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Ravichandran Ashwin frustrates England as they close in on victory

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Day four analysis: Ashwin makes England wait as Cook and co close on emphatic win

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UPDATED:

12:23 GMT, 8 December 2012

Ravichandran Ashwin's one-man show of defiance with the bat may have frustratingly held up England's victory charge but sometime tomorrow morning Alastair Cook's side will establish a 2-1 lead in this series.

That prospect would have appeared beyond the realms of fantasy when Andrew Strauss sat in a stark back room at Galle in late March following England's fourth consecutive Test defeat.

The press conference in question was the first time Strauss' position as England captain had been publicly questioned. It came after yet another loss in Asian conditions following the 3-0 whitewash against Pakistan in the UAE and it was a spinner, Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath, who again had been England's chief tormentor.

Dominate display: Ravichandran Ashwin was a key man with the bat for India

Dominate display: Ravichandran Ashwin was a key man with the bat for India

The team's ability to play spin, or lack of it, has been the theme of the year away from home. Although the subsequent victory in Colombo saw England draw that series in Sri Lanka 1-1, their demons against spin bowling reappeared with a vengeance when they lost the first Test of this series by nine wickets in Ahmedabad.

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In control: Alastair Cook's team look set to take a 2-1 lead

If the questions about spin had been like a broken record to all connected with English cricket then what has occurred in these last two, glorious Tests must be akin to discovering a lost orchestral masterpiece.

The victory in Mumbai, only England's second in India in 27 years, was good. This, though, at Eden Gardens promises to be even better.

At lunch yesterday, with Virender Sehwag poised on 49 and India just 121 runs behind with ten second-innings wickets in hand, the momentum of a match which England had dominated for three days was threatening to swing back in the home side's favour.

Just 79 devastating minutes after the interval and the door which England had allowed India to push ajar had been ruthlessly slam shut.

Six wickets fell in that period, kickstarted by Graeme Swann bowling Sehwag with the first ball after lunch. They looked like completing the job after tea, knocking over Virat Kohli, Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma, before an inspired Ashwin took matters into his own hands.

Spin king: Graeme Swann had a good session after lunch

Spin king: Graeme Swann had a good session after lunch

No wonder the spinner is fighting hard. India have not lost at this ground since 1999 but his defiance will surely be in vain as England look to move ever closer to their first series victory in India since 1984/85.

Hopefully by lunch tomorrow, all that stands between's Cook's men and a place in history will be avoiding defeat in the final Test in Nagpur. They have proved they are undoubtedly the better side over these last two Tests.

Now they have to finish the job in the morning.

We are unable to carry live pictures from the third Test in Kolkata due to a dispute between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and international news organisations.
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World Twenty20: Sri Lanka beat Pakistan to make final

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Herath and Mendis help Sri Lanka spin past Pakistan to make final

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UPDATED:

17:40 GMT, 4 October 2012

Sri Lanka's spinners carried them through to the final of their home tournament, with a 16-run ICC World Twenty20 victory over Pakistan at the Premadasa Stadium.

Rival openers Mahela Jayawardene and Mohammad Hafeez top-scored with 42 on each side in this semi-final, but it was Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis who gave Sri Lanka the edge with five wickets between them after the hosts had posted 139 for four.

Sri Lanka's sixless innings was a curious affair, albeit on a slow and low surface – but Pakistan's run chase ran out of steam against Angelo Mathews and the spinners.

Final chance: Sri Lankan celebrate their victory over Pakistan to make the final in their own country

Final chance: Sri Lankan celebrate their victory over Pakistan to make the final in their own country

SCORECARD

Click here to read the full scorecard

Jayawardene played especially well, as he almost always does, after choosing to bat first.

The captain dominated a first-wicket stand of 63 with Tillekeratne Dilshan, reverse-sweeping expertly against spin and timing and placing his seven boundaries.

But he chipped a catch to short fine-leg off Shahid Afridi, and then Kumar Sangakkara made all except three runs in a stand of 24 until he was caught at long-on off Hafeez.

Umar Gul thought he had struck in the 18th over, Jeevan Mendis lbw to a yorker, only to discover he had overstepped. But two balls later, Gul got Dilshan in near identical fashion – the opener having taken 43 deliveries over his 35.

Stumped: Sri Lanka's wicket keeper Kumar Sangakkara successfully stumps Pakistan's Sohail Tanvir

Stumped: Sri Lanka's wicket keeper Kumar Sangakkara successfully stumps Pakistan's Sohail Tanvir

Missing out: Umar Akmal reacts after he misses to hit a boundary

Missing out: Umar Akmal reacts after he misses to hit a boundary

Thisara Perera and Mathews muscled 16 off Gul's final over, to give Sri Lanka a little breathing space for which they would be mighty thankful later.

Pakistan's reply might have been minus Imran Nazir for a duck, had Dilshan somehow clung on to a very tough diving chance at point off Mathews.

Instead, the first breakthrough did not come until there was 31 on the board when Nazir contrived to edge a forward-defensive at Ajantha Mendis on to his stumps – via pad and ground – in the spinner's first over.

