A victory for the ages
What a game this was! Boring beyond limits at times, but really kicked up some major excitement towards the end and it is all courtesy to Sri Lanka's bowlers. No one gave them a chance with England's in-form batting line-up expected to chase a below par total of 232 easily. But they stepped up when it mattered and were led by veteran, Lasith Malinga.
He picked four wickets, three of them being England's top order of Bairstow, Vince and Root. He removed both openers early, put pressure on England but they looked settled with Morgan and Root at the crease. Morgan perished to a stunning return catch from Udana but panic had not set in yet because there was a lot of batting to come. Ben Stokes and Root put up a good partnership before the latter was strangled down leg by Malinga.
Buttler was soon walking back to a classic Malinga yorker, which brought Moeen Ali to the crease. He took his time to get settled, hit a six and then holed out next ball, being too greedy to attack Dhananjaya de Silva. The off spinner then picked Woakes and Rashid in the same over to put Sri Lanka on the brink of victroy. Jofra Archer holed out soon after but Stokes launched a counter attack on the Lankan bowlers after seeing out Malinga.
He stole 15 runs off an Udana over and gave Wood one ball to play at the end of each over, but the latter nicked the one ball he was asked to defend. All in all, it was a victory beyond expectations for an embattled Sri Lanka, who have surely dented England's confidence ahead of three crucial games against Australia, India and New Zealand.'
It was a great pleasure to get you the live updates of this thriller and the action continues tomorrow with two matches in the pipeline. India take on Afghanistan and West Indies face New Zealand. Do join us for both games, till then, goodnight and goodbye!
Eng 212 (47 overs)
Nuwan Pradeep is back.
46.1 Pradeep to Stokes, DOT, full outside off, he whips it to long on
46.2 Pradeep to Stokes, FOUR, low full toss outside off, driven wide of long on and this is excellent batting from Ben Stokes. Taking on the weaker bowlers and playing some delicious shots
46.3 Pradeep to Stokes, FOUR, moves across the sticks, and sweeps this full slow delivery to the fine leg fence. He knew it will be slow and set himself up for it
46.4 Pradeep to Stokes, DOT, low full toss, played to extra cover and he denies the run. Very sensible
46.5 Pradeep to Stokes, 1 run, whipped to deep mid wicket and takes the single again
46.6 Pradeep to Wood, OUT, he has nicked it! Wood had to negotiate one ball, went to defend the length ball outside off, and it takes a thin edge. What a win this is for Sri Lanka!
Wood c K Perera b Pradeep 0(4)
Eng 203/9 (46 overs)
45.1 Udana to Stokes, SIX, huge! Full on middle stump, Ben powers it way over the stands at wide long on
45.2 Udana to Stokes, SIX, down the track and he lifts this one over the long off fence! He is on the charge, knows Malinga is bowled out and he can take on the rest of the bowlers. Brilliant hitting
45.3 Udana to Stokes, DOT, down the track and punches this slower ball to long off. Refuses the single
45.4 Udana to Stokes, 2 runs, nudges the slower one to mid wicket and hares back for two. Wood slipped and he made it back in beautifully. Excellent running!
45.5 Udana to Stokes, 1 run, jams the yorker and takes the single
45.6 Udana to Wood, DOT.
Eng 188/9 (45 overs)
Mark Wood is the last man in. Can he stick around enough to allow Stokes to play at a few?
44.1 Malinga to Stokes, DOT, yorker wide of off, Ben plays it back
44.2 Malinga to Stokes, DOT, thrown wide of off, inside the tramline though
44.3 Malinga to Stokes, WIDE, this time it is past the wide line
44.3 Malinga to Stokes, DOT, half volley wide of off, plays it to extra cover and refuses the single
44.4 Malinga to Stokes, DOT, full outside off, whipped to long on, almost a helicopter shot that. Denies the single again
44.5 Malinga to Stokes, DOT, full on middle, he flicks aerially, and it is dropped in the deep! That could have been the game, it was a reluctant dive
44.6 Malinga to Stokes, 1 run.
Eng 186/9 (43.4 overs)
43.1 Udana to Stokes, DOT, bowled wide of off, Ben let it go thinking it will be given wide but it is inside the tramline
43.2 Udana to Stokes, 1 run, half volley driven down to long on
43.3 Udana to Archer, DOT, length ball angled in, driven straight to extra cover
43.4 Udana to Archer, OUT, what have you done Jofra? It is a slow, not the wicket to slog, you have seen your teammates perish and you go and do that. He slogs across the line, and hits it down the throat of long on. Sri Lanka are on the brink of a famous victory at Leeds
Archer c T Perera b Udana 3(11)
Eng 185/8 (43 overs)
Malinga is brought back. Can he finish it off?
42.1 Malinga to Archer, DOT, length ball, chipped towards short mid wicket, falls way short though
42.2 Malinga to Archer, DOT, proper yorker at middle stump, Jofra digs it out well
42.3 Malinga to Archer, 1 run, yorker on leg stump, flicked to deep mid wicket. That was well played
42.4 Malinga to Stokes, 1 run, yorker length again, driven down to long on
42.5 Malinga to Archer, DOT, goes short, Jofra wants to swivel, wears the ball on his body. Stuck to the pitch there
42.6 Malinga to Archer, DOT.
Eng 183/8 (42 overs)
Jofra Archer in at no.10. Udana is back.
41.1 Udana to Stokes, WIDE, just past the tramline
41.1 Udana to Stokes, 1 run, yorker, played with an open face to backward point
41.2 Udana to Archer, 1 run, wide of off, the outside edge goes past slip to third man. More importantly, Stokes is back on strike
41.3 Udana to Stokes, DOT, looks for the drive on the full one, misses it
41.4 Udana to Stokes, 1 run, cutter outside off, played to deep cover
41.5 Udana to Archer, DOT, low full toss, driven to extra cover
41.6 Udana to Archer, 1 run.
Eng 178/8 (40.5 overs)
Adil Rashid walks out at no.9. He would not have expected to come out today
40.5 de Silva to Rashid, OUT, what the hell is happening? Adil walks now. It was short outside off, he goes for the punch this time, gets an outside edge as it does not spin, and the keeper holds on to another one
Rashid c K Perera b de Silva 1(2)
Eng 176/7 (40.1 overs)
We are into the final powerplay and this is turning out to be much closer than initially thought
40.1 de Silva to Woakes, OUT, gone! It was short, there for the cut, he did go for it but goes a top edge which is held well by the keeper. England crumbling now!
Woakes c K Perera b de Silva 2(4)
Eng 176/6 (40 overs)
Chris Woakes in at no.8. He was promoted to 3 against the Windies so he certainly can bat. Nuwan Pradeep is back.
