Michael Vandort struck a patient fifty as Sri Lanka recovered to 105-2 after two days of the second Test in Colombo.

Ryan Sidebottom ousted key man Kumar Sangakkara, to leave them 22-2 but Vandort hit his fourth Test fifty in an obdurate stand with Mahela Jayawardene.

Sidebottom earlier made a defiant 17 from 81 balls and shared 74 with Prior.

But Muttiah Muralitharan took his 62nd five-wicket haul as England were bowled out for 351, Prior last out for 79, his second successive fifty in the series.

By Mark Mitchener

606: DEBATE Have your say on the Second Test on 606

1150: That's it from me for the day - like a glutton for punishment, I'll be back in this chair in the early hours of tomorrow morning to bring you the third day's play. In the meantime, do get involved and continue to debate the day's play on 606.

Many thanks again to all those of you who have e-mailed in - sorry if we weren't able to use your contributions. Take care and I'll see you tomorrow morning.

CLOSE OF PLAY - SECOND DAY

1135: It's arguably been the Prior and Sidey show today - they've scored nearly all England's runs today, then combined for both wickets! To clear up a few issues on the e-mails:

"Given that 'MATT PRIOR' is an anagram of 'TRAITOR MP', it's not surprising each of his detractors have crossed the floor of the house to the opposite armchair before the next squad is voted in!"
Sean Thoburn, London, via text on 81111

"Hey, TMS I apologise for missing the last five minutes of commentary but I've just proposed to my long term girlfriend and the girl from Coven, she said YES!"
H, from Wolverhampton, in the TMS inbox
[Congratulations - MM]

"Never mind county cricket not getting a mention on Sports Personality of the Year. The biggest disgrace is Durham not winning Team of the Year"
Ruth, Aberystwyth, in the TMS inbox

"Surely mentions for Durham for 'Team of the Year' or Geoff Cook for 'Coach of the Year' were warranted, rather than giving it to a team (the England rugby union team) failing to do what had been done four years previously"
Chris Brown, Edinburgh, in the TMS inbox

"Re: David Shroder. I'll have you know that I attended the University of Essex and was shocked and hurt by your comment. While the University does have a large Chav Studies department, it also specialises in Ford Escort Repair Studies, and has an excellent Hoodie History research centre. Your stereotyping is neither accurate nor helpful"
John Collins in the TMS inbox

"I work above the Irish Rover Pub (near the Bernabeu in Madrid) and can confim it is open, not sure about them showing the cricket though, you'll have to ask at the bar"
Kieran, Madrid, in the TMS inbox

"I literally almost bumped into Sir Clive Woodward at Warwick services after Sports Personality. While the queues over at Burger King were endless, Sir Clive picked the healthy option and went for a panini and coffee. After reluctantly signing a few autographs he got back into his seriously awesome car and drove off into the distance"
Sarah, Bucks, in the TMS inbox

"I was fortunate enough to be in the same house at school as Matt Prior and he was always a very skillful corridor cricketer at break times, not to mention his talent on the actual cricket field. He is still finding his feet as a full time member of the national team and deserves our support to help him achieve the consistently high standard he is capable"
Pete from Sussex in the TMS inbox

"Answering the question asked by Tim in Bucks, Monty Panesar has a degree in Computer Science"
Rob, London, in the TMS inbox

"A dog ran on to the pitch yesterday? Was this dog #1 or dog #2 from the one-day matches or is it a new one?! As far as I can tell the dogs are now a fundamental part of any cricket match in Sri Lanka and I only hope that we can return the favour when they are in the UK"
Annabel Mason in the TMS inbox[It was a dog we haven't seen before - no sign of him today though - MM]

"Re: Jack Gabb - is David Attenborough a cricket fan? His brother Dickie certainly was. He played in a Stage CC match versus Politicians at East Grinstead in about 1955, was hit on the head by a cricket ball and was knocked out cold. See Cricket's Strangest Matches by Andrew Ward"
Richard Godfrey in the TMS inbox

1133: BAD LIGHT STOPPED PLAY
But no - even with the unthreatening pace of Collingwood set to bowl, the umpires offer the light to the batsmen and they're going off. That'll be it for the day - it's not as if they can wait for a break in the cloud.

1132: SL 105-2 (38 overs)
With the light definitely "murky" now according to Aggers, England decide to stick the Montster back on anyway, and he replaces Sidey. Jayawardene runs a quick single to bring up three figures for his side. Vandort then reaches his own half-century with a single to leg. Colly is now definitely warming up to bowl - his military medium should be enough for the umpires not to offer the light just yet. Jayawardene runs Monty down to the cover boundary for four, and it's a long chase for Harmy but the ball crosses the rope. We're supposed to have another 10 overs tonight, but in practice play will continue until the batsmen are offered the light.

1128: SL 99-2 (37 overs)
Fourth umpire Rohitha Kottahachchi brings a light meter on for umpire Harper, who's not interested in looking at it yet, but umpire Dar takes a crafty look. Harmy, his shirt covered with sweat, charges in to Jayawardene who signals for a pair of fresh gloves. After he takes a single, Harmy moves round the wicket to Vandort, who's still stuck on 49 and plays a back-foot defensive shot.

"MM, the first paragraph you wrote after proclaiming to take extra care with your spelling and grammar was to put 'short' instead of 'shot'. Was this a subtle but intentional witticism?"
Pricey, Barnsley, in the TMS inbox
[I must have been momentarily possessed by the spirit of Tony Greig - he who likes it 'hord and forst', and is quick to recognise a 'morvellous short'. I've corrected it now - MM]

1123: SL 98-2 (36 overs)
Sidey continues, while Paul Collingwood is loosening up at slip - will he get a bowl, or is he just staying loose? Vandort's on 49 still, but he's unable to pierce the off-side ring of fielders, and a maiden for Sidey as Prior is keeping wicket bare-headed for a spell.

"Howdo Double M. I'm intrigued, why was Kat in A&E all day yesterday? Is she a doctor or was she injured? And for what it's worth I completely agree with AJ's comments. Keep up the good work"
Billyboy in the TMS inbox

1119: SL 98-2 (35 overs)
Jayawardene has to wait to pull Harmy towards midwicket, and both Broad and the Montster set off in hot pursuit. Monty defers to Broad, who takes the ball over the rope with him as he tries to cut it off.

"The reason that there was no mention of county cricket at Sports Personality of the Year is that Sussex won the championship. If it had gone to rainy Lancashire if would have been top billing"
Ali, Hove, in the TMS inbox

"These two are looking comfortable now - England need to do something to unsettle them"
Simon Hughes, aka "The Analyst", on TMS

1114: SL 94-2 (34 overs)
As Simon Hughes on TMS compares former SL captain Duleep Mendis to Popeye because of his enormous forearms, Jayawardene opts for safety first against Sidey, just pushing a single off the fifth ball of the over before Vandort takes two off the last ball to raise his score to 49. The shadows are lengthening on the pitch.

"Don't you think that Sidey's terribly underrated? He's been the most reliable bowler and most reliable lower order batsman ever since he was called up, far better than those blokes who are always injured. Let's have a big up for the big hair!"
Cam in the TMS inbox

"It's probably been said already, but does anyone remember another freakish short-leg dismissal on the last England tour of Sri Lanka? Wasn't Trescothick caught via the folds of short leg's shirt whilst slog-sweeping off the middle of his bat? As a youngster watching the series, the sheer luck of that dismissal has always stuck in my mind!"
Ben, Lincoln, in the TMS inbox

"Replying to Sarah, Bucks - I saw Tresco in Hopwood services on the way home tucking into a bag of crisps with Somerset coach Andy Hurry... didn't look too glum then!"
Chris, Somerset, in the TMS inbox

1110: SL 91-2 (33 overs)
Harmy is almost hitting 90mph as he charges in to skipper Jayawardene. Jayawardene has to play forward to defend his stumps. He spoils Harmy's chances of a maiden by guiding a single down to third man off the final delivery.

