Leach takes four as England close in on series win
PALLEKELE: England’s left-arm spinner Jack Leach led a strong spin bowling display that put the tourists within three wickets of a series-clinching victory against Sri Lanka on an intriguing fourth day of the second Test here on Saturday.
Chasing 301 to win on a turning track, Sri Lanka reached 226/7 when rain ended play for the second consecutive day with the hosts still needing 75 to square the three-test series.
Combative half-centuries from former captain Angelo Mathews and opener Dimuth Karunaratne had set Sri Lanka up nicely in their chase after Leach’s brilliant spell of spin bowling with the new ball had reduced them to 26/3.
But off-spinner Moeen Ali and Leach, who has already taken a career-best 4/73 in an innings, brought England back in the game by dismissing Mathews for 88 and Dilruwan Perera for two respectively in quick succession after tea.
Sri Lanka’s hopes on the final day will rest on wicket-keeper Niroshan Dickwella, who was unbeaten on 27 at the close of play.
Leach had given England the ideal start when he lured Kaushal Silva out of his crease with a flighted delivery to be stumped for four.
Dhananjaya de Silva was out to a smart catch by Keaton Jennings at short leg for one while Kusal Mendis was also trapped lbw for the same score, with England overturning the umpire’s not out decision on review.
DOGGED KNOCK
Karunaratne made a dogged 57 and it was his fourth-wicket stand of 77 with the experienced Mathews that revived Sri Lanka’s chase.
Earlier, England batted for about 20 minutes in the morning before they were all out for 346 for a lead of 300. Foakes followed up his debut century during the win in Galle with an unbeaten 65.
Akila Dananjaya, who was reported for a suspect bowling action after the Galle Test but is free to play, notched up careerbest figures of 6/115 for the hosts.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 336 and 226/7 (Angelo Mathews 88, Dimuth Karunaratne 57; Jack Leach 4/73, Moeen Ali 2/65) trail England 290 & 346 by 75 runs.