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Mathews puts SL in control
Reuters
Last Updated IST
Sri Lanka's Mathews hits out during second cricket test match against England at Headingley cricket ground in Leeds. Reuters photo
Sri Lanka's Mathews hits out during second cricket test match against England at Headingley cricket ground in Leeds. Reuters photo

Angelo Mathews scored a magnificent unbeaten century as Sri Lanka subjected England to a torrid session in the field, extending their lead to 318 at tea on day four of the second Test at Headingley.

Mathews (149 not out) scored his fourth Test century, and second of the series, as he put on 149 with Rangana Herath (48) for the eighth wicket.

England's only joy came with the last ball of the session when Herath was run out by Joe Root as Sri Lanka reached 426 for eight at the break. The afternoon session resumed with Sri Lanka 311 for seven  with captain Mathews unbeaten on 79 alongside tail-ender Herath.

England had taken three wickets for nine runs before lunch but with Mathews cleverly rotating the strike to protect his partner, the pair set about building a healthy partnership. After being put down by Plunkett on 87 Mathews reached three figures with a cut to the offside.

Herath averages less that 13 with the bat but has a Test-best 80 not out and he easily dealt with England's bowling before going on the attack with a series of pulled and driven boundaries.

Mathews and Herath continued to score at will as the game, which appeared to be England's for the taking after two days, continued to run away from them. With Mathews one run short of his 150 Herath set off for a quick single but was dismissed by a quick throw from Root.

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(Published 23 June 2014, 22:37 IST)