"As a Canvey resident I can happily inform you all that the only bearded academic on Canvey is the lady who used to run the video rental shop. This did indeed just get renovated to become the institute for chav studies, which is an offshoot of the University of Essex"
David Shroder, Canvey Island, in the TMS inbox

1106: SL 90-2 (32 overs)
The Montster takes a break and Sidey returns for a second spell. He, at least, is making the batsmen play - but Jayawardene guides a single to fine leg. Prior stands up to the stumps to Vandort, who fences it over slip and gully for four. The Sri Lanka drummer (see earlier) has been replaced by an older drummer. Vandort is upset with someone walking behind the bowler's arm - he's then struck on the pad and there's a big appeal but umpire Dar indicates that the ball was missing leg stump.

"Do any of the England team have an 'ology'? Can any of them match Sanga's penchant for reading books on Lucretius during those long overseas tours? What did Monty get from Loughborough Uni, apart from a 'lovely loop'?"
Tim, Bucks, in the TMS inbox

"Why do people continue to put Matt Prior down as some sort of clown who isn't good enough to play for England? (See Andrew Johnstone's comments at 1017). Yes he had a bad run at the end of last summer, but doesn't everyone go through a bad trot? People forget he has only played about 10 Test matches, and he is now showing just how good a player he is. I say leave him alone, he is doing a good job"
Danny in the TMS inbox

"The reputation for TMS is amazing, especially for cake. But we're into the seventh day of the series and I haven't seen as much as a crumb"
Simon Hughes, aka "The Analyst", on TMS

1100: SL 85-2 (31 overs)
Jayawardene takes a single off Harmy to square leg, and Vandort then has to sway out of the way of a lifter. Harmy isn't making them play at too many here.

"Doesn't the Irish Rover near the Bernabeu in Madrid show the cricket? I seem to remember watching there. See you for a pint if it's open"
Andy, Madrid, in the TMS inbox

1056: SL 84-2 (30 overs)
The Montster still has two close catchers for Jayawardene, and the Sri Lanka captain steers a single through the covers. A rapid over yields just that one run.

"As a 35-year-old, I remember IMF (see earlier) well and although their follow-up work to indie classic 'Unbelievable' was pretty dire I feel it slightly unfair to blame an entire Asian financial crisis on their drug-fuelled efforts"
John, East Yorks, in the TMS inbox[Wasn't that EMF? MM]

"Harmison's cruising at the moment, trying to find some rhythm, but he's bowling a bit short of a good length"
Simon Hughes, aka "The Analyst", on TMS

1053: SL 83-2 (29 overs)
Harmison returns in place of Broad, his first ball is met with a forward defensive stroke from Vandort. Harmy is described as "gormless" by CMJ on TMS as he needlessly throws the ball back towards the stumps (even though Vandort was making no attempt to run) and the throw is very wild - the batsmen are able to take a run they should have no business getting. Nice one, Harmy. Jayawardene tickles a single and Vandort rocks back onto the back foot and steers another four through point.

"Are there no bees, snakes or dogs in Colombo? Is a chipmunk the best there is?"
Guy, Gloucestershire, in the TMS inbox
[A dog ran on yesterday - MM]

1048: SL 77-2 (28 overs)
The Montster tosses it up to Jayawardene, who works it away for two. Another effortless cover drive beings two as Bopara fields on the cover boundary. Not much luck for the Northants tweaker so far, four wicketless overs for 21 runs.

"Is the illustrious Sir David Attenborough a cricket fan? He could comment on the wildlife off the pitch, and the Montsters on it"
Jack Gabb in the TMS inbox

1045: SL 73-2 (27 overs)
Broad goes round the wicket to the left-handed Vandort, which means the sightscreens need to be shifted. This takes a little while. When they do resume, Vandort gets up onto his toes and carves another four through the covers - that's the fifty partnership.

"The wind is mainly coming from Stuart Broad's end"
Simon Hughes probably wishes on reflection that he'd phrased that better on TMS

"Yet another student here having pulled the inevitable all-nighter. Great to hear Sidey take the prize Sangakkara wicket, the lad deserves all he gets with such a phenomenal work ethic. Despite play being - ahem - not as fast moving as the previous Test it's still preferable to starting 5000 words on metaphysics"
John in Bristol in the TMS inbox

"Having spent yesterday in A&E, the cricket is the only thing getting me through my morning at work!"
Kat in the TMS inbox

"Mark, perhaps you could ask the general public where all the Matt Prior-haters are now? Two gritty innings' in two games from the 'Mouth of the South' and not a peep from anybody about Chris Read and co? Nothing worse than a critic who can never give praise - just about sums up the classic armchair fan"
AJ, City of London, in the TMS inbox

1039: SL 69-2 (26 overs)
Another marvellous front-foot shot from Vandort as he guides Monty through the covers for four. Panesar is bowling over the wicket to the left-hander, who then prods a single to mid-on.

"Hi Mark, just checking the Test score and there I see your name! Do you remember the good old days of English lessons? It probably seems a long time ago to you. I suppose it does to me as well. Hope all is well with you"
Frank Ahern (my old English teacher from school), in the TMS inbox
[Good to hear from you. If you're reading, I'd better make sure my grammar, punctuation and spelling are even better than usual - MM]

1033: SL 64-2 (25 overs)
The increasingly confident Vandort guides Broad for a single through midwicket. Close of play today is technically 1130 GMT, although in practice they'll carry on to try to bowl the requisite 90 overs. But if previous days are anything to go by, the light may start to fail around 1145 GMT, Aggers reckons. A drinks break is taken.

"I was at Sports Personality of the Year '07 last night and was also wondering why there was no mention of county cricket. [Glad I wasn't the only one who thought that - MM] When I heard Ramps was around I assumed there would be some mention but turns out he was only there for the dancing. I've never been a fan of Strictly but that man can seriously move! On another note I saw Tresco who was sat there looking rather glum - wishing he were out in SL perhaps?"
Sarah, Bucks, in the TMS inbox

1029: SL 63-2 (24 overs)
Harmy is back on the field as Vandort pushes forward to Panesar. He then expertly times a forward press past mid-off for four. A two and a single take his score to 28 - this stand is now worth 41.

1025: SL 56-2 (23 overs)
Jayawardene pushes a single into the covers off Broad, while the group of three girl dancers in dark purple T-shirts (see yesterday's live text) are back in action. Vandort works a single down to Sidey on the boundary, and the skipper then carves a four through backward point.

"Listening to TMS on my way to work Aggers came up with the following classic when Sidebottom got Sangakkara 's wicket: 'He's been mobbed by his team mates. There's hair everywhere'."
Mike Cawthra, Henley on Thames, in the TMS inbox

1021: SL 50-2 (22 overs)
The Montster is brought into the attack in place of Harmison, with a celebratory fanfare from the Barmy Army trumpeter. A Sri Lanka trumpeter then joins the action, providing a rather raucous rival to the Barmies. To the sound of duelling trumpets, Jayawardene takes a single and then Vandort guides one off his legs to sub fielder James Anderson, who's on the field as Harmison is temporarily off. Anderson is called into action again but can't prevent another two as Sri Lanka reach their half-century.

