Muttiah Muralitharan took three quick wickets to end England's resistance and help Sri Lanka to an 88-run victory in the first of the three-Test series.

Ian Bell (74) and Matt Prior (63) batted well to raise England's hopes of securing a draw after they had slumped to 139-6 just after lunch in Kandy.

But Muralitharan ended their stubborn stand and also removed Ryan Sidebottom.

Only around 20 minutes of play were left when Lasith Malinga bowled Matthew Hoggard to seal the hosts' triumph.

By Mark Mitchener

606: DEBATE Discuss the First Test on 606

1153: Whatever the result, ladies and gentlemen, and whoever you support, I think we've seen an absolutely cracking Test match. Many thanks to all of you who've been following it here on BBC Sport - and if you've been here from start of play in the wee small hours for all five days, then I salute you - you really are, as they say, "hardcore".

Particular thanks to all of you who have been e-mailing and texting in - apologies if we weren't able to use your contribution, but I hope you understand we do receive literally thousands of e-mails and texts when there's an exciting finish like today, and we try to use as many as we can. And if you want to continue the debate, do get involved on 606.

That's it from me - I'll be back in this chair in the early hours of Sunday morning when the second Test begins. Take care, and I'll see you then.

"We knew we could press home the advantage once we declared yesterday, but everybody did what was expected of them. Cricket's a game where you can learn something from every game you play, so I hope I can keep learning"
Man of the match, Kumar Sangakkara

1146: Sanga is man of the match. The right decision, in my humble opinion. ("He's got a bat like a barn door at the moment", says Aggers).

"After two losses to Australia, it was a great comeback, especially after being 42-5 on the first day. We knew we had to dig deep in the second innings, but I was happy with the bowlers' efforts. Belly and Matt batted well, but we had to be patient, and once Murali came to the party, we knew it was all over"
Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene

"We fought very hard today - Belly and Matty Prior's partnership was crucial, but it was always going to be tough for us - we thought we were going to get over the line, but we'll battle hard in Colombo to get back in it. Hoggy's got to be a doubt for the next Test though"
England captain Michael Vaughan

1141: Murali is given multiple trophies - a large set of stumps with "709" emblazoned on them, then a plaque, then a gold statue of himself. Jayasuriya also gets a slightly smaller trophy to mark his retirement.

"I've had an idea. What about if all umpires were obliged to 'do a Steve Bucknor' and wait for 5-10 seconds before giving anyone out, so that the third umpire could radio them to see if there was an edge"
"I've sat in television trucks and been asking for that for years"
Christopher Martin-Jenkins and Simon Hughes on TMS

1131: For those of you taking note, Murali finishes with 3-85 from 36 overs (and 9-140 in the match), Vaas took 3-56 and the Montster finished on two not out - matching his first-innings performance. But CMJ and Simon Hughes would both go for Sanga as man of the match. But will Murali's status as the local hero in Kandy swing it his way?

"I have not seen a worse decision (than the Sidebottom lbw) in many a year. How can Rauf, a top umpire in a hugely pressurised situation, not spot a massive inside edge?"
Di, via text, on 81111

"Please run down to the local RSPCA and round up all the dogs they can find"
Martin, London, via text on 81111, after multiple dog appearances on the pitch during the Test

SRI LANKA WIN BY 88 RUNS - LEAD SERIES 1-0

1128: So, who'd be your shout for man of the match? Sangakkara? Muralitharan? Or, if you're a particularly embittered Ryan Sidebottom fan after that second-innings dismissal, Asad Rauf's name has been suggested by someone in the office here!

94th over - WICKET - Hoggard b Malinga 8 - Eng 261 all out
The Montster goes mano a mano with the Slinger, and the Montster takes a single off the flaxen-haired paceman through the covers. Hoggy is clearly in pain, but won't give this one up without a fight. He gets a thickish outside edge which ploughs through a smattering of crows at third man, and it goes for four. Academic really, as the last ball of the over sees Hoggy bowled through the gate and Sri Lanka win by 88 runs - when England were about 20 minutes from saving the match.

93rd over - Eng 256-9 (TARGET 350)
Murali bowls to Hoggy and it loops up off his pad to one of the three short legs. Hoggy steers one down to third man, and the Montster is initially confused when Hoggy doesn't move (because he has Cook as a runner). They eventually run two. Hoggy is careful not to leave his crease either - remember, if either the batsman or his runner are run out, the batsman is out.

"If Hoggard can bat out an over, Cook will have spent more time at the crease than he will have done in both innings combined!"
Simon Hughes on TMS

92nd over - Eng 254-9 (TARGET 350)
Monty off-drives Vaas, and Murali makes a tumbling stop at extra cover. He then tries a leg-glance and keeper Jayawardene junior saves any leg-byes. Panesar is hit on the pad, Vaas appeals, but it was going down leg. At the end of the over, Alastair Cook emerges as a runner for Hoggard.

"Anyone ever noticed that rain never seems to save England, only cost them wins?"
Mike, Milton Keynes, in the TMS inbox

91st over - Eng 254-9 (TARGET 350)
The chips are down, and England only have the Montster left to save them. He plays and misses at his first one, then gets off the mark with a classically cover-driven single. Hoggy sweeps but it goes straight to the man at backward square leg.

90.2 overs - WICKET - Sidebottom lbw b Muralitharan 1 - Eng 253-9 (TARGET 350)
Simon Hughes on TMS reckons England could have to defend another eight overs. Murali tosses one up to Sidey, there's an appeal for lbw and Asad Rauf raises his finger straight away. Sidey looks furious, and replays suggest he's got every right to be. Sidey clearly gets a big inside edge onto his pad. Bad decision, Mr Rauf.

90th over - Eng 253-8 (TARGET 350)
Another rapid bowling change as Vaas replaces the Slinger. Hoggy slices at one and it sails through the covers - very much like the shot he executed at Trent Bridge in 2005 that helped win the crucial Ashes Test. They only run two, though. He waves to the pavilion - physio Kirk Russell runs on at the end of the over to treat him, while the umpires, trying to avoid such blatant gamesmanship, come over to ensure the physio's stay is as brief as possible.

"Surely the Kumar Sangakkara Fan Club has rolled on for long enough? Yes he's on a great run at the moment but he did score 400+ of his runs this year against the mighty Bangladeshis whose bowlers couldn't even get into my village/council estate first XI!"
Martin O'Malley in the TMS inbox

89th over - Eng 251-8 (TARGET 350)
After the drinks are taken, a bit of gamesmanship as Stuart Broad comes on and dries Hoggy's helmet, which must be plastered with sweat after, ooh, five minutes' batting. Aggers reckons England will have about 40 minutes to hold out before the light goes. Murali has four close catchers for Sidey - while in the pavilion, the Montster is padded up and adjusts his patka nervously. Jayawardene brings in a second short leg. Sidey defends resolutely. Another maiden.

"Further to Jeff's text below, I only ever played one game of competitive cricket too. I was 10 years old and retired on 11 not out because the school bully (naming no names, Kieran Collins) orchestrated a continuous whistling and slow hand clap assault against me. I think he was jealous as I hit a beautiful cover drive which was very Ian Bell-esque. I never played cricket again. Kids can be so cruel"
Nick, Essex, in the TMS inbox

88th over - Eng 251-8 (TARGET 350)
Sidey leg-glances a single off Malinga to fine leg to bring up the 250, which is largely irrelevant now. Angus Fraser wants Hoggy at the spinner's end, rather than the Slinger's. He bowls a no-ball. A fiery legside yorker comes off Hoggy's boots and runs safely. The drinks trolley is brought on, Sri Lanka try to wave it away, but the umpires point out that they'd rather like a drink, thank you very much, and the batsmen want one too, despite only having just come in!

