BAIRSTOW HITS FINE CENTURY TO LEAD THE RECOVERY FOR ENGLAND

Jonny Bairstow finally ticked off his maiden test hundred at Lord’s as England recovered to reach 279 for six on the first day of the third investec test against sri Lanka.

Bairstow, who made 95 at the same ground in 2012 against south africa, anchored the revival with an unbeaten 107.

‘it was five runs that loomed over me for a few years,’ he said afterwards.

‘Many people speculated about can he, can’t he. it’s nice to put the record straight.

‘to get a hundred in the first test of the summer in front of a packed crowd at Lord’s is a very special feeling and one which i will never forget.

‘it was a pinch-yourself moment with goosebumps.’

Bairstow’s second century of the series helped England survive another top-order collapse.

sri Lanka, 2-0 down and demoralised after their thumpings at Headingley and Durham, remain in the hunt as England again lacked the ruthlessness to apply the finishing touches to what should be a whitewash.

England badly needed Bairstow’s runs, and those of captain alastair Cook, who made 85, having lost four wickets for 28.

they faltered to 84 for four and would have been 102 for five had shaminda Eranga taken the straightforward chance chipped to midwicket by Bairstow off nuwan Pradeep early in the afternoon.

England lost alex Hales, nick Compton and Joe root in the space of five balls to suranga Lakmal, before James Vince departed in an unexpected blip following an opening stand of 56.

sri Lanka spinner rangana Herath feels his side are still well placed to claim a consolation victory.

‘we have done well,’ said Herath, who took two for 45. ‘Unfortunately, we dropped one chance and it cost a lot.

‘i think it looks a good batting pitch, i would say 350-375 is a good total.’

England aim to better that when they resume today.