England vs Sri Lanka: Tourists closing in on famous victory after hosts’ batting collapse on enthralling day three | Cricket News
Sri Lanka require just 125 more runs with nine wickets in hand for a first Test victory over England in a decade after the hosts suffered a batting collapse on day three at The Oval.
Chasing 219, Sri Lanka closed on 94-1 from only 15 overs with Pathum Nissanka leading the charge with an unbeaten 53 off just 44 balls.
England had earned themselves a 62-run first-innings lead in the morning session after dismissing Sri Lanka first time around for 263. But they then collapsed to 82-7 and were indebted to Jamie Smith’s counterattacking 67 to post something of a defensible score as they were bowled out for 156 in 34 overs, Lahiru Kumara (4-21) and Vishwa Fernando (3-40) leading the star Sri Lankan bowlers.
The tourists’ openers Dimuth Karunaratne (8) and Nissanka made a speedy start to their reply, adding 39 runs for the first wicket before the former was caught and bowled by Chris Woakes (1-32).
It was brief respite as Kusal Mendis (30no) joined Nissanka in attack mode and Sri Lanka will be eyeing up a first Test win over England since June 2014
England are seeking their first clean sweep summer in 20 years after they beat the West Indies 3-0 earlier this summer and currently lead Sri Lanka 2-0 after winning at Old Trafford and Lord’s respectively.
More to follow…
Watch day four of the third and final Test between England and Sri Lanka, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.15am on Monday September 8 (first ball, 11am).
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