Sri Lanka need only 125 more runs with nine wickets remaining to secure their first Test victory over England in ten years after England experienced a batting collapse on day three at The Oval.
In pursuit of 219 runs, Sri Lanka ended the day at 94-1 in just 15 overs, with Pathum Nissanka scoring an unbeaten 53 off 44 balls.
England had a 62-run lead in the first innings after dismissing Sri Lanka for 263. However, England themselves collapsed to 82-7 before Jamie Smith’s 67 helped them reach 156 in 34 overs, with Lahiru Kumara (4-21) and Vishwa Fernando (3-40) leading the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
The Sri Lankan openers Dimuth Karunaratne (8) and Nissanka quickly added 39 runs for the first wicket before Karunaratne was caught and bowled by Chris Woakes (1-32).
Kusal Mendis (30no) then joined Nissanka in attack mode, and Sri Lanka is hopeful for their first Test win against England since June 2014
England is aiming for their first clean sweep summer in 20 years, having beaten West Indies 3-0 earlier and currently leading Sri Lanka 2-0 after victories at Old Trafford and Lord’s.
More updates to follow…
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