1017: SL 45-2 (21 overs)
Aggers notes that Broad looks a little happier at Harper's end. Vandort hits him straight to Cook at short leg, but unlike Michael Vaughan's dismissal yesterday, it doesn't lodge in the helmeted man's midriff and Vandort lives to fight another day. He and Jayawardene exchange singles. Even the crowd are quite becalmed at this stage.

"Who is this new keeper/batsman Prior that is scoring all these runs and taking one-handed tumbling catches in front of first slip? Is he related to that other teflon-gloved, 'couldn't bat for toffee' laughing stock also called Prior who was turning out for England at the end of last summer? I think we should be told"
Andrew Johnstone in the TMS inbox

1012: SL 43-2 (20 overs)
Jayawardene is able to leave most deliveries from Harmison as he's bowling outside off-stump - but a maiden is the outcome. Nothing really threatening there from the Durham man, who "looked a bit of a lost man" in the nets the other day according to Angus Fraser on TMS.

"If Mike or Mark find somewhere in Madrid to watch the game I'll come and join them"
Alex, Madrid, in the TMS inbox

1008: SL 43-2 (19 overs)
The Sri Lankan drummer (see 0911) is still banging away as Broad bangs one in to Vandort who has to fend it off. Angus Fraser on TMS expresses his suspicion at speed guns, which (he feels) always seem to favour bowlers in South Africa over others elsewhere. Another maiden, and Broad is so far escaping any censure from umpire Harper, which will be a relief for England.

"I think you should close the correspondence on theses/essays etc as it won't be long before some earnest, bearded professorial type is proposing that the Polytechnic of Canvey Island offer a three-year NVQHND (with bar) studying the whole concept of thesis/essay writing and the nocturnal habits of said thesists/essayists. Stop now!"
Marc, Liverpool, in the TMS inbox
[I think we'd pretty much exhausted the topic anyway. And if there is/was a Canvey Island Poly, it's probably the University of Central Southern Essex now - MM]

1004: SL 43-2 (18 overs)
A slice of fortune for Sri Lanka as Jayawardene tries to cut, gets a top edge and it sails over the slips for four. Radio 4 LW listeners return as the home captain carefully prods forward to a good length ball.

"200 pages for a PhD? Must be a scientist. Mine was 300 pages and was considered 'on the short side'."
Dr Rob Boddice, Germany, in the TMS inbox

"My dentist once informed me that the ancient Egyptians used to use honey & camel dung to cure toothache - not sure of the proportions or Student Steve's nearest camel!"
Jackie, at work in Welwyn Garden City, in the TMS inbox

1000: SL 39-2 (17 overs)
An intriguing bowling change as Sidey takes a rest and Broad returns - having been given two formal warnings by umpire Aleem Dar for running on the wicket, he's now going to have a go from Daryl Harper's end. He bowls very tightly against Vandort, who hasn't had much of the strike lately. Another maiden.

"The equivalent of needing a six off the last ball to finish an essay is needing another 2,500 words before 5pm this afternoon having been up more or less since Ricky Hatton was knocked out"
Dan in the TMS inbox

"Why do students do things at the last minute? Because urgent things always get done and important things get put off until they are urgent"
Matthew Hind (Lecturer on MBA programme) in the TMS inbox

0955: SL 39-2 (16 overs)Jayawardene cuts Harmy to gully where Bopara makes a smart stop. Another addition to the vast Sri Lankan cricketing menagerie is spied as the TV camera picks up a chipmunk nibbling on an apple core. Another sprawling stop by Bopara denies Jayawardene a boundary and we have a maiden over from Harmy.

0950: SL 39-2 (15 overs)
Sidey continues for his eighth over. Jayawardene clubs him away towards square leg, and the Montster may not be bowling yet but he makes a smart chase-and-throw from the boundary.

"In spite of spending far to much time listening to TMS and reading the message board I've just managed to get my PhD!"
Dr Tim, Birmingham, in the TMS inbox

"These Sri Lankans are looking nice and shaky in their reply. It warms me up on a cold Monday morning"
Alex Ince in the TMS inbox

0946: SL 36-2 (14 overs)
Vandort takes a single off Harmy, while the Montster is warming up, possibly to bowl. Jayawardene plays at a lifting one just outside off-stump but manages to play the ball down into the ground. CMJ thinks that at a ground like Perth, that would have flown to (or over) the slips. Radio 4 LW listeners lose TMS for a spell as they go over to the Daily Service, and Jayawardene pinches the strike with a single.

"The Wisden five should be Sangakarra, Stuart Clark, Murali, Ponting and I would say Kallis. Ramprakash has to be domestic player of the year and champagne is India's last-gasp win over Pakistan in the 20/20 - what was Misbah doing?"
Julian Hawes in the TMS inbox
[You can only be named as one of Wisden's five cricketers of the year once, and then can't be chosen for that honour again. Ponting was named in 2006, Murali in 1999 and Ramps in 2007, though the other three you name are still eligible - Sanga must be a hot favourite - MM]

0941: SL 34-2 (13 overs)
Vandort prods forward to Sidey and gets a single to midwicket. A deft leg-glance from Jayawardene adds a four to the skipper's score.

0937: SL 29-2 (12 overs)
Harmison's first ball is a bouncer to Jayawardene. Aleem Dar has a good look at where his feet land as well. After Jayawardene takes a single, Vandort plays smartly through the covers for a well-run three. A much better first over for Harmy than the last Ashes!

0932: Harmison's coming straight on - Broad's off.

0930: Umps are coming back on, while Harmison and bowling coach Ottis Gibson have had more bowling practice during the interval.

"Good start for England bowlers - is this the first time that a pair of Notts bowlers have bowled in tandem for England since Larwood and Voce?"
Roger McGarva in the TMS inbox
[We reckon it's certainly the first sons-of-England-Test-players pair to share the new ball for England - MM]

"Get Harmy on now, give them some chin music"
Chris, Somerset, in the TMS inbox
[He may be on sooner than expected if Broad runs on the wicket again - MM]

"Pulling an all-nighter is more akin to holding out for a draw in a Test: you try to delay the inevitable fall of the last wicket (ie actually writing the essay) until the last possible moment by all means. The essay itself is, in my experience, written at frantic speeds when there isn't that much time left at all, so it's more like a Twenty20..."
Alexander, a (you guessed it) student, in the TMS inbox

TEA INTERVAL

0915: Time for a sandwich. And with the magic hour of 0900 GMT having passed, 606 is open for business - get involved and have your say.

"I'm worried with Broad. He is bowling well but I think he should be given a rest from bowling so that he calms down his nerves cos otherwise he risks being banned from bowling for the rest of the innings. And this together with Harmy's suspicious bowling will mean trouble for England"
Danny Muttley on 606

"In my defence (Paul from Lancs) I went to bed at a reasonable time and then got up to listen to the cricket/work on my essay. An essay is just a piece of coursework (1500-3000 words), a thesis or dissertation is 6000-12,000 words for undergraduate, 30,000 for Masters and around 200 pages for PhD"
James, Edinburgh, in the TMS inbox

0911: SL 25-2 (11 overs)
This will probably be the last over before tea, with Sidey running in to Jayawardene who shoulders arms. A group of young Sri Lanka fans have brought in not just a drum, but an entire drum kit, and Simon Hughes on TMS compares the main drummer to the drumming gorilla in the Phil Collins advert. (If you don't know the one I'm on about, a quick search on a well-known video-sharing website which is an anagram of Tube You will pay dividends). Vaughan brings in a short mid-of and a Reasonably Short Extra Cover to add to the three slips. Jayawardene prods a single to midwicket off the final ball, and that's tea. A great start for England.

