Root and Anderson keep England in touch against Sri Lanka

Captain Joe Root and James Anderson helped keep England in the mix on the second day of the final Test Match against Sri Lanka.

England’s all time wicket taker toiled in the heat as he took 6-40 which in the process was his 30th five wicket all for England as he helped dismiss the home side for 381.

Mark Wood also played his part for the away side, picking up figures of 3-84 to help support Anderson with the ball.

The home side had slipped to 243-6 at one stage but managed to work their way to a competitive score thanks to some useful lower middle order runs from Niroshan Dickwella 92 and Dilruwan Perera 67.

However, the tourists then slipped to 5-2 with both openers falling quickly before Root 67* and Jonnty Bairstow 24* shared an unbroken stand of 93 to guide England to the close on 98-2.

This all sets up a fascinating third day with it all to play for, England still trail by 283 runs and will be keen to make sure they bat for as long as possible with the initial target being to avoid the follow on.

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