England vs Sri Lanka SL in ENG, 3 ODIs, 2026, Full Score Card

OUT! TAKEN! Excellent catch from Joe Root seals the game for England. Flatter, on middle and leg, Eshan Malinga looks to sweep it but doesn't connect well. The ball goes hard and low towards the leg slip, Joe Root, who bends low and takes a sharp low catch. England win by 223 runs.

Fullish, on off, Dilshan Madushanka taps it to point.

Slightly down the leg side, Dilshan Madushanka looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A stifled appeal but turned down.

Much fuller, on leg, Eshan Malinga flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR MORE! Back-to-back boundaries from Malinga! Flighted up, on off, Eshan Malinga picks it well and chips it over mid off for yet another boundary.

FOUR! That's a good shot! Fullish, outside off, Eshan Malinga opens the face of his bat and guides it magnificently through backward point for a boundary.

Fullish, on off, Eshan Malinga pushes it to cover.

Slightly down the leg side, Dilshan Madushanka looks to block it but wears it on his pads.

A bit short, on off, Dilshan Madushanka eases it to cover.

Too full, on middle, Dilshan Madushanka pushes it to cover.

Short, on off, Dilshan Madushanka looks to punch it but edges it to third man for a brace.

Flatter, on off, Eshan Malinga drags it through mid-wicket for a single.

Shortish, outside off, Eshan Malinga looks to slap it but misses.

Will Jacks is back on.

Fired in, on middle, Dilshan Madushanka blocks it back to the bowler.

Beaten! Flatter, outside off, Dilshan Madushanka looks to block it but misses.

Fired in, on off, Dilshan Madushanka eases it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, on off, Dilshan Madushanka taps it to mid off.

Dilshan Madushanka is the last batter.

OUT! TAKEN! England are just one wicket away from the win now. Flatter, on off, Asitha Fernando looks to loft it but the ball hits the upper part of his bat. The ball carries towards Jamie Overton at mid on, who leaps high and takes a good catch over his head.

Wide! Down the leg side, Asitha Fernando leaves it alone.

Fullish, on middle, Asitha Fernando blocks it back to the bowler.

Angling in, on off, Eshan Malinga taps it to cover.

Back of a length, on off, Eshan Malinga looks to cut it but misses.

Angling in, on off, Asitha Fernando looks to drive it but edges it to third man for a single.

FOUR! That's a good shot! A full toss, outside off, Asitha Fernando picks it well and steers it through covers for a boundary.

Full and outside off, Eshan Malinga pushes it to cover for a single.

Bangs it short, on leg, Eshan Malinga sways away from it.

Flatter one on middle, Asitha Fernando goes for the slog-sweep, hitting it flat and on the bounce towards wide mid on. No run is taken.

Floated up outside off, eased away through covers for a single.

Too much spin! Good review from Malinga. Tossed up around off, a bit fuller and turning it in. Malinga goes for the slog sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. There's an appeal for LBW, and the finger goes up. Eshan Malinga has reviewed it. The third umpire has a look at it. Nothing on UltraEdge, but Ball Tracking shows that the ball would have turned past the leg stump. The on-field decision is reversed to Not Out.

Beaten! Length again outside off, sliding straight on. Eshan Malinga leans back to ease it through the off side but misses.

Good length outside off, held back a bit, and this one turns in. Malinga makes a watchful block.

Tossed up on a length, wide outside off. Malinga leaves it alone.

Oh, that is inches away from knocking the off stump out of the ground. Overton realizes that the batters are backing away way too much and goes full and straight. Fernando does move past the leg stump, but the ball pitches on off and seams away late, going past the stumps.

Swing and a miss! Back of a length and over the sumps, Fernando backs away again and swings across the line, missing it by a mile.

Hard length, over the top of off and middle. Malinga makes room and cuts it right off the stumps, down to deep third for one more.

Short of a length, slanted into the batter. Asitha Fernando backs away and slices it down to deep third for a single.

Tom Banton also gets a helmet and slots into the forward short leg region.

Oh, that is a hefty blow to the helmet. Another sharp bumper from Overton, dug in short at 143 clicks and right at the batter. Asitha Fernando looks to duck but the ball brushes the upper part of his helmet and flies down to deep third for four leg byes. Asitha is a bit rattled and the physio is out to perform a concussion check. The batter seems fine and the helmet gets changed.

The next batter is Asitha Fernando.

OUT! CAUGHT! That's the last recognized batter gone for Sri Lanka, and they are now staring at a hefty defeat at 106/8, needing 250 more runs. A skiddy bumper from Jamie Overton, banged in right at the batter. Liyanage looks to take it on but is hurried off the deck and it's a complete miscue off his blade. The ball lobs towards the gully region, where the keeper, Jordan Cox, circles around and gloves it safely.

Tossed up on leg stump, Liyanage steps out and meets it on the full, driving it wide of long on for a single.

Fullish length outside off, dabbed away thrugh backward point for a single by Malinga.

That's sharp turn, a ripper from Dawson. Tossed up wide of the off stump, Eshan Malinga lunges to block but the ball turns in, going between bat and pad. Cox collects it sharply high to his right.

Eshan Malinga is the next batter in.

OUT! STUMPED! No doubt about that one from Jordan Cox and Sri Lanka are now 104/7. Sachindu Colombage gives the charge early and Liam Dawson sees him coming. Dawson holds it back a bit, drifting it into the pads. Colombage ends up running past the ball as he tries to swing it leg side, and Cox has all the time to dislodge the bails. England are just 3 wickets away from the win now.

Tossed up around off, stroked away to extra cover.

Floated up around off, not all that full. Colombage goes for the big slog sweep but the ball turns and bounces away well past the blade.

Pace off, full and on off. Colombage bunts it in front of covers and pinches a quick single.

Hard length around off, Colombage hops back and across to the off side, looking to duck but it isn't short enough, so he just blocks it off.

Short and wide, Liyanage stands tall and slaps it down to sweeper cover for a single.

Back of a length, just outside off. Janith Liyanage rocks back and dabs it down to cover-point.

Back of a length and over middle, Liyanage gets right behind the line to make the block.

Overton starts off with a beauty. Full of a good length, pitched just outside off, and gets it to seam away late. Janith Liyanage gets forward to drive but is beaten.

Tossed up, full and on off, Sachindu Colombage leans on and pushes it to extra cover.

Floated up on the pads, nudged away iwth soft hands to the leg side.

Drifted into middle and leg, Colombage defends it down the pitch.

Nice and full on off, driven along the turf and down to long off for another single.

Oh, in the air again but in the gap as well. Flighted up around off, Sachindu Colombage goes for the drive and chips it through mid off for one more.

Tossed up around off, Janith Liyanage leans on and drives it uppishly through mid off for one. 100 up for Sri Lanka.

Fullish, on leg, Sachindu Colombage knocks it to mid on.

Fired in, on middle, Sachindu Colombage blocks it back to the bowler.

Nice and full, on leg, Janith Liyanage flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Up and over! Flighted up, outside off, Janith Liyanage uses his feet and powers it high and over long on for a bigge.

FOUR! That's a terrific shot! Fullish, on leg, Janith Liyanage gets low and sweeps it magnificently over backward square leg for a boundary.

Fullish, on off, Janith Liyanage taps it to mid off.

Quicker, on leg, Sachindu Colombage flicks it to mid-wicket.

Flatter, outside off, Janith Liyanage pushes it through mid off for a single.

Gives it air, on leg, Janith Liyanage knocks it to mid on.

Too full, outside off, Sachindu Colombage pushes it to mid off for a single.

A bit short, on off, Janith Liyanage punches it to cover for a single.

Much fuller, on leg, Janith Liyanage flicks it to mid-wicket.

Fired in, on leg, Janith Liyanage flicks it to short third.

