Mathews couldn’t capitalise on his lifeline, but Mendis continued to battle, keeping Sri Lanka’s hopes alive. Having returned with a clear X-ray, Chandimal came back to the crease and, along with Mendis, guided Sri Lanka through to the close of play with a lead of 82 runs. Today, the visitors face two key challenges – first, surviving the crucial first hour, and then handling the second new ball, which is 20 overs away. England, on the other hand, will be eager to dismiss these two set batters and get a crack at the tail with the new red cherry. Stick around as the first ball on Day 4 is not far away.