"I read last week that Ian Bell has been staying after practice and having an extra hour in the nets with the bowling machine. I said to a friend why Bell and no-one else? Are the rest rushing off for a bit of sight-seeing in Sri Lanka? Well this Test has proved that the extra practice has been worthwhile. I believe David Beckham is the same with his free-kicks, and who is number one from a free-kick?"
Andy Stabler in the TMS inbox

87th over - Eng 249-8 (TARGET 350)
Despite the fact that we were told he would be batting with a runner, the new batsman is Matthew Hoggard - who hobbles out on his own. He's got a bad back, and sees off the rest of the over as Murali brings in no fewer than three short-leg fieldsmen.

86.2 overs - WICKET - Bell b Muralitharan 74 - Eng 249-8 (TARGET 350)
Aggers on TMS has spotted the monks in front of their monastery overlooking the ground, and a dog runs on the pitch! This is the female dog which first held up play on Saturday on the first day of the game. The dog sits down to scratch itself, Sangakkara chases it off the pitch. But suddenly it's all over for Bell as he's finally bowled by a Murali off-spinner after a 306-minute innings of defiance. Did the dog distract him?

86th over - Eng 249-7 (TARGET 350)
After a stand of 109, it's time for Sidebottom, who was sharing a joke with Hoggy on the balcony just minutes ago but has now joined Bell in a rearguard action. Bell takes a single and an extra slip is brought in for the left-handed Sidey. He gropes and misses at the Slinger, while Hoggy is padded up but looking very anxious. Sidey sees off the rest of the over as Stuart Broad brings a possibly time-wasting drink out for Bell.

"My friend always goes on about how he played cricket at junior level with Prior and how rubbish he was. My friend is now a complete cowboy electrician and the only thing he is keeping is other electricians in business through his useless Sparky work! Don't let my friend get to you Prior"
South, Brighton, in the TMS inbox

"I don't expect any sympathy but imagine how my delight at taking delivery of my new Porsche Boxster turned to dismay when I discovered that the crafty Germans had fitted a radio incapable of getting Long Wave"
Bob in Wimborne in the TMS inbox

85th over - WICKET - Prior b Muralitharan 63 - Eng 248-7 (TARGET 350)
Murali replaces Vaas, changing ends yet again, and Prior has to wait until the fifth ball before he can square-cut for two. He's then cleaned up off the last ball as he prods defensively on the back foot but misses it. It's Murali's 100th wicket against England.

"When Bopara was dismissed, I had a conspiracy theory that England would be all out by 0800 GMT to ensure that everyone was on time for work. Ian Bell is waging war against the capitalist machine. Vive la revolution!"
James, Investment Banker, London, in the TMS inbox

"Is there is a case for Jimmy Anderson opening the batting on his own? Given that batting at three he outscored our two openers put together, it would be a flawless plan, except he'd have to score in multiples of two (and singles off the last ball) to protect his non-existent opening partner"
Louis, Henley, in the TMS inbox

84th over - Eng 246-6 (TARGET 350)
The Murali/new ball combo is ended after one over, and the Slinger is recalled to the attack. Angus Fraser on TMS ponders whether if England rack up the runs without losing wickets, they could even reject the offer of bad light if they think they can win it. Malinga is a little tighter than Vaas, and Bell has to defend a couple of yorkers. That's a maiden which has slowed the scoring rate.

"At least this innings from Matt Prior might shut a few people up for a few nanoseconds"
Paul in the TMS inbox

83rd over - Eng 246-6 (TARGET 350)
Prior leg-glances Vaas, and the Slinger makes a smart sliding stop at fine leg as they run two. He's probably miffed not to be bowling with the new cherry, though. A glorious cover-drive for four brings up the century partnership - the fifth 100 partnership Prior has been involved in, in only his eighth Test. Then we have a chance of a run-out as Prior prods forward, Jayawardene junior removes a bail but the third umpire quickly rules that his back foot was firmly grounded behind the line. Prior then leg-glances and the Slinger undoes his good work from earlier in the over as he lets a four through. 10 from the over - 15 from two with the new ball.

82nd over - Eng 236-6 (TARGET 350)
Intriguingly, Muralitharan will continue to bowl with the new ball, but there's no silly point and there's a sweeper on the cover boundary, one of three men on the fence - are Sri Lanka concerned about losing the game? Prior takes a single, then Bell runs a quick one, the stumps are thrown down at the bowler's end but no-one backs up the throw and they run an overthrow. Run up, boys!

81st over - Eng 233-6 (TARGET 350)
Vaas takes the second new ball, but Prior rocks on to the back foot and handsomely drives him through the covers for four. A leg-glanced single brings up the BBC Sport website columnist's 50 - well batted, Matt.

"I'm so bored - the phones are down and my mobiles on the blink so you are my sole form of entertainment for the day. Any more insects/animals on the field?"
Sarah, Bucks, in the TMS inbox[If the monkeys or dogs or bees reappear, you'll hear it here first - MM]

"I am sat in a sweltering computer room in my school in Nigeria. Kids are preparing for nativity play; teachers frantically writing reports and I am sweating over whether Bell and Prior can hold it together for another hour and a half... COME ON BOYS!"
Taicotony on 606

80th over - Eng 228-6 (TARGET 350)
Murali takes what could be the last over with the old ball. He sends in a quicker ball to Bell, who is composed in defence. A rapid maiden, and they're going to take the new ball immediately.

"Could you ask Daniel Clarke whether his teacher is Mark Du Plessis who I used to work with at Jupiter in IT, if it is please say 'Hi' from Ed. If not tell him he's a great ICT teacher for allowing his students to follow the cricket score"
Ed Walters in the TMS inbox

79th over - Eng 228-6 (TARGET 350)
Jayasuriya's bald pate is gleaming with sweat as he dances in for his 14th over. Bell cover-drives and doesn't quite time it but gets a single to the Slinger, who is patrolling the cover boundary. Asad Rauf isn't interested at all in an lbw appeal against Prior, he rivals Rudi Koertzen for stony-facedness behind a pair of shades.

"If we were Aussies we would have gone for a win today, and if KP is so good why another failure, the stage was set for him. We have regressed to pre-Nasser years"
Alex, Krakow, in the TMS inbox

If England bat through the first hour after tea still six down then as they are going along at 40 an hour, they should be faced with 100 needed of the last 10-15 overs - game on"
Antony Melvin in the TMS inbox

78th over - Eng 227-6 (TARGET 350)
Jayawardene brings himself a little bit finer at leg slip, so Prior works Murali square of him for a single. Bell's forward-push into the covers brings a single as well. He has 70.

77th over - Eng 225-6 (TARGET 350)
Jayasuriya's still on, and Bell and Prior exchange singles to take their stand to 86. A brief drinks break, as Phil "The Colonel" Mustard brings on a couple of water-bottles for the batsmen.

"To John in Finland. I thought Batman was American?"
Ed in London in the TMS inbox

"Watching the text commentary is more relaxing than last week here when we had two typhoons, an earthquake and an attempted coup. Could do with a typhoon now I think. I just can't see us holding out. Agree with the comments about Hoogy & the pull shot!"
Len from Liverpool, in Manila, in the TMS inbox

76th over - Eng 223-6 (TARGET 350)
Jayawardene rotates his field as Prior pushes forward to Murali. He finally finds the gap between cover and point, and they scamper three before Jayasuriya can return the ball. Prior now has 42. Bell is a little fortunate when he leg-glances between the keeper and leg slip for four.