0906: SL 24-2 (10 overs)
More concern for England as Broad is given his second warning by umpire Aleem Dar for running on the wicket. If he transgresses again, he would be banned from bowling for the rest of the innings. Jayawardene takes a single off the final derlivery.

"England would have spent hours working out how to get Sangakkara out - but the ball that gets him out is a good length ball which moves away from the batsman. It's back to basics"
Simon Hughes, aka "The Analyst", on TMS

0902: SL 23-2 (9 overs)
The vastly experienced Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene arrives at the crease for his 150th Test innings. He's the first right-hander of the innings, and is off the mark with a single.

0859: WICKET - Sangakkara c Prior b Sidebottom 1 - SL 22-2 (8.5 overs)
A huge wicket for England - after an over of probing, Sidey gets one to move away from Sanga and Prior pouches a low catch. Sidey screams in delight.

"I'm intrigued by the student behaviour apparent on the live text today/through the night. Why exactly DO students stay up all night to write essays and theses (and what is the difference between these, I've almost never wondered but do now)? Why don't they do it in the daytime when they are less tired and therefore presumably better able to think? Is it like a one-day run chase where they judge how many words they need to write and speed up towards the end? What then is the all-night essay equivalent of a last-ball six to win the game?"
Paul in Lancs in the TMS inbox

0855: SL 22-1 (8 overs)
Vandort takes a single, and Broad has three slips and a gully for new batsman Sanga. Like the openers, he's also a left-hander, and he's off the mark with a tickle to square leg. Vandort is then hit high on the pad but Dar says "not out".

"You couldn't ask Mark Kidger if he knows anywhere in Madrid to watch the cricket, rather than just following online? Not that the commentary isn't excellent..."
Mike, Madrid, in the TMS inbox

"That was a much-needed breakthrough for England. I wonder whether Stuart Broad should come round the wicket, which would take his problems with running on the wicket out of the equation"
Former Middlesex and England seam bowler Angus Fraser on TMS

0850: SL 20-1 (7 overs)
In comes Sri Lanka's big fish - Kumar Sangakkara, who's risen to number one in the official ICC world Test rankings since his heroics in the first Test. How England would love to get him out cheaply. His first ball is a bouncer from Sidey which Prior takes above his head. Tea is due at 0910 GMT, by the way.

0847: WICKET - Tharanga c Prior b Sidebottom 10 - SL 20-1 (6.4 overs)
Vandort leg-glances a single, then Tharanga punches an on-drive for four past Broad at mid-off. Vaughan's response is to bring himself in at short mid-off, roughly in the same place that last dive went. Then, England make the breakthrough as Sidey induces an outside edge and Prior takes a tumbling one-handed catch in front of Bell at first slip.

0844: SL 15-0 (6 overs)
Broad continues, and Dar's still not happy, inspecting the footmarks after almost every delivery. He then gives Broad a formal warning - his right foot is almost landing on the line of leg stump. A short ball is steered by Tharanga to Bopara at second (short) gully. A maiden, but Dar's still concerned about Broad's follow-through. Watch this space.

0839: SL 15-0 (5 overs)
Vandort guides a two that evades Harmison at backward point. He then pads up, not offering a shot to Sidey but it does appear to have hit him just outside the line of off-stump. Roshan Abeysinghe on TMS is rather fascinated by the Barmy Army's eponymous "Barmy Army" chant.

"Ryan Sidebottom may have a hair-do that makes Coco the Clown's look positively conservative but, despite often looking at sea with the bat, he is turning into a considerable nuisance for opposition bowlers. 74 runs added with Prior and job well done"
Mark Kidger, Madrid, in the TMS inbox

0835: SL 13-0 (4 overs)
Vandort takes a quick single, and off the next ball, Tharanga pushes the ball past gully, non-striker Vandort hares down the pitch but is sent back and only just makes his ground as Bopara's throw fizzes in. Broad tests Tharanga with a bouncer, but umpire Dar still isn't happy with Broad's follow-through - particularly where his right foot lands immediately after his delivery stride.

"Of course Goliath had a big sword, David had the sling. How's Malinga against big swords?"
Tom in the TMS inbox

0831: SL 12-0 (3 overs)
Vandort pushes for a quick single and a misfield by KP in the covers makes it a comfortable single. Tharanga dabs a single as well but Sidey is definitely getting a bit of bounce. Bell, Collingwood and Bopara are the three slips at this stage. Vandort takes another single, Vaughan inserts one of his trademark unorthodox field placings (Cook as a second gully, much shorter than the first) and Tharanga guides the first boundary of the innings through the covers.

"Champagne moment? Being Irish, it can only be Trent Johnston hitting a six to beat Pakistan in the World Cup on St Patrick's Day - you couldn't make that up!"
Eoin Smith in the TMS inbox
[And what about Ireland for Team of the Year? MM]

0826: SL 5-0 (2 overs)
Well, he may have marked out his run-up, but Harmison (205 Test wickets) isn't being given the new ball. That honour falls to debutant Stuart Broad, and his first ball is on a good length and moves away slightly off the seam. Tharanga (left-handed like his partner) then shoulders arms outside off-stump - and after two balls in Test cricket, young Broad gets a warning from umpire Aleem Dar about running on the wicket. Welcome to the big time, Stu. Tharanga is off the mark with a single. Dar then has a word with captain Michael Vaughan about Broad's follow-through, but no kind of formal warning is given. Yet. Vandort takes a single to round off the over.

0821: SL 3-0 (1 over)
Presumably in an attempt to help Harmison settle back into the England team, Sidey's first ball is a wide which keeper Prior takes in front of first slip. Harmison, in fact, is fielding at gully, even though he was marking his run-up at the other end. This allows the Montster to field at long leg. Vandort is off the mark as he steers a two between gully and point. Vandort then has to evade an absolute snorter from Sidey.

0814: Relief for England as Aggers has discovered that the groundsman has ruled that the area where England were practising is not officially part of the square - so England are okay. Michael Vandort and Upul Tharanga are opening up for Sri Lanka, and Sidebottom is taking the first over.

"Mark, you tell people they can keep up to date on the test from a "mobile, PDA or other handheld device. I have a Braun MR430HC/AC Multiquick Deluxe Hand Blender & Chopper, which is a nifty handheld device for smoothies and the like, but I'm yet to get the scorecard on it"
Rick, Dubai, in the TMS index
[Given the advance of technology, give it a few years and you probably will. In the interests of fairness, other "choppers" are available - MM]

"CMJ! Surely David did the slinging, not Goliath? [I think he meant Goliath was the victim of the slinging - MM] For the best verbal slinger in cricket I suppose it must be Gilchrist? And outside, can I suggest Julian Clary would take the prize - for the high humour content of his barbs rather than the aggression"
Andy BL, in a breezy and blue Dubai, in the TMS inbox

0809: The TMS team are concerned to see England's players technically contravening Law 17 by practising adjacent to the pitch while we wait for the Sri Lanka innings to begin. The letter of the law would see Harmy, Sidey and Broad banned from bowling at the start of the innings.

ENGLAND FIRST INNINGS - 351 ALL OUT

0804: WICKET - Prior c & b Muralitharan 79 - Eng 351 all out
Prior, clearly under instruction, goes for a big hit against Murali and only succeeds in hoisting a skier high into the air and the off-spinner takes the catch off his own bowling. Prior departs after 130 balls of defiance, the Montster still hasn't been dismissed in this series (!) and Murali has taken a "Michelle Pfeiffer" (five-for).

