Mahela Jayawardene became the first Sri Lankan to score 7,000 Test runs as his team closed day three of the second Test 28 runs ahead of England at 379-4.

Sri Lanka began the day 246 behind but Jayawardene shared 227 in 71 overs with obdurate Michael Vandort, who thwarted England with his fourth Test century.

Vandort finally fell to Ryan Sidebottom with the second new ball after lunch.

Jayawardene remained on 167 and added 128 in 44 overs with Chamara Silva who fell late on to Steve Harmison for 49.

By Mark Mitchener

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

1200: Right, that's it from the live text from today - and that's it from me in this Test as my esteemed colleague Oliver Brett is taking over live text duties for the final two days. I hope you'll join him bright and early tomorrow morning, play begins at 0430 GMT.

Thanks again for all your e-mails (particularly the "flags of all nations" ones - let's spread the cricket gospel around the world!), and sorry again to those we weren't able to use, but we do get many hundreds and can't use them all. The debate continues on 606 - take care and enjoy the rest of your day.

"I'm working in France, OK not as obscure as some of this morning's correspondents but the locals in the office have less no idea about cricket - Kabul sounds more educated"
Felix in Toulouse in the TMS inbox

"To add another country to your list - I am following from a cold and rainy Romania. Best wishes and thanks for the commentary"
Mike in the TMS inbox

"Greetings from Hassi Messaoud, Algeria. We've managed to develop a form of cricket to be played on a 5-a-side pitch here. Extra runs for not hitting the fence, and negative runs for hitting it out of the ground. It makes for a somewhat Boycottian game, but avoids the loss of cricket balls (and windows). I think we're still a long way of convincing the Algerians about the sport though"
Martin, Algeria, in the TMS inbox

"Greetings from Trinidad - just got to work, checked the score and checked out. The local WI supporters always keep an eager eye of England's performance, solely to offer words of encouragement in times of need - we speak frequently"
Rich in Trinidad, in the TMS inbox

"Speaking of Cambodia, they have a professional Midget Wrestling league, whose owner accepted a challenge of pitting around 10 of its wrestlers against a Lion! I think about three or four were killed and the rest severely injured. Maybe they should take up cricket?"
South, Brighton, in the TMS inbox

"Add the Austrian Tirol to your exotic locations list. After England's profitless day in the field, I might take myself up the Glunzeiger, and have a consoling scnhapps in the aplenhutte. Miserably overcast here - I've been whiling away the morning imagining the scene in sunny Sri Lanka"
Maty, Hall in Tirol Osterreich, in the TMS inbox

"I'm seeing Sri Lanka declare on 600, England scrape 300 in the second innings and SL knock off the extras with ease"
John Cashman, Paddington, in the TMS inbox

"Can I add Scotland to the list of obscure and exotic countries where people are following the online commentary?"
Alan MacDonald, Dundee, in the TMS inbox

"I am reading the commentary here in Oslo, which most people don't realize is one of the most expensive places In the world. Oh and a quick hello to Crouchy from the barmy army who is over in Sri Lanka, who when he came over here staying with me said Oslo was like being in a beautiful field on a lovely day, and then getting mugged"
Chris (Norway) in the TMS inbox

"Having been at the Led Zeppelin concert last night, messrs Sidebottom & Robert Plant obviously share the same hairdresser"
JB in the TMS inbox

"Just finished work for the day in Kuwait where the weather has turned out nice again. Fully enjoying the live text - next best thing to the TMS commentary"
Mark in the TMS inbox

"Is this the same Sri Lankan team that played in a two-test series in Australia a month ago - scoring 1167 for 40 wickets, whilst conceding 1303 for 11 over the two Tests? My Australian workmates are giving me a torrid time at the moment - I would love to see where that Ashes-retrieving win is coming from because it's really well hidden"
David Dring, Perth, WA, in the TMS inbox

"Reading the text in 27 degree-ish heat in Oman. Some flamingos just landed on the pond by our office if that's more exciting than the cricket"
Iain in Muscat in the TMS inbox

CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY 3

"Sri Lanka want to get to about 600 here"
Vic Marks on TMS

1145: SL 379-4 (128 overs)
The Montster has four close fielders for this, the last over of the day (scheduled close of play was 1700 local time (1130 GMT), but we've carried on to bowl the minimum number of overs - and just for one, we haven't gone off for bad light). Mubarak dabs a single and Vaughan brings in two fielders in the Reasonably Short Extra Cover area. After Jayawardene plays forward, one of the two RSECs moves to silly point. But Jayawardene has been the model of watchfulness all day, as umpire Dar takes the bails off and Jayawardene, who began the day on 43, finishes Day 3 on 167 not out. They're 28 ahead.

1141: SL 378-4 (127 overs)
More field-tinkering as Harmison bowls round the wicket to Mubarak, who pushes towards point for a scampered single to bring him off the mark. Bell prevents a quick single off the final delivery.

"Growing up in India and then moving back here with my family, I feel a sense of camaraderie to all those that live in countries that haven't the slightest idea about the game of cricket. In fact, the only thing that actually quenches my passion for cricket is following the game online, and thus I say to the TMS of the BBC in my native language MAHADSANID, which either means thanks or blessings upon you, feel free to choose either..."
Ahmed Bashe, Somalia, in the TMS inbox

"The school summer holidays have just started in Swaziland (brightest, lightest Africa - can't believe that you allowed deepest, darkest to pass from Ghana!) and I (as a teacher) was looking forward to finally following the cricket properly. The start of next term can't come soon enough!"
John Storer in the TMS inbox

"I'm keeping up to date from a survey vessel in the middle of the North Sea, so not in any country at all! Keep up the good work helping me pass a dull and frustrating day"
James Ollerenshaw in the TMS inbox

1137: SL 377-4 (126 overs)
England may fancy their chances of another wicket here before the close, so bring Panesar back on place of Pietersen. He has two slips and a short leg for Jayawardene, though you sense he'd rather bowl at Mubarak. Bell moves in from extra cover as Jayawardene (who has now batted for 502 minutes) plays out a maiden.

1134: SL 377-4 (125 overs)
Harmy has two slips, a gully, a leg slip and a forward short leg for new batsman Jehan Mubarak, who sees off the last two balls of the over.

"All this chat about Montster's abundant spin but lack of wickets just emphasises his need for experience. He will have learnt so much and will end the tour as a much better bowler. Monty needs to learn how to adjust his flight, speed and turn to keep batsmen guessing. It's not just turn that gets spinners wickets, variation is the key. Did not Murali get wickets with quicker balls, whilst Shane Warne gets regular wickets with sliders and wrong'uns. Montster's the best we have, but he is by no means the finished article! On another note I'm loving the student work avoidance, graduated this year and let's just say the use of TMS to avoid working, be it essays or 'real work,' is always a necessity!"
Ben, Lincoln, in the TMS inbox

1131: WICKET - Silva c Bopara b Harmison 49 - SL 377-4 (124.4 overs)
Sidey's off after just one over, and Harmy returns. Jayawardene runs one down to long leg for a couple, while Vic Marks on TMS reminisces about various swing bowlers England have tried and discarded in the last 20 years - such as Paul Taylor, Mike Smith, Simon Brown and Mark Ilott. Jayawardene pushes a single to cover, and Harmison finally strikes when Silva fends at a lifting delivery which flies off his glove to gully. Bopara's first Test catch, and Harmison punches the air in relief.

"Thanks for the Brentford update. If anyone has been following the mighty Bees they'll know that sacking Terry Butcher was inevitable. The losing streak has been as monotonous as Sri Lanka's run rate"
Joe, London, in the TMS inbox

1127: SL 374-3 (124 overs)
Jayawardene runs KP through the vacant slip area for two, and then leg-glances for a leg-bye. Silva reaches 49 when he guides the off-spinner down to third man for three. Jayawardene tries a lofted sweep which brings him a single.

"Why don't we get a few overs from Bell (one Test wicket, Yousuf) or Vaughan (six Test wickets, inc. Tendulkar), or even Cook!"
Jamie, North Devon, in the TMS inbox

1124: SL 367-3 (123 overs)
A double change as Sidey replaces Broad. Jayawardene drives a single into the covers, this must be painful to watch for England fans.