"Try saying 'Keeper confounds cricket critics in Kandy' a dozen times. It's hard! And your office colleagues start giving you odd looks"
Trick, Notts, in the TMS inbox

75th over - Eng 215-6 (TARGET 350)
Jayasuriya wheels away, but Prior isn't taking any risks here. Just a single off the last ball.

"A crisp day (yes we have them) in Bangkok - the King of Thailand is 80 today so a day off for all"
Gareth Sampson in the TMS inbox

74th over - Eng 214-6 (TARGET 350)
Bell takes a single off Murali, then Prior turns one between the two short legs for a single. Bell steers a two through the covers - four runs from the over.

"Has Hoggy ever played the pull shot in his life - bad back or otherwise?"
Lloyd in the TMS inbox

"I'm delighted somebody has finally mentioned umpire 'Raufy's' (as Flintoff is known to call him!) hair - almost as good a spectacle as the cricket. I also love the fact that he looks like he is going to spit on the next bowler who appeals for an LBW or close catch when it is clearly not out and refuses to even acknowledge the appeal! On the topic of umpires and their mannerisms, has anybody else noticed how when Simon Taufel puts his finger up it is almost always accompanied by a little 'tickly' looking cough?"
AJ, City of London, in the TMS inbox

73rd over - Eng 210-6 (TARGET 350)
Jayasuriya takes up the attack after that three-over spell from Fernando before tea. Second new ball is available after 80 overs. Prior forces one off the back foot but Jehan Mubarak stops well at point. A maiden.

72nd over - Eng 210-6 (TARGET 350)
Prior gets things going with a single off Murali - the Kandy man is now wicketless after 26 overs.

"Excellent effort of four consecutive 50s by Bell. Of course if he had scored an extra 100 with each of those he would be as good as Sangakkara"
John Duncan in the TMS inbox

"To Mark in Nairobi, Madagascar was never a formal colony, there was a document of understanding and it was effectively a protectorate, but in 1883 the French banned all things British including the teaching of English, and one presumes cricket. Just as well, as it would have only led to embarrassing performances by England right on my doorstep"
Edd, Antananarivo, in the TMS inbox

"Whenever England bowl a side out cheaply, it is because our heroic bowlers have performed magnificently. Whenever England lose a clatter of wickets it is because our batsmen are incompetent pillocks. Come on, let's give SL the credit for a fine morning. Vaas, Fernando and Malinga are a pretty useful pace unit by any standards. Bell (again) and Prior are doing a great job; they can still save this. I am really looking forward to the rest of this series if it is going to match the quality of this Test"
Paul Money in the TMS inbox

"Ifs and buts I know, but if we'd started a bit better today this pitch is slow enough now to play Murali off it and we'd have a decent chance. Horrible feeling that we've left too much to do but far play to Bell and Prior who could do with a producing something memorable for England"
Ed, Newark (in Notts, not Newark New York!) now in Australia, in the TMS inbox

"India and England always had a similar set of wicketkeepers. In the past you had legends like Russell whereas India produced Kirmani and More. Later Stewart took up the job despite being a batsman, same applies for Dravid (don't compare the keeping skills). But I guess India won the race at the end as now we've Dhoni who bats well and more importantly KEEPS well. That is not the case with your poor Prior. He can prove me wrong by digging deep today"
Pradeepa from Bangalore in the TMS inbox

"Only ever played one competitive cricket match (for church team) but scored two not out as I managed to drag out the match to a draw! Does being undefeated in my career lend my prediction that England will hold on for the draw any weight?"
Jeff (Liverpool), via text on 81111

TEA INTERVAL

"Me and my great friend Ryan Budd are following your coverage during our double ICT lesson. Being Sussex fans we really want Matt Prior to do well, and know he is a good batsman really, just needs time to establish himself. Can you say hello to our teacher Mr Plessis please?"
Daniel Clarke in the TMS inbox[Hello Mr Plessis - MM]

71st over - Eng 209-6 (TARGET 350)
It's probably going to be the penultimate over before tea (or possibly the last). Bell defends off the back foot against Fernando, and gets a single to point. Prior calls Bell for a quick single and luckily Murali's throw misses the stumps. That's over - have they got time for one more before tea? Asad Rauf looks at his watch, Aleem Dar walks up and takes the bails off - that's tea. Bell and Prior are cheered off by the England supporters after an unbroken stand of 70.

"Can the monkey [who invaded the TMS box in the 55th over] bat? And if so, is either of his parents or grandparents English?"
David in a wet Dorset, in the TMS inbox

"Just managed to get the internet sorted only to find it's Dunkirk again. As Cleese would say 'I don't mind the despair, it's the hope I can't stand'."
Simon, Auckland NZ, in the TMS inbox

"Plenty of rain here in East Yorkshire, I am lying in bed after a sleepless night with a 3-day-old baby son - your youngest listener, I reckon"
Simon Golby, Reedness, East Yorkshire, in the TMS inbox

70th over - Eng 207-6 (TARGET 350)
Murali rolls up and sends down a maiden to Prior, who tries to work him to leg but can't get the ball away.

69th over - Eng 207-6 (TARGET 350)
Fernando continues, and Bell carefully off-drives him for four. A lovely shot.

"Fortunately the only Sinhalese in our building has just gone to Sri Lanka for a month, so I'll be spared the detailed dissection of the game. Apparently they are doing some work with the UN. Yeah, right! I bet she's sitting in Kandy right now sipping from a cooling coconut, and nibbling fresh pineapple. Am I jealous? Oh yes. Is she related to Ben Dirs for her luck at getting a good working gig?"
Nigel Jackson in the TMS inbox[You can read the Dirs' latest adventures on the BBC Sport website - MM]

68th over - Eng 203-6 (TARGET 350)
It's 15 minutes until tea, and the wicketless Muralitharan continues. If you account for the likely bad light before the close, England probably have just less than two hours of batting left. Prior and Bell exchange singles, then Prior attempts a late cut, it goes through to keeper Jayawardene and they think they've got him. But Prior stands his ground, and ump Aleem Dar shakes his head and says "not out". Fourth umpire Deepal Gunawardene jogs on carrying his walkie-talkie - Dar points him towards the big screen, and there's a problem with the glare from one of the advertising boards near there.

67th over - Eng 201-6 (TARGET 350)
And pace it is, in the shape of Dilhara Fernando. He fires in a bouncer which hits Prior a glancing blow on the side of the face, but the Sussex man is still prescient enough to make sure that (a) he doesn't hit his stumps and (b) the ball doesn't trickle onto his stumps. The physio Kirk Russell comes on, and Prior seems to be fine - battered but unbowed. They don't even try to waste any time with the physio on - very sportsmanlike. Prior tucks a single to long leg, and a similar stroke from Bell brings up the 200. Another steer to the same position allows Prior to keep the strike.

"We have had lots of snow here in Helsinki, but nothing stops the Finns - trains, buses, traffic still keeps going. Shame an English batman can't keep going!"
John, Yorkshire bloke in Finland, in the TMS inbox

"I'm in New Zealand, moved here three years ago. I'm thinking about going to bed as the English tail have a very poor chance. Hoping to see Sidebottom bat well as he has had a pretty good Test so far. I thought England could win this after the first innings but as usual Sri Lanka started playing immaculately when they really needed to. I don't think it's gonna happen but COME ON ENGLAND"
Alex Kinvig in the TMS inbox

66th over - Eng 198-6 (TARGET 350)
Bell steers Murali's doosra to backward point for a single. He and Prior are taking singles at will, and four ensue from the over. Time for pace again?