39.1 Pradeep to Woakes, 1 run, length outside off, punched to deep extra cover
39.2 Pradeep to Stokes, FOUR, squared up! Length on middle stump, takes Ben's outside edge which runs away to the third man fence. It is the second fifty of the WC for him too
39.3 Pradeep to Stokes, DOT, punched back to Pradeep
39.4 Pradeep to Stokes, DOT, yorker, jammed out well
39.5 Pradeep to Stokes, DOT, goes back to the length, on leg stump, played to short mid wicket
39.6 Pradeep to Stokes, DOT.
Eng 170/6 (38.3 overs)
38.1 de Silva to Moeen, DOT, quick one on off, played to backward point
38.2 de Silva to Moeen, SIX, full and he slog sweeps this into the deep square rope. Hit it on the full actually.Was well positioned for it and hit it very cleanly
38.3 de Silva to Moeen, OUT, gone this time! Poor batting this, he already had a six in the over. Comes down the track and lifts it to long off, who leaps up and takes a good catch
Moeen c Udana b de Silva 16(20)
Eng 164/5 (38 overs)
37.1 T Perera to Moeen, 1 run, short and wide, mistimes the pull to mid on
37.2 T Perera to Stokes, 1 run, comes down the track and slaps this wide one to sweeper cover
37.3 T Perera to Moeen, 2 runs, half volley outside off, Ali looks to lift over mid off, but gets an outside edge which goes towards deep point, takes two
37.4 T Perera to Moeen, DOT.
37.5 T Perera to Moeen, DOT, full and driven straight to short extra cover
37.6 T Perera to Moeen, 1 run.
When mom scolds you for playing too long!
Eng 154/5 (36 overs)
35.1 T Perera to Moeen, DOT, off cutter pitched on middle and spun away past his bat at the last instant
35.2 T Perera to Moeen, 1 run, played to sweeper cover
35.3 T Perera to Stokes, DOT, length ball outside off, defended to short cover
35.4 T Perera to Stokes, 1 run, full on the stumps, punched down to long on
35.5 T Perera to Moeen, DOT, length on the stumps, punched to short extra cover
35.6 T Perera to Moeen, 1 run.
Eng 151/5 (35 overs)
34.1 Malinga to Moeen, 1 run, short and wide, cut to third man
34.2 Malinga to Stokes, DOT, yorker outside off, dug out
34.3 Malinga to Stokes, DOT, yorker on off this time, defended down the wicket
34.4 Malinga to Stokes, 1 run, short and Ben rolls his wrists on the pull, gets it to square leg
34.5 Malinga to Moeen, DOT, full on off stump, defended on the front foot
34.6 Malinga to Moeen, 1 run.
Eng 148/5 (34 overs)
Moeen Ali is the new batsman at the crease.
33.1 T Perera to Stokes, DOT, length ball, defended back down the pitch
33.2 T Perera to Stokes, FOUR, length on his body again, that is tucked away to the deep mid wicket fence. Timed beautifully and it was enough to beat the deep fielder
33.3 T Perera to Stokes, DOT, goes fuller, Ben defends solidly
33.4 T Perera to Stokes, DOT, nudged to short mid wicket
33.5 T Perera to Stokes, DOT, length on off, back foot defence is brought out
33.6 T Perera to Stokes, DOT.
Eng 144/5 (32.3 overs)
Drinks were taken after that over but we are back now
32.1 Malinga to Buttler, DOT, flicked aerially, the short mid on was in play there, just evades his dive
32.2 Malinga to Buttler, FOUR, short and it is an easy pull for Jos, who sends it to the backward square boundary
32.3 Malinga to Buttler, OUT, finger goes up! It was full and straight, beats his flick and he reviews immediately. No inside edge, Hawk eye shows three reds and he has to walk! Huge moment in the game this
Buttler lbw b Malinga 10(9)
Eng 140/4 (32 overs)
Jos Buttler walks out to the middle at no.6. Thisara is back.
31.1 T Perera to Buttler, 1 run, advances down the pitch and guides it to third man
31.2 T Perera to Stokes, 1 run, length ball wide of off, chopped down to sweeper cover
31.3 T Perera to Buttler, 1 run, comes down the wicket again, and punches to deep cover
31.4 T Perera to Stokes, 1 run, cramping him for room on the length ball, steered to third man
31.5 T Perera to Buttler, 1 run, comes down again and punches to deep extra cover this time
31.6 T Perera to Stokes, FOUR, slower ball, outside edge runs away past the keeper. Welcome boundary
Eng 127/4 (30.3 overs)
Malinga is back.
30.1 Malinga to Stokes, DOT, slow cutter wide of off, left alone
30.2 Malinga to Stokes, 1 run, slower ball again, short and wide too, cut to deep point
30.3 Malinga to Root, OUT, keeper appeals loudly for a strangle down leg and Dimuth goes for the DRS! You know what, there is a thin edge and that is an excellent review. Root walks after a long vigil
Root c K Perera b Malinga 57(89)
Eng 126/3 (30 overs)
29.1 J Mendis to Root, 1 run, wide of off, driven to deep extra cover
29.2 J Mendis to Stokes, 1 run, to square leg
29.3 J Mendis to Root, 1 run, driven to point, who misfields and misses a run out chance
29.4 J Mendis to Stokes, DOT, flighted outside off, defended to point
29.5 J Mendis to Stokes, 1 run, turned away to backward square leg
29.6 J Mendis to Root, DOT.
Eng 122/3 (29 overs)
28.1 Pradeep to Root, 1 run, guided down to third man
28.2 Pradeep to Stokes, 1 run, round the wicket for the leftie, Ben comes down the track and pushes to long on
28.3 Pradeep to Root, 1 run, short down leg, helped to fine leg
28.4 Pradeep to Stokes, DOT, full and angling in, driven to mid off
28.5 Pradeep to Stokes, 1 run, tucked to deep square leg for one
28.6 Pradeep to Root, 1 run.
Eng 117/3 (28 overs)
27.1 J Mendis to Stokes, SIX, dances down and hammers this after getting to the pitch straight down the ground for a maximum. It was a flat hit
27.2 J Mendis to Stokes, 1 run, goes short, Ben backs away to get this to deep mid wicket
27.3 J Mendis to Root, 1 run, tucked to deep mid wicket
27.4 J Mendis to Stokes, SIX, rank long hop, he rocks back and pulls it into the stands at long on. Stokes turning it on!
27.5 J Mendis to Stokes, DOT, fuller, played back to Jeevan
27.6 J Mendis to Stokes, DOT.
Gritty stuff!
Eng 96/3 (26 overs)
Jeevan Mendis into the attack.
25.1 J Mendis to Root, 1 run, drags it down, played to sweeper
25.2 J Mendis to Stokes, 1 run, driven to mid off, quick single taken to mid off
25.3 J Mendis to Root, DOT, leg spinner on middle, smothered off the front foot
25.4 J Mendis to Root, 1 run, driven down to long off, goes to 49
25.5 J Mendis to Stokes, 1 run, goes short, punched to deep mid wicket
25.6 J Mendis to Root, 1 run, that is fifty for Root!
Eng 91/3 (25 overs)
24.1 Udana to Root, 1 run, to third man
24.2 Udana to Stokes, 1 leg byes, angled in, hits Ben on the pads, but going down leg and also a little high
24.3 Udana to Root, DOT, full toss, tapped to short mid wicket
24.4 Udana to Root, 1 run, angled in from round the wicket, deftly guided to third man
24.5 Udana to Stokes, DOT, cutter outside off, sofly defended to point
24.6 Udana to Stokes, DOT.
Eng 88/3 (24 overs)
23.1 de Silva to Root, DOT, almost another return catch! Stuck to the pitch a little, the leading edge luckily did not carry to the bowler
23.2 de Silva to Root, DOT.