Sharp fielding: Thisara Perera breaks the bails in an attempt to run-out Pakistan's captain Mohammad Hafeez

Sharp fielding: Thisara Perera breaks the bails in an attempt to run-out Pakistan's captain Mohammad Hafeez

Big appeal: Lasith Malinga unsuccessfully appeals for an LBW decision against Pakistan's Imran Nazir

Big appeal: Lasith Malinga unsuccessfully appeals for an LBW decision against Pakistan's Imran Nazir

Hafeez also escaped an early half-chance, when Herath could not hold a diving effort at long-on off Perera – nothing to the let-off the Pakistan captain would get on 24 when Lasith Malinga put down a straightforward one in the same position off Mathews.

The same bowler had already struck twice in four balls, however, when Jayawardene brought him back for the 10th over.

Nasir Jamshed went lbw to one that might have pitched just outside leg; then Kamran Akmal gave himself little chance to adapt to the awkward surface and somehow propelled an attempted big hit only as far as midwicket where Jayawardene himself took an easy catch.

Putting the runs on: Sri Lanka's Jeevan Mendis helps his side reach their total

Putting the runs on: Sri Lanka's Jeevan Mendis helps his side reach their total

Watching it all the way: Tillakaratne Dilshan plays a shot as Pakistan's wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal watches on

Watching it all the way: Tillakaratne Dilshan plays a shot as Pakistan's wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal watches on

Shoaib Malik was bowled by one that spun sharply from Herath (three for 25). But it was the dismissal of Hafeez, stumped on the charge to the slow left-armer, which turned the match Sri Lanka's way – and when the out-of-form Afridi was then bowled first ball, Pakistan were 91 for six.

They still had time to be competitive but were running out of the right men to find the boundaries, and in the end it was too much for Umar Akmal to do on his own.

Sri Lanka v England: Second Test, day five, Colombo, live

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LIVE: Sri Lanka v England – follow the action on day five of the second Test in Colombo

Stay up to date with all the action on
day five of the second Test between Sri Lanka and England with Sportsmail's
unrivalled team. We'll deliver over-by-over coverage as the action
unfolds at the P Sara Oval in Colombo while our brilliant team of
writers will update with their insights from the ground. Email your thoughts to joe.ridge@dailymail.co.uk or Tweet to @JoeRidge87

Sri Lanka v England: Essentials

England:
A Strauss (c), A Cook, J Trott, K Pietersen, I Bell, M Prior (wkt), S Patel, T Bresnan, G Swann, J Anderson, S Finn.

Sri Lanka: T Dilshan, L Thirimanne, K Sangakkara, M
Jayawardene (c), T Samaraweera, A Mathews, P
Jayawardene (wkt), S Randiv, R Herath, S Lakmal, D Prasad.

Umpires: A Rauf (Pak), B Oxenford (Aus).

Third Umpire: R Tucker (Aus).

Match Referee: J Srinath (Ind).

First innings: Sri Lanka 275, England 460.

Click here for a full scorecard

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98th over: Sri Lanka 227-6 (M Jayawardene 59, Mathews 8)

They scamper a quick single with a prod into the off side. Mahela adds one of his own. Edge! But it's wide of Cook. Mathews has ridden his luck this morning. Good from Swann again.

97th over: Sri Lanka 225-6 (M Jayawardene 58, Mathews 7)

Anderson continues to Mathews. Edge! It falls well short of second slip. He gets a thick down to third man for one.

96th over: Sri Lanka 224-6 (M Jayawardene 58, Mathews 6)

Mathews nudges a single into the off side. Brilliant bowling from Swann who is beating Jayawardene both sides of the bat. He survives though.

WICKET! Jayawardene is reviewing it… This could be huge! It looks like there's an inside edge on Anderson's inswinger… IT'S OVERTURNED! Right decision and a rare mistake by the umpires, the first successful review of the match.

95th over: Sri Lanka 223-6 (M Jayawardene 58, Mathews 5)

Jaffa! Anderson squares Mathews up and just beats his edge with one that moves away. Mathews drives a single to extra cover.

94th over: Sri Lanka 222-6 (M Jayawardene 58, Mathews 4)

Mathews pushes a single to cover. A couple of half-hearted appeals as Jayawardene offers no shot outside off.

93rd over: Sri Lanka 221-6 (M Jayawardene 58, Mathews 3)

Anderson to bowl the second over of the day. He as outstanding without success last night. Jayawardene edges on to his pads and picks up a couple down to fine leg.

92nd over: Sri Lanka 219-6 (M Jayawardene 56, Mathews 3)

Strauss gives the ball to Swann for the first over of the day. A bold statement of intent. Jayawardene is on strike. Close! He beats the edge with the first ball of the day. One swept to fine leg. Drop! Mathews fends to Cook at short leg but he can't grab it low down. Great start!

5.28am: Right then, here we go. The first two wickets are key for England. If they can get them in the first session, they should win. Remember to email or tweet your thoughts by clicking on the links above.

5.26am: That being said, Jayawardene is well on his way to a third century of the series, and his partner Angelo Mathews showed with with 57 in the first innings. After that comes Prasanna Jayawardene, who scored a ton against England in Cardiff last summer. Rangana Herath at 10 has also shown he's capable of slogging a few, so the job is far from done and the hosts will still fancy their chances of a draw. Mind you, the way England's fifth innings have gone this summer they may fancy their chances with a lead of 120!