"Dear Alison, Equatorial Guinea here - you are not alone in deepest darkest Africa. The 1st cricket match ever (that I know about) will take place in Malabo in February during the dry season - got the kit, the trophy, the pitch is nearly ready"
David Shaw in the TMS inbox
[Equatorial Guinea? Do you know Eric the Eel? MM]

"Monty seems to be suffering from Tuffers (I'd rather take 0-60 than 2-120) syndrome - but as he's going to end up with something like 0-500 it's not working"
Drew D in the TMS inbox

1119: SL 366-3 (122 overs)
KP is indeed thrown the ball for a second spell - again, with his shades on. Silva sweeps his first ball for a single, and another run for Jayawardene takes his score to 160. Silva drives, Prior and KP appeal for a catch behind, and ump Dar isn't interested.

"Marcus - one of my students moved to Finland (East Anglia in winter was too warm for him) and managed to rustle up two teams to play cricket there. Him, a South African chum and a load of Indian and Pakistani graduate students, with a few very puzzled Finns spectating. If he could do it in Helsinki, you must be able to do it in Novovolynsk (wherever that is)"
James in the TMS inbox

"I wonder if I am the only one in Poland (excluding few expats) following your commentary. As you can imagine cricket is non-existent in Polish TV or newspapers and your site is the only way to keep my interest in this rather exotic sport"
Wojtek in Poznan, Poland, in the TMS inbox

1115: SL 364-3 (121 overs)Another Silva single begins Broad's over before Jayawardene has to duck a bouncer. A single into the covers is fielded by KP who bowls the ball back to Broad - might he be worth another spell of off-spin? Aggers anticipates another 20 minutes of play before the light goes.

"In keeping with the theme of expat readers I would like to confirm the British flag is flying high here in Frankfurt (although it is not as exotic a location as some of the other readers). Your text commentary is keeping me sane - an office full of Germans means an office full of German 'humour' which is enough to drive people to suicide. Can you make a map pinpointing the location of all the expat readers?"
Nick in the TMS inbox
[It's enough of a job to keep up with all your e-mails - MM]

1111: SL 361-3 (120 overs)
Silva guides Monty down to third man, in front of the Barmy Army. Vic Marks on TMS notes that the only player out in the middle who doesn't look tired is Jayawardene. Just one run from a rather rapid over.

"Prior's been on the field for the last two days, but he's kept really well today"
Jonathan Agnew on TMS

"Is Bopara the latest in that great line of Essex allrounders picked for England like Derek Pringle and Ronnie Irani who are allrounders in so much as they are bowlers who cannot bat and batsmen who do not or cannot bat? I thought that the coach picking favourites who had no confidence of the captain had ended when Fletcher departed. Why will Moores not pick Graeme Swann, Notts bowlers seem to like the conditions out in Sri Lanka, and he is allegedly a better batsman than the real allrounder - Sidey"
David Myles in the TMS inbox

1108: SL 360-3 (119 overs)
Silva gets forward to Broad, who's still quite accurate, and eventually they trot through for a bye off the last ball of the over.

"Why do all these poor lost souls leave England to 'discover the world' and then spend all their time huddling together via the internet obviously missing the normality of the Mother Country?"
Andrew Gell, Teddington, in the TMS inbox

"Greetings from desolate Stoke-on-Trent! Pleased to report we too have a fledgling cricket team here although our progress to this point has been somewhat hampered due to this innovation they call the 'ball' only being introduced in this remote parts in 1998. Anyway, back to my 'quarkian molarphysics' essay!"
Andrew Farmer, Stoke-on-Trent, in the TMS inbox

"Regarding the punishment given to the day 1 streaker... The streaker clearly likes to be naked, so why would he be punished by having to be naked all night? Surely that is like punishing a thief by making him spend all night stealing?"
Jeremy, in Tel Aviv, in the TMS inbox

1103: SL 359-3 (118 overs)
Silva guides Monty down to square leg for a single, Jayawardene tries a full-blooded sweep which goes straight to skipper Vaughan at short fine leg.

"When we die and go to heaven we will discover that there is non-stop cricket taking place, because cricket is The Game of The Gods as we know. In a sense we are all preparing for this moment by following TMS and your commentary. I never have understood the place of the Morning Service in all this. People praying to false idols..."
Jon Sofier in the TMS inbox

"Hi MM, re: messages from all over the world - although I'm sending this from London, I'm originally from Nairobi, does that count?"
Shafique Cockar, London (Nairobi) in the TMS inbox

1100: SL 358-3 (117 overs)
Bopara's off with very reasonable figures of 5-2-12-0, and Broad returns. Silva guides a double past gully, then he swats one into the air that goes just over the head of Vaughan at mid-on and they run another three.

"In response to your message after Dean's contributions, please can you not encourage students to check on the Test score using their mobile phone. It is hard enough getting them to concentrate on the gas law or learning about the ultraviolet catastrophe without them getting messages relating to the Test score!"
A teacher fed up with mobile phone interruptions in class, in the TMS inbox

1054: SL 353-3 (116 overs)
What can England do now? The Montster wheels away, as Silva takes a single to increase his score to 36.

"Re: Marcus at 0951. I can see us struggling on this seemingly benign pitch with a 200-run first innings deficit, without Murali, let alone with the wide-eyed magician"
Dan Jay in the TMS inbox

"Add another country. I'm following your text from Phnom Penh, where I'm struggling to design a good governance framework for a social land concession project. Did you know that Cambodia is apparently famous for the world's first semi-professional paraplegic basketball league? Transfer fees change hands for the top players too"
John Richardson, Cambodia, usually Thailand, in the TMS inbox

1051: SL 352-3 (115 overs)
Silva singles to leg before Jayawardene steers Bopara through extra cover for four to bring up the 350, and the hundred partnership. He then cuts just over gully's head for two. Sri Lanka now have a first-innings lead.

"Have you had anyone in from Woking yet? Sure its not as obscure as Kabul but the landscape is not that different!"
Alex Weller in the TMS inbox
[I was recently stuck in Woking on a train for so long that it might as well have been Kabul - MM]

1047: SL 345-3 (114 overs)
Jayawardene reaches his 150 in fine style by hoisting the Montster over wide long-off for six from the 308th ball he receives. He has now overtaken Graham Gooch's 2015 runs at Lord's (see earlier) to become the highest-scoring Test batsman at a single venue (with 2019). A sumptuous innings.

1044: SL 339-3 (113 overs)
Jayawardene defends against Bopara, who is bowling a good line. Just a single from the over. Sidey is back on the field, by the way.

"Can we include Prague, Czech Republic onto the countries list too?"
Jay, in his office looking for inspiration, in the TMS inbox

"Greetings from Portugal. Not quite as obscure or cold as some, blue skies and sunshine, a low of 6 degrees C but a high later of about 20, okay as long as you stay in the sunshine. And no TMS, so am reduced to reading online. Come on England! And why is Bopara in the side?"
Carol, aka MaidenEngland, in the TMS inbox

"I am in the not very obscure country of Belgium - they make up for their lack of obscurity by making some beautiful beer. Ravi's going to clean up Sulka"
Alex Voakes, Hasselt, Belgium

1040: SL 338-3 (112 overs)
Silva takes a single off Monty, before Jayawardene lifts him over the on-side fielders for a four to midwicket. He then tries to sweep, it hits him on the pad and they get a couple of leg byes to third man, where Jimmy Anderson is doing a bit of sub-fielding for Sidey who has gone off. Three more singles conclude the over.

"It's hard work if you're a batsman and also an alternative bowler in this type of situation - but it's invaluable to the side"
Simon Hughes, aka "The Analyst", on TMS

1036: SL 329-3 (111 overs)
The drinks trolley departs with Sri Lanka just 22 runs behind England. Bopara continues for his third over and Jayawardene, on 142, is still not taking too many risks as he blocks out a maiden.

