21 December 2007

England showed renewed application in battling their way to 102 for one in their second innings of the third and final Test against Sri Lanka, Alastair Cook scoring a half-century on a rain-shortened day four in Colombo.

Following on after being shot out for 81, England added exactly one hundred runs for the loss of Michael Vaughan, who was caught by Mahela Jayawardene off of Chanaka Welegedara for 24.

Cook was unbeaten on 53 from 117 balls alongside Ian Bell on 17 when heavy rain prevented a resumption in play after lunch, and as the rain showed no sign of abating, play was called off for the day, leaving England with three more sessions to survive and Sri Lanka nine wickets to take on the final day, weather permitting.

Chaminda Vaas took four for 28 to help Sri Lanka take control of the match yesterday, after a Jayawardene double century helped them to 499 for eight declared.

Sri Lanka lead the series 1-0.

© Cricket World 2007

England In Sri Lanka