Nice and full, on leg, Sachindu Colombage flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Flatter, on leg, Sachindu Colombage tucks it to square leg.

Fullish, on off, Janith Liyanage knocks it to long off for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Janith Liyanage pushes it to cover.

Flatter, on off, Janith Liyanage taps it back to the bowler.

Too full, on middle, Sachindu Colombage stabs it to mid on.

Fired in, on middle, Sachindu Colombage blocks it to the off side.

Fullish, on middle, Sachindu Colombage eases it back to the bowler.

Flatter, on off, Sachindu Colombage taps it back to the bowler.

Sachindu Colombage is the next batter.

OUT! TAKEN! Sri Lanka are falling apart. Flatter, outside off, Dunith Wellalage gets low and looks to sweep it. Gets a top edge as the ball goes high in the air towards short third. Sonny Baker calls for it and completes the catch. Sri Lanka are 82/6 after 16.2 overs now.

FOUR! Edgy! Flatter, outside off, Dunith Wellalage looks to play at it but gets a bottom edge. The ball races away through fine leg for a boundary.

Flatter, outside off, Dunith Wellalage pushes it to cover for a single.

Fired in, on off, Dunith Wellalage lunges and blocks it back to the bowler.

Fullish, on middle, Dunith Wellalage digs it back to the bowler.

Flatter, on off, Dunith Wellalage taps it to cover.

Dunith Wellalage is the new batter.

OUT! TAKEN! Excellent catch from Jamie Overton. That's a double disaster for Sri Lanka. Root drops it short, on off, Charith Asalanka rocks back and looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball lobs towards mid on. Jamie Overton runs back, stretches his hands and holds onto a magnificent catch.

Flatter, on off, Charith Asalanka taps it to point.

Janith Liyanage is the new batter. Also, Joe Root comes into the attack.

OUT! RATHNAYAKE IS RUN OUT! That was a needless run. Flatter, outside off, Charith taps it to short third for a quick single. Jofra makes a direct hit at the batter's end, and Pavan was short. The umpire checks for a possible run out. The replays show that Jordan Cox dislodged the bail with his gloves before the direct hit. The umpire had raised his finger, but it had to be overturned. Not Out shows on the big screen. Wait, the rules suggest that if the stumps are uprooted with a direct hit, the decision has to be OUT. Everyone is confused, but the powerful throw from Jofra gives England the wicket. Jordan Cox breathes a sigh of relief.

Turn and bounce, on off, Pavan Rathnayake looks to drive it but edges it to short third for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Charith Asalanka pushes it to backward point for a single.

Quicker, outside off, Charith Asalanka has a waft at it but misses.

Flighted up, on off, Pavan Rathnayake drives it through covers for a single.

Turning away, on off, Pavan Rathnayake edges it to short third.

Liam Dawson comes into the attack now.

Slightly shorter, on leg, Charith Asalanka tucks it to mid-wicket.

Hits the deck hard, on off, Charith Asalanka taps it to cover.

Shaping in, on off, Pavan Rathnayake punches it to cover for a single.

Wide! A wayward bouncer, outside off, Pavan Rathnayake ducks under it. Wide called for height.

Angling in, on off, Charith Asalanka taps it to cover for a quick single.

Keeps it full, outside off, Pavan Rathnayake steers it through point for a single.

Fullish, on off, Pavan Rathnayake pushes it to point.

Will Jacks sways it down the leg side, Pavan Rathnayake looks to flick it but misses and Jordan Cox takes the catch. A loud appeal for caught behind and the finger goes up. Pavan Rathnayake sends it upstairs straightaway. Ultra Edge shows the ball was brushing his pads. The onfield decision is overturned to NOT OUT.

Short, on leg, Pavan Rathnayake tucks it to mid-wicket.

Fired in, on off, Charith Asalanka taps it to cover for a single.

Quicker, on off, Charith Asalanka taps it to mid off.

Flatter, outside off, Pavan Rathnayake looks to slap it but misses. The keeper fails to collect it as the batters cross.

Full and straight, Charith Asalanka pushes it to cover.

Hits the deck hard, on off, Charith Asalanka looks to flick it but gets a leading edge. The ball lobs and lands safely towards the off side. Dot.

Much fuller, on off, Charith Asalanka pushes it to mid off.

Bangs it short, on leg, Charith Asalanka pulls it over mid-wicket for a brace.

Back of a length, on off, Charith Asalanka fends it to point.

A full toss, on off, Charith Asalanka taps it to mid off.

Quicker, on off, Pavan Rathnayake eases it to mid on.

Fired in, on off, Charith Asalanka punches it through covers for a single.

A bit short, on leg, Pavan Rathnayake turns it through backward square leg for a single.

Fullish, on off, Pavan Rathnayake pushes it to cover.

Short, just outside off, Charith Asalanka cuts it through covers for a single.

Flatter, on off, Charith Asalanka taps it to short third.

Done with Powerplay 1. Sri Lanka's scoring rate is pretty good, but having lost 3 wickets, this chase has now become pretty tough, and they can't afford any mistakes from here. England will now be allowed as many as 4 fielders outside the ring, as Harry Brook turns to spin. Will Jacks will have a bowl now.

FOUR! Up and over again. Short and wide outside off, Pavan Rathnayake gets up on his toes and slaps it over point for another boundary. 10 off Archer's first over.

FOUR! Full and darted into the pads, Rathnayake gets his hands out in front and clips it over and in front of mid-wicket for a boundary.

Full-pitched delivery on off and middle, Rathnayake gets halfway forward and pushes it down to mid off.

Straighter in line, fuller than a good length. Rathnayake covers the line and blocks it off.

Pitched fuller around off, shaping away a wee bit. Rathnayake leans across to drive and gets it off the outside half of the blade past backward point for a couple of runs.

Back of a length, nibbling away from the fourth-stump line. Rathnayake watchfully keeps it out.

Charith Asalanka is in at number 5 for Sri Lanka. Also, Jofra Archer comes into the attack, replacing Sonny Baker.

OUT! CAUGHT! Gus Atkinson has the last laugh here, and that is a huge wicket in the context of the game. Atkinson reverts back to the short stuff, getting it in around shoulder height and the ball angles back in a bit as well. Kusal Mendis moves to the off side, looking to pull it over deep mid-wicket but gets rushed and gets a top edge. Tom Banton at mid-wicket runs behind and pouches it to his left. Kusal departs after a quick start and Sri Lanka are 53/3 after 9 overs.

Excellent response from Gus. Good length on off, getting it to straighten down the line. Kusal Mendis looks to defend but the ball nips past the outside edge.

FOUR! Short of a length and over middle, Kusal Mendis gets inside the line and heaves it over mid-wicket. The ball lands in the outfield and trickles into the fence. 50 up for Sri Lanka.

That in-between length, and it is the wobble-seam delivery that slants back in late. Mendis is caught back on the crease and gets nearly cut in half, jamming it down behind point.

Full of a good length, attacking middle stump. Rathnayake pushes it to extra cover and scampers through for a single.

Back of a length, around off, Rathnayake stays back and blocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Kusal Mendis continues to play some eye-catching shots. Full and straight, Mendis leans on and drills it just inches to the right of the stumps at the other end and the ball races to the fence.

Bashed in on a hard length around off, getting some extra lift off the deck as well. Kusal Mendis rises with the bounce to cut but is beaten by the pace and bounce.

SIX! Nonchalantly done. Length ball, straighter in line, and it is the attempted outswinger that slides back on. Mendis flicks it off the pads, nailing it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

That's a big hand from Banton, as the ball seemed destined for the fence once it left the blade. Pitched up outside off, Rathnayake plays a cover drive filled with lazy elegance, but Tom Banton dives to his left and makes a half-stop. Just a single.

Pitched up to the batter, angling it in from off stump. Rathnayake gets nicely forward to make the block.

