Kumar Sangakkara scored his first century at the Lord's Cricket Ground to help Sri Lanka reach 417 for seven at stumps on Day 3 but England are still in control and lead the first Test match by 169 runs.
The southpaw became the first batsman to score hundreds in three consecutive innings in Tests in as many occasions. However, England remained in control, courtesy of a double hundred from Joe Root, which led them to 575 for nine, earlier on Day 2.
Sri Lanka resumed the day on 140 for one with Kaushal Silva and Sangakkara at the crease in overcast conditions. James Anderson provided the hosts the first success of the day, by getting the wicket of Silva (63). He was caught by Matt Prior behind the stumps, while pulling Anderson's bouncer.
Mahela Jayawardene and Sangakkara stitched a 126-run partnership for the third wicket. Sangakkara was overwhelmed after completing a memorable 36th hundred, and Mahela, who was seeing his countryman achieve a rare feat from the other end, said he was a bit nervous when Sanga reached the 90s but he played well and anchored the innings.
"He was a man with a purpose today," Mahela said. "I haven't seen him leave so many balls outside the off-stump for quite some time. I'm so happy for him. I didn't say much to him - I know he was just overwhelmed. He said he had ticked that box."
"I was a bit worried when he was in the 90s," he added. "He looked a bit nervous. But he batted really well today, for the team as well because he anchored the innings. It's something special to see his name up on that board."
Stuart Broad broke the partnership when he had Jayawardene (55) plumb lbw. Anderson struck again and got Lahiru Thirimanne (2) out cheaply but skipper Angelo Mathews and Sangakkara made 96 runs for the fifth wicket to avoid the follow-on. Debutant Moeen Ali got his first Test wicket by getting Sangakkara (147) caught behind.
Sangakkara said he is delighted to complete his first Test ton at the 'Home of Cricket', in what could be his last tour in the county. The left-hander added that he enjoyed his time at the crease and it feels great to have the honour.
"A hundred at Lord's is something I always wanted," the Southpaw said. "Coming on this tour, probably my last in England, I just wanted to enjoy it. If it happened, I happened. Lord's is a very special place to play... It feels very special to get on the honours board."
England got two quick wickets - Prasanna Jayawardene (6) and Nuwan Kulasekara (9) but Mathews (79 not out) held one end firmly. Prasanna was caught at leg slip, while glancing Liam Plunkett, and Chris Jordan got Kulasekara on a full-length delivery. Mathews and Rangana Herath (0) are at the crease at the end of Day 3.
England's assistant coach Paul Farbrace praised his bowlers for sticking to the plan and keeping the team in contention for a win. He also pointed out Plunkett's impressive performance in the match.
"For Liam to still be running in for the last over of the day and clocking up 90 miles an hour, it sums up the performance of the day really," Farbrace said. "We've said to all the bowlers it has been a really good effort from them."
Where to Watch Live
The 1st Test Day 4 is scheduled for an 11 am BST (3.30 pm IST, 6 am ET) start with live coverage on Star Sports 2 and Star Sports HD2 in India. The match can also be watched via live streaming online in India HERE. Catch the action live on TV on Sky Sports 2 in the UK, while viewers can also live stream the action HERE. Viewers in the US can watch the game on ESPN 3 while the action can also be live streamed HERE. Watch the match in Sri Lanka on CSN with the live streaming option HERE, while South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa viewers can view the match on SuperSport and live online HERE.