"Do you think it's about time we removed the (TARGET 350) from the equation? [I think it's important to keep people informed with the match situation - MM] Do you also not think that unless there's only a few overs left when he's required, it would be foolish to risk Hoggard even with a runner? One mistimed pull attempt and he's gone for the next two Tests with a herniated disc or something"
Dan in the TMS inbox[It's a good question - if Hoggy has to bat, I think the match situation would mean he shouldn't be playing the pull shot - MM]

65th over - Eng 194-6 (TARGET 350)
Bell works the first ball of Jayasuriya's over down to backward point for three. Prior similarly pushes square into the covers for two, which brings up the 50 partnership. Jayasuriya goes over the wicket, but a full toss is summarily despatched to the square leg boundary for four by the Sussex stumper. "Come on boys" says keeper Jayawardene junior.

64th over - Eng 185-6 (TARGET 350)
CMJ on TMS says the threat of rain has gone away for the time being. Murali runs in to Bell, who nudges him to third man for a jogged single. Jayasuriya's throw hits the stumps - but Prior makes his ground. Prior pushes a single behind square on the leg side. Bell again tickles it to third man and Prior calls him for a quick single. Prior also benefits from a single through the vacant gully region. Bell, on 49, is hit on the pad but ump Dar is again unmoved. Bell turns a shorter ball to midwicket for his half-century - his fourth score of 50 or more in consecutive innings, and his 16th in Tests.

63rd over - Eng 180-6 (TARGET 350)
Jayawardene is rotating his bowlers rapidly as the Slinger is off after a brief three-over spell and left-arm spinner Jayasuriya, who bowled very tightly earlier today, is back on. Prior tries to work the ball down to fine leg and misses - he then has to adjust his pads after one of the straps comes loose. A rapid maiden.

62nd over - Eng 180-6 (TARGET 350)
Bell plays Murali carefully to cover point for a single. Murali has four close fielders - a silly point, a leg slip, a forward short leg and a fairly short midwicket. Prior adds another single. Murali has a big shout for lbw against Bell, who goes forward - Angus Fraser on TMS thinks he got an inside edge, and ump Aleem Dar, the only man whose opinion matters here, says not out.

61st over - Eng 178-6 (TARGET 350)
Radio 4 LW listeners return to the fray as Prior digs out a yorker from the Slinger and they run a single to cover. A Bell single takes him to 46, from 146 balls.

Also, 606 is now open for business - get involved in the debate and have your say.

60th over - Eng 176-6 (TARGET 350)
Prior plays forward to Murali and misses but they can run a leg-bye. The last ball of the over is quite wild down the leg side and Bell happily prods it away with his front pad. A maiden, despite the leg-bye.

"All these references to WA, whether they are hot or cold [Western Australia or Washington], are inaccurate. Everyone knows WA is the postcode for Warrington, England, and also for reason unfathomable, for St Helens. And hereabouts (I'm just up the road) it's dull, dank and a bit windy. Like always. It's my kids' Christmas play today - huge pressure, but I think we'll stand up better than England. I've already put in a real 'backs to the wall' performance with a superbly crafted shepherd head garment made from the only remaining teatowel"
Paul in Lancs in the TMS inbox

59th over - Eng 175-6 (TARGET 350)
A Barmy Army member gets a female accomplice to pour water over his head, still trying to convince the umpires or anyone else that it's pouring with rain. I'm sure that someone who clearly spends as much time looking after his hair as umpire Asad Rauf will know when it really is raining. Prior prods the Slinger for a single, and Bell works him away for a double through the covers before digging out a couple of yorkers.

58th over - Eng 172-6 (TARGET 350)
The Barmy Army trumpeter plays "Singin' in the Rain", while some of their number hold up umbrellas in an attempt to send a subliminal message to the umpires. Murali has changed ends for the third time today, and begins his fourth spell of the day. Vaas is off. Bell is happy to play out a maiden from the local hero.

57th over - Eng 172-6 (TARGET 350)
There are definitely one or two drops of rain in the air. A change of bowling sees Malinga replace Murali after a brief three-over spell. Roshan Abeysinghe on TMS wonders whether if we do lose time to rain, whether Sri Lanka might regret faffing around (my words, not his) and delaying their declaration yesterday. Bell takes a single to leg, while Prior digs one out and trots through to increase his score to 18. Another Bell single puts him on 43.

"Looking out on Singapore from level 30 at Suntec, I can confirm Greg's meteorological report (I can't see the street from up here). I think the point on the weather, is not whether we should send the weather over to help our batsmen weather their own storm and... I seem to have run out of creativity - maybe because this England performance is ensuring it is raining in my heart"
Terry Stone in Singapore (aka The Somme this afternoon) in the TMS inbox

"I expect that Edd in Antananarivo also knows that Madagascar was an English colony before the French moved in, so not sure what they were doing with their time either. Perhaps the game wasn't invented then? I have thought about introducing the sport when I retire to Mahambo. PS - sure that four wickets remaining will be enough to see us through"
Paul in Nairobi in the TMS inbox

56th over - Eng 169-6 (TARGET 350)
There are some grey clouds in the distance, but nothing threatening to disrupt play just yet. Prior tries to work Vaas away but can't penetrate the infield. A maiden - and the drinks cart is wheeled on for the players to have some liquid refreshment.

"This is what was said after yesterday's play by various pundits: 'if we can keep Murali out of the wickets we have a great chance of saving this test match'. After this morning's session it makes you pull your hair out"
Rothwell in Cheshire, in the TMS inbox

55th over - Eng 169-6 (TARGET 350)
A monkey invades the TMS box and clambers all over scorer Jo King's computer. Murali, switching between bowling over the wicket and around the wicket, sends down a couple to Bell outside the leg stump which he's happy to pad away. Another maiden - Murali has figures of 18-6-49-0.

54th over - Eng 169-6 (TARGET 350)
Vaas begins a new over as Vic Marks on TMS sounds a note of optimism - "if these two are still there at tea, and tea's a long way away, we could see some heroics". Bell carefully defends against Vaas, then lets a slower ball past. Bell square-drives and they run a single to Jayasuriya on the cover boundary. Vaas polishes the ball furiously, and Prior shoulders arms as the last ball goes outside off stump.

53rd over - Eng 168-6 (TARGET 350)
Prior works Murali down to third man for two, then Murali, bowling round the wicket, oversteps and bowls a no-ball which Prior lets hit him. Another excellent cover drive from Prior finds his favourite cover boundary. Radio 4 LW listeners are dragged away to Yesterday in Parliament, but the TMS crew will continue on Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, and via the BBC Sport website (UK users only).

52nd over - Eng 161-6 (TARGET 350)
Vaas bowls to Prior, who slashes at one outside off stump, gets a bottom edge and it dribbles down to slip. He gets a single and then Bell drives a slower ball past cover's left hand for four. He now has 40.

