Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd Test - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Bess, Leach rip through

Ah, Sri Lanka in a spot of bother. Thirimanne flicked one towards Crawley who pouched an excellent catch by showing good reflexes. To make matters worse, Mathews tried to sweep Bess out of the rough and was cleaned up. And once again considerable turn for Bess.

Both spinners have picked up two each. The big fish is gone. The home team would be concerned. The lead is still only 74.

Another failure for Oshada

Considerable turn for Bess as he removes Oshada. The spinner hit the right spot (rough) and got it to turn sharply with Oshada edging one to FSL. The number three batsman played with hard hands and paid the price. Two down.

Another ordinary shot

It didn't take long for England to dislodge Kusal Perera. Root brought his spinners early into the attack and Leach picked up the key wicket. The ultra-attacking batsman tried a cross-batted shot once again and was dismissed LBW. Kusal took the review but it couldn't save him. A couple of ordinary shots from the opener.

Sri Lanka wrap it up

And it didn't take long for Sri Lanka to wrap up the innings. Leach tried to sweep Perera, missed and was trapped in front. Leach tried his luck with the review but to no avail. Sri Lanka lead by 37. Handy lead. Now they have to bat well and build on the lead.

Build up

Root-athon. It was indeed a marathon innings of 186 from Root in Galle. He showed exemplary defence and also temperament to handle the tricky conditions. He swept and reverse-swept. He even brought out the switch-hit.

Unfortunately, at the fag end of the day, in the last over, Root was run out via sharp piece of fielding from Oshada. The clatter of wickets at the fag end would have lifted Sri Lanka. The hosts are still 42 in front with England having just one wicket in hand. Embuldeniya starred for the home side with a seven-for.

Can Sri Lanka wrap up the innings quickly and build on a good lead? On the other hand, England would be looking to make early inroads when they get the chance to bowl. We could be in for an intriguing day's play.