5.23am: The draw was the looking like the favourite result after Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera put on 90 for the fifth wicket. But Swann's removal of the latter, quickly followed by the wicket of the nightwatchman Suraj Randiv, has left the hosts in peril.

5.16am: As far as the match situation goes, England are firmly in the driving seat, thanks largely to two wickets late last night from Graeme Swann. Sri Lanka are leading by just 33 runs with only four wickets remaining, so they are effectively 33-6.

In control: Jayawardene brought up his half century in the evening session on day three

In control: Jayawardene brought up his half century in the evening session on day three

5.12am: Before play gets under way, make sure you read our experts' verdicts…

Paul Newman's report on day four is here.

Top Spin at the Test is here.

Tillekeratne Dilshan tells Lawrence Booth he didn't edge the ball he was given out to on day four here.

And our experts give their views on the ongoing DRS debate here.

5.07am:
Anyway, I'm not going to start ranting at the ICC as I'd be opening
several cans of worms. Instead I'm looking forward to what promises to
be a dramatic day of cricket on what is an increasing rarity: a fifth
day. Incredibly, you have to go back five matches since we saw a Test
involving England last five days – the fifth Test against India at the
Oval in September.

5.03am: What
a travesty it is that this series only lasts two matches, it feels like
we're just getting started! Personally I think it should be a
regulation that every Test series lasts at least three matches.

5.00am: Good morning everyone and welcome to Sportsmail's live coverage of the fifth and final day of the second Test between Sri Lanka and England in Colombo.

What a finish: Swann took two wickets in his final over on day three

What a finish: Swann took two wickets in his final over on day three

Sri Lanka v England: Second Test, day four, Colombo, live

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LIVE: Sri Lanka v England – follow the action on day four of the second Test in Colombo

Stay up to date with all the action on
day four of the second Test between Sri Lanka and England with Sportsmail's
unrivalled team. We'll deliver over-by-over coverage as the action
unfolds at the P Sara Oval in Colombo while our brilliant team of
writers will update with their insights from the ground. Email your thoughts to joe.ridge@dailymail.co.uk or Tweet to @JoeRidge87

Sri Lanka v England: Essentials

England:
A Strauss (c), A Cook, J Trott, K Pietersen, I Bell, M Prior (wkt), S Patel, T Bresnan, G Swann, J Anderson, S Finn.

Sri Lanka: T Dilshan, L Thirimanne, K Sangakkara, M
Jayawardene (c), T Samaraweera, A Mathews, P
Jayawardene (wkt), S Randiv, R Herath, S Lakmal, D Prasad.

Umpires: A Rauf (Pak), B Oxenford (Aus).

Third Umpire: R Tucker (Aus).

Match Referee: J Srinath (Ind).

First innings: Sri Lanka 275, England 460.

Click here for a full scorecard

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WICKET! Thirimanne c Strauss b Anderson 11

8th over: Sri Lanka 22-0 (Prasad 6, Thirimanne 11)

Swann gets an early bowl, replacing Finn. Can he strike in his first over as he so often does Chance! Prior misses the stumping as Thirimanne comes down the track and gets beaten. That was a pretty easy chance for Prior. Appeal! Not out. And they decide against the review… wisely. The ball was missing off, but another poor leave from the opener, who got out leaving off Anderson in the first innings. Great start from Swann. Maiden.

7th over: Sri Lanka 22-0 (Prasad 6, Thirimanne 11)

Anderson into his fourth over. Close! Thirimanne nearly chops on attempting the cut. Three added as Strauss cuts off the drive at the cover boundary.

6th over: Sri Lanka 19-0 (Prasad 6, Thirimanne 8)

Finn to Thirimanne, around the wicket. He adds a single after a good stop from Pietersen at mid on. Prasad sees off the rest.

5th over: Sri Lanka 18-0 (Prasad 6, Thirimanne 7)

Anderson to continue his spell. Oof! Jimmy gets one to rear up and nip back and it just beats Prasad's edge. Swing and a miss again from Prasad, if he's going he's going out swinging… Close! He prods one up in the air that falls between the bowler and Bresnan at cover. Maiden.

4th over: Sri Lanka 18-0 (Prasad 6, Thirimanne 7)

Thirimanne tucks Finn off his hips for a single down to fine leg. Three more singles in the offing. Nothing to alarm the batsmen from this pitch yet.

3rd over: Sri Lanka 14-0 (Prasad 4, Thirimanne 5)

Anderson to bowl the second over of the day. Appeal! Not out. That was probably going down leg, and they won't want to waste on appeal on the nightwatchman – leg bye added. Thirimanne tucks a single to midwicket. Shot! Prasad shows he's no slouch with the bat with well-timed off drive for four.

2nd over: Sri Lanka 8-0 (Prasad 0, Thirimanne 4)

Steven Finn to bowl the second over of the innings and the first of the day. Thirimanne is on strike. Shot! He drives behind square on the back foot for the first boundary of the day.

5.28am: England's attack have been outstanding throughout the winter, now they have their chance for glory after their batsmen finally laid a decent platform. The players are out in the middle. Here we go…

5.25am: First task for England is to remove the nightwatchman Prasad. Sri Lanka will need a big knock or two from the likes of Jayawardene and Sangakkara if they are to save the match and win the series, which would see England knocked off their perch as the world's No 1 Test side.

