Mathews century repels England

JAMES Anderson was a class apart on his return for England but a century from old adversary Angelo Mathews made it a fair fight on day one of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Thirty-eight-year-old Anderson finished with exemplary figures of three for 24 on a surface offering precious little encouragement, but Sri Lanka will be more than happy with a score of 229 for four.

Mathews provided the necessary steel, coming to the crease with the scoreboard at seven for two after Sri Lanka had won the toss and elected to bat first, and reaching stumps on 107 not out, his 11th Test hundred.

Niroshan Dickwella partnered Mathews through seven overs of the new ball to reach stumps.