SL vs ENG: Angelo Mathews' Ton Lifts Sri Lanka To 229-4 At Start Of England Test

Angelo Mathews' stubborn century took Sri Lanka to 229-4 on the first day of the second Test against England on Friday after early strikes by James Anderson made the home side look vulnerable. Mat

Mathews 'thorn' 
Mathews reached his 11th Test hundred, and third against England, with a single off Jack Leach. 

He put on 36 with Dickwella, holding out after England took the new ball in the 81st over.

"Mathews has been a thorn in our side a little bit. I am sure he has been using a wider bat than anyone else," joked Wood.

"We have just got to keep hammering away and try to get an opening.

"It was hard work," he said of the frustrating conditions and heat.

Anderson, who replaced fellow quick Stuart Broad was the only change for England, struck twice in one over in the morning session with the wickets of Kusal Perera and Oshada Fernando (0).

Perera was caught at first slip by England skipper Joe Root for six. Fernando only lasted four balls before playing a rising delivery onto his stumps for a duck as Sri Lanka slipped to 7-2.

Thirimanne and Mathews rebuilt the innings with a 69-run stand up to lunch, but Anderson broke through after the break when Thirimanne edged to Jos Buttler behind the stumps.

The series, which is being played behind closed doors, resumed last week after being canceled in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.