Baker hits a hard length and angles it into the pads. Mendis tucks it away down to deep backward square leg for a single.

Back of a length, in and around off. Rathnayake hangs back to defend again.

Just short of a good length, pushed back in from wide of the off stump. The ball slides right on and Pavan Rathnayake stays back to defend.

Pavan Rathnayake is the next batter in for Sri Lanka. The floodlights have also been on at the Oval since the last couple of overs.

OUT! CAUGHT! Gus Atkinson breaks the budding stand and Sri Lanka are two down inside the first 7 overs. Atkinson bowls it a smidge fuller, sliding it back in towards middle and leg. Kamindu Mendis picks it up and looks to swing it away, but ends up skewing it high towards mid-wicket. Ben Duckett settles under it nice and early and pouches it well. A bit of a nothing shot from Kamindu in the end.

Good length in the channel, solidly blocked off by Mendis.

Good delivery! Pitched full and wide outside off, moves away late, and shoots up off the deck as well. Kamindu Mendis drives and misses, and even the keeper is a bit taken aback by the extra movement and carry.

Short and over middle, Kusal Mendis swivels on it again and short-arm jabs it over mid-wicket. Jofra Archer chases it down from mid on, and the batters do well to come back for the third run.

FOUR! A touch fuller, angled back into middle. Kamindu Mendis swings it away off the inside half of the blade and past square leg for a boundary to end the over. Sri Lanka are 33/1 after 5 overs, chasing 356.

Excellent calling and running again. Back of a length, in and around off. Kusal Mendis stays back and bunts it down in front of covers before pinching another run.

Hard length in the channel, tapped away wide of extra cover for another quick run. Good running between the wickets from these two.

Very full again and outside off, driven into the turf and wide to the left of Harry Brook at mid off for a single.

Full-pitched delivery on off, no swing on offer at the moment. Kusal Mendis punches it back down the deck.

Just back of a length, tighter line around off. Kamindu plays it late and down to the right of backward point for a quick single.

WIDE! Superb take from Jordan Cox. Fullish length, darted sharply down leg. Kamindu Mendis misses the flick and Cox springs across to his right, pouching it with the outstretched glove.

Good length again, around off and angling in. Kusal prods halfway to defend and gets hit high on the bat.

Good length in the channel, Kusal solidly blocks it out to covers.

SIX! That's begging to be hit. Atkinson goes for the short ball again, but gets it only around hip height and right into the swinging arc. Kusal Mendis goes from down to up, swinging it high and long over deep square leg for another biggie.

Hard length on middle, straightening a bit. Mendis presses back and then leans on a bit to defend.

SIX! Picked up and dispatched. Short ball at the batter, Kusal Mendis swivels on it and pulls it deep into the stands behind the fine leg fence for a biggie.

A risky single, but Ben Duckett missed the direct hit at the keeper's end. Good length on the pads, Kamindu Mendis tucks it down to square leg and sets off for the single. Replays suggest that a direct hit would have been really tight.

Length again, in and around off, hitting the deck hard. Kusal Mendis presses back to defend.

Good length, trying to angle it back in from wide outside off. Kusal plays it with soft hands, and defends it to covers.

Shorter one angled into the ribs, Kamindu flicks it away aerially down to the left of fine leg. Gus Atkinson keeps it in play and a single is taken.

Fast, full and straight, at 143 kph and in the blockhole. This one dips in late and Kusal Mendis does extremely well to drop the bat down in time, squeezing it off the inside edge towards fine leg for a single.

Short of a good length, and in the channel. Kusal hangs back and taps it down behind point.

Ooh, that nearly sneaked past the inside edge. Good length on off, slides back in. Kusal Mendis looks to push it towards cover but gets it off the inside edge and in front of square leg for a couple of runs.

WIDE! Darted in towards the pads, but this one angles down leg.

Good length, angling back in from outside off. Kamindu Mendis jabs it out.

FOUR! Aerial, but well over the infield and that's the first boundary of the chase. Slightly pitched up and wide of the off stump, Mendis lifts it over cover-point and the ball dribbles away into the vacant fence behind.

Crunching drive, but it's equally well-stopped. Full and outside off, Kamindu Mendis drills it hard into the turf and towards cover, where Tom Banton springs to his left and makes a good save.

Atkinson goes a bit wide on the crease, and slants it back in towards the top of off stump. Kamindu hops up a bit to block it off.

Back of a length, slightly outside off, and hit away off the back foot to backward point.

On a hard length, tighter line around off. Kamindu Mendis hops to the off side to defend it down.

A wide and a big wicket off Baker's first over. Full and outside off, Kusal Mendis collapses the front knee to drive but smothers it away to mid off.

Oh, my! That's moved away so sharply. Pitched up, outside off at 143 clicks, and moving away late. Kusal watches it all the way and makes a late leave as well to avoid the outside edge.

Just back of a length, over off and middle, Kusal Mendis gets right behind the line of the ball to make the block.

WIDE! A bit more aggression from Baker, as he brings out the bouncer. This is dug in short and at the batter, but the ball angles down leg. Kusal ducks under it.

A bit fuller on off, shaping away and this one hits the bat hard as Kusal Mendis defends it right under the eyes.

The skipper, Kusal Mendis, walks in at number 3.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Sonny Baker has his maiden ODI wicket, and it is another jaffa of a delivery. Baker hits a good length at 143 kph, getting the ball to move away sharply from the off stump line. Pathum Nissanka camps back and just has a poke at it, nicking it behind to the keeper. Jordan Cox does the rest with the gloves on, and Sri Lanka are rocked early.

Ooh, that's a lovely start from Baker. Full and on off, it is the outswinger that swings late, and Nissanka is squared up completely as he looks to keep it out.

Sonny Baker to take the other new ball.

A bit of extra bounce to end the over, and that's a very tidy first over from Gus Atkinson. Good length on off, angling it in. Kamindu Mendis stays back and fends it down to the off side. Just a single off the over.

Beautifully bowled. Fuller now, angled in from outside off, but Gus gets it to move across the left-hander. Mendis is sucked into the drive but the ball breezes past the outside edge.

Back of a length, just outside off, Mendis stays upright again and punches it down to point.

Good length again, outside off, Mendis laces the drive while standing tall but finds the fielder at cover-point.

Lovely channel from Gus. Around the wicket to the left-hander, pitching it a touch fuller than a good length, and getting it to nibble away. Kamindu Mendis looks to drive it away but is beaten on the outside edge.

Off the mark right away. Atkinson hits the perfect length, keeping the line in and around off. Pathum Nissanka presses forward and insid-edge it past square leg for a single.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Asitha Fernando goes bang-bang to end the innings, but England have ended wth a massive 355/7 on the board. Fernando gets the yorker spot-on, getting it to tail back into the toes. Liam Dawson is caught back on the crease and tries to jam it out but the ball hits the boot and goes on to castle into the stumps. Dawson goes for a golden duck, as Fernando ends with 3 wickets to his name.

Liam Dawson walks in to face the last ball of the innings.

OUT! TIMBER! A consolation wicket for Asitha Fernando, as Jordan Cox walks back distraught with himself. Length ball on off, tailing back in a bit. Cox shuffles to the off side, sits down and looks to lap it down to fine leg. He is beaten for pace and the ball clips the top of the stumps. End of a fine knock from Cox, anjd he too gets a standing ovation from the crowd.

Full and swinging into the pads, flicked away firmly to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Back-of-the-hand slower ball. Cox steps out and goes after it, ending up miscuing it off the inside edge through backward square leg for a single.

FOUR! Cox has played a golden knock here, and up comes the 350 for England. Another yorker missed, and it turns out to be a low full toss on the pads. Cox swipes it away behind square leg for a boundary.

Pitched up on middle and leg, Overton clears the front leg and heaves it off the toe end of the bat. The ball goes on the bounce to the long on fielder and a single is taken.