"Oh dear, am beginning to realise how bad my geography is, as I don't know where half the places you've had e-mails from this morning are. Wish I was somewhere more interesting than here!"
Helen, Nottingham, in the TMS inbox

"Have had problems with my wireless router, and just recovered TMS and scores - another bad day for a pom in Paradise, might have to dig out the Zeppelin albums. That should traumatise a couple of kids who can't see the benefit of supporting the old country and believe LA Galaxy are the England soccer side!"
Rab, Dangar Island NSW, in the TMS inbox

"In an earlier missive you mentioned you'd had more messages from different locations than ever before. I'd like to add an additional one. I'm currently in a hotel lobby in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the smaller of the seven United Arab Emirates. It's a balmy afternoon here, about 29 degrees with a gentle sea breeze. I'm going to forget the cricket and look forward to my cruise along the coast back to Dubai"
Andy in the TMS inbox

"I was really excited by Toby Leslie's suggestion about sending the kit to Kabul. As a Spurs fan I'm desperate that he takes up cricket"
Stuart Onslow in the TMS inbox

"Louis (94th over) - Pluto sounds lovely, and out here on Sedna, 13 billion kms from the sun, we struggle to find quality opponents at all. Any chance of a tour next summer? Unfortunately, next summer isn't due for another 94,000 years and bad light can be an issue, so perhaps a 20/20?"
Tim, Sedna, Solar System (just), in the TMS inbox

1029: SL 329-3 (110 overs)
The Barmy Army are doing their best to keep chanting and inspire England to a wicket, but Monty gets another one to rear up and hit Jayawardene on the armguard. He's really bowling in the style of Ashley Giles now, bowling over the wicket to the right-handers and aiming into the rough. But it's a maiden. A drinks break is taken.

"After working all night I was hoping that when logging in this morning I would be able to check out the twists and turns of the match. The Sri Lankan groundsmen have yet again denied me joy. Do they have any wickets 'Down South' that haven't had their last rites?"
Roy Sinar in the TMS inbox

1026: SL 329-3 (109 overs)
First run off Bopara as Silva prods a single, before Jayawardene steers him to Broad at third man and they run another one. Silva gets an edge which runs safely as nearly the entire England team raise their hands to their heads. Jayawardene gets a similar inside edge which just misses the stumps. More agony, and another single.

"Good news everyone - as long as the BBC maintains a link on the front page of the website I can join your witty dialogue and beat the dastardly surf control. And I'm coming to you from a very obscure country, they call it Scotland. Alison shouldn't worry about the planning software course, I got a certificate and a free pen from mine!"Matt, (not) fixing submarines, sunny Faslane, in the TMS inbox

1023: SL 325-3 (108 overs)
Jayawardene kicks away a couple from Monty which pitch outside leg stump. He drives a single to long-off, and Silva gets an inside edge which dribbles to fine leg and they run another one. Jayawardene prods forward and it bounces just in front of Colly at slip. And in football news, Brentford have parted company with manager Terry Butcher by mutual consent.

"I have a conundrum. I'm trying to get out of going to London tomorrow morning as its bitterly cold and 'orrible today. I'd like to say I need to listen to TMS, but at this rate its going to be tragic. Any alternative plans greatly received!"
Dr Tim, Birmingham, in the TMS inbox

1020: SL 323-3 (107 overs)
After 106 overs, England finally turn to their all-rounder. In comes Ravi Bopara to replace Sidey, and he has Silva temporarily tied down as a maiden over ensues.

"I heard earlier that Matthew Hoggard has been appointed the Barmy Army liason officer. Has he accompanied the BA on their Dawn Patrol? I sincerely hope so!"
Matthew Sadler, Sunderland, in the TMS inbox

"So let me get this straight; Ashley Giles who couldn't get any turn on the ball for love nor money took wickets by the bucketload in Sri Lanka, whilst Monty who can actually spin the ball is posing a negligible threat? Have the selectors missed a trick therefore by not taking a non-spinning spinner to Sri Lanka?"
Justin (thoroughly despondent in Leeds) in the TMS inbox

"A simple observation, but undoubtedly true: cricket is supposedly a team game, but if Murali and the Montster swapped sides we would win this series 3-0"
Colin in the TMS inbox

1016: SL 323-3 (106 overs)
Monty sends down a rapid over to Jayawardene, who reverse-sweeps to third man for two off the last ball.

1013: SL 321-3 (105 overs)
Sidey continues to try to frustrate Jayawardene, who shoulders arms outside off stump. He then becomes the first Sri Lankan to score 7,000 Test runs with a single off the last ball, and is applauded from the balcony by his team-mates.

"I just woke up and put TMS on, and I hear synchronised swimming being maligned. My sister is currently training full-time for the GB senior synchro team, and I have the greatest respect for the sport"
Russell Woolley in the TMS inbox

1010: SL 320-3 (104 overs)
Monty gets one to rear up out of the rough against Silva, which flies into the off side off his glove and they run a single. Jayawardene dabs one to keep the strike. Streaker update (see 0440): Aggers reveals that when Day 1's streaker was taken to the local police station, the sergeant on duty made him remove his clothes again and spend the night in the cells, naked. Ooer. (He was also fined 500 rupees - about �2 - as Aggers revealed earlier).

1005: SL 318-3 (103 overs)
Harmy takes a rest and Sidey returns from his favoured end. Prior is wearing a helmet and standing up to the stumps. Jayawardene is denied runs when Bell makes a smart stop at short midwicket. The Barmy Army trumpeter tries to inspire the visitors with a brief burst of the "Superman" theme. But SuperSidey can't make the breakthrough, although he does rack up another maiden over.

"Geoffrey Boycott would enjoy batting on a pitch like this - nobody would have been able to dislodge him"
"There wouldn't be anyone left in the ground watching, though"
Jonathan Agnew and Angus Fraser on TMS

1001: SL 318-3 (102 overs)
Radio 4 LW listeners are welcomed back into the fold as Monty fizzes a couple down the leg side which the batsmen are happy to kick away outside leg stump without any fear of being out lbw. Jayawardene takes a single, Silva tries to hoist one over midwicket and Cook takes a reflex catch, but again it came off pad rather than bat.

"The Barmy Army trumpeter is playing the theme from 'Only Fools and Horses' - well, only fools and horses would bowl on a pitch like this"
Vic Marks on TMS

0959: SL 317-3 (101 overs)
Silva steers Harmy through mid-off for his second boundary, and then guides one to third man and they run a couple.

"Reading the website text when I get a chance at work. I work at an university where students are finding as many excuses not to work as possible. Including someone complaining about a deadline wasn't late enough. Deadline was 10 December at 23:59:59 (online submission) - should I add the ability for nanoseconds in the next version or just shoot the students? Keep up the good work"
Alan (Derby, England), in the TMS inbox
[BBC Sport does not endorse the shooting of students when plenty of them over the last few days have boosted our audience figures, reading the live text when they're putting off writing their essays - MM]

0955: SL 311-3 (100 overs)
A fairly tidy over from Monty to Jayawardene, but the over ends when one shoots through outside leg stump for four byes. Still counts as a maiden for the Northants tweaker, though.

"'Saj Mahmood anyone?!' - Yes please bring him in for ODIs and Sanath Jayasuriya will be glad to blast him all over the park"
Shivaji the Boss on 606

0951: SL 307-3 (99 overs)
Silva singles off Harmy, who then moves round the wicket to Jayawardene, who rotates the strike again. Silva then straight-drives a four to long-on.

"I'd better say hello from Novovolynsk, Ukraine, where I'm two hours ahead of GMT and have been enjoying your coverage since around 5am. It's impossible to find cricket here... I posted a theme last year on a local internet forum, hoping some ex-pats might read it and fancy organising an impromptu game, but nothing! Not sure if there are any other Ukraine-based readers of your commentary? Re: the match, I can see us struggling on this seemingly benign pitch facing Murali with a 200-run first innings deficit"
Marcus, in the TMS inbox

0948: SL 301-3 (98 overs)
Radio 4 LW listeners are again decamped, this time to the Daily Service. Jayawardene, who has played so carefully all day, astonishingly tries a reverse sweep against the Montster and the ball balloons up to short leg. England appeal for a catch, but umpire Harper is unmoved - it must have come off the pad. The pair exchange singles to bring up the fifty partnership, while the score passes 300. Jayawardene takes two with a much more orthodox shot, and reaches 2,000 runs on this ground.

0944: SL 297-3 (97 overs)
Silva dabs a quick single off Harmy, and there are four men back on the fence for Jayawardene, who advances the total with a leg-bye. Silva clips one off his legs and they run a single down to the Montster at fine leg. Harmy goes round the wicket to Jayawardene who pushes a quick single to leg. Harmy, following through tries to use his Newcastle United training to kick the ball towards the stumps at the striker's end but his soccer skills are even worse than those of his beloved Toon Army's comedy central defenders as the ball is well wide of the wicket.

