

Chris Woakes To Kusal Mendis

Back of a length, and outside off, Kusal Mendis lets it be.

10.4

Chris Woakes To Kusal Mendis

Short of a good length and angling away, outside off, Kusal Mendis gets squared and opens his body, gets nicked and the ball rolls to gully.

10.3

Chris Woakes To Kusal Mendis

FOUR! Flicked away nicely! Chris Woakes misses his line and sprays it on the leg stump line, on a fullish length, Kusal Mendis commits on the front foot and flicks it with a still head position, through the diving Shoaib Bashir at mid-wicket for a boundary.

10.2

Chris Woakes To Kusal Mendis

Good length and outside the off stump, Kusal shoulders his arms.

10.1

Chris Woakes To Kusal Mendis

FOUR! Creamed away! Fuller in length, it swings away from outside off, Kusal Mendis walks a couple of steps ahead, but stays leg side of the ball, sits on his knee with a stride ahead and slaps it past covers for a boundary.

End Of The Over 10 : 51/1

4 Runs

09.1
09.2
49.3
09.4
09.5
09.6

P. Nissanka

38 (32)

K. Mendis

2 (7)

J. Hull

1-0-4-0

9.6

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Shaping down the leg a bit more, on a length, Pathum Nissanka misses to tickle it away and Jamie Smith collects it low to his left.

9.5

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Length ball swinging back on the pads. Nissanka looks to flick and is hit on the pad.

9.4

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

A vicious beamer from Hull, but wide of off. Nissanka just about manages to leave.

9.3

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Woakes has been absolutely athletic in the field! Excellent effort by the veteran. With this, 50 comes up for Sri Lanka! Full and on the leg stump. Nissanka goes forward and drives it hard, but closes the face of the bat hitting to the right of mid on, Woakes puts the afterburners and sprints to chase the ball, puts in a dive, lands on his left shoulder near the fence and rolls over past the boundary. Nissanka and Mendis complete four runs anyways.

9.2

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

A wide leg slip is in now for Hull. He bowls it on the fourth stump line, it holds its line and straightens rather than swinging into the batter. Pathum Nissanka gets ahead and plays inside the line and gets beaten by a whisker on the outside edge.

9.1

Josh Hull To Pathum Nissanka

Hull starts with three slips in place including a wide gully. Begins from over the pegs, lands it on a hard length, across off, Pathum Nissanka weighs on the front foot with a good stride ahead and shoulders arms at it.

First change in bowling from England. Josh Hull, the debutant is brought into the attack now. He replaces Gus Atkinson.

End Of The Over 9 : 47/1

3 Runs

18.1
08.2
2 LB 8.3
08.4
08.5
08.6

K. Mendis

2 (7)

P. Nissanka

34 (26)

C. Woakes

5-0-20-1

8.6

Chris Woakes To Kusal Mendis

Oh, this one curves back a fraction from outside off, on a nagging length, Kusal Mendis reads it closely and makes a watchful leave.

8.5

Chris Woakes To Kusal Mendis

Holds on the line outside off, on a hard length, Kusal Mendis stays leg side of the ball and punches it off the back foot towards the short cover region.

8.4

Chris Woakes To Kusal Mendis

Length outside off, left alone.

8.3

Chris Woakes To Kusal Mendis

Straight and angling on the pads, Kusal Mendis misses to glance it away and wears it high on the thigh pad. The ball trickles to the square leg region and they cross for the double quickly.

8.2

Chris Woakes To Kusal Mendis

Shortish length, just outside off, Kusal Mendis swivels for a pull shot but inside edges it onto the thigh pad and the ball rolls to the short cover region.

8.1

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Four slips and a gully in place for Woakes now! He goes full and straight at off, Pathum Nissanka prods ahead to drive it straight but gets it off the inner half of the bat towards the wide mid-wicket region for a quick single.

End Of The Over 8 : 44/1

5 Runs

17.1
17.2
07.3
17.4
17.5
1 LB 7.6

P. Nissanka

33 (25)

K. Mendis

2 (2)

G. Atkinson

4-0-24-0

7.6

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Straight and on the pads, Pathum Nissanka misses to flick and wears it on the front pad. The ball deflects and lobs a bit uppishly and lands to the square leg region. Olly Stone from short fine leg runs to his left and intercepts the ball. The batters do cross for a leg bye but cannot get more than that.

7.5

Gus Atkinson To Kusal Mendis

Spears in at 140 kph, does Atkinson, on a nagging length, attacking the off and middle channel, Kusal Mendis gets behind the line of the ball, hops on the back foot and punches it with soft hands to cover-point for a quick single.

