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…
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