Eng195 for 4 at tea
England kept Sri Lanka at bay after losing dangerman Ian Bell in the first Test at Lord's on Thursday.
England, after losing the toss, were 195 for four at tea on the first day with Bell having fallen early in the second session for 56.
But Joe Root and debutant Mooen Ali, both 43 not out, repelled Sri Lanka with an unbroken fifth-wicket stand so far worth 75.
England had struggled to 98 for three at lunch after debutant opener Sam Robson, captain Alastair Cook and Gary Ballance had all fallen cheaply in the morning session.
But Bell, in his 99th Test, was unbeaten on 41 and looking in excellent touch.
Shortly after lunch, he drove left-arm spinner Rangana Herath for six to complete a 69-ball fifty also including seven fours.
But he was out soon afterwards when, hitting across the line, he was lbw to seamer Shaminda Eranga although Sri Lanka had to challenge Australian umpire Paul Reiffel's original not out decision before Bell was finally on his way.
Comments