23.3 de Silva to Root, 1 run, turned away to mid wicket
23.4 de Silva to Stokes, 1 run, a firm punch past short cover on this length ball outside off, takes the single
23.5 de Silva to Root, 1 run, to long on
23.6 de Silva to Stokes, DOT.
Eng 85/3 (23 overs)
22.1 Udana to Stokes, DOT, cutter outside off, left alone
22.2 Udana to Stokes, DOT, length on off, angled in, punched to short mid wicket
22.3 Udana to Stokes, DOT, yorker on middle stump, jammed out to short mid wicket again
22.4 Udana to Stokes, FOUR, short on his hips, swivels and gets it away to the backward square leg ropes. Easy shot
22.5 Udana to Stokes, DOT, back to the length, played to short mid wicket
22.6 Udana to Stokes, DOT.
Eng 81/3 (22 overs)
Dhananjaya de Silva is back.
21.1 de Silva to Root, 1 run, driven to long on
21.2 de Silva to Stokes, DOT, drifter on leg stump, punched back
21.3 de Silva to Stokes, 1 run, flighted on middle stump, driven down to long off
21.4 de Silva to Root, 1 run, drops it short, Joe punches to deep cover
21.5 de Silva to Stokes, DOT, short ball, played to short mid wicket
21.6 de Silva to Stokes, 1 run.
Eng 77/3 (21 overs)
20.1 Udana to Root, DOT, round the wicket he comes and drops it full, driven to backward point
20.2 Udana to Root, DOT, off cutter outside off, Joe cannot get it away
20.3 Udana to Root, DOT, short and wide now, cut straight to point
20.4 Udana to Root, DOT, back of a length outside off, punched to mid off
20.5 Udana to Root, 1 run, very wide of off, finally gets it past backward point for one
20.6 Udana to Stokes, DOT.
Eng 76/3 (20 overs)
Ben Stokes joins Root at the crease
19.1 T Perera to Root, 2runs, flicked to mid wicket for a couple
19.2 T Perera to Root, 1 run, a soft edge which goes on the bounce to the keeper, they take one
19.3 T Perera to Stokes, DOT, length ball on off, defended solidly
19.4 T Perera to Stokes, DOT, walks down the track and cuts it to point
19.5 T Perera to Stokes, DOT, slightly back of a length, angled across, punched to mid off
19.6 T Perera to Stokes, DOT.
Eng 73/3 (18.4 overs)
18.1 Udana to Root, 1 run, angled across the right hander, easily guided to third man
18.2 Udana to Morgan, 1 leg byes, slow off cutter, into the pads, but it is surely going down leg
18.3 Udana to Root, 1 run, another guide down to third man
18.4 Udana to Morgan, OUT, brilliant catch! That is a low full toss, Eoin hammered it straight back, Isuru just stuck his hand out and caught it out of thin air. Important wicket!
Morgan c & b Udana 21(35)
Eng 70/2 (18 overs)
17.1 T Perera to Morgan, DOT, little wide this length ball, cut to point
17.2 T Perera to Morgan, DOT, fuller outside off again, left alone
17.3 T Perera to Morgan, DOT, full outside off, Eoin wants to drive, misses it. Keeper appeals but no one else is interested
17.4 T Perera to Morgan, 1 run, played to sweeper cover for one
17.5 T Perera to Root, 1 run, drives this full one to mid off and takes the quick single
17.6 T Perera to Morgan, DOT.
Eng 68/2 (17 overs)
Isuru Udana is into the attack.
16.1 Udana to Root, 1 run, angled across Joe, cut to third man for one
16.2 Udana to Morgan, FOUR, poor ball down leg, easily glanced away by Eoin for four to the fine leg fence
16.3 Udana to Morgan, DOT, better, length outside off, left alone
16.4 Udana to Morgan, DOT, angling into the batsman, defended down the ground
16.5 Udana to Morgan, 1 run, flicked to deep mid wicket for one
16.6 Udana to Root, FOUR, full on leg stump, flicked away through mid wicket for yet another boundary
And that will be drinks!
Eng 58/2 (16 overs)
15.1 T Perera to Root, 1 run, length on middle stump, flicked to deep square leg
15.2 T Perera to Morgan, 2 runs, down the track and lofted over mid on, the ball stops after dropping on the grass. Strange
15.3 T Perera to Morgan, DOT, wants to cut this wide ball, chopped to point
15.4 T Perera to Morgan, 1 run, flicked aerially but there is no mid wicket to catch it. Run taken
15.5 T Perera to Root, DOT, goes full outside off, driven to mid off
15.6 T Perera to Root, 1 run.
Eng 50/2 (14 overs)
Thisara Perera into the attack.
13.1 T Perera to Root, 1 run, length on his body, tucked to mid wicket
13.2 T Perera to Morgan, DOT, fuller ball outside off, left alone by the skip
13.3 T Perera to Morgan, DOT, another one wide of off, trying to entice the cut/punch, nothing doing says Eoin
13.4 T Perera to Morgan, DOT, length ball now on the stumps, easy defence with Thisara's pace
13.5 T Perera to Morgan, 1 run, length ball outside off, punched to point, who fumbles and allows a run
13.6 T Perera to Root, 1 run.
Eng 47/2 (13 overs)
12.1 de Silva to Root, 1 run.
12.2 de Silva to Morgan, 2 runs, short and turned away to square leg, good running for two
12.3 de Silva to Morgan, DOT, gets an inside edge on the defence, says no to the single
12.4 de Silva to Morgan, 1 run, drifting in on middle, driven down to long off
12.5 de Silva to Root, DOT, short and wants to cut Joe, gets an outside edge to short third man
12.6 de Silva to Root, 1 run.
Eng 42/2 (12 overs)
11.1 Pradeep to Root, DOT, length on off, defended down the wicket
11.2 Pradeep to Root, DOT, some swing in the air, this length ball comes in a little, nothing to trouble the rock-solid Root
11.3 Pradeep to Root, DOT, length ball thrown wide of off, wants to cut but misses
11.4 Pradeep to Root, DOT, coming in with the arm this one, a slower yorker, dug out well
11.5 Pradeep to Root, DOT, very wide of off this one, Joe does not want to chase after it
11.6 Pradeep to Root, 1 run.
How good is this guy?
