Sri Lanka take charge of third Test after England’s batters fall apart at the seams

Sri Lanka take charge of third Test after England’s batters fall apart at the seams

England 325 & 156; Sri Lanka 263 & 94-1England all out in 34 overs, Sri Lanka need 125 to win

Sri Lanka are on course for a series-closing victory over England after reaching 94-1 in their chase for 219 in the third test at the Kia Oval.

After skittling England for 156, Sri Lanka kept the momentum late on day three as Pathum Nissanka played beautifully for 53 not out and was enjoying a 55-run partnership with Kusal Mendis (30 not out).

The tourists need 125 more runs to win, though have already lost the series after defeats in Manchester and at Lord’s. England are seeking a second straight series sweep this summer, having beaten the West Indies 3-0 in July.

It was a dominant day in south London for Sri Lanka, who started the day on 211-5, were dismissed for 263 to be only 62 runs behind after the first innings and bowled out a sloppy England batting unit in 34 overs.

Ali Martin’s day-three report will follow shortly.

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