ENGLAND were left needing 36 fifth-day runs today to win a gripping first Test against Sri Lanka after being dragged into an exhausting battle of wills in Galle.

The tourists have been firm favourites ever since skittling their opponents for just 135 on the first afternoon and, while they remained well positioned to close out victory, they were challenged all the way yesterday.

First Sri Lanka turned a 286-run deficit into a lead of 73, then they reduced Joe Root’s side to 14 for three as nerves frayed and shadows lengthened.

The umpires called time with England on 38 for three, with Jonny Bairstow and debutant Dan Lawrence at the crease having settled the situation down in failing light. After single-figure dismissals for Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley and captain Root — senselessly run out in the growing chaos — it was a slender but crucial stand.

Sri Lanka had finally been bowled out for 359, keeping England sweating for almost 137 overs, with Jack Leach claiming a hard-earned five for 122.

The left-arm spinner was playing just his third first-class match since November 2019, a period in which he overcame life-threatening sepsis and further illness and injury.

Leach, who bowled just under 42 overs and took the final four wickets, said the match had been tough going.

“I think this morning was very hard work for me,” he said. “I still felt like my length could have been better and probably wanted to bowl a little bit quicker.

“Then just before tea and after tea I found a nice rhythm from the far end. There was a nice breeze and I just tried to land the ball in good areas with some good fizz I guess.”

“We’ll come back and knock them off tomorrow,” he said.