5.20am: England's seamers will have been buoyed some very uneven bounce extracted by Lakmal and Prasad yesterday. And if Swann looked good on days one and two here, then he'll be relishing the prospect of turning it on this deteriorating track.

Hunting as a pack: England appeal for the wicket of Prasad late on day three

Hunting as a pack: England appeal for the wicket of Prasad late on day three

5.15am: Here's your essential reading for today before we get under way at 5.30am…

Paul Newman's report on day three is here.

Pietersen tells Lawrence Booth England have turned the corner with the bat here.

Lawrence writes on the switch-hit controversy here.

And his final installment for today is Top Spin at the Test, here.

5.10am: Kevin Pietersen's exceptional innings of 151 yesterday has left England with two whole days to sew this one up, and Andrew Strauss has a five-man attack of Anderson, Finn, Bresnan, Swann and Patel with which to try and do so.

5.05am: Today could well be the final day of the series. England will certainly be hoping so. They lead by 181 runs with the hosts just one over into their second innings.

5.00am: Good morning everyone and welcome to the fourth day of the second and final Test between Sri Lanka and England in Colombo.

Ton-derful: Pietersen hails his magnificent century

Ton-derful: Pietersen hails his magnificent century

Sri Lanka v England: Second Test, day three, Colombo, live

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LIVE: Sri Lanka v England – follow the action on day three of the second Test in Colombo

Stay up to date with all the action on
day three of the second Test between Sri Lanka and England with Sportsmail's
unrivalled team. We'll deliver over-by-over coverage as the action
unfolds at the P Sara Oval in Colombo while our brilliant team of
writers will update with their insights from the ground. Email your thoughts to joe.ridge@dailymail.co.uk or Tweet to @JoeRidge87

Sri Lanka v England: Essentials

England:
A Strauss (c), A Cook, J Trott, K Pietersen, I Bell, M Prior (wkt), S Patel, T Bresnan, G Swann, J Anderson, S Finn.

Sri Lanka: T Dilshan, L Thirimanne, K Sangakkara, M
Jayawardene (c), T Samaraweera, A Mathews, P
Jayawardene (wkt), S Randiv, R Herath, S Lakmal, D Prasad.

Umpires: A Rauf (Pak), B Oxenford (Aus).

Third Umpire: R Tucker (Aus).

Match Referee: J Srinath (Ind).

First innings: Sri Lanka 275.

Click here for a full scorecard

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77th over: England 187-1 (Cook 83, Trott 39)

Herath goes too straight to Trott and he's able to flick two runs to midwicket. One more added to cover, England ticking along nicely here.

76th over: England 184-1 (Cook 83, Trott 36)

Randiv to Cook, who pushes a single to wide of mid off. Shot! Trott picks up on a wide one from Randiv and plays the reverse sweep expertly. Randiv comes round the wicket… and bowls a shocking leg stump full toss that Trott only manages to add one from to fine leg.

75th over: England 178-1 (Cook 82, Trott 31)

Herath continues… Trott picks up two through midwicket.

74th over: England 176-1 (Cook 82, Trott 29)

The off-spinner Randiv comes in to replace Prasad. Trott picks up a single. Randiv gets one to turn sharply away from Cook but beats his outside edge. Just one from the over… a good first half hour from England.

73rd over: England 175-1 (Cook 82, Trott 28)

Herath continues his opening spell. Cook can't quite find the gaps for the single, but there's not enough turn from the portly spinner to worry him. Maiden.

72nd over: England 175-1 (Cook 82, Trott 28)

Prasad comes around the wicket to Cook to bring lbw into the equation, perhaps in response to that one that kept low in his last over. Cook pushes a single to cover. Four… Prasad's off cutter gets a thin edge from Trott's bat. The ball falls well short of Prasanna Jayawardene though and the bounce beats him to allow the ball to run away to the boundary. That brings up the 50 partnership.

71st over: England 170-1 (Cook 81, Trott 24)

Jayawardene has the field up to Trott to stop him accumulating the singles as he so loves to do. Trott clips a leg side delivery from Herath through midwicket for three. Cook adds one more to square leg.

70th over: England 166-1 (Cook 80, Trott 21)

Prasad into his second over of the day. This time he has Cook on strike. Signs of wear and tear in the pitch as one completely dies on Cook, luckily it was well outside off though. Cook pushes two through the covers to move into the 80s.

69th over: England 164-1 (Cook 78, Trott 21)

Herath continues to Cook. The opener works a single to midwicket. Two leg byes fine as Trott attempts to sweep one outside leg stump.

68th over: England 161-1 (Cook 77, Trott 21)

Dhammika Prasad to bowl his medium-fast seamers. Trott punches through the covers off the back foot two score the first two runs of the day. Wide called as a Prasad bouncer flies high over Trott. Four! Trott guides one past gully for the first boundary of the day.

Accumulating: Alastair Cook works the ball into the leg side

Accumulating: Alastair Cook works the ball into the leg side

67th over: England 154-1 (Cook 77, Trott 15)

Sri Lanka will open up with the left-arm spin of Rangana Herath. The new ball is 14 overs away. It's a maiden to start up with.

5.28am: Nearly time to get play started on yet another scorching day in Sri Lanka. Fans will be thinking of what total England can get, preserving their world No 1 status, putting some gloss on a poor winter, etc etc. But rest assured, all England will be thinking about is winning this session, the rest then will start to take care of itself.