0803: Eng 351-9 (126 overs)
With just the Montster for company now, Prior tries to hit out against Vaas but can't penetrate the cover field for the first couple of balls. Prior pushes a quick single off the fourth ball of the over. Monty's a little slow to react but makes his ground. Vaas then digs in a bouncer, which Monty ducks - and as a member of the number 11 batsmen's union, I have to say that's not particularly sporting, Chaminda. A couple of drinks are hurriedly brought on.

0758: Eng 350-9 (125 overs)
It's time for the Montster, who plays a forward defensive to his first ball from Murali, to cheers from the England fans. Even the Barmy Army trumpeter launches into his first fanfare of the day. Panesar plays the doosra well to see off the over. He's not been dismissed in this Test series yet - and after that awful shot by Harmison, may be pushing for the number 10 position.

0755: WICKET - Harmison c Silva b Muralitharan 0 - Eng 350-9 (124.1 overs)
Vic Marks on TMS reveals that Harmison feels he's "all right if I get off the mark, but I tend to get a lot of noughts". There's a man at short fine leg for Harmison's favoured premeditated paddle sweep - he tries that exact shot first ball, gets a top edge and it goes straight to that fielder. A first-baller for the Durham paceman. And a nought.

0753: Eng 350-8 (124 overs)
Vic Marks on TMS says it's "always interesting" watching new batsman Steve Harmison bat. He's at the non-striker's end as Prior defends solidly against Vaas before guiding one past backward square leg for a couple. He then scampers another two to midwicket to take England's score to 350. Harmison's long strides allow him to make his ground at the bowler's end as the throw comes in.

"I don't know about people called Chris but what about the number of students up early today, at that glorious time of year when we all have essays or exams"
James, Edinburgh, in the TMS inbox

0748: WICKET - Sidebottom c M Jayawardene b Muralitharan 17 - Eng 346-8 (123 overs)
We've just reached a bit of a go-slow now - Prior slog-sweeps Murali for a single and signals for yet another new pair of gloves. Sidey's defiance is finally ended when he nicks one which bounces up off keeper Prasanna Jayawardene and is taken by skipper Mahela Jayawardene (no relation) at the second attempt. Sidey walks. That 17 came off 81 balls.

0745: Eng 345-7 (122 overs)
We're developing a bit of a pattern here, with Prior taking a single off the first ball. Vaas has replaced the Slinger in the attack, and Sidey scores his first run for a couple of overs past backward point. Prior tries a leg-glance and a leg bye ensues.

"Sidebottom is like Trescothick without the shots at the moment - he's got quite a stiff stance and not much footwork, but keeps the bowlers out"
Vic Marks on TMS

"I'm still up writing a paper. Hope that Prior gets a big 100 batting with the tail and proves that he belongs. I hope I didn't jinx him..."
Josh, USA, in the TMS inbox

"Ryan Sidebottom and his dad Arnie both began playing cricket for Holmfirth in the Huddersfield area - it's where 'Last of the Summer Wine' is filmed"
Simon Hughes, aka "The Analyst", on TMS

0740: Eng 342-7 (121 overs)
The Slinger leaves the field and Sri Lanka bring on a sub fielder as Prior takes another early single, happy to give his shaggy-haired partner plenty of the strike against Murali. Sidey almost follows one which spins across him but withdraws his bat at the last minute.

"If the legal action doesn't work, at least I've managed to provoke some discussion on development economics. Who says the BBC is dumbing down? Only 650 words to go now, and I'm getting firmly stuck into capital account liberalisation and Malaysia's capital controls. I'm determinded to finish before England reach 400! (So very optimistic for both parties really!)"
Andy in Newcastle in the TMS inbox

0737: Eng 341-7 (120 overs)
The Slinger runs in close to the stumps and Prior is alert to defend a well-disguised slower ball. He steers a single to leg and Sidey sees off the rest of the over.

"I'm yet another student pulling an all-nighter in the wonder that is Maryland University's 24-hour library. Thank goodness for the cricket, it's the only thing keeping me going after an early start to listen to the mighty Boro dominate Arsenal!! Don't suppose anyone has a 2500-word essay on Procopius' secret history from 550 AD? If not I'll take an England lead of 450+ to raise my spirits"
Chris Abell, Maryland (Middlesbrough really) in the TMS inbox[Have we had a record number of people called Chris e-mailing in today or what? MM]

"Sidebottom uses hit bat like a shovel - he only picks it up about stump high, which helps him deal with the wiles of Muralitharan and the exocet yorkers of Malinga"
Simon Hughes, aka "The Analyst", on TMS

0732: Eng 340-7 (119 overs)
Sidey takes a single off Murali before Prior steers a well-run two to his favoured third man area. Another quick single rotates the strike again, and Sidey maintains his watchful defiance as Murali invitingly tosses a couple up.

"They play a lot of rugby here at school in Sri Lanka, which probably helps them physiologically as they're a team of great fielders"
Simon Hughes, aka "The Analyst", on TMS

0729: Eng 336-7 (118 overs)
Malinga, who "would have given Goliath a serious match as a slinger" according to CMJ on TMS, slings in a yorker to Sidey, who tries to dig it out but almost plays on to his stumps. He then guides a single to fine leg. Prior drives but is unable to beat the cover fielders.

"I found out that apparently chewing on a raw onion for three minutes or washing my mouth out with a vodka-salt water mixer will help my toothache... seriously. I reckon it's safer to wait till my appointment!"
Student Steve in the TMS inbox

0725: Eng 335-7 (117 overs)
Prior gets an edge to third man for four, then carefully opens the face and takes two to the same area. The Sussex man has got shedloads of runs to the third man area today, but whatever his game plan is, it's working so far.

"Murali had a little spat with umpire Daryl Harper yesterday - he had a big lbw appeal then he ran down the pitch, and back up the middle of the pitch on a length. Harper had a word, and Murali didn't like his tone of voice, although they seem to have patched it up today"
Former Middlesex and Durham seamer Simon Hughes, aka "The Analyst", on TMS

0722: Eng 329-7 (116 overs)
Malinga slings one in wide of off-stump which would easily be called a wide in one-day cricket - but Sidebottom leaves it alone and it's a dot. The next three balls are also left outside off-stump, before Sidey finally has to play at one which goes for a single to third man. Prior takes a single to pinch the strike.

"Hello from Toronto at 2:10am! Would love to stay up but have to be an ICU physio tomorrow and don't want to kill anyone. I love following the games on the BBC site, and lord knows there are some crazy ex-pats out there at odd times of the day. as an old Hampshireman I'm expecting a better innings from Pietersen. BTW, go ARGOS!"
Chris Jagoe in the TMS inbox

0718: Eng 327-7 (115 overs)
Murali changes ends and will bowl from the TMS commentary box end for the first time in the innings. There's a short leg but no slip. He appeals when Prior prods forward, but the batsman hit it - and Murali then apologises for appealing. It's a maiden.

"The ICC ought to institute a rule whereby 'Common sense overrules all other rules'"
Christopher Martin-Jenkins on TMS

0712: Refreshments have been taken, shirts have been changed, sun cream has been reapplied and the Sri Lankan fielders are back out there. Matt Prior is dead keen to resume his innings, literally running back out to the middle.

0709: Don't forget, if you're just getting up and cursing the fact that it's Monday morning and you have to go to work - you can follow all the action here on BBC Sport on your mobile, PDA or other handheld device.