"'Good morning' is not an appropriate phrase at the moment. Our boys are playing like numpties - although credit to marvellous SL of course - the rain is lashing against my windows, I have to leave for work now. It will take me 20 minutes - will I get there in time to log on for the final twisting death throes, or will all the lambs be slaughtered by then?"
A disconsolate Carole in Maidenhead, in the TMS inbox
[If you're out and about, follow the game via BBC Sport on your mobile - MM]

51st over - Eng 156-6 (TARGET 350)
Murali's changed ends. Again. But he's still wicketless after 16 overs as he sends down a maiden. Aggers on TMS reveals that Hoggard will bat (if needed) with a runner. Vic Marks predicts the runner will be Colly (as he's quick) or Cook (as he hasn't spent much time at the crease).

"Was this worth getting out of bed for? I have no heating or hot water, I was hoping the cricket would warm me up"
James, freezing cold in Oxford, via text on 81111

"I have just managed to sneak away from my boss to check out the score and send this message. But with England reeling at the hands of the Sri Lankans, it's safe to say that I won't need to commit any more Bondesque evasive manoeuvres for the rest of the match, as England's hopes of staging a miraculous comeback are as probable as me replacing Mark Mitchener as live text commentator in the near future. Although, it wouldn't exactly be far-fetched to say that I could perhaps be a much more potent threat than England are at the moment..."
Ahmed Bashe, Hargeisa-Somalia, in the TMS inbox

50th over - Eng 156-6 (TARGET 350)
After some rapid overs from the spinners, Murali takes a rest - still without a wicket - and Vaas comes on, not at his usual end. He got the first three wickets in this innings, and has two slips and a gully, but keeper Jayawardene junior is standing up to the stumps. The unshaven Prior drives him through extra cover for four - a very careful stroke, but just as effective as trying to hit the leather off it.

"TD - Geraldton WA cannot be anywhere Seattle WA, as it's almost midnight in Seattle WA and half the roads are closed after four days of heavy rain and snow. Still, at least we have a chance of drawing the Test with Matty Pizzle and the rest yet to come"
Barky in Seattle, WA, USA

49th over - Eng 152-6 (TARGET 350)
Jayasuriya tosses the ball from hand to hand, before bowling a little wider of the crease to the defiant Bell, who's now faced over 100 balls for his 32. Bell then turns his wrists and beautifully times a four through midwicket to bring up England's 150. Bell moves on to 36.

48th over - Eng 148-6 (TARGET 350)
Bell dabs Murali down to third man and they canter through for a single. Prior finds the boundary for the first time when he cover-drives the off-spinner all along the ground for four. Murali is bowling tightly but he's still wicketless.

47th over - Eng 143-6 (TARGET 350)
Prior goes forward but misses Jayasuriya's arm ball. The left-armer switches to bowling round the wicket, angling the ball in at Prior who carefully pushes forward. He digs one out towards mid-on but there's no run - a maiden for Sanath.

46th over - Eng 143-6 (TARGET 350)
Murali and Jayasuriya are really scampering through their overs here. The former is tossing it up to Prior, who is content to defend his stumps but glances one past Jayasuriya at leg slip to fine leg for a single. Murali lets one rip at Bell, it pitches outside leg and Bell just kicks it away.

45th over - Eng 142-6 (TARGET 350)
Jayasuriya wheels away for his sixth over, bowling over the wicket to Bell who pats away a maiden. News comes in that centrally-contracted-but-discarded England opener Andrew Strauss is going to play for New Zealand's Northern Knights side on a short-term contract to play in the State Shield and Twenty20 competitions in January. He'd be able to return for England for the New Zealand tour in February, if selected.

"I am currently in Singapore, it's pitch black and raining cats and dogs. By my reckoning, it is about 1,700 miles to Kandy. I have a cunning plan to send this weather over there, then we draw the Test and I get some sunshine. Do we need a readers' poll on whether this weather is required at this stage of the match?"
Greg in Singapore, in the TMS inbox
[Matt in Singapore also e-mailed in with similar sentiments - MM]

44th over - Eng 142-6 (TARGET 350)
Bell turns Murali away to square leg for a comfortable single. Prior pushes into the off side, the keeper appeals for lbw but Murali stays silent. Just one run from the over.

"On the subject of Murali's bowling, I read the other day about a group of lads who decided to experiment in the nets by mimicking the double-jointed fella, and found that they were turning the ball by two feet or more. Of course, this prompted me to set up an impromptu wicket in the car park outside last night and have a bash myself. Suffice to say I looked like I was bowling left-handed after a 24-hour session on absinthe. As to whether the ball span prodigiously - unsure, as it went flying out of my hand into a building site to my immediate right. Not sure if this is a pro or a con for the Carlton doppelganger, but thought I'd share"
Rich in Aylesbury in the TMS inbox

43rd over - Eng 141-6 (TARGET 350)
Prior avoids his "pair" with a single to leg, and Bell rotates the stroke with a singleton of his own to take his score to 30.

"To Edd in Antananarivo, cheers for the advice. However, I've turned to online poker to support myself as a degree is looking less and less likely. For the record, I'm 10 quid up"
Richard Nash in the TMS inbox[BBC Sport does not endorse or promote gambling, online or otherwise - MM]

42nd over - Eng 139-6 (TARGET 350)
Murali tosses one up, which flies off Bell's pad over the head of silly point. A big shout as the Warwickshire man plays forward defensively, but it looks like it was going down leg. A very rapid maiden from Murali.

41st over - Eng 139-6 (TARGET 350)
The bald-headed Jayasuriya is decsribed by Simon Hughes on TMS as "a foxy bowler". Hmm. New batsman is Matt Prior - he's on a pair, and his batting has come under the microscope lately, but he blocks his first two balls. A wicket maiden for the retiring veteran.

40.4 overs - WICKET - Bopara lbw b Jayasuriya 34 - Eng 139-6 (TARGET 350)
A big shout as Bopara tries to sweep Jayasuriya and is hit on the pad just outside the line of off stump. That's not out, but three balls later he prods forward and this time the appeal is successful as he's hit on the pad just on the line of off-stump. 98 Test wickets for Jayasuriya.

40th over - Eng 139-5 (TARGET 350)
Bell defends against Murali, having been overtaken by Bopara in the last over. The two spinners are rattling through their overs here, and it's a maiden from the Kandy man.

39th over - Eng 139-5 (TARGET 350)
Jayasuriya continues, sends down a full toss and Bopara steers his sixth boundary of the innings through the leg side - 24 of his 30 runs have come in fours. Jayasuriya switches to bowling round the wicket, but Bopara punches another four through extra cover. Captain Mahela Jayawardene rotates his close fielders, but this has been an impressive start from the Essex all-rounder in his first Test.

"Michael Jordan always got to the basketball court earlier than the other players to practise, and Murali's like that too - he was practising his off-spin all morning, almost until the umpires came out"
Simon Hughes, "The Analyst", on TMS

38th over - Eng 131-5 (TARGET 350)
Bell prods forward to Murali's first ball after lunch and they trot through for a leg bye. Bopara turns one off his legs for a single. Murali tosses one up and Bell (with a fresh smearing of white sun cream across his nose, cheeks and lips) drives beautifully through extra cover for four.

"Sri Lanka have the most friendly, welcoming people in the world - but they would win an award for having the most tuneless singers. There were some in the hotel the other night trying to sing 'Stairway to Heaven', but it was a stairway to hell"
Former Middlesex and Durham seamer Simon Hughes, aka "The Analyst", in the TMS inbox

0738: Some cricket news of interest. Australia are resting Ponting and Hayden for next week's Twenty20 international with New Zealand. And captaining Australia for the first time will be... Michael Clarke. Back in Kandy, Bopara and Bell stride back to the crease.