5.15am: To ensure victory England will want plenty of time to defend and unassailable lead. They'll be hoping the steady progress continues throughout the first two sessions then, if wickets are still intact, expect them to kick on as the day wears on.

Vital runs: Strauss scored 61 on day two

Vital runs: Strauss scored 61 on day two

5.10am: Here's some reading for you all to get stuck into before we get under way at 5.30am…

Paul Newman's report on day two is here.

Graeme Swann hits out at the 'witch-hunt' for captain Andrew Strauss here.

And the Top Spin, Lawrence Booth, muses from Colombo here.

5.05am: It may not be one for the neutrals so far but make no bones about it, England need to win this one, and they've gone about it in the right way so far. Don't expect any fireworks from Cook and Trott – England will be hoping their two most consistent batsmen of the last 18 months can do what they do best: dig in and accumulate.

5.00am: Good morning everyone and welcome to Sportsmail's live coverage of the third day of the second Test between Sri Lanka and England in Colombo…. What a refreshingly boring day of cricket that was yesterday. Just one wicket falling for England at a run rate of less than 2.5 an over… Just what we've been missing!

Cooking with gas: England have built a great platform from which they can dominate the Test

Cooking with gas: England have built a great platform from which they can dominate the Test

Andrew Strauss leads England in Sri Lanka fightback

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Captain Marvel! Strauss silences doubters as England end day two on front foot

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UPDATED:

11:55 GMT, 4 April 2012

Half-centuries from under-pressure captain Andrew Strauss and opener Alastair Cook on day two left England in a strong position to push for victory in the second Test against Sri Lanka.

Having bowled the hosts out for 275 in the morning session – with four wickets falling for the addition of 37 runs – England enjoyed their best batting day of a difficult winter to reach stumps 121 behind on 154 for one.

Although Strauss did not provide the long-awaited hundred he wanted to halt speculation about his future as skipper, his diligent 61 was crucial in building strong foundations for a first Test win of 2012.

Nice one skipper: Andrew Strauss helped put England in a commanding position in Colombo

Nice one skipper: Andrew Strauss helped put England in a commanding position in Colombo

SRI LANKA v ENGLAND

Click here for the full scorecard from Colombo

He battled hard in a first-wicket
stand of 122 with Cook, the pair's first century partnership in nine
innings, with the latter due to resume tomorrow on 77.

Sri Lanka began the day on 238 for six, with England hoping to make light work of the tail.

Although the second new ball was just
nine overs old, James Anderson and Steven Finn drew blanks as Angelo
Mathews, 41no overnight, nudged his way to an eighth Test fifty.

Swann was needed to get the ball
rolling, drawing Suraj Randiv into a rash shot down the ground, where he
was well held by the back-pedalling Kevin Pietersen.

It took Swann four more balls to remove Mathews, who popped a simple catch to Strauss at short mid-wicket to fall for 57.

Back to his best: Strauss silenced his doubters with a series of classy shots all round the ground

Back to his best: Strauss silenced his doubters with a series of classy shots all round the ground

No 9 Dhammika Prasad made 12
not out but England were ruthless in seeing off the last two men, Tim
Bresnan benefiting from Rangana Herath's wild hack and Swann turning one
sharply into Suranga Lakmal's stumps.

Swann finished with four for 75 and had handed England the momentum.

Strauss and Cook were left with an
unwanted four-over stint before lunch and emerged unscathed, just.
Strauss got off the mark after three balls, sending a low thick edge
through the cordon for four, and had a nerve-shredding moment just
before the break when an attempted cut almost ricocheted into his
stumps.

Got him: Strauss eventually fell for 61 to the bowling of Tillakaratne Dilshan

Got him: Strauss eventually fell for 61 to the bowling of Tillakaratne Dilshan

England were positive at the start of
the afternoon session, both batsmen finding the ropes inside seven
deliveries, and working hard for singles.

It took just eight overs for left-arm spinner Herath, man of the match in Galle, to be introduced.

England's tactics were much better
against him this time, with the much-debated sweep shot put into storage
and both batsmen playing safer shots with the turn.
Yet Herath still posed some hard questions.

Right on: But not before Alastair Cook had also reached 50. He remained unbeaten at the close

Right on: But not before Alastair Cook had also reached 50. He remained unbeaten at the close

Cook, on 20, turned him to short-leg
where Lahiru Thirimanne almost took a wonderful low catch only for the
ball to squirm loose.

Strauss had 23 when he was beaten by Herath, nicking one just short of Mahela Jayawardene at slip.

Cook nudged for two to bring up the
50 partnership in the 21st over and collected his third boundary to long
leg when Herath dropped short.

Fitting in: Jonathan Trott came to the crease late on, but look comfortable in the heat

Fitting in: Jonathan Trott came to the crease late on, but look comfortable in the heat

Herath was turning the ball towards a
seven-strong leg-side field, with four close catchers, but Strauss and
Cook were keeping their heads.

Lakmal returned for a second spell, with Strauss welcoming the additional pace by nudging the first ball off his hip for two.

The England captain joined Cook in passing 40 with a neat three off Lakmal in the last over before tea.