Eng 35/2 (9 overs)
8.1 Malinga to Morgan, FOUR, full and wide of off, Eoin presses forward to square drive this past point for his first boundary
8.2 Malinga to Morgan, DOT, short one now, he sways away from its line
8.3 Malinga to Morgan, 1 run, full toss, played to third man for a single
8.4 Malinga to Root, DOT, length ball, cramped for room, punched on the back foot to point
8.5 Malinga to Root, DOT, length ball sticks on the pitch a little, so Joe chops his cut
8.6 Malinga to Root, FOUR, full ball, a solid push past mid off for the second boundary of the over. Good shot!
Eng 26/2 (8 overs)
Skipper Eoin Morgan walks out way earlier than he would've wanted at no.4
7.1 Pradeep to Root, DOT, length ball angled into Joe, who defends firmly on the back foot
7.2 Pradeep to Root, DOT, fuller ball, defended on the front foot this time
7.3 Pradeep to Root, DOT, full outside off, swinging away a bit, driven to short extra cover
7.4 Pradeep to Root, DOT, full again, wants to drive Joe, gets it off the inside half straight down the ground
A couple of interruptions as Pradeep ran in, issues with the sightscreens
7.5 Pradeep to Root, DOT, rgoes back to the length ball again, no problems in defending for Joe
7.6 Pradeep to Root, DOT. Another maiden!
Eng 26/2 (6.5 overs)
6.1 Malinga to Vince, 2 runs, short and it is pulled to deep backward square leg, cheers for Pradeep as he fell over after fielding it
6.2 Malinga to Vince, FOUR, excellent shot! Full and outside off, Jimmy presses forward and pushes this really on the front foot, past mid off, for his first boundary
6.3 Malinga to Vince, FOUR, full and on the leg stump this time, he flicks this away very well, goes past mid wicket and it was always running away when it beat the man
6.4 Malinga to Vince, DOT, better line and length, defended towards point
6.5 Malinga to Vince, OUT, Malinga has the last laugh! Pitches it up, outside off, lures Jimmy into the drive, it swings away just a bit to catch the edge and fly to first slip
Vince c K Mendis b Malinga 14(18)
Eng 16/1 (6 overs)
5.1 Pradeep to Vince, DOT.
5.2 Pradeep to Vince, DOT, length ball on the stumps, defended to short mid wicket
5.3 Pradeep to Vince, 1 run, full on off stump, wants to go down the wicket, gets a thick outside edge towards third man
5.4 Pradeep to Root, DOT, length ball, tailing in a little, defended to the leg side
5.5 Pradeep to Root, DOT, beats the inside edge! On a length just outside off, swings in a little and beats the attempted push
5.6 Pradeep to Root, DOT.
Eng 15/1 (5 overs)
4.1 Malinga to Vince, 1 run, slower ball, worked away to fine leg after waiting for ages
4.2 Malinga to Root, 2 runs, short and wide, he cuts it away well past backward point for a couple
4.3 Malinga to Root, 2 runs, short and wide again, cut to backward point this time, who lets it through his hands and gifts two
4.4 Malinga to Root, DOT, better, goes fuller on leg stump, falls over on the flick a little, gets it back to Malinga
4.5 Malinga to Root, DOT, length ball wide of off, punched straight to backward point
4.6 Malinga to Root, DOT.
The start they wanted!
Eng 10/1 (4 overs)
3.1 Pradeep to Root, DOT, defended back to the bowler
3.2 Pradeep to Root, DOT, length ball outside off, climbed up a little, played with an open face to point on the hop
3.3 Pradeep to Root, FOUR, length ball wide of off, he square drives this on the back foot, gets it through cover point and point for his first boundary
3.4 Pradeep to Root, 2 runs, threads another one, this time through point, for a couple of runs as third man mops up
3.5 Pradeep to Root, DOT, defends this length ball on the front foot, smart batting
3.6 Pradeep to Root, DOT.
Eng 4/1 (3 overs)
2.1 Malinga to Vince, DOT.
2.2 Malinga to Vince, DOT, what happened there? Slower bumper, Jimmy wanted to pull, does not read the pace, leaves it through awkwardly
2.3 Malinga to Vince, DOT, length outside off, pulls his bat in at the last moment to avoid the edge
2.4 Malinga to Vince, DOT, length again, very wide of off, he lets it go through
2.5 Malinga to Vince, DOT, goes full this time, but Jimmy was ready for it, plays it to mid on
2.6 Malinga to Vince, DOT. Maiden!
Eng 4/1 (2 overs)
Nuwan Pradeep from the other end.
1.1 Pradeep to Vince, DOT, length wide of off, punched on the hop to point
1.2 Pradeep to Vince, 1 run, length outside off again, punched to mid off, who misfields to allow the single
1.3 Pradeep to Root, DOT, slightly fuller, on the stumps, defended on the back foot
1.4 Pradeep to Root, DOT, full on the stumps again, played back to Pradeep with a straight bat
1.5 Pradeep to Root, DOT, cramped for room on this length ball, chopped to point
1.6 Pradeep to Root, DOT.
Eng 3/1 (1 over)
Joe Root walks in at no.3
0.3 Malinga to Root, DOT, pacey length ball to start, defended to the off side softly
0.4 Malinga to Root, DOT, length ball outside off, swings away a bit, and past Joe's attempted push
0.5 Malinga to Root, 2 runs, wide of off again, gets an under edge on the push past first slip for a couple
0.6 Malinga to Root, DOT.
Eng 1/1 (0.2 overs)
Bairstow and Vince stride out to the crease and they'll want to start well to get it over with quickly. It is not a stiff target, especially for the in-form England batters and will take something monumental from Sri Lanka to pull this off, which does not look likely at all. Malinga it will be with the new ball, can he conjure up some tricks of his own? Let's find out.
0.1 Malinga to Vince, 1 run, full ball on the pads, he flicks it away to backward square leg to get off the mark
0.2 Malinga to Bairstow, OUT, finger goes up on the lbw appeal! It was full on leg stump, Jonny falls over on the attempted flick, is struck on the pads. No inside edge on that, Hawk eye shows wickets to be umpire's call and he has to walk! First ball duck for the home hero
Bairstow lbw b Malinga 0(1)
SL 232/9 (50 overs)
49.1 Archer to Mathews, SIX, finally! Length ball on leg, he swings across the line, to get it over the square leg stands
49.2 Archer to Mathews, DOT, brilliant yorker which Angelo digs out well
49.3 Archer to Mathews, DOT, full toss swung to deep mid wicket, refuses the single
49.4 Archer to Mathews, 2 runs, flicks this wide of long on and gets back for two
49.5 Archer to Mathews, DOT, bumper and Angelo ducks under it. Maybe surprised him because he did not attack even though it is the last over
49.6 Archer to Mathews, DOT, bouncer to end and that is a way below par total by Sri Lanka
SL 224/9 (49 overs)
48.1 Wood to Malinga, DOT, short ball, looks to pull Lasith, does not come off
48.2 Wood to Malinga, DOT, another short one, Wood and Buttler appeal for a caught behind, it is off the shoulder though
48.3 Wood to Malinga, OUT, stumps are shattered! Full and straight, best ball to a tail ender, it goes past Lasith's futile attempts to dig it out. Too good!
