Seam bowler James Anderson made early inroads into Sri Lanka’s top order, but England have largely toiled in the blistering heat of Galle as the hosts have fought back led by a brilliant century from Angelo Mathews.

Anderson (3-16) rocked Sri Lanka with the new ball to leave them teetering at seven for two, and also claimed the key wicket of in-form opener Lahiru Thirimanne for 43.

However, Mathews remains the biggest impediment to England’s further progress and made certain to convert his 11th Test century – and first in Galle. 

It is the former Sri Lanka skipper’s first Test hundred at home since 2015 and also his third against England. 

Lahiru Thirimanne was able to steady the contest for Sri Lanka by getting to lunch not out.

Jack Leach made it slightly too easy for him to reach three figures, offering several low-risk singles including the one that got him over the line just before the new ball.  

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat, but were soon in trouble as Anderson produced a double strike, having replaced Stuart Broad in a rotation of England’s seam attack, the only change from their seven-wicket win in the first test.

Fiery home opener Kusal Perera had a wild swing at a delivery outside off stump and was caught by Joe Root high above his head at first slip for 6.

Oshada Fernando (0), who came into the side for Kusal Mendis, lasted just four balls before edging a rising Anderson delivery that he could have left onto the wicket.

Mendis was dropped after scoring four ducks in a row before his second innings 15 in the last test, and the number three position remains a problem for Sri Lanka. 

-Agencies