7.4

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Full and on the leg stump line, Pathum Nissanka steers it off the front foot towards deep backward square leg for a single.

7.3

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Back of a length on the middle stump, Nissanka hops in the crease and turns in the leg side. Lawrence at short leg stops it from his toes.

7.2

Gus Atkinson To Kusal Mendis

Full and around off, Kusal Mendis watches it closely and taps it to short cover for a single.

7.1

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Good length outside the off stump, Nissanka knocks it off the back foot in the extra cover region for a single.

Kusal Mendis walks in at number 3.

End Of The Over 7 : 39/1

3 Runs

36.1
06.2
06.3
06.4
06.5
W 6.6

D. Karunaratne

8 (21)

P. Nissanka

31 (21)

C. Woakes

4-0-19-1

6.6

Chris Woakes To Dimuth Karunaratne OUT!

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Chris Woakes strikes! England needed that wicket and their most experienced pacer provides the breakthrough. He sets the batter up nicely here. Gets it to shape away on the previous ball, but this time gets it to nip back in from a fuller length, on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne with a half-stride looks to push it away but only manages to get an inside edge onto his pads as the ball loops up in the air, Woakes on his follow-through dives forward to take a fine catch. Sri Lanka lose their first!

6.5

Chris Woakes To Dimuth Karunaratne

Absolute beauty! Hits the good length and around off, shapes away sharply, Dimuth Karunaratne looks to push it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.

6.4

Chris Woakes To Dimuth Karunaratne

Touch fuller now, on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne knocks it down the pitch.

6.3

Chris Woakes To Dimuth Karunaratne

Back of a length and on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne stays back and blocks it out.

6.2

Chris Woakes To Dimuth Karunaratne

Wow..almost an action replay from the first innings! These two batters need to have better calling between the wickets. This is on a good length, on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne nudges it towards mid-wicket and sets off for the run, but is sent back by Nissanka on a late call when he is already halfway through. Ollie Pope has a shy at the batter's end but misses with Karunarante putting in a desperate dive in.

6.1

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Full and around off, Pathum Nissanka takes his front foot closer to the line of the ball and drives it away through covers for three runs.

End Of The Over 6 : 36/0

7 Runs

45.1
05.2
15.3
25.4
05.5
05.6

D. Karunaratne

8 (16)

P. Nissanka

28 (20)

G. Atkinson

3-0-20-0

5.6

Gus Atkinson To Dimuth Karunaratne

Bangs it into the pitch again, on off, Dimuth Karunaratne rides the bounce well and keeps it out to the off side.

5.5

Gus Atkinson To Dimuth Karunaratne

Hard length and on off, takes off a bit, Dimuth Karunaratne hops up to play at it but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball goes nowhere.

5.4

Gus Atkinson To Dimuth Karunaratne

Back of a length and just outside off, Dimuth Karunaratne cuts it away through point for a brace.

5.3

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Goes back to his fuller length, on middle, Pathum Nissanka steps across and clips it away towards fine leg for a single.

5.2

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Good length and on off, Pathum Nissanka guides it away towards point.

5.1

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

FOUR! Gets it through again! Fuller and around off, Pathum Nissanka extends his arms to reach out for it and drills it away from the bottom half of the bat, the ball races through mid off for a boundary.

End Of The Over 5 : 29/0

1 Runs

04.1
14.2
04.3
04.4
04.5
04.6

D. Karunaratne

6 (13)

P. Nissanka

23 (17)

C. Woakes

3-0-16-0

4.6

Chris Woakes To Dimuth Karunaratne

Short of a length and on off, Dimuth Karunaratne punches it towards covers.

4.5

Chris Woakes To Dimuth Karunaratne

Hits the length hard now, on middle, shaping in this time, Dimuth Karunaratne fails to work it away and wears it high on the pads. An appeal for LBW, but turned down. Too high!

4.4

Chris Woakes To Dimuth Karunaratne

BEAUTY! Chris Woakes hits the good length around middle, gets it to nip away, Dimuth Karunaratne stays back in his crease to defend, but gets beaten on the outside edge.

4.3

Chris Woakes To Dimuth Karunaratne

Short of a length and on off, angling away, Dimuth Karunaratne leaves it alone.

4.2

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Close! Back of a length and just around off, Pathum Nissanka looks to cut it away, but this is too close to his body, gets an inside edge that just goes past the stumps and towards fine leg. They cross.

4.1

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

On a length and on middle, Pathum Nissanka tucks it away toward short mid-wicket.