Malinga b Wood 1(5)
Nuwan Pradeep is the last man in
48.4 Wood to Pradeep, 1 run, low full toss, somehow gets bat on ball to get Angelo on strike
48.5 Wood to Mathews, 2 runs, digs out the yorker towards mid on and makes a super late call for two, makes it in the end
48.6 Wood to Mathews, 1 run.
SL 220/8 (48 overs)
47.1 Archer to Mathews, DOT, leg cutter defended to the off side
47.2 Archer to Mathews, DOT, length ball punched back to Jofra
47.3 Archer to Mathews, 1 run, full slow ball, driven to deep cover
47.4 Archer to Malinga, DOT, short ball, too good for Lasith to put away
47.5 Archer to Malinga, 1 run, full toss, driven straight to extra cover
47.6 Archer to Mathews, FOUR, short ball, ramped away over the keeper at the last minute for four
SL 214/8 (47 overs)
46.4 Wood to Udana, OUT, looks to swing and get it over the man at mid on, instead lobs the short ball straight to that man.
Udana c Root b Wood 6(4)
Lasith Malinga walks out to the middle
46.5 Wood to Mathews, FOUR, high full toss, Angelo places it wide of third man for a welcome boundary
46.6 Wood to Mathews, 1 run.
SL 203/7 (46 overs)
45.1 Archer to Mathews, 1 run, length ball following Angelo as he backed away, dabbed to short third
45.2 Archer to T Perera, 1 run, following Thisara as he made room, fended to square leg
45.3 Archer to Mathews, 1 run, full and straight, classic death delivery, driven to deep cover
45.4 Archer to T Perera, OUT, excellent catch at third man! Short again, Thisara wants to cut, does it uppishly, the man dived forward at third man dived forward to take it inches from the ground
T Perera c Rashid b Archer 2(6)
Isuru Udana walks in to join Angelo
45.5 Archer to Mathews, 1 run, driven to mid off, Isuru was slow to set off, the fielder misses the direct hit
45.6 Archer to Udana, WIDE, short ball deemed too high
45.6 Archer to Udana, 1 run.
SL 197/6 (45 overs)
Thisara Perera walks in at no.8
44.1 Wood to Mathews, 2 runs, short and pulled to deep mid wicket, only a couple of runs
44.2 Wood to Mathews, DOT, wide yorker as Angelo backs away, he cannot reach it
44.3 Wood to Mathews, 1 run, makes room again, wants to turn it away, gets a leading edge which does not carry to point
44.4 Wood to T Perera, DOT, full pacey delivery wide of off, out of Thisara's arc, he cannot get to it
44.5 Wood to T Perera, 1 run, short ball, swung wildly to deep square leg
44.6 Wood to Mathews, 1 run.
SL 190/6 (43.3 overs)
43.1 Archer to de Silva, 1 run, digs out the yorker to the leg side to give Mathews the strike
43.2 Archer to Mathews, 1 run, short, Angelo pulls but mistimes to deep mid wicket
43.3 Archer to de Silva, OUT, gone now. Wanted to slog again, mistimes the short one again, it was a slower ball, mid on flies to his left to get rid of Dhananjaya
de Silva c Root b Archer 29(47)
SL 188/5 (43 overs)
Wood is back.
42.1 Wood to de Silva, 1 run, soflty played to point for a single
42.2 Wood to Mathews, DOT, off cutter which he mistimes to mid on
42.3 Wood to Mathews, 2 runs, wants to slog across the line, gets an inside edge past the keeper for two
42.4 Wood to Mathews, 1 run, throws the kitchen sink at the short ball, goes to mid on, who stops it well
42.5 Wood to de Silva, DOT, leg cutter this time, moves away past Dhananjaya's wild slog
42.6 Wood to de Silva, 1 run.
SL 180/5 (41 overs)
We are into the final powerplay. SL have gone nowhere with this innings
40.1 Root to Mathews, 2 runs, turned to square leg for a couple, de Silva makes it in with a dive
40.2 Root to Mathews, 1 run, to square leg
40.3 Root to de Silva, 1 run, leg break from Root again, driven to sweeper cover
40.4 Root to Mathews, DOT, bump ball straight to Root
40.5 Root to Mathews, FOUR, full toss down leg, swept away over short fine leg for a boundary. That will be his fifty too
40.6 Root to Mathews, 1 run.
SL 171/5 (40 overs)
39.1 Rashid to Mathews, DOT, goes for the big slog sweep, does not get anywhere close to it. Stumping appeal sent upstairs, no harm done though
39.2 Rashid to Mathews, 1 run, driven to deep mid wicket for a single
39.3 Rashid to de Silva, 2 runs, slog sweeps this wide of long on, only a couple
39.4 Rashid to de Silva, DOT, wants to go for the reverse slog sweeps, misses it by a mile
39.5 Rashid to de Silva, DOT, does not read the googly, takes it on the pads
39.6 Rashid to de Silva, DOT.
Rashid finishes his spell too with figures of 10-0-45-2
SL 168/5 (39 overs)
Change of bowling finally but it is yet another spinner. Joe Root into the attack now.
38.1 Root to de Silva, 1 run, played to wide long on for one
38.2 Root to Mathews, DOT, front foot defence on full display
38.3 Root to Mathews, DOT, played to short mid wicket
38.4 Root to Mathews, 1 run, leg spinner from Root, turned to deep square leg
38.5 Root to de Silva, 1 run, short and he mistimes the pull down to long on
38.6 Root to Mathews, 1 run.
SL 164/5 (38 overs)
37.1 Rashid to Mathews, DOT.
37.2 Rashid to Mathews, 1 run, Stokes misfields at mid off. He is livid with himself!
37.3 Rashid to de Silva, 1 run, to square leg
37.4 Rashid to Mathews, DOT, this time Stokes fields well at short cover
37.5 Rashid to Mathews, 1 run, driven past Stokes this time for one
37.6 Rashid to de Silva, 1 run.
SL 160/5 (37 overs)
36.1 Moeen to de Silva, DOT, advances and gets a bat-pad, lobs up towards short cover, falls short though
36.1 Moeen to de Silva, DOT.
36.3 Moeen to de Silva, DOT, paddled to short fine
36.4 Moeen to de Silva, 1 run, a more conventional drive to long on
36.5 Moeen to Mathews, 1 run, solid punch on the front foot to long on
36.6 Moeen to de Silva, DOT.
Moeen Ali has finished his quota in one spell, ends with 10-0-40-0
SL 158/5 (36 overs)
The players took drinks after that over, but we are back now. Rashid to continue, must be quite an exercise for his rotator cuffs.