"Taking advantage of the rare opportunity to join in your discussions can I ask why there is not more structure to the international game in both Test and ODIs? I'd find it so much more entertaining following the game if i knew where England stood in a league, and not just in the rankings! As it is I feel rather like a clueless dog, very excitable, tongue slopping all over the place, tail wagging like crazy as it's England. Then the confusion starts, I'm just not sure what I'm so excited about"
Dan, extremely tired in Salisbury, via text on 81111

"For those of you who think I may be over-remunerated for my opinions to have any merit (see earlier), may I suggest a trip to the New Territories to see the other side of life and what can be found in the way of gardens"
The first Chris, New Territories, Hong Kong, in the TMS inbox

"I don't suppose Tudor in Jordan has any insight as to the nature of the colonial state in Kenya? It's 1.20am here in Boston. What would the professors at the 'other Cambridge' think if they knew this PhD dissertation was blagged while the author's attention was on the England-Sri Lanka game?!"
Myles Osborne in the TMS inbox

"In response to Lloyd (0607), I think we are anything but a boring side. Is Harmy going to steam in and knock some helmets or bowl to second slip? Is Vaughan going to get out in a ridiculous fashion again? Is Sidey ever going to cut his hair? We may not be any good but are never boring!"
Ken in the TMS inbox

"I missed most of the day's play yesterday because of a huge hailstorm that hit Sydney - hail the size of cricket balls! No power until 9pm local time - just in time to see Pietersen and Cook's shocking umpiring decisions. What happened to the sunshine I used to see on Neighbours every day? Missed the Hatton fight too!"
The Pom Down Under, Sydney, in the TMS inbox

"It's dark and wet here in Turkey and my internet connection has been down all night. Come on Prior, get a joyous century to cheer me up"
OSJ, Ankara, in the TMS inbox

"Not much advice for the toothache but for those doing all-nighters all I can say is this is my second in a row and it makes such a difference to have some kind of sport to follow whilst working. The Hatton v Mayweather fight got me through it yesterday and I will be relying on England to keep me going over the next few days. Got to write another 4500 words by Wednesday. Come on England give me something to stay awake for!"
Christopher Wilson in the TMS inbox

"Good morning from sunny Antananarivo, surely by deporting (giving free flights home?) to streakers Sri Lanka are just encouraging them? Buy a one-way ticket, streak on the final day of the series and get given your return for free, if word gets out there could be hundreds of them, one could even imagine Freddie having a go, although they might send him home on a pedalo"
Edd in Antananarivo in the TMS inbox

LUNCH INTERVAL

0635: Time for lunch - keep your awards suggestions coming (see below), and I'll be back soon.

0634: Eng 327-7 (114 overs)
The Slinger replaces Murali for the last over before lunch. Sidey again weaves out of the way to a bouncer, not taking any chances before the interval, before executing a perfect back-foot defensive shot to another rising delivery. Aggers will be talking to Hugh Morris, the newly-appointed managing director of English cricket, on TMS during the interval. Sidey sees off the last ball of the maiden and strides off for lunch, with the shaven-headed Prior slapping him on the back in encouragement.

"Am a development worker in Sri Lanka and have had a hard time of it after England's capitulation in the first Test. Hoping for a dodgy LBW decision first ball for Sangakkara. Tell Andy (Newcastle) that the IMF were very culpable"
Jim in Sri Lanka in the TMS inbox

0629: Eng 327-7 (113 overs)
Sidey plays forward, and something has infuriated Fernando as he aims a huge kick at the ball and misses. Sidey eventually takes a single off the fifth ball, Prior defends the sixth - will we get another over in before lunch?

"Speaking of coursework that needs to be done, I have another 900 words to go until I'm finished but I'm trying to crack on without getting distracted, and as for Champagne Moment of the year, well it's a tough call but I think it has to be Ramprakash scoring at an average of over 100 for the second season running, although as a Surreyite, it may be fair to say I'm biased"
Dan Simmonds - Wide awake student in Plymouth, in the TMS inbox[Whether or not you're biased, to stretch the phrase "champagne MOMENT" over the whole season rather misses the point! MM]

0624: Eng 326-7 (112 overs)
An England supporter is walking around wearing a large sumo wrestler-style "fat suit" and an enormous Ryan Sidebottom mask, featuring a mane of hair even bigger than the man himself's considerable barnet. Prior cover-drives Murali past silly point for four which takes his score to 60, and two of the young ball-boys fight over which of them will get to return the ball. The taller of them wins.

"It's lunch time here in Hong Kong and the weather is beautiful. Good to see some Brits staying up all night for sport. It's normally us poor expats losing sleep to see England get beat!"
A different Chris from Hong Kong (by the way who has a garden in HK?!) in the TMS inbox

0620: Eng 322-7 (111 overs)
Fernando wipes away the sweat off his forehead as he trudges in for his 22nd over. Colly, KP and bowling coach Ottis Gibson share a joke on the England balcony. Fernando is still grunting audibly as he bowls a maiden, and Hoggard brings on a quick drink for the batsmen. 10 minutes until lunch.

"Andy (0531), if he really wants to know about the deeply damaging role of the IMF in the East Asian financial crisis should look at the Stiglitz book ('Globalisation and its Discontents' page 228) - where he explains that bit less secrecy would have led to "far saner policies"... quite a lot of organisations and government could try that recipe! 'Sunshine is the strongest antiseptic' he argues... enjoy it!"
Tudor in Jordan in the TMS inbox

"Anyone with a 'back garden' in Hong Kong (which of course implies that he also has a front garden) should be excluded from voting on 'champagne moment' as presumably, given real estate prices here, his whole life is filled with champagne"
Duncan in the TMS inbox

0615: Eng 322-7 (110 overs)
Prior takes another two to third man off Murali, and then reverse-sweeps for four to bring up the fifty partnership, of which Prior has contributed 37 and Sidey 12. Murali has now conceded 100 runs off his 40 overs.

"I'm up at this hour because I stayed up all last night for the boxing and slept all day today, also because I'm laughing at my housemates doing work to be in in three hours whilst I'm listening to the cricket! Come on England!"
Anthony, Cardiff, in the TMS inbox

0612: Eng 316-7 (109 overs)
Sidey and Prior have a mid-pitch discussion, before Prior drives a single to Upul Tharanga at deep mid-on. Sidey dabs one to backward point for a singleton, while Prior then guides a single to fine leg for his fourth Test fifty. This stand is now worth 44, and both players can take credit for their contribution.

"Following the text from Sebring, Florida where it's 0040 and although I'm retired and enjoying my winters here (daily temps in the low 80s), sadly I do have to go to bed. Come on England, let's see that tail wag"
Ian McKillop in the TMS inbox

"The irony is that if Jayawardene had caught that at knee height, they wouldn't have referred it, and Sidebottom would have been out"
Vic Marks on TMS

"The TMS team were discussing the relative speeds and hostility of fast bowlers from different generations. Presumably, facing quickies must have been more difficult in the days before helmets became standard gear"
Ron in Chesterfield, in the TMS inbox

0607: Eng 313-7 (108 overs)
A single takes Prior to 48 before Murali beats Sidey's outside edge again with a couple of beautifully-flighted off-breaks. Again, he safely negotiates the rest of the over.