"Charles Sheldrick - This has to be a record because all other teams have the sense to bowl their all-rounder! Why pick the poor lad if he doesn't get to do half the job he is employed for?!"
Neil, Hampshire, in the TMS inbox

"Have you had an email from Lithuania yet today?"
Mike in Vilnius in the TMS inbox

0938: SL 293-3 (96 overs)
Buoyed by his maiden over before tea, Panesar continues the attack and Jayawardene works him away for a single. He has a slip and a silly point in for Silva, who sweeps a single to square leg. Jayawardene guides a three through the covers and Silva late-cuts for a single. Prior now tries to gee up Monty by putting his arm around his shoulder.

"In reference to Azerbaijani cricket; if Baku doesn't want the kit (including boxes!) can you send them to Kabul? The Afghan national side is busy developing itself into an impressive little team. This year the U19 team got to the Asian Cricket Council finals and the country qualified for the World Cricket League. Impressively (and with characteristic chaos) they snatched a tie from the jaws of victory against Oman in the ACC Twenty20 cup a couple of months ago; ecstatic Afghan fans became confused and invaded the pitch (in celebration of their assumed victory) before the umpires had declared the over. In the chaos, the Omanis were able to snatch the two runs required to tie the match. Despite this, it was a unifying moment here in Afghanistan and even won the team an audience with President Karzai. Cricket is (and hopefully will continue to be) an ambassador of peace and an instrument of development. Thanks for the great TMS service - the best way to keep up from my desk in (snowy) Kabul. Look forward, one day, to the first TMS reports of Afghanistan vs. England at Lord's!"
Toby Leslie, Kabul, Afghanistan, in the TMS inbox

0935: SL 287-3 (95 overs)
Harmison digs one in to Jayawardene, who uppercuts a lifting ball and it flies right over the slips for four. A single takes his score to 125, and Silva (or Sulka as I accidentally typed him - the letters are close together on the keyboard, honest) ducks a bouncer.

"Can I add to the list of different (but less obscure) countries with my location of Thailand? England need to succeed with this second new ball or it's going to be another tense 2nd innings. Off home to sit by the pool in a refreshing 30 degrees of heat with a G & T"
Paul, Thailand, in the TMS inbox

0930: England's fielders stroll out. Michael Vaughan has his arm around Monty, and touches the left-armer's spinning fingers as if to bestow magic properties on them.

"I was worried about that when I go to school, I would not be able to keep up with the cricket score. Now I am not bothered at all... 2-0 down I sense"
Dean Lee in the TMS inbox
[Don't forget, if you're off out, you can follow the game via BBC Sport on your mobile, PDA or other gadget - MM]

"I love the comments from obscure countries, it gives me a warm and cosy feeling to know I'm not alone stuck out in deepest darkest Africa. Incidentally, anyone else in Ghana? If my boss is reading this, I'm just checking the score quick, promise! Not that I should have bothered"
Alison, trying to learn to Primavera Planning Software, Ghana, in the TMS inbox

0923: And with the magic hour of 0900 GMT having passed, 606 is open for business. Do get involved and let us know what you think of the game.

"Re: What to do with 40 boxes. I seem to remember an article in the now-defunct 'googly' magazine, suggesting lots of alternative uses, ranging from ashtrays to substituting for coconuts when one wishes to replicate the sound of horses' hooves. For vast quantities of unused boxes it did recommend sticking them on the wall to provide soundproofing qualities in the style of the eggbox-like material used nowadays. I hope this is of some assistance"
Kieron Underhill, Dudley, in the TMS inbox

"Anything from Russia, then? Working day having just started here, I hope the commentary helps me get thorugh to the lunch break at least. I was truly overjoyed to see some highlights from the India-Pakistan Test on BBC World yesterday, otherwise the coverage of cricket in Moscow is rather dreadful!"
Alexander, Moscow, in the TMS inbox

0913: While I polish off a sandwich, I can tell you the Australia-New Zealand Twenty20 international has begun in Perth. Aussies won the toss and are batting - and Gilchrist's out already!

TEA INTERVAL

0910: SL 282-3 (94 overs)
The Montster is going to have a twirl before tea. He beats Silva's outside edge, which may give him a little encouragement. Simon Hughes on TMS says Monty even finds the food in Sri Lanka too hot for his tastes. Monty finally delivers his first maiden of the match, and that's tea.

"Hi Mark, I just wanted to be the first person to appear on TMS from the outer reaches of the Solar System. Cricket here is a fast-growing sport but sadly due to us having been demoted to a dwarf planet we no longer have Test status and have to compete with other minnows such as Australia"
Louis, Pluto, the Milky Way, in the TMS inbox

0906: SL 282-3 (93 overs)
There is an England supporter in the crowd dressed in what appears to be a Ninja Turtle costume, but without a helmet, bandana or other chelonian headgear, and he is surrounded by plenty of Sri Lankan fans. Jayawardene remains calm and unruffled against Harmy and plays out a maiden - the Durham man's eighth.

0902: SL 282-3 (92 overs)
Jayawardene pushes a quick single off Broad, and Silva chops one down to point where Bopara dives to complete the fielding as they run one. Simon Hughes on TMS comments that Bopara has had "a fresh air game - he was out first ball and hasn't bowled". Jayawardene moves to 120 with a single. We're about eight minutes from tea.

"The Barmy Army are on what they call a 'Dawn Patrol', which they have on one day in each overseas tour. They go to bed at 10pm, then get up at 6.30am, and start drinking gin and tonics by 7.30am. By mid-afternoon, it will have been quite heavy going for them"
Simon Hughes, aka "the Analyst", on TMS

0858: SL 279-3 (91 overs)
That's why Harmy came off after one over - he's going to bowl from Sidey's end. But Jayawardene guides him for the 11th four of his innings, through the covers, and pinches the strike for the second successive over.

"Jayawardene has played beautifully - he makes batting look so easy"
Jonathan Agnew on TMS

"Any chance this game won't be a draw?"
Crawford, Spain, in the TMS inbox[I can't see England taking another 17 wickets at this rate - MM]

0854: SL 274-3 (90 overs)
Harmison is off after just one over - he was last spotted munching a piece of banana on the boundary last over - and Broad returns. Jayawardene takes two off the first ball to move above Jayasuriya as the undisputed number-one SL run-scorer, and a quick one off the final ball to pinch the strike.

"Haven't you got any other photos of Vic Marks you can use?"
Martin Bell, Qatar, in the TMS inbox
[That's the most recent one available on the photo agencies we use - it's from 1989! - MM]

0849: SL 271-3 (89 overs)
Ump Aleem Dar has a brief word with keeper Prior before Sidey resumes the attack, trying to winkle out Jayawardene. But the Sri Lanka captain beautifully off-drives past mid-off for four. A single takes Jayawardene to 6,973 Test runs - level with the recently-retired Sanath Jayasuriya at number one in the all-time Sri Lanka list. Mind you, Kumar Sangakkara is less than 1,000 runs behind - you wouldn't bet against him overtaking the pair of them eventually. Silva flicks a two to leg, and Vaughan returns to the field in place of Shah.

"Just driven to work through a wonderful frosty Exe Valley, but was unable to enjoy the sunrise as I was wondering why Bopara was still not bowling. Is this a record for the number of wicketless overs bowled without the team's all-rounder getting the ball?"
Charles Sheldrick in the TMS inbox

0844: SL 264-3 (88 overs)
Broad's off after just three overs with the new ball, and Harmison returns. Vaughan is temporarily off the field (he's on the balcony drinking a bottle of water, and consulting with Peter Moores and Ottis Gibson), with Owais Shah taking a turn at sub-fielding - with Paul Collingwood temporarily directing the fielders. Silva plays and misses, and that's another maiden for Harmy.

"'In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king' - 'in the team of the appalling bowling line-up, the hairy one who can wobble a shiny cherry is a veritable genius'."
Ben H, Oslo, in the TMS inbox

0840: SL 264-3 (87 overs)
The Barmy Army, led by their trumpeter, perform "Living on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi, but England are in need of prayers at the moment as Jayawardene trots through for a leg-bye off Sidey. Silva then flashes at one outside off-stump but misses, before guiding a single through midwicket. The trumpeter switches to the "Rocky" theme - would Sylvester Stallone's wicket-keeping be as dodgy as his goalkeeping from "Escape to Victory"?

