Joe Root century inspires England win

An unbeaten century from Joe Root guided England to a five-wicket victory in the fifth one-day international against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.

Beginning their chase of 240 a day late after Wednesday’s rain, they lost both openers cheaply inside eight overs.

James Taylor (68) and Root put on 104 for the third wicket to revive England.

And Root added 86 with Ravi Bopara, reaching 100 with a six, as England won with five balls left to cut Sri Lanka’s lead to 3-2 with two matches left.

After seamer Chris Woakes restricted Sri Lanka with 6-47 before rain intervened on Tuesday, runs for a new-look middle order kept the series alive and brought further encouragement for England as they prepare for the World Cup in February.