"Just woke up to see the score, and I'm actually glad someone will feel worse than me, having just spent the last three months backpacking in Oz, I returned to a miserable Heathrow at 2000 last night, and now I'm wide awake having slept for about two hours. No idea what time zone my body clock is in, and I don't want to be home... at all."
Indy, wishing he were on a beach, in the TMS inbox

"Late afternoon here in Geraldton, WA, sunny, warm and less than an hour to go before the end of work. Otherwise miserable, though, as the convict on my right reminds me of the score. Wish I hadn't kept texting him when Sri Lanka were 42-5"
TD in the TMS inbox

"This is for Farhan Beig who mentioned betting on England. Remember the 2004 Champions Trophy final? Sure thing, right? I lost 2,000 rupees to a bookie in Mumbai and have not been brave enough to wager on cricket again. If England played a Zimbabwe 3rd XI, there would always be a chance they would lose..."
Chuck in Los Angeles, USA, in the TMS inbox

"One of my kids is already wearing a Ricky Ponting hat and I think I spotted a Brett Lee jump appearing in the other one's bowling action at Saturday morning cricket. The chance of them sticking with the old country is fading away fast with this batting performance"
Nick in Melbourne in the TMS inbox
[Why not download them an England player's mask from the BBC Sport website? That might help - MM]

LUNCH INTERVAL

0706: It's lunch in Kandy, time for breakfast in the UK. Be back soon.

"Greetings from a humid Queensland. Have just been watching live on an inflight TV on Virgin while descending into a mighty storm over Brisbane. Luckily the plane was more stable than England's batting"
Eddy from Cairns, Far North Queensland (previously from Dilham and an unfortunate Norwich City fan), in the TMS inbox
[I spent a few days in Cairns in January, after the Ashes Test series. Humid doesn't even describe it! They don't call it Tropical Queensland for nothing! - MM]

"Roshan Abeysinghe just mentioned on TMS the fact that it was 0630 GMT, and mused whether any school-aged kids will be getting up now. I'm 15 and have been getting up at 0530 each morning to listen to TMS - and did the same last winter for the Ashes!"
Alan Hughes, Oxon, in the TMS inbox

37th over - Eng 125-5 (TARGET 350)
Jayasuriya replaces Malinga for an over of left-arm spin before lunch. Remember, this is his last day in Test cricket, although he'll still play ODIs. Bell pushes a single into the covers. Jayasuriya runs in over the wicket, Bopara prods forward and umpire Asad Rauf says that's lunch.

36th over - Eng 124-5 (TARGET 350)
After two dot balls from Muralitharan, the two umpires converge to inspect the condition of the ball. They decide it's fine to carry on, Bell prods towards short leg where Mubarak appeals for a catch but it flicked off Bell's pad. Murali grins. Bell manages a single - we may have one over left before lunch.

"To Rich in Bristol, try Googling 'I'm in real trouble and need an essay fast', should be something there? Although I tried 'We're in real trouble and need some quality players' earlier and all I got was the Victoria's Secrets site. Do you know we have no cricket pitches here in Madagascar? I don't know what the French colonialists did with their time"
Edd, Antananarivo, in the TMS inbox

35th over - Eng 123-5 (TARGET 350)
Aggers on TMS reports that four England supporters suffered minor injuries when that corrugated roof fell down earlier today. One of them has gone to hospital as a precaution but is not thought to be seriously hurt. Our best wishes to them all. Bopara flicks another no-ball off his legs for a single, and Bell dabs a single to point.

"Mark, you chose not to use my comment decrying the adolescent optimism of some of today's comments from England, when all I was trying to do was un-jinx the English team. Reverse psychology and all that. Look what you've done as a result... for shame!"
Miriam in the TMS inbox[Yeah, blame me, why not - MM]

34th over - Eng 120-5 (TARGET 350)
In the England dressing-room, Colly munches on what looks like a small piece of cake. Bopara guides a single past short leg against Murali. Bell tries an on-drive but it hits the legs of the lanky Jehan Mubarak at short leg.

"Another fine morning in Cape Town and another fine mess for England. Collingwood's dismissal was lamentable, the South African commentators gleefully branding him 'totally brainless'..."
Swiss Tony, Cape Town, in the TMS inbox

33rd over - Eng 119-5 (TARGET 350)
Another four for Bopara, this time guided down to fine leg. He's now the top scorer in the innings. Malinga strays down the leg side again, looking for some reverse swing, and they run a bye. The next ball is also down the leg side, and is called a no-ball by umpire Asad Rauf.

"Will England make it to lunch I wonder. What is the quickest they have ever been bowled out in a second innings?"
OSJ, Ankara, in the TMS inbox

"While we're on Uni essays, does anyone know anything about the relevance of realism and liberalism in the 20th century? I predict an 'Ashley Giles in the Ashes' batting performance from Monty today"
Adam Sutherland (Newcastle University) in the TMS inbox

32nd over - Eng 113-5 (TARGET 350)
It is indeed a change of ends for Murali - now he can aim at Vaas's footmarks outside the right-hander's off-stump. Bell plays out a maiden, surrounded by close fielders.

"Morning Mark from a wet and windy Reading. Who needs Murali? On the Star Wars theme is Prior a Jar-Jar Binks or more of an Ewok?"
Russell in Reading, in the TMS inbox
[During the summer's Tests against India, an e-mailer suggested Ian Bell resembles Chief Chirpa of the Ewoks - MM]

31st over - Eng 113-5 (TARGET 350)
Murali's off! Has Bopara hit him out of the attack?! Or is he just changing ends? Either way, it's time for another burst from Malinga the Slinger. His (mostly) bleached-blond locks flow out behind him as he bowls to Bell, who blocks defensively. A leg-bye takes England to Nelson (111). Bopara dabs a couple to take his score to 19. Bell has 22.

30th over - Eng 110-5 (TARGET 350)
Bell tries to guide one to fine leg and they pick up a couple of leg-byes. He adds a single, and we've got just under half-an-hour until lunch - can these two hang on until then?

29th over - Eng 107-5 (TARGET 350)
Bopara faces up to Muralitharan, who's still bowling round the wicket. The Essex all-rounder drives beautifully through the covers for four. He then plays a handsome late cut for four. The last ball of the over is turned down to fine leg for another four. Three boundaries from the over from Ravi! This Test cricket is an easy lark!

"Hi from Balmy Glasgow, does anyone think that the rest of the Test series will be any better (results wise), as the Sri Lankans seem to be on tip top form! Finish my night shift @ 0700 GMT and will watch the rest (hopefully) when I get home. Keep up the good work"
John Paterson in the TMS inbox

Whether you're about to finish work like John or you're just starting out for the day, don't forget you can follow all the action here on BBC Sport on your mobile or PDA.

28th over - Eng 95-5 (TARGET 350)
Vic Marks on TMS equates Fernando to Harmison - and wishes Harmison could be as accurate. Bopara gets an edge and it flies through the very large gap between the keeper and the solitary slip. He then dabs to leg and trots through for a single. Bell has to duck a bouncer as CMJ notes that the wind is still "boisterous".

"I have put money on England, it's the only time I'm wishing they win the Test match!"
Farhan Beig in the TMS inbox

27th over - Eng 90-5 (TARGET 350)
Murali, bowling round the wicket, half-heartedly appeals for lbw against the right-handed Bell. He sends down a fairly rapid maiden over.

