Despite Ben Duckett's 86 and stand-in skipper Ollie Pope's 154, England could only get to 325 in the first innings. England lost last six wickets for just 35 runs. In reply, Sri Lanka started on a bright note with Pathum Nissanka slamming a quick half-century. Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and an in-form Kamindu Mendis started day three for the visitors. But England bowlers quickly wrapped up the proceedings as Sri Lanka conceded a 62-run lead in the first innings.

Sri Lankan bowlers then put on a fiery display of bowling to bundle England out for 156. Patthum Nissanka then came out all guns blazing and has now crossed the half-century mark to take Sri Lanka close to a win. His partner Kusal Mendis too looks in a hurry and the duo has put up a 55-run partnership for the second wicket in just 48 balls. Proceedings will begin tomorrow now with victory in Sri Lanka's jaws.