Angelo Mathews century helps Sri Lanka to reach 229-4

An unbeaten hundred by Angelo Mathews helped Sri Lanka to 229-4 at stumps on the first day of the second test against England, according to The Associated Press.

Mathews, who missed Sri Lanka’s recent tour of South Africa with a hamstring injury, reached his 11th test hundred and the third against England with a single off Jack Leach to point region.

It was his first test hundred in Galle, a venue where he had made his test debut 12 years ago.

Mathews came in to bat at 7-2 after James Anderson had dismissed both Kusal Perera (6) and Oshada Fernando (0) in the morning session, according to The Associated Press.

The former Sri Lanka captain was then tested by a probing spell of fast bowling by Mark Wood, who had him in trouble with a couple of short deliveries.

Wood was constantly bowling to Mathews on middle and leg-stump with a leg-gully in place expecting the batsman to flick one.

Mathews did not take the bait but a bouncer struck his glove and landed where there was no fielder before crossing the boundary rope. That brought up Mathews’ half-century, according to The Associated Press.

“We lost the openers early unfortunately and we just had to see through a few overs and get the ball slightly older and look for runs,” Mathews said.

“Scoring runs was tough although the wicket was flat. England were on the money not giving away too many loose balls.”