Asalanka recovers well in the end. Full and straight, swung away towards deep mid-wicket. The ball is dipping and Asalanka picks it very late, scampers through and puts in a late dive, put his body behind the line of the ball as the batters get back for two runs.

FOUR! Another slower one, well outside off. Jordan Cox brings out the reverse, reaches for it and gets the reverse lap up and over short third, and very fine for a boundary.

Pace off from Malinga, wide outside off. Cox goes after it, and ends up dragging it flat and back past the umpire for a couple of runs down the ground.

Pitched fuller on middle and leg, reversing in. Overton leans ahead and chips it down to long on for another single.

A wide yorker, slings away from the batter. Cox reaches out and squeezes it to deep point for one more.

Hard length around off, stabbed down wide of the bowler. Malinga scampers to his left and makes a half stop as the batters pick up a single.

SIX! That's skillful from Jordan Cox, and up comes the 50-run stand between these two. Fernando misses the mark, serving a full toss on middle and leg. Cox sits down and gets inside the line, lapping it flat over fine leg for a biggie. 20 off the over.

Fernando keeps the length full, attacking off stump now. Overton drives it down to long off for a single.

Yorker length at the batter, Overton gets forward and knocks it through wide mid on, pinching another comfortable couple of runs. A fourth double in this over.

No ball! Things are going from bad to worse for Sri Lanka. Full and straight again, jammed down to long on for a couple of runs more. Asitha has now overstepped, a Free Hit will now follow. Already 11 off the over.

FOUR! That is shocking from Charith Asalanka. A low full toss on leg stump, Jamie Overton heaves across the line again, hitting it along the turf and in between long on and deep mid-wicket. Asalanka gets around to his right and goes down with the right hand, but it slips through and rolls into the fence.

Full and straight, Overton heaves it away wide of long on for two more runs.

Fernando gets the yorker in on middle and leg. Overton gets the front leg out and jams it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

FOUR! That's poor from Malinga now. Knee-height full toss, angling down leg. Cox just helps it down to long leg and collects four runs. England are 317/5, with three overs still to play, and this is turning into a very big score given the pitch and conditions.

Just over the infield. Full toss on off, Cox plays the reverse lap, getting it over the short third region for a couple of runs.

DROPPED! Janith Liyanage has put down a straightforward chance here. Full and straight, Overton makes a bit of room and smears it straight down the throat of the man at long on, but Liyanage shells it. A single is taken.

A welcome return to the ODI side for Jordan Cox, who brings up his maiden FIFTY in the format. Full ad on the pads, clipped away to deep square leg for a single. Cox has done well to turn a scratchy start into something very meaningful.

Full and outside off, this one tails away a bit. Overton squeezes it square into the off side for one more run.

Pitched up, full and on off, hit away down to long off for a single.

Oh, a collision between the batters, who have a laugh about it as well. On middle and leg, worked away through mid-wicket for one. Cox and Overton collide as both are ball-watching and Cox is nearly pushed back a few feet. Overton is a big unit, and thankfully, he didn't take out his partner here.

Nicely drifted into middle and leg, grips a bit. Cox leans on to flick but gets a leading edge back down the pitch.

FOUR! Cox gets it fine enough. Flighted ball wide of the off stump, Cox brings out the reverse and drags it to the left of short third for a boundary.

Floated up, landing it just outside the line of leg stump. Overton works it 'round the corner on the leg side for one.

Drifted into the pads, worked away with soft hands into the leg side for one. Colombage does well to run after it and stop any attempt at the second run.

A direct hit might have been interesting, but Kusal Mendis wanted the throw at his end. Short on middle, Cox rocks back and punches it down through mid-wicket. The batters speed across for the second run as the shy at the bowler's end is missed. 300 UP FOR ENGLAND.

Malinga goes back to the yorker, attacking the toes this time. Cox jams it down behind square leg for a single. 11 off that over.

FOUR! Pace off, but it's been punished. Slower one, full and wide outside off. Coxis able to extends his arms and powers it away to the right of sweeper cover for a boundary.

That's bang on the money from Malinga. Right in the blockhole, on off, Cox exposes his stumps a bit and digs it out to backward point.

FOUR! Another full toss, slinging into the legs. Joe Root whips it away perfectly between the fielders at long on and deep mid-wicket, picking up a boundary.

Good length on off, a hint of tail back into the right-hander. Overton plays it late, knifing it down to backward point for a run.

Malinga right away looks for the reverse-swinging yorker, but ends up bowling a full toss. Cox punches it down to the right of mid off, where the fielder dives in and makes a goof stop, keeping it down to a single.

The next batter is Jamie Overton. Also, Eshan Malinga is back on, replacing Dunith Wellalage.

OUT! CAUGHT! Sachindu Colombage strikes again, breaking a budding partnership between Will Jacks and Jordan Cox. Colombage drags the length back, attacking off and middle. Will Jacks goes deep in the crease to pull but the ball holds in the and Jacks completely miscues his shot. The ball gets sliced up wide of extra cover, where Charith Asalanka runs back to his right and pouches it safely.

Tossed up on off, Cox gets well foward and stabs it down the pitch, getting it past the diving bowler, to his left and for a single.

Flatter one around off, smacked away off the back foot to deep cover for a single.

Floated up on middle, drifting in a bit. Jacks gets a bit forward and pushes it to the left of the bowler.

WIDE! Short and spilled down the leg side. Jacks misses the pull.

A flighted leg-break, wide of the off stump. Cox looks to cut but gets more of an outside edge. The ball spins away past the short third fielder, but Dunith Wellalage does well to chase it down. Three taken.

A tad shorter on off, angling back in. Cox presses back and just dabs it through the vacant space at mid-wicket, picking up a couple of quick runs.

Full and on off, jammed back to the bowler. 15 off the over.

FOUR! A bit edgy, but it's another boundary for Jacks. Darted in with the arm, just outside off. Jacks backs away and slashes at it, edging it fine of short third for four more runs.

SIX! Will Jacks on the charge! Slower and wider from Dunith, right in the arc. Jacks extends the arms and thwacks it over long off for a biggie now.

FOUR! That's been pummeled to the fence. Good length on middle, Jacks rocks back and powers it away between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary.

Floated up on off, drifting in. Cox steps out to go big but shanks it down to long on for just a single.

Bowled with a round-arm, angled into middle. Cox plays it back to the bowler.

An easy two this time around. Dragged length on middle and leg, sitting up for the batter. Jacks gets up on his toes and punches it down between long on and deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Angled into the pads, tucked away off the back foot through mid-wicket for one. Cox looks for the second run, but Jacks says no.

Nagging length around off, drifts it a bit. Jacks backs away and pushes it through covers for a single.

A flighted ball, wide outside off, enticing the batter to go after it. Jacks goes hard at it but gets it off the inside half of the blade and back to the bowler. Sachindu Colombage takes a blow on the spinning finger while making the stop. That'll sting for a bit.

Another one that is bowled flat and from the front of the hand. A bit full and darts back into middle. Jacks hangs back to defend.

Sliding on from the front of the hand, and into the pads. Cox rocks back and pushes it through mid on for one.

Very full, drifted into the toes. Jacks looks to clear the front leg and swing it leg side, but gets a leading edge that goes over the leaping fielder at extra cover. Jacks also picks up two runs.

Quick and flat, into the pads. Jacks fails to get it away.

Floated up outside off, driven past covers for a single.

FOUR BYES! That's big turn. Nicely looped up on the fifth stump line, dips on the batter as well. Cox looks to drive but is beaten by the turn andbounce and so is the keeper. The ball rolls away into the deep third fence.

Tossed up on middle and leg, Jacks with a swipe across the line to the left of deep mid-icket, only for a single.