"Morning keyboard shut-eye tends to rack up a few pages of 'G's or 'H's off the nose, which after a few minutes gives way during snoring. The top lip then take control of the space bar, producing 10-15 seemingly blank pages which turn out to take ages to delete. Maybe if Vaughan gave Bopara the ball for a bit we'd get some exclamation marks in there, but it looks like 'Z's at the minute"
Damian Le Bas, Sussex, in the TMS inbox

0834: SL 262-3 (86 overs)
Jayawardene works Broad off his pads for an easy single in an otherwise uneventful and unmemorable over. SL trail by 89 now, and even Radio 4 LW listeners are having Yesterday In Parliament inflicted on them.

0830: SL 261-3 (85 overs)
Having plundered against Broad, Jayawardene is cautious against Sidey. His 1968 runs here at the SSC Ground in Colombo is the second-highest Test run total by any batsman at a single venue (Graham Gooch with 2015 at Lord's is highest, Don Bradman with 1671 at the MCG is third). He takes two through the covers, before Sidey beats his outside edge but there's no nick to any of the assorted two slips and two gullies. A single rounds off the over.

0826: SL 258-3 (84 overs)
Silva drives Broad through the covers and the Montster gives chase, although he defers to Bopara who picks up inside the rope as they run three. Jayawardene finally reaches his 20th Test century after guiding Broad down to third man for two, from 203 balls. A single rounds off the over.

"Quick note from Baku, Azerbaijan (a country not famous for its cricket). We are just doing a clean out of storage rooms and have discovered several cricket bags with some sad old pads and bats at the back of our PE store. Even stranger was a bag full of unused boxes (as in boxes, nudge nudge). A complete mystery but it may mark the introduction of the game into our curriculum, although not sure what to do with 40 boxes. Thanks for the great coverage, keeps us all connected"
Peter Harding, in the TMS inbox
[If you look back through the live text, we've had more e-mails today from more different, and obscure, countries than I can remember on any other day - MM]

0821: SL 252-3 (83 overs)
Silva is watchful against Sidey, eventually dabbing a single. They're not taking any chances against the wild-haired Notts swinger, who seems to be England's best chance of a wicket.

0817: SL 251-3 (82 overs)
Broad runs in with two slips - will he evade the wrath of Mr Dar? He faces Jayawardene who is on 97, and moves on to 98 with a single to leg. Silva defends as Broad gets some early bounce with the new cherry, and then clips one off his legs for a single.

"Sidebottom has suddenly become a kingpin in this team, having been an outsider until the beginning of the summer. Whether he's bowling or batting, he's wholehearted"
Vic Marks on TMS

0812: SL 249-3 (81 overs)
New batsman is Chamara Silva - finally we have two right-handers at the crease. His first ball jags back and beats his outside edge. Sidey still on to take all 10, then.

"All was going fine but I seem to have dozed off along the way somewhere and had a few hundred pages of S's in my essay. Wouldn't normally have complained about pumping up the word count but it is only a 1000-word problems question and was already 200 over. An hour or so of editing though and will be ready to hand in when the office opens at 10. Keep up the great work"
Derrick Hayward in the TMS inbox

0807: WICKET - Vandort lbw b Sidebottom 138 - SL 249-3 (80.4 overs)
The second new ball is indeed taken - with Sidebottom recalled to the attack. The TMS crew notice Broad being shown he'll bowl the next over at Dar's end. Sidey bowls to two slips and a gully, and Jayawardene gets a leg bye off the first ball. Aggers on TMS reveals that Matthew Hoggard (his dinner companion last night) has been appointed as the England team's official liaison officer with the Barmy Army. After a couple of balls to Vandort which swing, Sidey brings in a third slip, and then the stand of 227 is finally ended when Sidey tucks Vandort up and traps him in front after a marathon innings.

"Why on earth doesn't Vaughan give Collingwood a chance at bowling? He has an excellent bowling record in this situation, and yet Vaughan almost never gives him a bowl. This says something about Vaughan"
David (in Vancouver) in the TMS inbox[Aggers and Vic are very surprised Bopara hasn't been given a bowl - MM]

0803: SL 248-2 (80 overs)
Vandort may be looking to fill his boots before the new ball is taken, and pulls KP for four through midwicket. He then heaves down to long-on where he takes two as Broad does the fielding.

"Sidebottom should be bowling with the new ball at this end as it should swing for him - but that would mean Broad bowling at Aleem Dar's end, where he's been warned twice, or Harmison bowling into the wind"
BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew on TMS

0800: SL 242-2 (79 overs)
Vandort and Jayawardene exchange singles, and even Monty's usual enthusiasm seems to have disappeared as he's in his 16th wicketless over. Vandort goes aerial, hoisting him over midwicket and he smashes it just over the fence for six. A single off the last ball and with the new ball due after one more over, that may be the last we see of the Montster for a while.

0756: SL 233-2 (78 overs)
Pietersen fields well off his own bowling but takes a hit on his broken finger for his pains. Vandort is deceived by a quick one which rips off the pitch, but it just misses his edge. The Barmy Army trumpeter replies to Simon Hughes' exhortations (see 0744 entry) and strikes up "Jerusalem". The over yields just one single to Vandort, off the last ball.

"The day started so well here in Turkey. The sun shining, England sure of getting a few wickets early on and all was well in the world. Since then the sun has disappeared, the dog has thrown up, I have run out of milk and England have forgotten how to bowl yet again. Rats"
OSJ, Ankara, in the TMS inbox

0753: SL 232-2 (77 overs)
Vandort takes a two and a single against Monty, and Jayawardene sweeps a two to reach 96. Vaughan tinkers with his field again, but it's not going Monty's way.

"Neither of the England spinners has bowled a maiden - and maidens help you get wickets"
Vic Marks on TMS

0750: SL 227-2 (76 overs)
Jayawardene reaches 94 with a single off KP, and with the Montster struggling, Roshan Abeysinghe on TMS wonders that with KP looking good, England captain Michael Vaughan ought to try his other off-spinning option... himself?! Vandort sees off the rest of the over from Pietersen before pinching the strike with a single off the last ball.

0747: SL 225-2 (75 overs)
Harmison leaves the arena to be replaced in the field by 12th man Jimmy Anderson, and in the attack by Panesar. He's clubbed through third man for four by Vandort, and that brings up the 200 partnership.

0744: SL 221-2 (74 overs)
KP begins a new over to Jayawardene, and is still getting plenty of turn. Jayawardene chops one past slip for a single, and the duo take two singles each from the over. Six overs until the second new ball can be claimed.

"England need some help from the Barmy Army trumpeter Billy Cooper to give them a lift and turn their fortunes around. The trumpeter has just finished playing a season of Swan Lake with the English National Ballet"
Simon Hughes, aka "The Analyst", on TMS

0740: SL 217-2 (73 overs)
Jayawardene is into the nervous nineties, reaching 91 with a single off Harmy. He seems to be able to get off strike a lot more than Vandort, who is looking a little stuck at times against Harmison - even when he's scored 113!

"Ooooh, lovely, only half an hour of work left and TMS to keep me company, the time should fly by, unfortunately the ball seems to be doing the same to the England fielders!"
Sunil (Pom exiled in Sydney, with a Sri Lankan girlfriend and who doesn't mind telling me that we will lose!), in the TMS inbox

0737: SL 216-2 (72 overs)
Vandort works KP away for a single as umpire Daryl Harper notes something down on a piece of paper. Simon Hughes on TMS notes that Jayasuriya and Pietersen both began life as spinners before they became hard-hitting batsmen. The singles keep flowing for both batsmen.

0733: SL 212-2 (71 overs)
Another near miss as Jayawardene cuts at Harmison, and the ball bounces just in front of the hands of Ian Bell at gully. He's got a huge spread of white sun cream over his nose, cheeks and lips. Jayawardene guides a single to the Montster at fine leg, then Harmy digs one in which Vandort fences at down the leg side. Keeper Prior appeals for the catch, but it looked like it just brushed his shirt. Harmy then has an lbw shout as the left-hander is hit on the toe by a full-length delivery - Simon Hughes thinks it pitched marginally outside leg, and they run a leg-bye. Another good over from Harmy.

"I climbed up the scoreboard at the interval, just to see what it was like. It's about six flights of stairs up"
Simon Hughes, aka "The Analyst", on TMS

0728: SL 210-2 (70 overs)
Jayawardene gets a single, then KP gets one to turn which Vandort edges but again it falls short of the slips. Vandort straight-drives, and KP tries to deflect the ball onto the stumps at the bowler's end. They run two, and the third umpire is called into action for the first time today, even though non-striker Jayawardene's bat appeared to be grounded a foot behind the crease.