Job done: Earlier England had taken less than one session to dismiss Sri Lanka's tail

Job done: Earlier England had taken less than one session to dismiss Sri Lanka's tail

It was not until the 39th over of the
innings that Strauss unveiled the sweep and, even more surprisingly, it
was caused no dramas.

Cook was also becoming more confident, reverse sweeping Herath to third man for four.

Both openers reached their half-centuries in the space of a couple of minutes, Strauss in 105 balls and Cook taking 164.

In a spin: Graeme Swann took three of the final four wickets to leave the hosts on 275

In a spin: Graeme Swann took three of the final four wickets to leave the hosts on 275

Prasad saw Strauss and Cook collect
fours to the vacant third-man area in the same over but when Sri Lankan
heads began to drop, Tillakaratne Dilshan struck.

Having edged the off-spinner short of
slip two balls earlier, Strauss went to cut a ball too full for the
shot and was smartly caught by wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene.

Cook continued to compile watchfully
for the remainder of the day, with new man Jonathan Trott (15no)
offering typically cool-headed support at the other end.

Tim's not dim: The recalled Tim Bresnan took the other wicket, that of Thilan Samaraweera

Tim's not dim: The recalled Tim Bresnan took the other wicket, that of Thilan Samaraweera

Sri Lanka v England: Second Test, day two, Colombo, live

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LIVE: Sri Lanka v England – follow the action on day two of the second Test in Colombo

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unfolds at the P Sara Oval in Colombo while our brilliant team of
writers will update with their insights from the ground. Email your thoughts to tom.bellwood@dailymail.co.uk or tweet to @TomBellwood

Sri Lanka v England: Essentials

England: A Strauss (c), A Cook, J Trott, K Pietersen, I Bell, M Prior (wk), S Patel, T Bresnan, G Swann, J Anderson, S Finn.

Sri Lanka: M
Jayawardene (c), A Mathews, T Samaraweera, T Dilshan, R Herath, P
Jayawardene (wkt), S Randiv, S Lakmal, D Prasad, K Sangakkara, L
Thirimanne.

Umpires: A Rauf (Pak), B Oxenford (Aus).

Third Umpire: R Tucker (Aus).

Match Referee: J Srinath (Ind).

Click here for full scorecard

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100th over: Sri Lanka 257-6 (Mathews 53, Randiv 12)

Ah, here we go. Time for a bowling change. Graeme Swann joins the attack. Silly point, forward short leg and slip in place. Encouraging signs as Swann guiles one in, Randiv goes on the drive but fails to lay the spin and inside edges back down the track but wide of the bowler. There's a decent lbw shout which looked promising but struck Randiv just outside the line.

99th over: Sri Lanka 256-6 (Mathews 53, Randiv 11)

The – relatively still hard – ball is doing nowt for the seamers. Time for a bowling change soon, Mr Strauss, please. Maiden.

98th over: Sri Lanka 256-6 (Mathews 53, Randiv 11)

Well, in these early exchanges you have to say it's advantage Sri Lanka. The England quicks have varied line and length stuff with shorter variations to try and unrest Mathews and Randiv. But to no avail. The scorecard is ticking over and England need wickets. Two runs from the final over from a steer down to third man.

97th over: Sri Lanka 254-6 (Mathews 53, Randiv 9)

Boom! Now that's an impressive way to bring up your half-century. The Sri Lanka vice-captain pulls the ball hard through midwicket for four runs.

96th over: Sri Lanka 248-6 (Mathews 47 Randiv 9)

Hello! What's this Some uneven bounce causes Mathews all kinds of problems as the ball spits up off the deck, hits his bat, pads and rattles away onto the off side. 'Randiv is a competent batsman', Nick Knight tells us, 'He has a first-class hundred', as if to forewarn us if he hangs around to torment England for a time. Just the single from the over.

95th over: Sri Lanka 247-6 (Mathews 46 Randiv 9)

Two slips in place for Anderson who is briefly immersed in a chat with umpire Bruce Oxenford over his follow-through strides. Another maiden, England are starting to turn the screw here.

94th over: Sri Lanka 247-6 (Mathews 46 Randiv 9)

The Barmy Army serenade Steven Flinn (As he will be known from here on in) with a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday to You. Forget the singing, let's hope he can deliver the best of presents: a couple of wickets. Finn to Mathews: six dots, that's a maiden.

93rd over: Sri Lanka 247-6 (Mathews 46 Randiv 9)

A word on the pitch: Sky have stuck their cameras in close to reveal a myriad if cracks which will only deteriorate at a rate of knots as the sun continues to beat down on the track over the coming days. It could become a nightmare for England batting, let alone batting last. second Rabndiv angles a couple past the man at slips and there's a play-and-miss in there to keep Anderson interested.

92nd over: Sri Lanka 243-6 (Mathews 45 Randiv 6)

Two slips and short leg in place for birthday boy Steven Finn (23 today, no less). The huge scoreboard displays a congratulatory message reads: 'Happy Birthday Steven FLINN'. Brilliant! Mathews rocks back on his heels as Finn delivers some dross: short, wide and sent packing to the boundary via point in a flash.

91st over: Sri Lanka 238-6 (Mathews 41 Randiv 5)

Aaaaah, there it is! The strains of Jerusalem ring down from the stands as Billy the Trumpet leads the massed choir and James Anderson is handed the ball to begin England's attack. Maiden over gets us off and running for the day.

