England Strengthens Lead Over Sri Lanka with Commanding Performance

England built their lead over Sri Lanka to 390 runs on the third morning of the second test at Lord's. Despite losing wickets of Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook, they were at 159 for four. Joe Root aims for a record-setting 34th century.

England solidified their lead against Sri Lanka to a hefty 390 runs on the third morning of the second test at Lord's under overcast skies on Saturday. Despite losing Ben Duckett, captain Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook, the home team stood at 159 for four with Joe Root at 45 and Jamie Smith at 23 by lunch.

Joe Root, closing in on his record-setting 34th century for England, aims to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-test series. Ben Duckett (24) fell to a superb two-man catch off Milan Rathnayake. Nishan Madushka at gully tipped the ball, which was then caught by Angelo Mathews at the second slip.

Captain Ollie Pope (17) was dismissed shortly after, slicing a delivery from Asitha Fernando into Prabath Jayasuriya's hands at deep backward point. Harry Brook (37) had a fortunate reprieve from a dropped catch but eventually fell to Madushka near the boundary. In their first innings, England amassed 427 before dismissing Sri Lanka for 196 on Friday, losing only Dan Lawrence (7) early in their second innings.

(With inputs from agencies.)