26th over - Eng 90-5 (TARGET 350)
A drinks break is taken. The new batsman is Ravi Bopara. This is a chance for him to show his mettle to the selectors, I guess. He shoulders arms to the last ball of the over. A wicket maiden for Fernando.

25.5 overs - WICKET - Collingwood c Sangakkara b Fernando 16 - Eng 90-5 (TARGET 350)
Fernando sends down one which thuds into Colly's pads but it was going down the leg side. Colly then tries to guide one through the covers but he scoops it straight to Sanga, the cover fielder. It looks like it may have been one of Fernando's notorious "slower" balls.

"Absolute lack of application by England batsmen, on the same wicket yesterday, Sangakkara hit 150 runs and they do not even have the excuse of Murali bowling, three wickets gone without Murali bowling. Rain is the best option to save the Test"
Shrivathsa in the TMS inbox

"Can these two do what Younus Khan and Mohammad Yousuf did to India yesterday? I think they can if they apply themselves in and with some support from the tail"
Pradeepa from Bangalore in the TMS inbox

"Sorry to report gents, the Victoria's Secrets show is now finished. Maybe it's just as well it finished as the music this evening was provided by Seal and the Spice Girls. It was like being in a time warp back to 1997. I was half expecting Alec Stewart to come out at six"
Chris Baldwin in the TMS inbox

25th over - Eng 90-4 (TARGET 350)
Murali is quickly through his over as Bell and Colly rotate the strike with a couple of singles each.

"Been up all night writing an essay for uni, and desperately need some cheering up. Just seen KP's been bowled. Great! Can I ask people's opinions on the 18th century writer Hannah More and her reaction to the French revolution and subsequent disquiet in rural England? I'm about 2,000 words short"
Rich, Bristol, in the TMS inbox

24th over - Eng 86-4 (TARGET 350)
Still an hour to go here before lunch. Bell works a single to leg, and Fernando sends down a no-ball. Colly takes a comfortable two to third man, he's on 14 and Bell has 19. Simon Hughes on TMS reveals that he's spoken again to the prisoner/ground staff member he had a chat with yesterday - he's due for release on 31 December. (The prisoner that is, not Hughes).

"My early optimism has been snuffed out already. I look forward to the BBC's new Christmas special which is to replace Sports Personality of the Year. It's to be called 101 British sporting disasters and will be hosted by Duncan Fletcher & Steve McClaren. I can take no more!"
Paul - Unhappy in Sydney - in the TMS inbox

"Do you think the Victoria's Secrets TV programme is being shown in Kandy? That might explain why our chaps are in a hurry to rush back to the pavilion?"
Peston in Paris in the TMS inbox

23rd over - Eng 82-4 (TARGET 350)
Looking down the batting order, Aggers thinks Sidebottom has been promoted to "senior rabbit" after his first-innings effort. Bell sweeps Murali from outside off-stump and they run a comfortable single. Colly also rotates the strike. The field now includes a slip, a short leg and a short midwicket. Bell dabs a two into the covers, and then a single past slip.

"Can't say I'm as optimistic as the rest of you unfortunately. Looks like there's yet more thunderstorms brewing here - for the fourth day running, not quite widespread enough to save us though"
Andrew in Newcastle, NSW, in the TMS inbox

22nd over - Eng 77-4 (TARGET 350)
Aggers notices some running repairs being done on the dodgy roof [see 17th over]. Colly hasn't used his feet much today, but drives a slower ball from Fernando into the covers for one. Bell takes a single to Jayasuriya, who's on the deep point boundary.

"Greetings from Dubai. Will people stop saying England can do this? Every time I refresh we seem to have lost another wicket, yet gained a 'come on England' text. FAR too early for positivity. Let's remain negative and hope to be surprised. Its the England way! PS Don't be fooled - thats not the real Darth Vader. Darth's right-handed, and doesn't do practice forward defensives. Unless it's a double bluff?"
Simon Green in the TMS inbox
[Bluff? Possibly - the Force does have a strong influence on the weak-minded - MM]

21st over - Eng 75-4 (TARGET 350)
It's Kandy man time - Muralitharan takes up the attack, although as he's bowling at the same end Vaas did, he won't have the left-armer's footmarks to aim at. He has a short leg and a silly point as Colly pushes into the covers for two. The Durham man then turns a single behind square on the leg-side. Bell takes a fresh guard, but by Murali's standards, a fairly tame over.

"Good evening from a extremely WET and windy Auckland, New Zealand. Right behind an England rearguard action. Looking forward to Feb 5th at Eden Park for the 20/20. I remember 'Bearders' losing track of the score during the last Test here when Thorpe (200 no) and Astle ran riot! We got off easy as Chris Cairns came in at 11 unable to bat! Very small boundaries!"
Lez and Lou Morgan in the TMS inbox

20th over - Eng 70-4 (TARGET 350)
Another fluent cover-drive, this time by Colly off Fernando. He then tickles a single into the covers - Sri Lanka are obviously still able to set attacking fields at this stage. Bell sees off the rest of the over.

"Evening Mark. I'm also 'watching' from the US, so not expecting to see the result before I go to bed. Um, Chris didn't happen to mention a channel number, did he?"
Dave in Virginia in the TMS inbox[He didn't - MM]

19th over - Eng 65-4 (TARGET 350)
Bell has to defend the first ball against Vaas, then finds the boundary for the first time with an excellent cover-drive. He then repeats the same stroke off the back foot to take his score to 11. Vaas may have three wickets, but Simon Hughes on TMS thinks the left-armer is tiring now.

"It's a year to the day that England capitulated here in sunny Adelaide and lost the second Ashes Test. Bad omen, or a chance to banish some demons?"
Jamie Porter, Adelaide, in the TMS inbox

"Morning Mark. Victoria's Secrets or Agent Provocateur? Discuss�"
Rick T, Dubai, in the TMS inbox

"If Collingwood and Bell are still there at the close today, they'll go down in history as one of England's best ever match-saving partnerships"
Christopher Martin-Jenkins on TMS

18th over - Eng 57-4 (TARGET 350)
New batsman is Paul Collingwood - crikey, England are four down already and Muralitharan hasn't even turned his arm over yet today. Colly is off the mark as he guides a comfortable two through midwicket.

17.2 overs - WICKET - Pietersen b Fernando 18 - Eng 55-4 (TARGET 350)
KP gets an absolute jaffa, pretty much unplayable, and gets a faint inside edge onto his stumps. He stands there, stunned, at the quality of that delivery. A hammer blow for England's hopes of surviving the day.

17th over - Eng 55-3 (TARGET 350)
A drinks interval is taken, while work is undertaken on one of the stands where part of the corrugated roof has fallen off. Vaas continues to Bell, who's only faced six balls in the time that KP has faced 31. CMJ's taxi driver last night predicted that it would pour with rain today, but it looks baking hot out there. Bell sees off a maiden from Vaas as Radio 4 LW listeners return from a galaxy far, far away (aka the Shipping Forecast).

"How about a KP and Belly double-century partnership all the way through to tea before the inevitable middle-order collapse? But what's this... Monty and Siders see off Murali in a tense final hour and bad light saves our bacon! OK, I admit the only likely scenario there is the middle-order collapse. I just hope the boys can see it out til 0745 GMT when my nightshift ends!"
Dave Roger in the TMS inbox

16th over - Eng 55-3 (TARGET 350)
After Bell takes a single, Pietersen despatches Fernando for four to bring up the England fifty, then clubs another back past the bowler. On the boundary edge, Darth Vader, in full uniform, draws his red lightsabre and proceeds to play a few left-handed forward defensive strokes with it. Will "the Force" be with England today? Or will they fall prey to Murali - the "Dark Lord of the Spin"?!