"I know I've posted this before but why no Bopara? He deserves the chance to make a mark after his batting disaster!"
Miall from Essex, who wishes he had gone to SL again, in the TMS inbox

0724: SL 207-2 (69 overs)
A rare moral victory for England as Harmy beats Vandort's outside edge. He then looks to have hurt himself following through, clutching his left leg. He grimaces with every subsequent delivery, but completes a maiden over.

"Perhaps KP should should be in as a full-time bowler and Sidey move up the order to four, imagine how many runs he could get if he wasn't under pressure. And now Collingwood too, perhaps they're thinking about playing a reverse order in the second innings. I'd love to see Monty and Harmy opening the batting"
Simon, Sydney, in the TMS inbox

0720: SL 207-2 (68 overs)
Colly may be off but KP continues, still bowling in sunglasses like Ashley Giles used to. He has two slips in catching positions, but Vandort and Jayawardene exchange singles before Vandort calmly works him away to Bopara at midwicket for another one. Bopara's throw comes in on the bounce - CMJ on TMS thinks England will be looking for some reverse swing with the old ball.

"Harmison's strategy in that over was to get Jayawardene on the back foot with the first four balls, then pitch the fifth up, but he glided it through mid-on for four"
Former Middlesex and Durham seamer Simon Hughes, aka "The Analyst", on TMS

0716: SL 204-2 (67 overs)
As expected, Colly's spell (one maiden) is ended as Harmison takes up the attack after lunch - probably for one last blast with the old ball, as the new cherry is available after another 13 overs. Jayawardene straight-drives between the bowler and mid-on for his ninth four of the innings.

"It's sunny here. After sticking to work for two hours, just got the chance to look at the score. India-Pakistan might end in a draw"
Santhosh, Hyderabad, India, in the TMS inbox

"Another day, another lesson by the Sri Lankans in how to bat. The problem with the current side is that no one seems to be able to go on a make a really big score. I'll fight back the tears knowing that here in Hong Kong the weather is just perfect for a good game of cricket"
Slimmers, Hong Kong, in the TMS inbox

0710: England's fielders are heading back out. Most of them are wearing sunglasses, it looks an absolute scorcher out there.

"Following on from the topic being discussed on TMS, an eBay bid to get an over bowled at you by Muttiah Muralitharan, I feel that I have to admit that at the age of eight at an Oxford Universities v Warwickshire game I asked the great Allan Donald to bowl to me. He declined. Having realised that facing Donald would be much more dangerous than Murali, in hindsight I'm glad that he did"
Alan Hughes, Oxon (age 15), in the TMS inbox

LUNCH INTERVAL

"You remembered to mention when Sri Lanka saved the follow on. The way they are playing makes me feel that it is England who might not be able to save the 'reverse follow on' as Sri Lanka appear set to post more than 550 runs"
Adnan Bashir in the TMS inbox

"Rich and Matt here at Oxford Brookes Uni loving the commentary, its keeping us going through our all night session of uni coursework. Only 1000 words to go, four hours till hand-in! Loving your work"
Richard in the TMS inbox

0633: SL 200-2 (66 overs)
Jayawardene takes a single against KP, Vandort guides one off his legs for a singleton of his own. Another single from the skipper takes his side to 200, and that's lunch.

"Lankan here sleepless in Dallas, Texas, following the action on TMS. Great work guys and special kudos to MM. I just happened to read that Murali has got his own song (a tribute song), written and sung by another Sri Lankan legend in music Alston Koch (Disco Lady fame), now domiciled in Australia. I was wondering if anyone in the TMS team had the opportunity to actually hear the song?"
Muditha in Dallas, Texas, in the TMS inbox[This was mentioned on the air by the TMS team yesterday - MM]

0629: SL 197-2 (65 overs)
Good Golly, it's Colly - the Durham all-rounder replaces Broad and will send down some military medium before lunch. He nearly got to bowl last night when the light was fading, but the players went off before he got the chance to add to his eight Test wickets. Colly sends down a rapid maiden to Vandort, so we'll get another over in before lunch.

"John in Nara - you should make like the swallows and fly south. It's a balmy 22 degrees celsius in Miyazaki! Hurry up England and take a few of them down, I finish work in an hour and don't have the internet at home (much as I'd love to sit here and continue to read I can't as I have to feed the cat)"
Jonny, Miyazaki, Japan, in the TMS inbox

"Sorry to be a pedant, but I feel it's important for Richard (0536) to realise that he's actually three hours ahead of you [ie ahead of the UK] in Kuwait, not behind. It could lead to some embarrassment if he has important meetings scheduled. Also, in a small claim to fame, I went to school with Steve Harmison. His Aunt Diane is a mate of my Mum's and used to cut my hair (she's a hairdresser)"
Rick T, Dubai, in the TMS inbox

0625: SL 197-2 (64 overs)
KP has a short leg and a leg slip against Jayawardene, and he's arguably looking less comfortable against the part-time off-spinner than he was against the Montster. But a slog-swept single to fine leg takes his score to 80. KP then beats Vandort's defensive prod with one that turns sharply away from the batsman. He can only manage a single off the final delivery.

"Here in Canada you must wait at least four more months before the snow goes away. I usually play on baseball diamonds in Toronto, you can even turn on the lights until 11pm. And if anyone asks we tell them 'cricket is like baseball, except for grown-ups'."
Mahesh, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

0622: SL 195-2 (63 overs)
After Jayawardene takes a single, Vandort continues his assault on England by pulling Broad through midwicket for four. Aggers reveals he'll be speaking to Murali's manager during the lunch interval, scheduled for 0630 GMT.

"I'm on the early train to London today in an attempt to save the plastics recycling industry from being, erm, recycled, so I'll have to follow the action by PDA"
Paul in Lancs in the TMS inbox
[That's a good point - you can follow all the action on BBC Sport even if you're on the move - MM]

0618: SL 190-2 (62 overs)
It's a change of bowling - Mr Panesar is off after 13 wicketless overs for 58 runs, and England turn to... Kevin Pietersen, who's going to bowl some off-spin in his sunglasses. He immediately gets the ball to turn, but Jayawardene guides a loose one down to fine leg for a single. Vandort then plays one firmly through mid-on, where the ball evades the pursuing Montster and goes for four. The lanky Vandort then cracks a two through point, and that's his fourth Test century.

"Ah, nothing better than finishing work in 30 minutes to go home and watch the boys! Weather here in Sydney is rubbish!"
Craig in the TMS inbox

0612: SL 183-2 (61 overs)
Broad is still bowling to two slips, and Simon Hughes on TMS reckons he saw a 10-inch lizard when he was walking among the England supporters today. Jayawardene pushes a single to third man, it's been a bleak day for England so far.

"To Rick T in Dubai, having dated a Sri Lankan girl for five years I understand exactly why the Test is midweek. Sri Lankans love holidays (well don't we all!). So every time there is a full moon it is a Poya day (spelling?), so 13 of those then, then the Buddist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian key holidays, then the government holidays, plant a tree day (for school kids), and then every time Sri Lanka play a Test (especially at home) it's as good as a public holiday. So not only is it a paradise island with great food and lovely people it's also got the ideal work ethic, no doubt the all-nighter students will be considering their employment options very carefully with this news."
Edd in Antananarivo, Madagascar, in the TMS inbox

0609: SL 182-2 (60 overs)
Vandort guides Monty for two through the covers, and then fiercely drives a half-volley to the extra cover boundary for four. The pair exchange singles, eight runs from the over and it really isn't Monty's day at this stage.

"Can't believe I am missing this. Unfortunately no cricket shown here in Astana, Kazakhstan. In fact no English speaking channels at all. Bless bbc.co.uk! On a two-year posting, so will be booking leave for next year's Ashes for sure! Just to add to the weather theme, it is minus 15 here. I say it's cold and the locals reply with 'just wait until the winter starts', we expect minus 40 come February"
Rhys, British Embassy, Kazakhstan, in the TMS inbox

0605: SL 174-2 (59 overs)
A young member of the Colombo ground staff runs on with some dawdust which is used to repair Broad's footmarks in the crease by umpire Harper. The fair-haired Broad continues but Vandort easily guides him away for a single, while Simon Hughes and Angus Fraser on TMS reminisce about having dinner in the same restaurant as Sir Ian Botham yesterday. "Iron Bottom" is a bit of a hero on the subcontinent, and was presented with a huge Henry VIII-style spread, so there was barely any food left for the ex-Middlesex duo.

