Root notches 19th test century, England 200 behind Sri Lanka

England captain Joe Root fought hard to keep his team in contention in second cricket test against Sri Lanka by posting his 19th century on Sunday.

England reached 181 for four at lunch on day three to trail Sri Lanka by 200 runs in first innings.

Root was unbeaten on 105 at lunch off 153 balls with 14 boundaries. He was well supported by Jos Buttler, who was 30 t out. fifth-wicket partnership was 49 runs.

Having walked in to bat with England at seven runs for two wickets, Root h raced to 67 on day two as England reached 98 for two at stumps on Saturday. But on day three, Root was more cautious with wicket offering plenty of turn and bounce for Sri Lankan bowlers.

England lost two wickets in opening session Sunday, both to left arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya, who has w accounted for all four England wickets.

Embuldeniya bowled unchanged for 90 minutes in morning from City End and in process dismissed overnight batsman Jonny Bairstow (28) and rookie Daniel Lawrence (3).

Embuldeniya struck in sixth over of morning when he h Bairstow caught at second slip by Osha Fernando. Sri Lanka successfully reviewed t out verdict after appeal was turned down.

Lawrence faced 21 deliveries and struggled against spin before being caught at first slip by Lahiru Thirimanne.

Root h problems dealing with spin. Sri Lanka h an interesting field set for him, placing three men on boundary for sweep shot.

Playing his 99th test match, Root posted back-to-back hundreds with a single to mid-wicket off Dilruwan Perera.

England won first test by seven wickets.

Im credits: @icc / Twitter