35.1 Rashid to Mathews, 1 run.
35.2 Rashid to de Silva, 1 run, slightly short, played to deep point for one
35.3 Rashid to Mathews, 1 run, tossed up, enticing the booming drive, instead driven down to long off
35.4 Rashid to de Silva, DOT, sharp spin away, played with fast hands to point
35.5 Rashid to de Silva, DOT, looks for the drive, chopped back to Adil
35.6 Rashid to de Silva, 1 run.
SL 154/5 (35 overs)
34.1 Moeen to Mathews, DOT, short ball, played to short mid wicket
34.2 Moeen to Mathews, DOT.
34.3 Moeen to Mathews, DOT, on the front foot to defend
34.4 Moeen to Mathews, DOT, full ball, driven well but to mid off
34.5 Moeen to Mathews, 1 run, wristed away to deep mid wicket
34.6 Moeen to de Silva, WIDE, spins away down leg
34.6 Moeen to de Silva, DOT.
SL 152/5 (34 overs)
33.1 Rashid to de Silva, DOT.
33.2 Rashid to de Silva, DOT.
33.3 Rashid to de Silva, 2 runs, full ball, square driven to deep point for a couple
33.3 Rashid to de Silva, DOT, well flighted again, driven to short cover
33.5 Rashid to de Silva, DOT, googly, defended on the front foot
33.6 Rashid to de Silva, FOUR, tossed up again, slog swept well, travels to the deep mid wicket fence easily
SL 146/5 (33 overs)
32.1 Moeen to de Silva, 1 run, played down to long on for a single
32.2 Moeen to Mathews, 1 run, worked away off the back foot to square leg
32.3 Moeen to de Silva, DOT, guided to short third man
32.4 Moeen to de Silva, 2 runs, short and punched off the back foot to deep extra cover
32.5 Moeen to de Silva, 1 run, comes round the wicket, played a little aerially to long on
32.6 Moeen to Mathews, DOT.
SL 141/5 (32 overs)
31.1 Rashid to de Silva, DOT, defends this to the off side
31.2 Rashid to de Silva, 1 run, driven down to long off
31.3 Rashid to Mathews, 1 run, goes back to cut the short ball, mistimes it to deep point
31.4 Rashid to de Silva, DOT, beauty! Gripped on the pitch and turned away past his bat
31.5 Rashid to de Silva, DOT, played to short cover
31.6 Rashid to de Silva, 1 run.
SL 135/5 (30 overs)
Jeevan Mendis walks out to replace Kusal
29.5 Rashid to J Mendis, OUT, Rashid's menace against the Mendises continues! Two in two balls for him and he is on a hat-trick. Bowled this fuller, Jeevan got forward a little, and chipped it straight back to the bowler
J Mendis c & b Rashid 0(1)
Dhananjaya de Silva to face the hat-trick ball
29.6 Rashid to de Silva, 2 runs, survives in style! Full outside off, driven past short cover for an easy couple. What an over from Rashid this was!
SL 133/4 (29.4 overs)
29.1 Rashid to Mathews, FOUR, too much flight, goes as a low full toss, Angelo sweeps it away to the backward square leg fence
29.2 Rashid to Mathews, 1 run, punched past mid wicket
29.3 Rashid to K Mendis, DOT.
29.4 Rashid to K Mendis, OUT, gone! That was a length ball outside off, maybe spinning away too, Kusal slog sweeps it, Morgan at short mid wicket flies to his left and takes it with both hands. Captain fantastic!
K Mendis c Morgan b Rashid 46(68)
SL 128/3 (29 overs)
28.1 Moeen to K Mendis, DOT, played to backward point
28.2 Moeen to K Mendis, DOT.
28.3 Moeen to K Mendis, DOT, spun in sharply, deceived by the extra pace, maybe struck outside the line
28.4 Moeen to K Mendis, 1 run, works it to backward square for a single
28.5 Moeen to Mathews, WIDE, spinning down leg
28.5 Moeen to Mathews, 1 run, straighter ball, nudged to short fine
28.6 Moeen to K Mendis, DOT.
SL 125/3 (28 overs)
27.1 Rashid to Mathews, DOT, floated up full on middle, driven back to Adil
27.2 Rashid to Mathews, 2 leg byes, on leg stump, tickled away off the pads for two
27.3 Rashid to Mathews, 1 run, full and wide of off, driven to long off
27.4 Rashid to K Mendis, 1 run, big stride forward to play it to deep cover point
27.5 Rashid to Mathews, 1 run, yorker almost, driven to long off
27.6 Rashid to K Mendis, 1 run.
SL 119/3 (27 overs)
26.1 Moeen to K Mendis, 1 run, short and pulled to deep mid wicket. Bairstow has been kept busy there
26.2 Moeen to Mathews, 1 run, worked away to short fine
26.3 Moeen to K Mendis, 1 run, on a length, cut off the back foot to backward point
26.4 Moeen to Mathews, DOT, played to short mid wicket
26.5 Moeen to Mathews, DOT, softly played back
26.6 Moeen to Mathews, 1 run.
SL 115/3 (26 overs)
25.1 Rashid to K Mendis, DOT, floated up outside off, cut to backward point
25.2 Rashid to K Mendis, 1 run, tucked to short mid wicket on the back foot
25.3 Rashid to Mathews, DOT, floated up on middle, driven to mid on
25.4 Rashid to Mathews, DOT, played back to Adil
25.5 Rashid to Mathews, DOT, first googly, played off the back foot to short cover
25.6 Rashid to Mathews, DOT.
SL 98/3 (23 overs)
22.1 Moeen to Mathews, 1 run, quick single after nudging this to short mid wicket
22.2 Moeen to K Mendis, 1 run.
22.3 Moeen to Mathews, 1 run, comes down the track and drives it to long on
22.4 Moeen to K Mendis, 1 run, goes short and is pulled to deep square leg
22.5 Moeen to Mathews, 1 run, nudges this full ball to backward square
22.6 Moeen to K Mendis,1 run.
SL 92/3 (22 overs)
Adil Rashid is brought into the attack now.
21.1 Rashid to Mathews, DOT, starts wide of off, spins away as well
21.2 Rashid to Mathews, 1 run, wide again, Angelo chops it to point, takes the single
21.3 Rashid to K Mendis, 1 run, short and wide, spinning away too, cut in front cover for a single
21.4 Rashid to Mathews, 1 run, makes some room to play this short ball to deep cover
21.5 Rashid to K Mendis, 1 run, more flight, fuller too, driven down to long off
21.6 Rashid to Mathews, 1 run.
SL 87/3 (21 overs)
20.1 Moeen to Mathews, DOT, spinning into Angelo, glanced to short fine
20.2 Moeen to Mathews, DOT, a little fuller, defended back
20.3 Moeen to Mathews, DOT, big stride forward to smother the spin
20.4 Moeen to Mathews, 2 runs, a little short, cut off the back foot to backward point for a couple
20.5 Moeen to Mathews, DOT, played to short mid wicket
20.6 Moeen to Mathews, 1 run.
SL 84/3 (20 overs)
19.1 Stokes to Mathews, DOT, full outside off, driven to short cover
19.2 Stokes to Mathews, DOT, another one driven to short cover
19.3 Stokes to Mathews, 1 run, goes a little short, turned away to fine leg to get off strike
19.4 Stokes to K Mendis, DOT, full again, Kusal leans forward and plays it to short cover
19.5 Stokes to K Mendis, FOUR, looks for the yorker, goes as a full toss, Kusal gets the stride forward and drives it past cover and mid off. Good shot after a while
19.6 Stokes to K Mendis, DOT.
SL 79/3 (19 overs)
Into the attack comes Moeen Ali.