"So hopefully England get 350+... which although not a bad first innings total, it is the haphazard and laboured manner in which it was achieved that is far from inspiring... basically we are a boring cricket side"
Lloyd in the TMS inbox

0604: Eng 312-7 (107 overs)
Prior edges a single as keeper Prasanna Jayawardene scampers away to complete the fielding. More stern defence from Sidey, while Angus Fraser and Simon Hughes reminisce about taking turns to be nightwatchman for Middlesex. Sidey gets on top of a rising delivery from Fernando and guides it through the covers for two. Fernando then fires in a bouncer, Sidey tries to pull his hands and bat out of the way and the ball flies to the diving Jayawardene at second slip. The umpires confer, and then signal for the third umpire to adjudge - to a huge cheer from the England fans, following yesterday's events. The TV replay seems to show it hit Sidey's left shoulder - while third umpire Gamini Silva also checks to see if the catch was taken cleanly. The eventual verdict is "not out" - rightly, the TMS team think - and umpire Daryl Harper explains the decision to the Sri Lankans.

"If Wisden can be made willing to go common and commercial, may one suggest TMS live texts' efforts at matchmaking, closely followed by the World Twenty20 in South Africa (the Ind-Pkn matches) as the year's particularly sparkling cricketing moments?"
Miriam in the TMS inbox
[The Ind-Pkn group stage match, which ended level and finished in a bowl-out, was even more exciting than the final in my opinion - MM]

0556: Eng 309-7 (106 overs)
Murali begins his 38th over against Sidey, bowling over the wicket to the left-hander. Prior removes his helmet as non-striker, is the sweat building up there? Sidey competently negotiates another fairly rapid maiden.

"If Trevor Bailey was still on TMS, sleep wouldn't be a problem for Kate in Derby. Talking of sleep I wonder how much sleep Darryl Harper got last night?"
Steve Duckett, Bury St Edmunds, in the TMS inbox

0554: Eng 309-7 (105 overs)
For those of you who may be wondering, lunch is scheduled for 0630 GMT. Fernando continues the attack against Prior, and there's a big mix-up as they try to run a quick single on a misfield. The pair almost meet in mid-pitch before racing back to their own ends - a better throw from Murali at mid-off might have run either batsman out with a direct hit. CMJ estimates that 90-95% of the crowd are England followers. Prior dabs a single and Sidey obviously doesn't mind potentially taking another over from Murali as he takes a single off the fifth ball. Prior then pulls away - has he got something in his eye? He apologises to Fernando and we resume - the last ball is a slow half-volley outside off-stump but Prior lets it go. This stand is now worth 37.

"Come on England, post a decent score, anything below 400 would be disapointing but anything above and it gives Harmy a chance to get some form. Great to see him back and wish him well"
Steve Rule in the TMS inbox

"Well done TMS you are two up on the Guardian - they missed the first two overs and then got the score wrong! I feel the urge to get a game of corridor cricket going, but the sleeping housemates wouldn't approve I dare say. Have a good day"
Adam in the TMS inbox

0548: Eng 307-7 (104 overs)
Murali gives it some tweak and deceives Sidey with one which just misses his outside edge. But Sidey does his job and hangs in there, playing out the maiden.

"Hi Mark, I was feeling confident today which goes against the grain a bit, being a long time England fan. There's no way today can be as frustrating as yesterday with the unlucky and frankly at times shocking decisions, Hatton losing to big mouth and staying up till 6.30am to watch the Reds get turned over at Reading. But, there goes Colly. Here we go..."
Ed, currently Melbourne, Stray-lah, in the TMS inbox

0545: Eng 307-7 (103 overs)
CMJ on TMS reveals that he had accidentally mistaken Angus Fraser's sunglasses for his, and taken them away yesterday. Apparently they're great as they fit around CMJ's regular specs - he offers the ex-Middlesex seamer a swap, but Fraser doesn't like the style of CMJ's shades. There are now FOUR inflatable Scooby Doos sitting in a row (see earlier) - thankfully not a Scrappy-Doo in sight. Prior guides a single to mid-on, and Sidey also rotates the strike.

"It's not all tea and sunshine here in Oz you know, we've had three inches of rain since Friday with more on the way - so much the satellite was out from just before Vaughan's wicket until just after Pietersen's yesterday"
Andrew in Newcastle, NSW, in the TMS inbox

0541: Eng 305-7 (102 overs)
Prior guides Murali for two through midwicket. Murali bowls round the wicket, but Prior dabs him away for another single. Sidey carefully survives the rest of the over.

"A cry for help - I have had toothache all weekend. It is the most painful experience of my life! Any tips from the up-all-nighters? I'm off to the emergency dentist tomorrow... I shiver with fear"
Student Steve, Wales, in the TMS inbox
[The dentist sounds a good option - MM]

0538: Eng 302-7 (101 overs)
It's a double change as Dilhara Fernando replaces the Slinger. A lovely on-drive by Prior is half-stopped at mid-on and they run three. The next ball is slung in, Malinga-style, at Sidey's toes but he pokes it away for a single. Prior reaches 40 and brings up England's 300 with a cover drive that sails over the infield and runs away for four. He even keeps the strike with a single - nine from the over.

"I would like to put forward Kent as team of the year as they won the Twenty20 while being underdogs and the fact that Twenty20 finals day was one of the best days ever that I've spent in a pub - and that's amongst some stiff competition!"
Andy in the TMS inbox

"Great to be following England whilst trying to finish my History coursework! Especially as I have toured Sri Lanka with my school in 2005. We lost all our matches! Mostly to players a good two years younger than us! Amazing country, their passion for cricket is incredible. Hopefully the England results will be better than when I was there. Keep up the good job with the commentary"
Chris in the TMS inbox

"Here I am on nights (again) hoping England give us something to cheer about and win this Test. I believe in Christmas miracles - Middlesbrough beat Arsenal so England can win away"
Tim, Middlesbrough, in the TMS inbox

"England are rocking a little bit and Vaas has got it to swing, but you sense that Prior is playing more positively now he's the senior batsman"
Former Somerset and England off-spinner Vic Marks on TMS

0531: Eng 293-7 (100 overs)
Our first change of bowling this morning as Muttiah Muralitharan replaces Vaas. The inflatable Scooby Doo (see 0511) has been joined by a couple of identical twins. Murali surrounds the bat with two close fielders for Prior, who guides him past the diving short fine leg for four. Prior sweeps for a single, and the drinks trolley is brought on.

"I'm up at this silly hour because I've got a essay to finish. Deadline is 12pm this afternoon, and I've still got 1500 words to go! Normally I'd be quite confident I could bash that out with time to spare, but with Aggers & Co on in the background (and your witty text commentary of course!), I'm wondering if I could sue the BBC when I fail my degree? Any legal advice greatly appreciated (or alternatively, views on the IMF's role in the East Asian Financial crisis)"
Andy in Newcastle in the TMS inbox

0527: Eng 288-7 (99 overs)
Sidey leaves a wide one from the Slinger - the duo could link up in future if they ever film a live-action version of the Hair Bear Bunch cartoon. He then gets an inside edge but the ball trickles safely away from his stumps. Sidey then steers one past backward point for an easy two to get him off the mark, and runs a short one past the slips for four. A profitable over for England.

"Champagne cricket moment of the year, my 'Six and out' playing against my six-year old daughter in the back garden - magical stuff!"
Chris, Hong Kong, in the TMS inbox
[Don't forget, I want your nominations for cricketers of the year, teams of the year and champagne moments - MM]

0523: Eng 282-7 (98 overs)
Another two takes Prior's total to 24 as Radio 4 Long Wave listeners are abruptly taken away for the Shipping Forecast. Prior then handsomely drives through the covers for four. The Sussex man has taken a bit of stick this year, but when we recently spoke to Alec Stewart and Jack Russell, they both feel Prior has the ability and mental character to cement his place in the team.

