They set about whitewashing Sri Lankans
49, as well as a rare run-out. Stokes was just as impressive, though, easily producing the best spell of pace bowling in the past three Tests as he took three for 30 in 10 menacing overs either side of the interval.
“It worked out perfectly, Stokesy at one end bowling nice and aggressive and me at the other end mixing it up, bowling my variations. It all happened very quickly,” he said after England closed on three without loss and an unexpected 99-run lead.
“It was a simple plan for me: to be attacking, bowl my variations, try and get the ball spinning both ways, get the batsmen playing certain shots. Stokesy had his own plan, be aggressive, run in, rough them up.
“We all know what Ben brings to the table, he’s a match-winner, a world-class performer. He came out there with a game plan and just gave it his all. I was just trying to mix it up and I got my rewards as well.
“We always have that belief going into that session. They played exceptionally well before but we had a positive mindset and knew if we stick to our plan things would change.”
Three of Rashid’s victims were caught by Keaton Jennings at short-leg, including a stunning onehanded grab to see off Roshen Silva.
“As a spinner it’s nice having him there, we’re happy!” said Rashid.
“He’s made a big difference and he’s proved he’s an exceptional short-leg fielder. He reads the game well, he’s alert, he practises hard in the morning and he gets his rewards.”