Ollie Pope Leads but Lower Order Falters in Test Against Sri Lanka

Ollie Pope scored 154 as England collapsed to 325 against Sri Lanka on Day 2 of the third test. Despite resuming at 221-3, England managed only 104 more runs. The collapse was driven by Sri Lankan bowlers Milan Rathnayake, Vishwa Fernando, and Dhananjaya de Silva. England aims for a clean sweep in the series.

Ollie Pope powered England to 154 before the lower order crumbled, ending all out for 325 against Sri Lanka on Day 2 of the final test of the series.

Starting strong at 221-3, England faltered and managed just 104 additional runs as Sri Lankan bowlers Milan Rathnayake, Vishwa Fernando, and Dhananjaya de Silva each seized two wickets at the Oval.

In a lone over before lunch, Sri Lanka scored a single off Chris Woakes, beginning their chase.

Acting as captain due to Ben Stokes' injury, Pope has already secured the series victory for England, following wins at Old Trafford and Lord's.

England aims to achieve a perfect summer home test series sweep for the first time since 2004, after a 3-0 win against the West Indies in July.

Pope, unbeaten with a run-a-ball 103 on Friday, was caught at deep backward square by Dimuth Karunaratne on 307-8, aiming for six off Vishwa Fernando.

England's tail couldn't extend beyond lunch; Josh Hull mishit Asitha Fernando, and Shoaib Bashir was caught mid-off from Rathnayake's delivery.

(With inputs from agencies.)