18.1 Moeen to K Mendis, DOT, bowled outside off, spinning in, defended back
18.2 Moeen to K Mendis, 1 run, a late dab down to short third man for one
18.3 Moeen to Mathews, 1 run, nicely glanced towards square leg for a single
18.4 Moeen to K Mendis, 1 run, flighted ball on off, bunted to long on
18.5 Moeen to Mathews, DOT, defended to short mid wicket
18.6 Moeen to Mathews, 1 run.
He will be pumped up!
SL 75/3 (18 overs)
17.1 Stokes to K Mendis, DOT, fuller on middle stump, played straight to short mid wicket
17.2 Stokes to K Mendis, DOT, full on off stump this time, wristily flicked to short mid wicket
17.3 Stokes to K Mendis, DOT, goes for the length ball, defended on the back foot
17.4 Stokes to K Mendis, 1 run, drops it near him and sets off, Stokes fields and throws it at the bowler's end, Kusal dives to make it in and Morgan has to jump out of the way of the ball, which was thrown at some pace
17.5 Stokes to Mathews, DOT, makes a late decision to let it go, no harm done in the end
17.6 Stokes to Mathews, DOT.
SL 74/3 (17 overs)
16.1 Wood to Mathews, 1 run, short and wide, pulled to backward square leg for a single
16.2 Wood to K Mendis, DOT, right in the blockhole, Kusal just about jams it out, it almost rolls onto the stumps, but no harm done
16.3 Wood to K Mendis, DOT, length ball wide of off, Kusal wants to steer it down, misses with the extra pace deceiving him
16.4 Wood to K Mendis, 1 run, back of a length ball into his body, softly played to short mid wicket for a single
16.5 Wood to Mathews, DOT, length ball which rises up just a touch, Angelo stands tall to defend it back
16.6 Wood to Mathews, DOT.
SL 72/3 (16 overs)
15.1 Stokes to K Mendis, FOUR, poor half volley outside off, Kusal gets his hands through on the drive, past short extra cover and mid off for a boundary
15.2 Stokes to K Mendis, DOT, defends to mid on and sets off straight away, Mathews was never interested, a direct hit might have got Kusal out
15.3 Stokes to K Mendis, 1 run, pulled to backward square leg
15.4 Stokes to Mathews, DOT, slight outside edge goes to point
15.5 Stokes to Mathews, DOT, length outside off now, defended solidly
15.6 Stokes to Mathews, 1 run.
That will be drinks as well!
SL 66/3 (15 overs)
Angelo Mathews is in at no.5. He has been in terrible form this WC
14.1 Wood to K Mendis, 2 runs, pacey ball, swinging in a little, Kusal gets an outside edge through point for a couple. Wood falls over on his follow through, he has done that a few times this WC
14.2 Wood to K Mendis, 1 run, short and pulled along the ground to square leg
14.3 Wood to Mathews, DOT, short again, Angelo ducks under it, a little awkwardly too, must be said
14.4 Wood to Mathews, DOT, goes full, on off stump, defended back down the ground
14.5 Wood to Mathews, DOT, beauty! Length outside off, jags away off the pitch, beats the outside edge. Jaffa!
14.6 Wood to Mathews, DOT.
SL 62/3 (12.5 overs)
12.1 Wood to K Mendis, DOT, full pacey ball on off stump, defended solidly down the ground
12.2 Wood to K Mendis, DOT, length ball now, Kusal lets it come to him, and drops it down towards point
12.3 Wood to K Mendis, 1 run, length ball again, wide of off, dabbed very late to third man
12.4 Wood to Fernando, 2 runs, full outside off, Avishka times another one very well towards deep extra cover for a couple
12.5 Wood to Fernando, OUT, gone! That was a very poor shot, considering the others he has played today. Wood bowled short, Avishka ramps it, wants it to go for six, instead it goes straight down the throat of third man. So the dangerman walks!
Fernando c Rashid b Wood 49(39)
SL 59/2 (12 overs)
Another change in bowling and it is Ben Stokes, quite early on I must say
11.1 Stokes to K Mendis, 1 run, steered to third man
11.2 Stokes to Fernando, 1 run, played to third man with an open stance
11.3 Stokes to K Mendis, DOT, defended back down the ground
11.4 Stokes to K Mendis, 1 run, slightly short, half pulled to deep square leg
11.5 Stokes to Fernando, DOT, fuller on off, defended on the front foot
11.6 Stokes to Fernando, DOT.
SL 56/2 (11 overs)
End of first powerplay and we have our first bowling change. Mark Wood steams in now.
10.1 Wood to K Mendis, DOT.
10.2 Wood to K Mendis, 1 run, full and straight, flicked to deep mid wicket to get off strike
10.3 Wood to Fernando, DOT, defended to point
10.4 Wood to Fernando, 1 run, length ball on off stump, defended wide of point for a single. 50 up for Lanka!
10.5 Wood to K Mendis, WIDE, thrown down leg
10.5 Wood to K Mendis, 1 run, back of a length, Kusal hops up to steer this to third man
10.6 Wood to Fernando, FOUR, edged on the drive, runs away to the third man fence
SL 48/2 (10 overs)
9.1 Archer to K Mendis, DOT, driven to mid off with no timing
9.2 Archer to K Mendis, DOT, fuller length, played back to Archer
9.3 Archer to K Mendis, 1 run, short and wide, steered down to third man for a single
9.4 Archer to Fernando, FOUR, goes short Archer, and Avishka pulls him on the front foot, not great timing, but goes to the fence anyway
9.5 Archer to Fernando, SIX, short again, this time he hooks it fine, the pace takes it a long way into the stands at fine leg. The cameras lost the ball, seems like so have the groundsmen. They have asked for a replacement
9.6 Archer to Fernando, DOT.
SL 37/2 (9 overs)
8.1 Woakes to Fernando, 2 runs, full on middle stump, he flicks it with not much timing in the gap, so it is only a couple. That was a good looking shot again
8.2 Woakes to Fernando, FOUR, he is on fire! Short and at his body, he pulls it wonderfully, with timing this time, to the square leg fence
8.3 Woakes to Fernando, DOT, length on middle stump, angled across him, wants to flick, gets an outside edge towards point
