Nightwatchman Jack Leach lasted just five balls on the third morning as England sought to be build a lead over Sri Lanka in the second Test.
Leach safely negotiated one over before stumps on day two but did not linger after play resumed with a tricky first-innings deficit of 46 at Pallekele Stadium. He was rapped on the back leg and sent on his way after a DRS review, bringing Keaton Jennings to the crease to join Rory Burns.
The opener raced to his half-century with a boundary, reaching 52 off just 61 balls but eventually fell for 59. Joe Root however took over in fine fashion, briefly supported by Jos Buttler’s knock of 34. The England skipper registered his 15th Test ton in a fine counter-attacking innings that had the visitors leading by 278 runs at the close of play.
Root received ample support from Ben Foakes who was unbeaten on 51 when bad light brought an early end to the day. The tourists had reached 324-9 in their second innings before stumps were drawn at Kandy.
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