5.27: Players and officials on their way out. No sound of the Barmy Army singing Jerusalem just yet, but I'm sure it can't be far away. Live cricket is imminent. Tidy.

5.25: So, what are we expecting this morning Lower order resistance or more imperious bowling from England's lead attack James Anderson This is 'moving day' for England, they need to force the issue and try and keep the score under 260-275. Anything above that and they're are right behind the eight-ball.

5.20: And if you've finished that, I can tell you there was DRS controversy yesterday and some more excellent bowling from James Anderson.

5.15: While we have a few minutes to kill before the resumption of play, why not have a quick nose of Paul Newman's report here. And here are the thoughts of the Top Spin's Lawrence Booth.

5.05am: Hello one, hello all and welcome to Sportsmail's coverage on day two of the second Test between Sri Lanka and England at the S Para Oval in Colombo. Eyes down for another fascinating day of Test cricket.

Day one in Colombo was a carbon-copy of the opening in Galle: three early wickets for James Anderson, England elated, then it became the Mahela Jayawardene show. The Sri Lanka captain is highly adept at pulling his team from the fire.

His stand was ended on 105 runs and late wickets for the visitors means this game hangs firmly in the balance, even if the hosts have the slight edge as England will not relish batting last on this track.

And so onwards. Early wickets for England will put them firmly in control. But. And it's a big but. Can the jittery nerves with the bat be held in check on the subcontinent The empirical evidence would suggest the visitors' struggles will continue.

Imperious: Mahela Jaywardene once again led his team from a precarious position

Imperious: Mahela Jaywardene once again led his team from a precarious position

Sri Lanka v England, first Test, day three, Galle

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LIVE: Sri Lanka v England – follow the action on day three of the first Test in Galle

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unfolds at the Galle International Stadium while our brilliant team of
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Email your thoughts to tom.bellwood@dailymail.co.uk or tweet to @TomBellwood

Sri Lanka v England: Essentials

England: Andrew Strauss (c), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Matt Prior (wkt), Samit Patel, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Monty Panesar

Sri Lanka: Lahiru Thirimanne, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene (c), Thilan Samaraweera, Dinesh Chandimal, Prasanna Jayawardene (wkt), Suraj Randiv, Rangana Herath, Chanaka Welegedera, Suranga Lakmal.

Umpires: Asad Rauf (Pakistan), Rod Tucker (Australia). TV: Bruce Oxenford (Australia). Referee: Javagal Srinath (India).

1st innings: Sri Lanka 318, England 193

Click here for a full scorecard

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40th over: Sri Lanka 95-5 (Chandimal 19, Randiv 12)

Another air-tight over from Anderson. Only the single from it as Randiv dabs to the off side. England bowling well in this early vignette, but need the breakthrough to come soon.

39th over: Sri Lanka 95-5 (Chandimal 19, Randiv 11)

Much talk of what will be a manageable total for England to chase. Interestingly, Sri Lanka scored 253 in their fourth innings on this pitch against Australia last year. Hope yet Swann dips one short, outside off, bottom edge from Randiv cannons off Prior's gloves and runs away. Half a chance.

38th over: Sri Lanka 92-5 (Chandimal 19, Randiv 8)

Dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, dot. That's a maiden for Jimmy Anderson.

37th over: Sri Lanka 92-5 (Chandimal 19, Randiv 8)

Just going to throw this out there: England's highest run-chase (in the last ten years) has been 294 against New Zealand in Manchester. Sri Lanka's lead is now 217 with five wickets in hand. Harumph. Swann continues to guile them in, there's drift then turn and really encouraging signs for the spinner. If only the batsmen had given him a bit more to work with. Just one from the over.

36th over: Sri Lanka 91-5 (Chandimal 18, Randiv 8)

(Oh Jimmy, Jimmy. Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy) Anderson joins Swann in the attack, just the one slip in place in these early stages. A touch coy from Andrew Strauss Consensus is England really have to force Sri Lanka's hands if they are to force themselves back into this Test. Stunning cut through point from Randiv as Anderson sends one down wide of off stump. Four runs!

35th over: Sri Lanka 87-5 (Chandimal 18, Randiv 4)

Slip, short leg and a silly point inserted for Graeme Swann who gets the proceedings under way. Encouraging signs for Swann who generates some turn out of the rough. The Barmy Army are in fine voice early on. They serenade the England players with a hearty version of Jerusalem and we batten down the hatches for another rollercoaster day of Test action.

5.28: Another glorious day in Galle, England will certainly be hoping to make further gains before the searing midday heat arrives. The players are making their way out now. Time for the action.

5.25: What do you think will, be an attainable score for England Anything around 250 and you'd hope the visitors can take a 1-0 lead. Easy enough, right

5.20: So, danger man Mahela Jayawardene has gone. The man who stitched the hosts' first-innings together has gone for just five after scoring 180 earlier in the Test. But with the lead already 209, can England's batsmen hold it together when the run chase begins I fear my confidence – like theirs – is on the wane.

5.15: Sportsmail's team in Sri Lanka have passed judgment on the action on day two. You can read Paul Newman's report on day one here. And Lawrence Booth's thoughts here.