A better throw and Jordan Cox would have been gone for all money. Flatter and around off, punched away towards cover-point. The batters set off for the single, but Jacks sends Cox back pretty late. However, Cox survives.

Into the final 10 overs we go then. England are poised to go past 300 with ease, but with the wicket gripping a bit and reverse swing to follow at the death, can Sri Lanka drag the hosts down? We shall see. Sri Lanka are also now allowed an extra fielder outside the inner ring.

Good length on the pads, flatter too. Cox fails to flick it away.

Another reverse sweep that doesn't work out. Cox shows his cards early and Colombage drags the length back, angling it into leg. Cox angles it down to short third.

Flatter one on the pads, dabbed away behind square leg for a single.

A half-hearted appeal for LBW, but that's struck Jacks outside the line of off stump. Tossed up around off, Jacks goes for the reverse sweep but misses and gets hit on the front pad.

Beauty! Fullish length, drifts in, but then grips and turns away. Will Jacks tries to put up a forward defence but the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

Floated up outside off, Cox brings out the reverse sweep, taking it on the full and angling it down to deep third for a run. 250 up now for England.

The call is for two and they get it with ease. Short again, and outside off. Jordan Cox slaps it down to the right of sweeper cover for two runs.

Fractionally shorter around off, Cox waits back well before cutting it hard towards deep backward point for just a single.

A slider from Dunith, on middle. Cox looks to drive but gets it off the inside edge and past short fine leg for a brace.

Full again, a bit straighter and this is driven down to long off for a single.

Fuller one, darted in a bit on off stump. Will Jacks strokes it away to extra cover.

Good length around off, cut away off the back foot and behind point for a single.

Will Jacks is the new batter in for England. Also, Dunith Wellalage comes back into the attack.

OUT! CAUGHT! Sachindu Colombage does get rewarded for some probing bowling, but it is Tom Banton who walks back to a standing ovation from the Oval crowd. Colombage flattens it up a bit, bowling it full and straight. Banton makes room to swing it down the ground, but doesn't quite get under the ball, hitting it flat towards long off. Eshan Malinga takes a good catch to his left, drawing the curtains on a fantastic knock.

FOUR! That is a top shot. Tossed up on off, Banton backs away nice and early, lofting it high and with the spin over covers for another boundary. There's a huge gap between the fielder at long off and deep point.

FOUR! Banton doesn't miss out on this occasion. A dipping full toss on middle and leg, Banton swings it off the toe-end of the blade and wide of the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary.

Fuller and straighter, driven wide of mid on for a quick single.

Dragged length on off, Cox goes for the reverse but is beaten by the bounce this time, wearing it on the arm.

Uppish but safe! Flighted ball outside off, turning away. Cox leans on to drive but slices it to the right of the cover-point fielder. The ball spins away to the left of sweeper cover, allowing the batter to come back for the second run.

Asitha gets away with a loose delivery here. A full toss, sliding into the pads, Banton clips it straight to mid-wicket.

Good length on the pads, whipped down to fine leg for a single.

SIX! In the arc, Jordan Cox swings it deep into the stands. This will make him feel at ease. Pitched up in the slot around middle, Cox hits through the line and launches it over long on for a biggie.

Should have been put away, but instead, the pressure grows on Cox. Short and wide, Cox stands tall and lays into it, but smacks it down to point.

A shout for LBW, but it is turned down. The bowler isn't all that interested in a review, and neither is the keeper. Length again, darted back in from outside off. Cox walks down the pitch to flick it leg side but misses and gets hit on the pad. Asitha felt this was going over and Ball Tracking later on confirms the same.

Length ball on off, slides nicely onto the blade. Jordan Cox stays upright and plays a sweet drive but hits it straight to extra cover.

A good shot for one. Floated up on off and middle, and it is another leg break. Cox brings out the reverse and brooms it down to deep backward point for just a single. A probing comeback over by Colombage.

Good length, angled into the stumps. Banton goes for the reverse sweep but gets a top edge straight into the badge of the helmet. The ball goes to backward point for a single. The physio is also out perform a mandatory concussion test, and thankfully, Banton is fine.

That's a brute of a delivery. Tossed up on middle, dipping on the batter. Cox is drawn forward and then beaten by the big turn. The ball does take a feather of an outside edge and goes past the keeper towards deep third and the batters pick up three runs. UltraEdge later shows that the ball missed everything.

Oh, now it misses the leg stump. A leg-break on a good length, but it slides through. Cox looks to drive but is beaten on the inside edge as the ball goes over the leg stump.

Consistent turn now on this pitch. Slower one, floated down leg, turning back into the pads. Cox fails to flick it away.

Ooh, that's grazed the outside of the off stump. Slightly into the deck, turning away from middle. Jordan Cox goes back and across to punch it through cover but is well beaten.

Sachindu Colombage is brought back into the attack. 4 overs for 31 runs so far, a bit expensive.

Good length, on off, Jordan Cox punches it to cover for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

Angling in, on middle, Jordan Cox blocks it back to the bowler.

Jordan Cox walks in next.

OUT! TAKEN! A much-needed breakthrough for Sri Lanka. Full and on middle, Harry Brook makes room and looks to loft it but gets it high on his bat. The ball carries towards mid off. Dunith Wellalage runs back and takes a fine catch. The partnership is finally broken.

FOUR! This is starting to become a real problem for Sri Lanka! Short and outside off, Harry Brook makes room and carves it over backward point for a boundary. A 150-run partnership comes up between this duo now.

Slower one, on middle, Harry Brook tucks it to mid-wicket.

Angling in, on off, Harry Brook cuts it to point.

FOUR! That's a huge over, as 22 runs come off it. Full and outside off, Tom Banton latches onto it and slashes it over extra covers for a boundary. This is some hitting from Tom.

SIX MORE! Back-to-back sixes from Banton now! Full and outside off, Tom Banton picks it well and hammers it over long off for yet another six.

SIX! That's a huge six! Back of a length, on middle and leg, Tom Banton stands tall and powers it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 200 comes up for England.

Much fuller, on off, Harry Brook taps it to mid on for a single.

Dilshan Madushanka is having some issue with his right toe. The physio is out in the middle to have a check. All fine now and we are good to go...

FOUR! Edgy! Short and outside off, Harry Brook looks to slap it but gets a top edge. The ball flies over the keeper's head for a boundary.

Down the leg side, Tom Banton looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads and rolls to the left of the keeper. They collect a leg bye.

FOUR! That was stand and deliver! Shortish, outside off, Harry Brook stays back and slaps it powerfully over extra covers for a boundary.

Wide! Way outside off, Harry Brook leaves it alone. Wided.

A bit short, on off, Tom Banton punches it to cover for a single.

FOUR! Hundred up for Tom Banton! This is his first ODI hundred. Full and outside off, Banton charges forward and drills it through extra covers for a boundary. A magnificnet knock from him.

Tossed up, outside off, Harry Brook chips it over mid off for a single.

Much fuller, outside off, Harry Brook drives it through covers for a brace.

FOUR! That is in the gap! A bit short, outside off, Harry Brook latches onto it and slaps it through covers for a boundary.

DRINKS! England are 175/2 after 32 overs now. The duo of Harry Brook and Tom Banton are looking good in the middle and they will aim to gear up now and push their total over the 300-run mark. Sri Lanka desperately need to break this stand. They need quick wickets to claw their way back into the game. Let's see how it goes...

Angling in, on off, Tom Banton taps it to point.

Back of a length, outside off, Harry Brook guides it towards third man for a single.

Good length, on middle, Harry Brook blocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! That's a powerful shot! Length and outside off, Harry Brook charges forward and slams it through point for a boundary.

Much fuller, on leg, Harry Brook pushes it to mid on.

Full and on leg, Tom Banton flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Dilshan Madushanka returns.

Flighted up, on leg, Harry Brook blocks it back to the bowler.

