Second Test heads towards draw

Sri Lanka 32 for one at tea on final day, chasing 343.

LONDON:

Sri Lanka were 32 for one in their second innings at tea on the fifth and final day, needing a further 311 runs in the final session’s 45 overs to reach their victory target of 343.

The highest score ever made in the fourth innings to win a Test at Lord’s was 344 for one by the West Indies against England in 1984.

Before tea, Sri Lanka lost acting captain Kumar Sangakkara, opening in place of injured skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan, for 12 when he cut Chris Tremlett to Eoin Morgan at backward point. Tharanga Paranavitana was nine not out and Mahela Jayawardene five not out.

Earlier, England declared their second innings on 335 for seven after Cook made 106 and Ian Bell 57 not out. The hosts lead the three-match series 1-0 after dismissing Sri Lanka for just 82 inside 25 overs in an innings and 14-run first Test win in Cardiff.

Cook’s century was his third hundred in four Tests following scores of 189 against Australia, 133 against Sri Lanka in the first Test and 96 in the first innings of this match.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2011.