SL v ENG: England close in on series win after Mathews wicket in second Test

Mathews tried to fight back the English bowlers, especially after the tourists were bowled out for 346 in the morning session; Jack Leach took three early wickets

England was on the brink of getting victory against Sri Lanka in the second Test before rain played a spoilsport and brought an early end to the game play on day four. Thanks to Angelo Mathews, the hosts were able to reach 221-5 after recovering from 26-3, having a score of 301 to win. England leads the three-match test series by 1-0.

Mathews tried to fight back the English bowlers, especially after the tourists were bowled out for 346 in the morning session; Jack Leach took three early wickets. Sri Lanka lost the fighting chance after the 31-year-old batsman got out for 88 in the second Test on Saturday before rain stopped play.

In the first over after tea, Moeen Ali got Mathews out, ending Sri Lanka's hopes of chasing down a target of 301.

Earlier in the afternoon session, Mathew’s 73-run fifth wicket stand with Roshen Silva (37) frustrated the English spin bowlers.

It’s a possibility that England's spin attack may struggle against better batting line-ups.