Slightly down the leg side, Tom Banton looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls fine. They collect a leg bye.

FOUR! That is impressive from Banton! Full and on middle, Tom Banton picks it well and plays a reverse sweep through point for a boundary. A 100-run partnership comes up between this duo now.

Flatter, on leg, Tom Banton blocks it to mid on.

SIX! This is brilliant from Banton! Full and on middle, Tom Banton changes his stance and plays a reverse sweep over backward point for a flat six.

Flatter, on leg, Harry Brook flicks it through backward square leg for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Harry Brook taps it to backward point for a single.

Fullish, on off, Tom Banton eases it to short third for a single.

SIX! 150 comes up for England! A bumper, on leg, Tom Banton reads it well and pulls it high over deep backward square leg for a huge six.

Fifty up for Harry Brook! His 8th half century in the ODIs. Angling in, on off, Harry Brook guides it to third man for a single.

Nice and full, on off, Tom Banton drills it to mid off for just a single.

Shaping in, on off, Tom Banton blocks it to cover.

Slower again, on leg, Harry Brook flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Tossed up, on middle, Harry Brook lunges and blocks it back to the bowler.

Full and straight, Tom Banton knocks it down the ground for a single.

A tad fuller, on leg, Harry Brook flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Harry Brook moves to 46 now! Fullish, on off, Harry Brook gets down on one knee and slogs it powerfully over deep mid-wicket as the ball sails into the stands. That's a fabulous shot.

A bit short, on off, Tom Banton cuts it to point for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Harry Brook taps it to cover.

A hint of inward movement, on off, Harry Brook fends it to point.

Good length, on off, Tom Banton looks to flick it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls towards short third for a single.

Shaping in, on leg, Harry Brook tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Angling in, on off, Harry Brook fends it to cover.

FOUR! That's a powerful shot! Back of a length, on leg, Harry Brook swivels and pulls it powerfully through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Eshan Malinga is back on.

FOUR! A good shot from Banton! Fullish, on leg, Tom Banton gets low and sweeps it through backward square leg for a boundary.

Slightly down the leg side, Tom Banton looks to block it but wears it on his pads.

Too full, on off, Tom Banton reverse sweeps it to backward point. Pressure is building on Banton now.

Quicker, on leg, Tom Banton fends it to the keeper. Dot.

Much fuller, on off, Tom Banton reverse sweeps it to backward point.

A bit short, on off, Harry Brook knocks it to mid on for a single.

Back of a length, on leg, Harry Brook pulls it through square leg for a single.

Slows it up, on off, Harry Brook taps it to short third.

SIX! Brook takes the aerial route now! Full and outside off, Harry Brook takes a step forward and powers it high and over long off for a huge six.

FOUR MORE! Back-to-back boundaries from Brook! Full and outside off, Harry Brook latches onto it and chips it over extra covers for yet another boundary. A 50-run partnership comes up between this duo now.

FOUR! That's a cracking shot! Back of a length, on leg, Harry Brook swivels and pulls it powerfully through backward square leg for a boundary.

Good length, on leg, Harry Brook tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Flatter, outside off, Tom Banton cuts it to point.

Turning in, on middle, Tom Banton looks to block it but misses and wears it on his pads. A loud appeal but turned down. Kusal Mendis sends it upstairs to have a check. Ultra Edge shows a slight spike. The onfield decision stands NOT OUT. They collect two runs.

Much fuller, on middle, Tom Banton pushes it to cover.

Flatter, on leg, Harry Brook flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Quicker, on off, Harry Brook punches it to cover.

Short, on off, Tom Banton knocks it to mid off for a single.

Sachindu Colombage comes into the attack now.

Full and straight, Harry Brook knocks it to mid on.

Angling in, on off, Tom Banton flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Hits the deck hard, on leg, Harry Brook looks to scoop it but the ball hits his glove as the ball rolls towards fine leg. They collect a single. A stifled appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire.

Length and outside off, Harry Brook taps it to point.

Angling in, on off, Harry Brook blocks it to mid off.

Wide! Down the leg side, Harry Brook looks to scoop it but misses.

FOUR! That's a powerful shot! Full and outside off, Harry Brook reaches out to it and drives it powerfully through covers for a boundary. 100 comes up for England.

FOUR! A much-needed boundary for England! Flatter, on middle, Tom Banton changes his stance and plays a reverse sweep but backward point for a boundary.

Fullish, on leg, Tom Banton digs it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, on off, Harry Brook knocks it to mid off for a single.

Quicker, on off, Harry Brook plays a reverse sweep towards backward point.

Fired in, on off, Harry Brook pushes it to cover.

A bit short, on off, Harry Brook cuts it to point.

Shaping in, on off, Harry Brook guides it to third man for a single.

Wide! Down the leg side, Harry Brook looks to scoop it but misses.

Fullish, on leg, Harry Brook flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

A tad fuller, on leg, Harry Brook flicks it to mid-wicket.

Slows it up, on middle, Tom Banton eases it to long on for a single.

Good length, on off, Tom Banton punches it to cover.

Angling in, on off, Tom Banton knocks it to mid off.

Was there an edge? Flatter, outside off, Harry Brook looks to cut it but misses. The keeper fails to catch it. A maiden from Dunith Wellalage. The reply later shows a spike. So this will also go down as a dropped catch.

Make it five dots! Full and straight, Harry Brook fends it back to the bowler. The pressure is building...

Four dots in a row! Flatter, on off, Harry Brook cuts it to point.

Fullish, outside off, Harry Brook drives it to extra cover.

Flatter, on the stumps, Harry Brook eases it to cover again.

Fired in, on off, Harry Brook punches it to cover.

Short of a length and around off, Banton rises back up with the bounce and nudges it down to cover-point.

Good length on off, blocked off by Banton.

A bit of a slingy delivery, pushed into the front pad. Banton looks to lean on and flick but the ball's seam bites into the deck a bit and ends up inducing a leading edge.

Full-pitched delivery, in the channel outside off, and this one goes straight on with the arm. Banton leaves it alone.

Bnaged in a bit shorter on off, Brook hangs back and angles it down to deep third, collecting a single.

Full of a good length, on off, this one fades back in late. Brook stays solid in defence.

Quick and flat, wide of the off stump. Banton scythes it off the back foot and to the left of the fielder at deep point for a couple of uns.

Tossed up, in and around off, blocked off by Banton.

FOUR! Marvellous from Banton. Good length around off, Banton stays back and gets his hands through the ball, nailing it in front of covers for a boundary.

Short and on off, hit away off the back foot to the man at deep point yet again for a single. Also, the on-air commentators are noticing that the Lankan fielders are firing the throws from the deep into the turf. Probably trying to scuff up the ball for some reverse swing later on.

Flighted ball, lands it outside off. Banton doesn't pick the length quite well and rocks onto the back foot to a fairly full one, but manages to hit it square through point for one more.

A bit shorter and outside off, cut away through the point region for a single.

A shorter one to end with. Brook clips it off the hips to deep square leg for another single. England are 77/2 after 18 overs, scoring at just 4.27 runs an over right now.

Bowled from a bit wider on the crease, into the deck and angled onto the stumps. The ball doesn't rise much and Banton plays it through wide mid on for a single.

Full of a good length, and attacking the off stump. Banton blocks it with an angled bat, and the ball rolls to point.

Good length again, sliding back in. Brook uses the wrists to maneuver it down to fine leg for a single.

Hard length, in line with the stumps. Brook stays back and dabs it down to short mid-wicket.

Full and straight, shaping back into the pads. Brook flicks it to the man in front of square leg.

Tossed up at the stumps, Banton blocks it off.

Fractionally shorter around off, punched away off the back foot to deep cover for one.

