Lanka Dashes England's Hopes Of A Win At Lord's

England's hopes of repeating their dramatic last-overs triumph in Cardiff were thwarted by a determined Sri Lankan team as the second Test at Lord's ended in a draw on Tuesday.

After setting the tourists 343 to win in 58 overs - with Alastair Cook making his sixth century in nine Tests - England's aim was to spark a collapse similar to their first Test, when Sri Lanka slumped to 82 all out inside 25 overs.

But the flurry of wickets never materialised, with Tharanga Paranavitana (44) showing courage and character to keep England at bay as the visitors battled to 127-3 before the teams shook hands on a draw 15 overs before the scheduled close.

England had made one early breakthrough when Kumar Sangakkara, opening in the absence of the injured captain Tillakaratne Dilshan, was dismissed early on. But a steady partnership of 53 either side of tea between Paranavitana and Mahela Jayawardene dampened their spirits.

Jayawardene, who had earlier escaped a run out when Eoin Morgan's shy bounced over the stumps, edged a Stuart Broad outswinger to Kevin Pietersen at fourth slip for 23 and Paranavitana became Jonathan Trott's second victim in Test cricket when he was trapped in front.


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