8.4 Woakes to Fernando, DOT, a length ball outside off, the best length to bowl, defended back
8.5 Woakes to Fernando, DOT, dug into the pitch this time, at his body at better pace, defended again
8.6 Woakes to Fernando, DOT.
SL 31/2 (8 overs)
7.1 Archer to K Mendis, DOT, full outside off, defended back to the bowler
7.2 Archer to K Mendis, DOT, full again, wanted to leave it, decided too late, gets a slight outside edge to gully, where Stokes stops it with a dive
7.3 Archer to K Mendis, DOT, the length is there for the drive again, Kusal obliges, straight to mid off though
7.4 Archer to K Mendis, DOT, four dots in a row
7.5 Archer to K Mendis, DOT, back of a length outside off now, defended to point
7.6 Archer to K Mendis, DOT. Another maiden!
SL 31/2 (7 overs)
6.1 Woakes to K Mendis, DOT, bowled on a length, wide of off, Kusal lets it go, does not chase after it
6.2 Woakes to K Mendis, 1 run, much straighter, fuller too, flicked to mid on, where Archer stops it with a dive
6.3 Woakes to Fernando, 1 run, goes wide of the crease and digs it into the pitch, he gets an outside edge on the defence, goes to third man
6.4 Woakes to K Mendis, 1 run, way too straight again, glanced to fine leg this time for a single
6.5 Woakes to Fernando, FOUR, another brilliant shot! Woakes goes full on middle stump, Avishka presents a straight bat and a high elbow too, drives it down the ground past the umpire for four.
6.6 Woakes to Fernando, DOT.
SL 24/2 (6 overs)
5.1 Archer to Fernando, DOT, ripper of a delivery! He got one to come back in last over, this time he bowls it on a similar length, Avishka expects it to come back, keeps the bat in line for that, it straightens after pitching, beats the edge!
5.2 Archer to Fernando, FOUR, good response! Short and wide this time, he stands tall and punches through the line, gets it into the cover boundary
5.3 Archer to Fernando, DOT.
5.4 Archer to Fernando, DOT, slightly short this one, Avishka sways away from its line, while dropping his wrists
5.5 Archer to Fernando, SIX, short and on his hips, he simply helps it away aerially, the pace takes it all the way to the stands at backward square leg
5.6 Archer to Fernando, FOUR, excellent! Full outside off, Avishka leans forward very well, and drives it through the covers to cap off the over
SL 10/2 (5 overs)
4.1 Woakes to K Mendis, 1 run, straying on the pads this time, easily glanced to fine leg
4.2 Woakes to Fernando, DOT, length ball on the body, Avishka decides to be watchful, drops it dead near him with a straight bat
4.3 Woakes to Fernando, 2 runs, good punch on this length ball to mid on, who does well to stop it, it deflects to mid off and Kusal makes it back in with a dive
4.4 Woakes to Fernando, 2 runs, length outside off this time, punched down the ground with a high elbow, good enough for two
4.5 Woakes to Fernando, 1 run, goes slightly fuller, Avishka defends to short mid wicket and takes the single on offer
4.6 Woakes to K Mendis, DOT.
SL 4/2 (4 overs)
Kusal Mendis replaces his namesake at the crease
3.1 Archer to Fernando, DOT, back of a length outside off, defended
3.2 Archer to Fernando, DOT, short and wide, Avishka chases after it, misses the cut
3.3 Archer to Fernando, DOT, length outside off, came back in after pitching but good leave nevertheless. Trusted the bounce and swing enough
3.4 Archer to Fernando, DOT, fuller slightly, outside off again, left alone again
3.5 Archer to Fernando, DOT, length ball on his body, Avishka defends with a straight bat
3.6 Archer to Fernando, DOT.
SL 3/2 (2.2 overs)
Avishka Fernando is the man in at no.3, in his first appearance at the World Cup
2.1 Woakes to K Perera, DOT.
2.2 Woakes to K Perera, OUT, another one down! Excellent start for England this. It was bowled full and wide, Kusal as is his nature, slashes at it, the edge flies to third man, who makes no mistake at all
K Perera c Moeen b Woakes 2(6)
SL 3/1 (2 overs)
Archer from the other end.
1.1 Archer to K Perera, DOT, an exaggerated leave there. Fuller length on off, moves away a little, Kusal shoulders arms
1.2 Archer to K Perera, DOT, defends the length ball back down the ground
1.3 Archer to K Perera, 1 run, tucked to short mid wicket, they decide to go for the quick single! The fielder breaks the stumps but the SL skipper is well in
1.4 Archer to Karunaratne, DOT, length ball at the stumps, good pace too, defended with soft hands
1.5 Archer to Karunaratne, DOT, first bumper of the day and we have the first duck under too
1.6 Archer to Karunaratne, OUT, nicked and gone! It was a good length ball again, nipped away a touch off the pitch, no feet movement at all, he pushed at it, was always trouble and he got the fatal outside edge. Skipper walks early
Karunaratne c Buttler b Archer 1(8)
SL 2/0 (1 over)
Karunaratne and Kusal Perera are the only Lankanbatsmen who have looked in some sort of form during the tournament so far, and their team will hope they provide another rollicking start. They are wearing a half-yellow, half-blue jersey as the ICC rules dictate that the away side has to wear a kit which is of a different colour to the home team if the colours clash.
England have been efficient with the ball, though not of all them have been among the wickets. Chris Woakes will look to change that stat today as he holds the new ball in his hand. Here we go!
0.1 Woakes to Karunaratne, DOT, squared up first ball! Lands it on a length Woakes, and gets it to move in off the pitch, it took a slight inside edge to the pads
0.2 Woakes to Karunaratne, DOT, full outside off, looks to drive but gets it off the inside half of the bat
0.3 Woakes to Karunaratne, DOT, full on middle stump, defended easily
0.4 Woakes to Karunaratne, 1 run, first runs on the board. A good length ball on the body, defended to short mid wicket for a single
0.5 Woakes to K Perera, 1 run, he is off the mark as well. Length ball on off, played to deep mid wicket for one
0.6 Woakes to Karunaratne, DOT.
Time for the national anthems!
Sri Lanka's anthem is played first, followed by that of the host nation
Team News
England XI: James Vince, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan(c), Jos Buttler(wk), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood
Sri Lanka XI: Dimuth Karunaratne(c), Kusal Perera(wk), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Isuru Udana, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Pradeep
SL win toss; to bat first
Karunaratne calls it right and he will bat first. He feels it is a good wicket to put a score on the board. Avishka Fernando and Jeevan Mendis come back into the side for the Lankans.
Morgan would've wanted to bat first as well. England go into the game with the same side, he wants to maintain the balance of the team, may look to rest someone when they secure the semi final spot.
Probably a dead rubber game
England are back to their destructive after suffering a blip against Pakistan, the loss seeming like a long time ago now. Morgan battled on with a sore back, hitting a world record 17 sixes in their demolition of Afghanistan, while the likes of Bairstow, Root and Buttler are also in prime form. The bowlers have looked settled, with Wood, Plunkett, Archer and Adil Rashid forming a very potent attack.
Sri Lanka have had exactly a campaign that was expected of them. Their top players are not in the best of nicks, while their skipper has waged a largely lone battle with the bat in their horror shows so far. They certainly start as underdogs today and this may be a tale which plays out along expected lines.
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