"Hi from Toronto! Managed not to kill anyone in the ICU today. It's past midnight here, it was a long day - did everyone else finish their theses/essays?"
Chris Jagoe in the TMS inbox

"Looks like business as usual - everybody gets excited to see a decent score only to discover that the other side demonstrates it's a better wicket than demonstrated. Look to see SL declare with a 150 lead and Murali to bowl us out cheaply"
Nigel Gallivan, Oman, in the TMS inbox

0600: SL 173-2 (58 overs)
Jayawardene pushes two off Monty to bring up the 150 partnership, which gains a smattering of applause. It's been fairly even, too - of the last 151 runs, Jayawardene has scored 75 and Vandort 76. Monty finally induces an edge but it just bounces in front of the stumps and keeper Prior.

0558: SL 171-2 (57 overs)
Vandort pushes Broad for a single, then Jayawardene pushes him off his legs towards midwicket where a combination of Bopara and Sidey saves the four and restricts Sri Lanka to a well-run three. Uh-oh - Daryl Harper has a word with Broad about his follow-through, and uses his walkie-talkie to contact match referee Jeff Crowe. Broad must be in the last chance saloon now.

"I don't know what I'd like more, an amazing England win or to go to town on Sidey's hair with a pair of garden shears. It's doing my head in"
Harry, Brisbane, in the TMS inbox

"With your problem with the delete key (see 0508 entry), can anybody tell me where the 'any' key is as I have a program that says 'push any key to continue' but I cannot find it"
Simon, Peru, in the TMS inbox

"Panesar is bowling more raggedly and more impatiently than at any stage in his Test career. But we shouldn't be expecting him to compete directly with a player like Murali. A wicket would be the perfect tonic for him"
Former Somerset and England off-spinner Vic Marks on TMS

0552: SL 167-2 (56 overs)
A poor long-hop from the Montster is flayed through the covers for four by Jayawardene, who then rotates the strike with a single. Vandort squeezes a single to backward point to keep the strike.

"Speaking of Jimmy Hill (0444 entry) he was guest speaker at a sales conference I went to and I sat next to him. I then realised that there was nothing wrong with my telly and his chin really looks like that!"
Ian in Hua Hin, Thailand, in the TMS inbox

0555: SL 161-2 (55 overs)
Broad replaces Sidey after an ineffective three overs. Vandort edges one which bounces before reaching Ian Bell at first slip. Vandort then off-drives betwen cover and mid-off for four. Over in Bangalore, India have broken a Test record - having conceded 72 extras so far in Pakistan's first innings, including over 30 byes - with Dhoni not playing, Dinesh Karthik is keeping wicket. Check out the BBC Sport website for the latest score.

0543: SL 157-2 (54 overs)
Broad warms up for another burst as Jayawardene opens the face and guides the Montster down to third man for a well-run three. A single takes Vandort's score to 80.

"Am in a flatshare with ridiculously thin walls (yes, to whatever you're thinking already) and so am watching the match on 'mute' but relying on the text updates on the BBC site for my commentary! Am looking at Harmison's action and is it me, or does he look crucially off the pace? His run-up is so lumbering as to almost be pointless, as any resulting pace seems all generated from the huge explosion of action as he reaches the stumps. He is bowling well despite this, but am worried, will his back hold up for a second session come the end of the match?"
Marcus, London Bridge, in the TMS inbox

0540: SL 153-2 (53 overs)
Jayawardene pushes another single off Sidey, while Vandort is watchful as he steps across his stumps to play defensively. A Sri Lanka fan in a Santa suit and beard is carried around the ground on the shoulders of his mate, waving a SL flag.

"From one resident of Nottingham to another (Andy who has just returned from his jaunt along the Trent) might I recommend a visit to one of Nottingham's fine fast-food estaablishments? That'll help you forget about any prospect of an 11am meeting!"
Ash in Nottingham, still in the basement of Hallward Library, in the TMS inbox

"It is not just cold in Ontario, it is freezing here in Japan too. I agree, bummer that us expats cannot listen to TMS just because we are not in the UK... reading the text does help but live on the radio is so much better! Why are so many Law students up late and also listening to/reading the cricket? The only all-nighters I did as a student was down the pub or disco until 3am... night time is party time! Talking of which, I bet those who wanted Freddie out, have their tails between their legs! But it does sound like Harmy has brought the correct boots for this Test"
John Kecsmar, Nara, Japan, in the TMS inbox

0536: SL 152-2 (52 overs)
As R4 LW listeners return, Roshan Abeysinghe on TMS notes that Sri Lanka have averted the follow-on as Jayawardene takes a single off Monty, reducing their deficit to only 199 runs.

"Interesting comment from Michael. 'Back then' SL didn't have the best bowler and the best batsman in the world in their side, but still I'm not absolutely sure we would've beaten them. West Indies would have stuffed the Aussies 'back then' and the Saffers were still playing with themselves or pretending to be from another country - oh wait, they still are!"
Tim in Ha Noi, in the TMS inbox

"Just a shout out to Derrick (below) who can be no more than a mile from me seeing as I am too at Lincoln Uni, good luck with the essay. Harmy seems to have opened up well this morning, Sidebottom not so well. England just need line and length, we say this every day of every match, hopefully today we can keep the pressure on!"
Tom, Lincoln, in the TMS inbox

"Morning Mark, three hours behind you and spending this week 'working' out in Kuwait, correcting assignments and recording results. Keep sneaking a look at your commentary every 15 minutes hoping for a wicket. Great work - keep it up! Monty's on for a Michelle (Pfeif-fer) today methinks"
Richard, the Gulf, in the TMS inbox

"Sri Lanka will be very pleased with the first hour's play"
Former Middlesex and England seamer Angus Fraser on TMS

0530: SL 151-2 (51 overs)
England physio Kirk Russell runs on with a drink for keeper Matt Prior, and also feeds him a jelly bean. Please, let's not start all that nonsense again. Sidey has a loud lbw shout against Jayawardene - and you never know what you're going to get with umpire Daryl Harper, but he says "not out". The skipper runs a single to take his score to 60, while the Barmy Army trumpeter performs a very guarded rendition of "Walking in the Air". My BBC colleague Alistair Watkins (who is my "gaffer" this morning) asks "wasn't that the theme from The Godfather?" - it was, as we all know, from "The Snowman". A drinks break is taken as the famous drinks trolley is brought on.

"Last night the NFL finished as cricket began, tonight it was the wrestling that finished (its anniversary show no less) as cricket began. Honestly, I'm starting to see less and less point waking up during the day anymore. Anyone? Good reasons?"
Tony, Glasgow, in the TMS inbox

0525: SL 150-2 (50 overs)
TMS scorer Jo King reveals that after 21 Tests, the Montster has 79 wickets - one more than Muralitharan had at the same stage! Jayawardene guides Monty down to third man and the chasing Sidey allows them to run three. That's 150 up for the home side. Monty then appeals for lbw when Vandort pads up without playing a shot outside off-stump, but it was a long way outside.

"After some previous doubt, I think Prior could now be a keeper. Let's get some early wickets before I fall asleep, so that I can have nice dreams please"
Ed, Cardiff, in the TMS inbox

0521: SL 147-2 (49 overs)
Harmy's off as Sidey changes ends. He's now bowling at the end where he took two early wickets yesterday - a good omen? Vandort is taking the odd chance outside off-stump but edges another one through where third slip would be stood. But we don't have a third slip - we have a first and a fourth. So that's four. Radio 4 LW listeners are hauled away for the Shipping Forecast - bad times.

"At last, England playing cricket at a reasonable hour for me in Oz. Girlfriend is away so when I get home in two hours or so I'll have a couple of sessions before bed! Go Harmy, about time you got some luck with the ball. If he'd had some in the last two years we wouldn't be talking like he was playing for his career"
David Nicholls in the TMS inbox

"Morning Mark, morning everyone. England batting by tea! Sidebottom a five wicket haul. Now there's a man whose taken his second chance at Test level with both hands. Come on England! As a side issue I love to see the variety of flags and banners that adorn the various Test venues when we are on tour. What is the smallest or most unusual town banner you can spy today? Alas my Desborough Foxes banner is here with me in Sydney for the moment"
Paul in the TMS inbox

0516: SL 143-2 (48 overs)
With a breakthrough needed, Broad's off after one over as England turn to Monty Panesar, who didn't get much turn in the six overs he bowled yesterday. But he gets his first ball to turn as Jayawardene drives it into the ground. But the third ball is a little too wide and Jayawardene beautifully cuts him for four - "the margin for error on this pitch is very slim" says CMJ on TMS. A single brings Vandort on strike, and Monty goes over the wicket, where he has a half-hearted lbw shout. Vandort turns one off his legs for a single.