Half an appeal for LBW, but that's easily sliding down leg. The arm ball now, full on middle and angling in sharply. Brook looks to block down the line but is beaten on the inside edge and gets hit on the pads.

Nagging length around off, pushed through flatter as well. Brook hangs back and jabs it to the off side.

Floated fuller and around off, Banton shows the full face of the blade and pushes it towards extra cover for a single.

Wellalage throws it wide of the off stump, giving it a lot of air. Banton watchfully smothers it behind point.

On the pads again, angling down leg. Banton wrists it away to deep square leg for a single.

Fuller one darted into the pads, clipped away to wide mid on.

Tom Banton goes back-to-back as he brings up his FIFTY. Shorter in length and outside of, Banton stands tall and forces it away in front of point for a couple of runs. Banton will now be eager to go on and get his maiden ODI ton.

Full of a good length, shaping it in towards middle and leg. Banton gets halfway forward and pushes it out to mid on.

Hard length over middle, angling it in. Harry Brook tucks it down through mid-wicket and picks up a single.

The skipper is out in the middle for England, as Harry Brook walks in at number 4.

OUT! LBW! Janith Liyanage begins with a bang. He starts with a length ball, pushing it into the stumps from a straightish line. Joe Root walks inside the line to flick it away but misses it completely, and gets beaten on the inside edge and is struck on the front pad. A big shout for LBW, but it's been turned down. Kusal Mendis does review it, though. The third umpire has a look at it. Nothing on UltraEdge, and there are three reds on Ball Tracking. The on-field decision is overturned and Root's struggle at the crease comes to an end. A very rare occasion where Root ends the entire English summer without a century to his name across all formats of the game.

DRINKS! This is ODI cricket at its finest, as both teams are happy to play the long game instead of trying to make things happen too quickly. Sri Lanka have bowled well, but a big dropped catch and a few loose balls here and there mean that they don't quite have control of the game. England aren't racing along either, but with only one wicket down, they can try and take things deep and accelerate at a later stage. However, they won't want to leave it for too late either. A very crucial period of play is coming up, so let's get back to it. Also, Janith Liyanage has now been tossed the ball.

Nicely looped up, outside off, and this one just turns a bit. Banton plays it with the turn to cover-point.

Flighted ball, full and on off, Banton eases it to the left of the bowler.

Floated up on the stumps, clipped away wide of the silly mid on fielder for another single.

Dragged length around off, angled in with the arm. Banton backs away and stabs it down past point for a single.

Flatter this time, on off, Banton reverse-sweeps it well but straight to the point fielder.

Finally, Root manages to break the cycle and gets a single. Tossed up, full and outside off, stroked away to deep cover for one.

Time for spin. Dunith Wellalage will kick things off with his left-arm spin.

Full ball, just outside off, Banton eases the drive straight to the cover fielder. Only the big hit in the over, and England need to improve their current strike rotation.

Excellent length again, just a fraction short of good length, and the ball seams back into the right-hander. Banton stays back and blocks it late with soft hands.

Pitched on a good length, slanted back in from outside off. Banton gets a big stride out and defends it to point.

Short again and outside off, angled in. Banton looks to slap it square on the off side but ends up chopping it back onto the deck.

SIX! That's flown into the stands. Shorter in length, offering some width outside off. Tom Banton gets on his toes and plays the upper cut, nailing it over deep third for a biggie.

Pitched up wide of the off stump, a hint of late tail back in. Banton leaves it alone.

Another one that comes back into the batter, a bit fuller and straighter. Root tucks it to short mid-wicket, and his run of consecutive dot balls continues.

Banged in on a hard length, fading back in towards the batter. Root presses back to defend.

Length ball, outside off, Banton plays a punchy drive to deep cover and rotates strike.

Good length on middle, slanting it in. Banton looks for the flick but gets it off the inside half of the blade and square through the leg side for a couple of runs.

FOUR! A sustained spell of pressure ends with a freebie from Malinga. Overpitched on middle and leg, Banton keeps his head still and clips it between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary. The 50-run stand is now up between these two.

Fullish length, zeroing in at the stumps, Banton watchfully keeps it out.

Just like the previous over - Banton takes a single, and then Root plays five straight dots. Dug in shorter over off, Root looks to get inside the line and pull but misses and gets hit on the backside of his body. Root is now on 16 off 32, but he won't be panicking yet.

Good change-up from Madushanka. Bowled from around the wicket, very full and darts in around the fourth-stump line. Joe Root is a bit late on it again as he toe-ends it behind the stumps.

Rising up off a good length, over middle and leg. Root is a bit taken aback by it and presses back late to defend.

Pitched up on leg stump, a bit of shape back in the right-hander. Root looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Root is struggling for timing out there.

Back of a length and on off, angling away. Root leans back and looks to steer it away, but this ie close to the body and Root ends up chopping it towards backward point.

Short ball around off, Banton gets up on his toes and smacks it down to the left of cover. Charith Asalanka dives and gets a big hand on it, parrying it behind for just a single.

Kusal Mendis sticking with seam for now as he brings back Dilshan Madushanka in place of Asitha Fernando.

A single followed by a string of five dots, excellent from Malinga. Good length on off, Root gets nicely forward this time, punching the drive straight to extra cover.

Full of a good length, angled back in towards middle. Joe Root is caught on the back foot again and has to jam it out, towards mid on.

Fuller this time, shaping back in towards the stumps. Root gets across a bit and punches it out to mid on.

Big inside edge! Good length in the channel, the ball seams back in off the deck. Root gets caught back and gets an inside edge onto the thigh pad.

Very full, darted in from outside off. Root stays inside the crease as he digs it out towards the non-striker.

Hammered in on a length outside off, Banton jams the bat down, running it down to deep third for a single.

Powerplay 2! A maximum of 4 fielders will be allowed outside the inner circle now.

Angling in, on off, Joe Root eases it to cover.

Back of a length, outside off, Tom Banton guides it through short third for a single. 50 up for England.

Hits the deck hard, outside off, Tom Banton leaves it alone.

Fullish, on off, Tom Banton eases it to cover.

Length and outside off, Tom Banton leaves it alone.

DROPPED! Back of a length, outside off, Joe Root looks to block it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball carries towards wide slip fielder who spills the catch. They collect a single.

Angling in, on off, Tom Banton blocks it back to the bowler.

Full and straight, Tom Banton blocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Brilliant cover drive from Banton! Overpitched, outside off, Tom Banton leans on and drives it elegantly through covers for a boundary.

Angling in, on off, Joe Root eases it to third man for a single.

Full and straight, Joe Root pushes it to point.

Hits the deck hard, on middle, Joe Root fends it back to the bowler.

Beaten again! Slightly shorter, shaping in, Tom Banton looks to block it but gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball just goes over the top of leg.

Past the edge! Back of a length, outside off, Tom Banton tries to loft it but misses.

FOUR! That's a good shot! Bangs it short, on off, Tom Banton swivels and pulls it powerfully over square leg for a boundary.

Angling in, on off, Joe Root nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.

Fullish, on off, Joe Root knocks it to mid off.

Back of a length, on off, Joe Root fends it to the left of the keeper.

Fullish, on off, Tom Banton taps it to mid off.

Much fuller, on the stumps, Tom Banton stabs it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, outside off, Tom Banton leaves it alone.

Beaten! A hint of away movement, outside off, Tom Banton looks to loft it but misses.

Good fielding! Back of a length, outside off, Tom Banton slaps it to point. The fielder dives to his left and makes a good stop. Dot.

FOUR! Edgy! Bangs it short, outside off, Tom Banton tries to punch it but gets a top edge. The ball flies over the slip fielder for a boundary.

Length and outside off, Tom Banton eases it through backward point for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, Tom Banton leaves it alone.

FOUR! What a shot! Good length, just outside off, Tom Banton rocks onto his backfoot and punches it in the gap through cover for a boundary.