End Of The Over 4 : 28/0

11 Runs

43.1
03.2
03.3
33.4
03.5
43.6

D. Karunaratne

6 (9)

P. Nissanka

22 (15)

G. Atkinson

2-0-13-0

3.6

Gus Atkinson To Dimuth Karunaratne

FOUR! Not far away from Pope at gully but it goes through! Hard-length delivery around off, Dimuth Karunaratne climbs over the bounce and cuts it off the outer part of the bat, past gully and the backward point gap for a boundary.

3.5

Gus Atkinson To Dimuth Karunaratne

Back of a length and on off, Dimuth Karunaratne dabs it down towards point.

3.4

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Uppish but safe again! Fuller and on middle, Pathum Nissanka goes for the big drive again, but hits it from the bottom half of the bat, the ball flies in the air but well wide of short mid-wicket for three runs.

3.3

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

Good length but down the leg side, Pathum Nissanka misses his flick.

3.2

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

A massive shout for LBW, but turned down! However, England takes the review here. Gus Atkinson lands this on a good length and around middle, jags back in sharply, Pathum Nissanka looks to drive it away but he gets beaten by the inward movement and gets hit on the pads. UltraEdge shows no bat involved but Ball Tracking indicates that the impact is in the line of the stumps, but it is missing the leg stump on the projection. Pope now 0-10 in terms of review taken as skipper while fielding!

3.1

Gus Atkinson To Pathum Nissanka

FOUR! Pathum Nissanka looks in really good touch here! Fuller and on middle, angling in, Pathum Nissanka once again shows the full face of the bat and drills it away through mid on for his fourth boundary. Holds the pose for a few seconds!

End Of The Over 3 : 17/0

7 Runs

02.1
42.2
22.3
02.4
12.5
02.6

D. Karunaratne

2 (7)

P. Nissanka

15 (11)

C. Woakes

2-0-15-0

2.6

Chris Woakes To Dimuth Karunaratne

A bit fuller and around off, angling away, Dimuth Karunaratne leaves it alone.

2.5

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Length again, on middle, Pathum Nissanka works it off the inner half of the bat towards square leg for one.

2.4

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Good length and on the fifth stump line, shapes away, Pathum Nissanka gets squared up as he steers it away towards point.

2.3

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Pitched up and around off, Pathum Nissanka pushes it away through covers for a couple of runs.

2.2

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

FOUR! Beautiful shot! Full again and on off, no movement this time, Pathum Nissanka leans on a bit and drives it away with a high elbow extension, times it sweetly through mid off for a boundary.

2.1

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Full and on middle, straightens a bit, Pathum Nissanka gets across and blocks it out.

End Of The Over 2 : 10/0

2 Runs

01.1
01.2
01.3
01.4
01.5
21.6

D. Karunaratne

2 (6)

P. Nissanka

8 (6)

G. Atkinson

1-0-2-0

1.6

Gus Atkinson To Dimuth Karunaratne

Short of a length and around off, Dimuth Karunaratne punches it away through covers for a couple of runs. With that, Dimuth Karunaratne also crosses 7000 runs in Test cricket. He becomes the fourth Sri Lanka batter to achieve this feat after the likes of Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Angelo Mathews. And the second left-hander to do so for the island nation.

1.5

Gus Atkinson To Dimuth Karunaratne

Hard length and on off, Dimuth Karunaratne stays back and stabs it out towards short covers.

1.4

Gus Atkinson To Dimuth Karunaratne

Pitched up and on middle now, Dimuth Karunaratne steps across and tucks it away towards short mid-wicket.

1.3

Gus Atkinson To Dimuth Karunaratne

Uppish but safe! Goes fuller and around off, Dimuth Karunaratne strides out to drive it away but gets an thickish outside edge that goes on the bounce to gully.

1.2

Gus Atkinson To Dimuth Karunaratne

Back of a length and on the sixth stump line, angles away again, Dimuth Karunaratne lets it go to the keeper.

1.1

Gus Atkinson To Dimuth Karunaratne

Gus Atkinson begins with a good-length delivery around off, angling away, Dimuth Karunaratne leaves it alone.

Gus Atkinson to operate from the end. He was off the field for most of the part of the day due to a quad issue but now he looks fit enough to charge in with the ball.

End Of The Over 1 : 8/0

8 Runs

00.1
00.2
40.3
00.4
40.5
00.6

P. Nissanka

8 (6)

D. Karunaratne

0 (0)

C. Woakes

1-0-8-0

0.6

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Short of a length and on off, Pathum Nissanka keeps it out to the off side. There is a bit of hesitation between the batters, but they do not take the run. 8 runs off the over then!