"Continuing the weather theme so far it's minus 10C here in Waterloo, Canada, a good few inches of snow and pitch black - not really cricketing conditions! Although strangely enough they do actually play cricket here, typically only in the summer when my exchange will be over. Reckon a few early wickets for Sidey, and the tail for Monty and Sri Lanka all out for around 280. Guess it's back to the public policy administration revision (yawn)"
Tom in the TMS inbox

0512: SL 137-2 (47 overs)
Vandort fends off one from Harmy safely, then sways out of the way of a bouncer. Harmy then goes round the wicket to the rangy left-hander, and brings in a leg slip to add to the forward short leg, first slip and fourth slip. But Vandort edges the ball in the large gap between first and fourth slip for four.

"It's a hot and sticky day in Perth at the moment. Being a Pom down under I would like to see England build on their good start and take some wickets but I can't help agreeing with Mr and Mrs New Zealand - there will be a lot of leather chasing"
Paul Raftery in the TMS inbox

"Hi there Mark, almost pleased to be up at night (working for the NHS!) just so I can keep up with the morning's happenings!"
Chrissy, north Notts, in the TMS inbox

0508: SL 133-2 (46 overs)
Sidey is indeed replaced by Broad. His first ball is short of a length and Jayawardene rocks back to guide it through cover for four. What we might need to keep an eye on is that Broad is once again bowling from umpire Aleem Dar's end - remember, he received two formal warnings yesterday for running on the protected area of the wicket in his follow-through. One more transgression and he would be banned from bowling for the rest of the innings. A two from Jayawardene and that's his fifty.

I then accidentally press a button which nearly turns my entire computer off, but thankfully the situation is rescued. If you're the moron who designed a keyboard with a "power off" bottom millimetres from the "delete" key, please e-mail me your whereabouts and I'll set the dogs on you.

0501: SL 127-2 (45 overs)
Jayawardene tries a pull to leg but gets a thick edge to Broad at fine leg for a single. Broad is warming up, might he be on soon? Vandort leg-glances for four off his legs, he's on fire at the moment.

"Mark, I'm back from the boat trip that I mentioned yesterday and hoping that TMS can guide me through my hangover and that I hope my group doesn't decide to meet at 11am!! that would be very inconsiderate!"
Andy, very very drunk in Nottingham, in the TMS inbox

"England need to be patient today, but watch out for the breakthrough from Panesar in about 20 overs' time. What's with these midweek Tests though? The odd occasion where I'm in a suitable time zone to watch England away and they are playing on a Tuesday! Is there a car boot sale at the ground on the weekend that couldn't be moved?"
Rick T, Dubai, in the TMS inbox

"I think the day will pan out that I shall not build as many steps as I should do since it's the working day here in Aus and I'm interested to see how we Brits go. The day shall then turn into a cricketless one for me since it's my anniversary and all talk of willow and leather will be banned tonight"
Simon, Melbourne, in the TMS inbox
[Happy anniversary - MM]

0444: SL 122-2 (44 overs)
The grille of Vandort's helmet is so large that it could easily accommodate the chin of Jimmy Hill, but he's staying watchful until he pulls a short one from Sidey just wide of Ravi Bopara at midwicket for four. The crowd are finally treated to some attacking shots as he carves the next ball past gully for another boundary. A third successive four is a slightly streaky edge past the slips, but that brings up the century partnership for Vandort and Jayawardene.

"Could be another hot day toiling in the field for England. I'm feeling a little left out in Manchester so I've donned the sun cream a la Alan Donald style war paint"
James, Manchester 'first time caller long time listener' (always wanted to say that), via text on 81111

0453: SL 110-2 (43 overs)
Vaughan gives the ball a good polish as Harmy continues, and Jayawardene finally gets bat on ball with a rare delivery on the stumps from the Durham man, which is met with a back-foot defensive stroke. Another maiden. Only two scoring shots in five overs so far - it's a war of attrition so far. Who will be first to crack?

"It sucks that us ex-pats here in cold, snowy Canada cannot get TMS audio coverage on the net; thank God for your commentary which is helping to keep me sane"
Yannis Tjanetis, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, in the TMS inbox[Glad to be of service - MM]

0449: SL 110-2 (42 overs)
Harmy takes a drink from a couple of the England support staff as Sidey is steered through the covers for four by Vandort.

"Evening Mark. Any truth to the rumours that Ben Dirs was trying to persuade the TMS powers to let him blog the Led Zeppelin concert, as a warm up to today's play?"
Dave in Virginia in the TMS inbox
[You can read the Dirs' last depatch from Vegas on the BBC Sport website - MM]

0445: SL 106-2 (41 overs)
Harmy has just one slip and a gully against the right-handed Jayawardene, who's happy to leave anything outside off stump at this stage. England aren't giving anything away, but aren't too threatening at this stage.

"After finally starting a law degree at Lincoln Uni it finally feels as though I am a student. It's the pulling of that first all-nighter to get that assignment in on time and listening and reading the the TMS commentary that makes it. Good luck for today to both you and our boys and let us see some early movement both reverse and orthodox"
Derrick Hayward (not yet sleepy law student dispite the contract essay), in the TMS inbox
[As a law graduate myself, I can tell you it doesn't get any easier! MM]

0440: SL 106-2 (40 overs)
Streaker update: The streaker who was led away in handcuffs on the first day of this Test (see previous days' live text), who we thought was going to be deported, appeared before an acting magistrate yesterday and was fined 500 rupees - which translates as about �2. Aggers and Vic Marks on TMS suspect he got off a little lightly, while in other TMS news, they report that CMJ has been out Christmas shopping and bought his wife an item of jewellry. Ryan Sidebottom, who took both wickets yesterday, takes the second over and captain Mahela Jayawardene takes the first single of the day.

"Come back Simon Jones and Freddie all is forgiven. I am working evenings here in New Zealand and looking at how the mighty have fallen. We'd have thrashed SL 20 years ago without even thinking about it. How soft are England now. Come on lads!"
Michael Passe in the TMS inbox

0435: SL 105-2 (39 overs)
Steve Harmison opens the attack with an attacking field against the tall Michael Vandort, who reached his fifty just before the close last night. Vandort has to fend one off his ribs which falls just short of Cook at forward short leg. A maiden for Harmy.

0428: Aggers and the TMS crew are up and running - and Aggers reveals that Matthew Hoggard told him at dinner last night that when playing on the subcontinent, he drinks a sachet of special fluids after every over he bowls. Even though he's not playing in that match, Hoggy still needed to visit the toilet four or five times during dinner. Ulp. If you haven't already done so, don't forget to check out the TMS Blog which features Aggers' verdict after each day of the Tests.

0420: Don't forget, in the wee small hours like this, I need you to get involved on the e-mails and texts - how do you think the day will pan out?

"I am hoping for an early England breakthrough to lift my spirits as I pull an all-nighter at Nottingham Uni's hallware library. Here's hoping Notts' own Broad or Sidebottom do the business"
Ash in Nottingham, via text on 81111
[Sidey and Prior were virtually a two-man team for England yesterday - MM]

"Good evening from a seam bowler's delight, drying breeze, overcast, humid and 20 degrees, problem being it's a Auckland evening! No doubt the England bowlers will be fighting each other to bowl out here in a couple of month's! Hate to be down beat, but a long hot day of leather chasing loom's for England's finest! Oh well, Rhubarb and Apple Crumble anyone?"
Lez and Lou Morgan, Auckland NZ, in the TMS inbox

0400: Morning, everyone. The consensus seems to be that this match is now intriguingly poised - with Sri Lanka having recovered to 105-2 in reply to England's 351.

England did take the big wicket of Kumar Sangakkara cheaply yesterday - but Michael Vandort and skipper Mahela Jayawardene have added an unbeaten third-wicket stand of 83 and are looking very comfortable.