A tad fuller, on middle, Tom Banton fends it back to the bowler.

Bangs it short, outside off, Tom Banton tries to slap it but misses.

Good length, on middle, Joe Root eases it to mid off for a single.

FOUR! That was hit with some power! Back of a length, on leg, Tom Banton swivels and pulls it powerfully through square leg as the ball races away to the fence in a flash.

Hits the deck hard, on off, Joe Root taps it to cover for a single.

Angling in, on off, Joe Root pushes it to cover.

Nice and full, on leg, Joe Root knocks it to mid on.

Good length, on leg, Joe Root tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Full and on middle, Joe Root blocks it back to the bowler.

Nice and full, on leg, Joe Root flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Shaping in, on off, Joe Root slaps it through point for a brace.

Much fuller, outside off, Tom Banton guides it to third man for a single.

FOUR! Lovely shot from Banton! Full and outside off, Tom Banton makes room and drives it magnificently through cover for a boundary.

Length and outside off, Tom Banton has waft at it but misses.

Back of a length, outside off, Tom Banton leaves it alone.

Nice and full, on off, Joe Root pushes it to cover.

Back of a length, on off, Tom Banton tries to block it but edges it to third man for one more.

Good length, on leg, Joe Root tucks it to fine leg for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Joe Root eases it to mid off.

FOUR! That's a terrific shot! Full and straight, Joe Root lunges and drives it magnificently through the cover region. The fielder chases but the ball wins the race.

Shaping in, with a hint of movement, Joe Root eases it back to the bowler.

Good length, outside off, Tom Banton leaves it alone.

Full and outside off, Tom Banton swings hard but misses.

Shaping in, on off, Tom Banton punches it to short cover.

Bangs it short, on off, Joe Root guides it towards third man for a single.

Joe Root walks in to bat now.

OUT! TIMBER! Dilshan Madushanka strikes straightaway. Angling in, on off, with a hint of movement. Ben Duckett leans on and looks to loft it but the ball goes through his bat and his bat through the gate and rattles over the top of off. Ben Duckett departs without scoring.

Shaping away, outside off, Ben Duckett leaves it alone.

Dilshan Madushanka to share the attack.

FOUR! That's a glorious cover drive! Full and outside off, Tom Banton leans on and cracks a drive through covers for a boundary.

Hits the deck hard, outside off, Tom Banton shoulders arms at it.

Slightly down the leg side, Ben Duckett looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards backward square leg. A stifled appeal but turned down. They collect a leg bye.

Full and straight, Ben Duckett stabs it back to the bowler.

Angling in, on middle, Ben Duckett tucks it to mid-wicket.

Asitha Fernando starts with a length ball, on off, Tom Banton looks to block it but miscues it to backward point for a single. He gets off the mark.

We are all set for the action to begin. It was the retiring Mark Wood who rang the five-minute bell alongside his children, signalling the start of play. The umpires and the players are already out in the middle. Tom Banton and Ben Duckett open up for England. Asitha Fernando has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Interesting decision to bat first - So, England have made three changes, including Jos Buttler, who's out with a hamstring injury from the last game. Also, the pitch is a fresh one, and there are green patches on it, which might make life a bit difficult for the opening batters. Given England's pace attack, the early start could have been a great opportunity to dictate terms. Right now, Asitha Fernando and co. will be looking to make the most of conditions in the first 10 overs or so.

Sri Lanka (Unchanged Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (C/WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka.

England (Playing XI) - Ben Duckett, Tom Banton, Joe Root, Harry Brook (C), Jordan Cox (WK) (In for Jos Buttler), Will Jacks, Liam Dawson (In for Rehan Ahmed), Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, and Sonny Baker (In for Josh Tongue).

TOSS - England win the toss and will BAT first.

Stage set at The Oval - The pitch at the Oval looks hard and packed with true bounce, setting up another high-scoring thriller under cloudy skies. Batters will love the pace on the ball, but clever variations will decide the contest. Can England hold their nerve at home, or will Sri Lanka script a famous comeback series victory? Stay tuned, the toss is right around the corner!

England aiming to fix the cracks - England must learn to turn explosive starts into decisive match-winning finishes after suffering a middle-order collapse last time out. Losing Jos Buttler to a hamstring injury is a big setback, opening the door for Dan Lawrence. Captain Harry Brook will also want his bowling attack to execute better at the death, with uncapped seamer Henry Crocombe waiting in the wings if the pace attack needs fresh legs.

Sri Lanka chasing historic glory - The biggest learning for Sri Lanka from Leeds is to absorb England's early punches without panic. Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis provided the perfect batting template, but the frontline bowlers must maintain tighter lines against aggressive openers. If their seamers can extract reverse swing again and Dunith Wellalage controls the middle overs, Sri Lanka hold every chance to cross the finish line.

Hello and welcome to London!  A massive welcome to cricket fans around the world as we arrive live at the iconic Kennington Oval for this high-stakes 3rd ODI decider between England and Sri Lanka. With the series level at 1-1, everything is on the line today. England are eager to defend their home patch, while Sri Lanka stand on the edge of history, chasing their first ODI series triumph on English soil since 2014.

... MATCH DAY ...

All to play for - The T20I series was anything but competitive, and after England drew first blood in the ODI leg, many would have felt that this series would meet the same fate as the T20Is. But an inspiring effort from Sri Lanka has given us a decider to savour. The climax will take place at The Oval in London. It has been 12 years since Sri Lanka last won an ODI series on English soil, and they now have a chance to end that wait. England, meanwhile, will be looking to finish the home summer on a high and add another series win to their tally. Middle-order test - The new opening pair of Ben Duckett and Tom Banton have shown they can put pressure on Sri Lanka’s new-ball attack. Will Jacks has also made valuable contributions, while Harry Brook remains a key figure despite a quiet outing in the second ODI. Joe Root, meanwhile, is yet to really get going in the series, but there is no better situation than a decider for him to rise to the occasion. The hosts will be without Jos Buttler for the decider due to the hamstring issue, which troubled him in Leeds. Dan Lawrence has been called up as cover, but Jordan Cox is likely to slot into the XI and take over the wicketkeeping duties. Buttler’s absence comes at a time when England have been guilty of letting promising positions slip away, and they will miss his experience and stability in the middle order. Finding control - Will Jacks was the standout with the ball in the series opener, and his contributions with the bat have further underlined his value as an all-rounder. Beyond him, England’s attack has been more about collective contributions than one bowler taking centre stage. Gus Atkinson and Rehan Ahmed picked up two wickets apiece in the second ODI, but England will want greater control through the middle overs. The batting picture - It was the two Mendises who came to the fore in the second ODI, with Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis stepping up. Pathum Nissanka has provided useful starts, but Sri Lanka will want more from their top order if they are to put England under sustained pressure. Charith Asalanka is another batter who will be looking to make a bigger contribution after modest returns in the opening two games. Need more with the new ball - Sri Lanka’s bowling attack has offered plenty of variety, with both pace and spin playing important roles. Dunith Wellalage was particularly influential with his three wickets in the second ODI, playing a key role in Sri Lanka’s turnaround. Their pacers have also impressed at the death, using reverse swing effectively, but the new ball will need to make an impact as well. Much of the responsibility will rest on the likes of Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka to provide early breakthroughs. Form (Last 5 completed ODIs, most recent first) - ENG - LWWWL | SL - WLWLL. What to expect? The Oval has traditionally offered a good surface for batting, with reliable bounce and a fast outfield. The short square boundaries can also be inviting for batters looking to target that area. Unlike the first two games, which were day-night affairs, this will be a morning start, meaning there could be some assistance for the seamers early on before the surface settles down. The ODI at Headingley showed exactly why we love the 50-over format, with the momentum swinging back and forth throughout the contest. With the series on the line at The Oval, let’s hope we are treated to something similar, if not even better.