5.10am: Morning everyone and welcome to Sportsmail's coverage on day three of the first Test between Sri Lanka and England in Galle. Another day of high drama at this famous old ground yesterday as the Andrew Strauss's side were skittled for a paltry 193, leaving them staring a heavy defeat down the barrel. But late gains from England's bowlers – yet again – have put this game back in the balance although Sri Lanka remain favourites from this position. Fascinating stuff.


Bowled: Thirimanne loses his off stump

Bowled: Thirimanne loses his off stump

Sri Lanka v England – day two: Tourists fail with the bat again

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England fail with the bat again but four-star Swann keeps hopes alive in Sri Lanka

|

UPDATED:

12:33 GMT, 27 March 2012

England's batsmen were again undone by spin but Graeme Swann hauled them back into contention as 17 wickets tumbled on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

The tourists were bundled out for 193 – a first-innings deficit of 125 – after slow left-armer Rangana Herath took six wickets and off-spinner Suraj Randiv two.

Only Ian Bell's 52 and a late flurry of boundaries from the tail-end saved the side from meltdown, as the flaws exposed by Pakistan earlier in the year were again put under the spotlight.

Hit for six: Rangana Herath took half a dozen wickets on the second day of the first Test in Galle

Hit for six: Rangana Herath took half a dozen wickets on the second day of the first Test in Galle

Sri Lanka v England

Click here for the full scorecard in Galle

But, once again, England's attack performed brilliantly with Swann taking four wickets after tea to leave Sri Lanka 84 for five.

They will resume with a lead of 209, while Swann will hope to add to superb figures of four for 28.

Sri Lanka resumed their innings on 289 for eight, adding 29 for their last two wickets. Both went to James Anderson, who recovered from a first over that contained four boundaries to claim his 12th Test five-for.

Chanaka Welegedera was undone by a sumptuous slower ball before Anderson added the prize scalp of Mahela Jayawardene for a memorable 180.

Fighting back: Graeme Swann (centre) celebrates taking the wicket of Kumar Sangakkara on day two in Galle

Fighting back: Graeme Swann (centre) celebrates taking the wicket of Kumar Sangakkara on day two in Galle

England were looking for a big total in response but lost the man most likely to bat for time when Alastair Cook prodded forward to a Suranga Lakmal inswinger and was lbw for nought.

Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott took advantage of some attacking fields to put on a brisk 40 against the seamers but as soon as Herath came on after nine overs it was a different game.

Trott donated his wicket in baffling fashion, stumped after letting a full toss disappear between bat and pad. He then collided with wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene and collapsed dramatically before departing in a daze.

Strauss was gone for 26 just 13 balls later, given lbw on review attempting a pre-meditated sweep against Herath.

On his own: Ian Bell was the only England batsman to emerge with any credit after his 52

On his own: Ian Bell was the only England batsman to emerge with any credit after his 52

Bell seemed comfortable from the off, taking six and four off Herath to take England to 57 for three at lunch.

He continued to attack after the break, cutting and driving Herath for boundaries in the first over of the afternoon.

Kevin Pietersen also attempted to be positive, but his flashy drive at Welegedera – from his first ball of the session – merely diverted the ball into his stumps.

England's woes continued as Matt Prior, promoted to No 6 for this match, lasted just seven deliveries before becoming Herath's third victim. Playing deep in the crease, he was undone by the turn and pinned in front of middle stump.

Stopped: Mahela Jayawardene added 12 runs to the 168 he hit on day one

Stopped: Mahela Jayawardene added 12 runs to the 168 he hit on day one

A score of 72 for five was not the ideal scenario for a debut Test innings and Samit Patel mustered just two singles before he mimicked Prior's dismissal, lbw on the back foot against Herath.

With Bell scoring steadily at the other end, Stuart Broad set the tone for England's tail-end counter-attack.

He went after Suranga Lakmal, unleashing five fours and a mighty pulled six to reach 28 before another botched sweep handed Herath his fifth wicket.

Swann followed Broad's lead, scoring all of his 24 runs in boundaries before Tillakaratne Dilshan's reaction catch at short mid-wicket handed Randiv a first success.

Floored: Jonathan Trott ended up flat out after colliding with Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene

Floored: Jonathan Trott ended up flat out after colliding with Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene

Bell had 52 when he was ninth man out – the sixth to Herath – losing his off stump to one that pitched on middle and leg.

Anderson (23no) and Monty Panesar (13) added a breezy 36 for the last wicket, further showing up the specialist batsmen, before the latter was leg before to Randiv.

England's bowlers must have dreaded another lengthy stint after such a brief rest but Broad needed just three balls to spear one through Dilshan's defences without scoring.

Big wicket: England captain Andrew Strauss went for 26

Big wicket: England captain Andrew Strauss went for 26

Swann was also up for the challenge. Having taken nought for 92 on day one, he roared back to form with two wickets in his first seven balls.

Lahiru Thirimanne was bowled when Swann turned one away from the left-hander and the crucial wicket of Jayawardene followed, held by Anderson at slip for five. Sri Lanka were 14 for three at that point, with the momentum shifting again.

Thilan Samaraweera and Kumar Sangakkara halted the charge for 10 overs before Swann located Sangakkara's edge to make it 41 for four.

With the close approaching Samaraweera was stumped for 36 as he charged Swann only to be beaten on the outside edge.