0518: Eng 276-7 (97 overs)
Time for another left-hander - Ryan Sidebottom, who made a very useful 31 off 81 balls in the first Test in Kandy. He guides a yorker down to fine leg and it's signalled as a leg-bye, and Prior takes two to point. Another single to third man, his favourite scoring area today, ends the over.

"Morning Mark, a certain boxing match yesterday morning and now cricket this morning. Surely it's time for the UK to host every major sporting event. Having said that, the bags appearing under my eyes will prove useful for my forthcoming Christmas shopping trips"
Will, Hampshire, in the TMS inbox

"The bright spot of long dark nights on-call this weekend is that when the wards quieten down at 4am, I get the chance to listen to a little cricket... uninterrupted! Come on England, we need 400!"
Dr Dave, Manchester, in the TMS inbox

0514: WICKET - Broad lbw b Malinga 2 - Eng 272-7 (96.2 overs)
Prior steers the Slinger down to third man for a single. Broad's first Test innings is then ended as Malinga slings in a straight one which traps the Notts newcomer in front.

"Hi Mark, following your commentary from my desk in Hong Kong, feeling extremely rough after the mother of all sessions yesterday for my birthday and the Hatton fight, don't know why but fancy Siders to get 50 today, could be the drink talking though"
Oli in the TMS inbox

0511: Eng 271-6 (96 overs)
England's selection policy can sometimes be slightly perverse - with the effect that their collection of seam bowlers, competing for places, can sometimes do more good for their Test chances by making runs rather than taking wickets. There's a half-hearted lbw shout as the left-handed Broad pads up to Vaas, but nothing happens. Broad finally gets his first Test runs by guiding Vaas through midwicket for two. An inflatable Scooby Doo watches from the stands.

0507: Eng 269-6 (95 overs)
Prior, now the senior batsman, plays out a maiden from the Slinger. Angus Fraser on TMS discusses the merits of tuk-tuks (aka motorised rickshaws), having arrived at the ground on one this morning. If you haven't seen one before, you may remember a rather exciting car chase involving some similar vehicles in the James Bond film "Octopussy" which saw Roger Moore joined by Indian tennis star Vijay Amitraj.

0503: Eng 269-6 (94 overs)
Left-hander Stuart Broad emerges for his debut Test innings - ready to press his claim as a number eight batsman. He is accompanied by the injured Matthew Hoggard, who brings out a fresh pair of gloves for Prior. Broad's first ball is down the leg side. A wicket maiden for the wily Vaas.

0501: WICKET - Collingwood lbw b Vaas 52 - Eng 269-6 (93.5 overs)
Colly takes his life in his hands when he shoulders arms, offering no stroke to Vaas - and the ball straightens and he's out lbw padding up. A good decision by umpire Aleem Dar, and it exposes the England tail.

0457: Eng 269-5 (93 overs)
A definite Middlesex tinge to the TMS commentary as Simon Hughes joins Angus Fraser in the box. Prior carefully guides the Slinger down to third man for four, a better shot than his earlier boundary. Prior is then deceived by a slower ball and has to adjust his shot to a defensive one.

"Unable to sleep and got a uni lecture at 9am! Hopefully England can continue their good form from yesterday and have slightly more luck with the wickets. Let's also hope the radio commentary will send me to sleep"
Kate Pettitt, Derby, in the TMS inbox

0452: Eng 265-5 (92 overs)
Colly faces Vaas for the first time this morning, and defends a maiden with keeper Prasanna Jayawardene standing up to the stumps. Those of you who were around for yesterday's live text may remember we covered a number of topics, ranging from the origin of the Sinhalese language to hypothetical toupees. But if you remember the streaker, last seen being led away in handcuffs, Aggers reveals that the papers say that the streaker is facing deportation. A lesson for any prospective sport-obsessed-spontaneous-nudists out there.

0448: Eng 265-5 (91 overs)
The Slinger polishes the ball and Colly flicks him off his legs for a single to Vaas at fine leg. Prior grits his teeth as Malinga slings in a short one down the leg side, which the Sussex stumper ducks.

"Forget Sussex, they do it every year, what about Somerset? End of 2006 as one of the worst counties. End of 2007, double promotion and all of the top six score 1000+ runs"
Iain in the TMS inbox
[Including our BBC website columnist Justin Langer - MM]

0444: Eng 264-5 (90 overs)
Vaas tries to tempt Prior to drive, but he slashes at one which sails past gully for four. Not a great shot, but it brings him a boundary and takes his score to 14.

"Stuart Broad for a ton on debut.... Anyone? Just me then!"
Mark, in Bournemouth, via text on 81111

"After a tedious night shift, not making toothpaste, let's hope the guys get of to the start they need and deserve. Come on England!"
Chris in the TMS inbox

0440: Eng 260-5 (89 overs)
There's no let-up for England as a fully-refreshed Lasith Malinga takes the second over, having taken two in two balls last night before he had to be removed from the attack because of the fading light. But Colly gets England under way for the day and reaches his own half-century by glancing the Slinger down to fine leg for two. He then gets a leading edge when he tries to guide one to leg but it bounces safely into the covers.

"If Malinga was a lady, he'd be having his roots done for Christmas, as they do need doing"
BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew on TMS

"Morning Mark, I'm still up at this time as in 14 and a half hours there is my University hockey team boat trip on the River Trent complete with free bar, and I can't sleep with excitement!"
Andy in Nottingham in the TMS inbox

0435: Eng 258-5 (88 overs)
With the second new ball still relatively new, Chaminda Vaas takes the first over of the day, and Prior lets the first ball go through outside off-stump. Aggers reveals he gave his driver 100 rupees to get into the ground to watch the game today - the equivalent of 50p. Prior safely negotiates the over - it's a maiden.

"Just to get in before all those ex-pats with their weather reports, it's wet and windy here in Bristol (and dark). My two boys have disturbed my night's sleep, so I've given up and am armed with coffee hoping England can push on to 400 today. However, I have a nasty feeling it could all unravel horribly"
Steve Millman from Bristol in the TMS inbox

"Ahhh, the NFL ends on five and the cricket starts on Auntie. It's times like this that turning nocturnal seems like a good idea"
Tony, Glasgow, in the TMS inbox

0429: Collingwood and Prior emerge down a perspex tunnel onto the field of play, cheered on by plenty of England fans who are filling up the ground again.

0427: Aggers and the TMS crew are up and running - Aggers is emphasising the comments he made in the TMS blog yesterday, insisting that England should not develop a "siege mentality" over any perceived harshness in umpiring decisions.

"Morning from a very dark Southampton, looking for England to push on while I wait for sunrise"
Iain in the TMS inbox

0420: Right, time to get something off my chest. Sports Personality of the Year last night - yet again, there was not even a mention of the existence of English domestic cricket. Shane Warne introduced a montage of some highlights of the year's international cricket (and fair play to that), but not a mention of the amazing domestic feats of Sussex, Durham and Ottis Gibson. (As a Hampshire fan, I hope you will understand that I carry no particular torch for any of those three - particularly our 2007 nemesis Gibson).

Surrey's Mark Ramprakash and his Strictly Come Dancing partner performed a dance routine to "Soul Limbo" (the BBC cricket theme tune), but that was the nearest we got to county cricket.

Anyway, that's my rant over. But in a bid to redress the balance today, I want you to give me a hand on the texts and e-mails - and send in some nominations for 2007's cricketers of the year. Who should be in the "Wisden Five" when cricket's bible is published in the spring? Who were your top English and Overseas cricket personalities? Your "team of the year"? And what were your "champagne moments" of 2007?