15th over - Eng 46-3 (TARGET 350)
Keeper Jayawardene junior is standing up to the stumps, but that can't stop Vaas overstepping again. If this was a timeless Test, England might be able to dig in and win the match via no-balls. Vaas tries to vary his pace but KP forces him through the covers for a well-executed four.

"I'm stuck in the States and can't even listen to TMS online! Will look forward to following your text commentary... it had better be good. The girlfriend has got the live Victoria's Secrets fashion show on TV. Come on England - 5 wicket win!"
Chris Baldwin in the TMS inbox
[I'm not sure if I can compete with the, erm, artistic merit of a Victoria's Secrets fashion show, Chris, but if you can tear your eyes away from the TV screen now and then, I'll keep you updated on England - MM]

14th over - Eng 41-3 (TARGET 350)
Our first change of bowling today as Dilhara Fernando replaces the Slinger. His field includes a slip, a wide gully and a silly mid-on, as Bell and KP take a single apiece.

"Morning Mark, I hear Sri Lanka is much sunnier than a rainy, windswept Glasgow. I'm still marvelling at the prospects of a 7-day Test match, that would be a good lark"
Tony Beckingham, Essex, in the TMS inbox

"Morning or evening rather from New York, where we've recently had our first spell of snow for the winter, not the most ideal cricket conditions, fortunately we don't have to worry about that here. Enjoying the text commentary in between bits of my chemistry assignment. Hopefully England will have a real go at this target, even with Murali looming, it is quite gettable"
Max Forrester in the TMS inbox

13th over - Eng 39-3 (TARGET 350)
KP gets an edge off Vaas but it falls short of captain Mahela Jayawardene, who is the solitary slip stood next to his namesake, wickie Prasanna Jayawardene. They're not related. Vaas sends down his fourth no-ball of the day. KP grins as he sees off the over.

"Morning Mark, once again I find myself awake at some ungodly hour with only you and the dulcet tones of TMS to keep me company, oh and let's hope England actually perform better then any other England team from the last two weeks!"
Andy in Nottingham in the TMS inbox

12th over - Eng 38-3 (TARGET 350)
Bell gets off the mark with a single to leg, and Pietersen is also off the mark when he prods the ball back past the Slinger for four to long-off. He then pinches the strike with a single off the last ball.

"Hello to you from my office in Sydney. Can't wait to get home, have a swim and watch England notch up a memorable victory. Goodness knows we could do with some sporting success this year or else BBC's Sports Personality of the Year will be the shortest programme ever made. Come on England"
Paul - Alive & Optimistic Down Under - in the TMS inbox

"KP must score a fine century for his team as he is the only man who can win this match for England. We've not seen him playing at his best these days"
Krishna from Nepal in the TMS inbox

11th over - Eng 32-3 (TARGET 350)
I often get accused of cramming too much baseball chat into cricket live text on occasions - but the new batsman is Kevin Pietersen, who's effectively been England's "designated hitter" in this match, as he didn't field for the whole of the Sri Lanka second innings because of a broken bone in his finger. He tries to glance his first ball down the leg side and it goes for four leg-byes. A no-ball boosts England's score - Extras is their top scorer now with 12.

10.3 overs - WICKET - Anderson b Vaas 11 - Eng 27-3 (TARGET 350)
Perversely, nightwatchman Anderson has taken the vast majority of the strike so far today. But it's all over for him as he plays and misses, losing his off-stump as Vaas takes his third wicket of the innings.

10th over - Eng 27-2 (TARGET 350)
Sri Lanka's tails are up, given that Vaughan was the man who denied them victory the last time England played a Test here. Ian Bell is the new batsman, and he watches from the non-striker's end as Anderson ducks a bouncer from the Slinger. He then edges one which bounces just in front of Sangakkara at first slip, and it goes through for four - the nightwatchman has double figures. He knocks a quick single into the covers. Bell lets the last ball go safely past.

9th over - WICKET - Vaughan c P Jayawardene b Vaas 5 - Eng 22-2 (TARGET 350)
Another no-ball from Vaas - England may take some stick at times, but it must be noted that in Sri Lanka's 130-over innings, not a single wide or no-ball was bowled by any of England's seven bowlers. I guess bowling coach Ottis Gibson will be similarly pleased. Anderson tries to work Vaas into the on-side but it gets a leading edge into the covers, where it falls safely. But Vaughan then edges a fairly straight one to the keeper - a body blow for England.

If you haven't already done so, check out Jonathan Agnew's column from yesterday on the TMS blog - and comment 29 is worth repeating to a wider audience...

"I promised my girlfriend I'd cook her breakfast for a week if England survive today..."
Brett on the TMS blog

8th over - Eng 20-1 (TARGET 350)
Captain Mahela Jayawardene adjusts the field for Anderson - there are two slips, two gullies and even a man out on the hook, should the "Burnley Express" try to attack the Slinger. Jimmy dabs one to point and Vaughan sends him back as the throw comes in. His first run of the day comes when he guides one to the midwicket area.

"I actually fancy England to get a result, Pietersen is due a good innings and Vaughan is a true leader, I honestly believe it's doable, Come on England!"
Dan Simmonds - An Extremely Optimistic Student in Plymouth (his words) - in the TMS inbox

7th over - Eng 18-1 (TARGET 350)
The wily left-arm swing bowler Chaminda Vaas takes the second over of the day, and he begins with a no-ball and Vaughan, looking to off-drive, gets an inside edge and it goes for four past backward square leg. We may have to get 98 overs in today (depending on Sri Lanka's over-rate and the light), and it's a long first session - lunch is not due until 0700 GMT.

6th over - Eng 13-1 (TARGET 350)
The Slinger runs in to Anderson, and the first runs of the day come when a snorter flies off a good length, and just misses Anderson's gloves as it flies over keeper Prasanna Jayawardene for four byes. Anderson doesn't get bat on ball to any of the deliveries, but at least he's still there and sees off the over. Meanwhile, Aggers on TMS has noticed some unusual guard dogs at the ground - a well-fed dalmatian, and a labrador cross-breed.

0430: The teams are walking out. Captain Michael Vaughan is giving plenty of advice to his unlikely partner - nightwatchman James Anderson. We finished with two overs of spin in the fading light last night, but Lasith Malinga is taking the first over.

0426: Aggers and the TMS crew are up and running. Don't forget, I'll need your help again today with your texts (on 81111, with "CRICKET" as the first word of your message) and e-mails (to [email protected], with "For Mark Mitchener" in the subject line) - while you can get involved on 606 after 0900 GMT.

"Good morning Mark - sitting up on sofa here as operated on knee is sore, anticipating an England win today, I think Bopara will make a century on the last scoring stroke"
Richard, laid up in Peterborough, in the TMS inbox

0415: Morning, everyone - I hope you're ready for what could be a fascinating day of Test cricket - whatever the result.

The match situation is this: England are 9-1 in their second innings, chasing an unlikely victory target of 350. I say "unlikely" as if they did win, it would be England's highest ever victorious fourth-innings total in a Test - beating the previous best of 332-7 against Australia in the third Test at Melbourne in 1928/29. That was a "timeless" Test which took place over seven days (from 29 December to 5 January, including a rest day), and the Aussie opening bowler was the splendidly-named Ted a'Beckett.