0.5

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

FOUR! Streaky but they all count! Fuller one and just around off, angles in and then shapes away, Pathum Nissanka gets drawn into the drive, but gets an outside edge that goes through the gap between gully and slip cordon for a boundary.

0.4

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Pitched up and on middle, Pathum Nissanka blocks it out down the pitch.

0.3

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

FOUR! Sri Lanka are underway! Chris Woakes goes a bit too full this time, on middle, shapes in, Pathum Nissanka presents the full face of the bat and just gently pushes it away, it goes right off the middle of the bat and races to the long on fence for a boundary.

0.2

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Good length and on middle, angling in, Pathum Nissanka clips it towards short leg, Dan Lawrence picks it up on the bounce and fakes a throw at the batter's end.

0.1

Chris Woakes To Pathum Nissanka

Right on the money! Chris Woakes starts with a full delivery, on middle, shaping in, Pathum Nissanka strides out and tucks it away towards short mid-wicket.

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Match Info

Venue Kennington Oval, London
Weather Overcast
Toss Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field
Result Sri Lanka beat England by 8 wickets
Player of the Match Pathum Nissanka
Player of the Series Joe Root
Umpire Chris Gaffaney (NZ), Joel Wilson (WI) and Paul Reiffel (AUS)
Referee David Boon (AUS)

Match Notes

Stumps: England 221/3 in 44.1 over
Bad Light: England 221/3 in 44.1 overs
O Pope 7th Test hundred: 100 runs in 102 balls (13x4) (2x6)
England 200/3 in 40.4 overs
Tea: England 194/3 in 40.0 overs
3rd wkt Partnership: 50 off 70 balls between O Pope (37) and J Root (13)
Drinks: England 156/2 in 27.0 overs
O Pope 13th Test fifty: 50 runs in 58 balls (5x4) (2x6)
England 150/2 in 26.2 overs
England 103/1 in 21.1 overs
2nd wkt Partnership: 50 off 58 balls between B Duckett (24) and O Pope (24)
Rain Stoppage: England 76/1 in 15.0 overs
Lunch: England 76/1 in 15.0 overs
Bad Light: England 76/1 in 15.0 overs
B Duckett 10th Test fifty: 51 runs in 48 balls (7x4) (0x6)
Drinks: England 65/1 in 12.0 overs
England 50/1 in 10.0 overs
J Hull makes his Test debut for England

Stumps: Sri Lanka 211/5 in 45.0 overs
Bad Light: Sri Lanka 211/5 in 45.0 overs
Sri Lanka 200/5 in 41.5 overs
D de Silva 17th Test fifty: 50 runs in 81 balls (7x4) (0x6)
6th wkt Partnership: 50 off 75 balls between D de Silva (18) and K Mendis (34)
Tea: Sri Lanka 142/5 in 28.0 overs
Sri Lanka 101/5 in 18.3 overs
P Nissanka 6th Test fifty: 50 runs in 40 balls (7x4) (0x6)
Sri Lanka 52/1 in 8.4 overs
Innings Break: England 325/10 in 69.1 overs
England 300/6 in 62.4 overs
Drinks: England 288/4 in 58.6 overs
England 250/3 in 50.2 overs

Stumps: Sri Lanka 94/1 in 15.0 overs
P Nissanka Test fifty: 52 runs in 42 balls (7x4) (0x6)
Drinks: Sri Lanka 81/1 in 13.0 overs
Sri Lanka 50/0 in 9.3 overs
Innings Break: England 156/10 in 34.0 overs
Tea: England 140/8 in 31.0 overs
8th wkt Partnership: 50 off 40 balls between J Smith (44) and O Stone (5)
J Smith 3rd Test fifty: 51 runs in 43 balls (6x4) (1x6)
England 100/7 in 26.5 overs
Drinks: England 71/6 in 19.0 overs
England 50/0 in 10.3 overs
Innings Break: Sri Lanka 263/10 in 61.2 overs
Drinks: Sri Lanka 259/9 in 61.0 overs
Sri Lanka 250/9 in 58.4 overs
Referral 2 (51.4 ovs): V Fernando against England (LBW) Unsuccessful (ENG: 3, SL: 1)
Rain Stoppage: Sri Lanka 223/6 in 49.0 overs

3rd wkt Partnership: 100 off 117 balls between P Nissanka (60) and A Mathews (30)
Sri Lanka 200/2 in 37.6 overs
P Nissanka 6th Test fifty: 100 runs in 107 balls (11x4) (0x6)
3rd wkt Partnership: 50 off 68 balls between P Nissanka (30) and A Mathews (15)
Drinks: Sri Lanka 152/2 in 30.0 overs
Sri Lanka 100/1 in 17.1 overs