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Tremlett double gives England sniff of victory

Sri Lanka, in their second innings were 33 for two at tea — 63 runs behind England’s first innings 496 for five declared — with 43 overs still to be bowled in the opening match of a three-Test series.

Fast bowler Tremlett took two wickets for four runs in three balls to remove both Sri Lanka’s openers and reduce the tourists to 10 for two.

But former captains Kumar Sangakkara (seven not out) and Mahela Jayawardene (15 not out) kept England at bay.

Tremlett struck sixth ball to have Tharanga Paranavitana well caught low down at first slip by England captain Andrew Strauss.

But it was all the 6ft 7in Surrey paceman’s own work when he caught and bowled Sri Lanka skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan after a review confirmed the batsman had gloved a lifting delivery back to the bowler.

Now the experienced pair of Sangakkara and Jayawardene stood in the way of an England attack missing James Anderson, ruled out from bowling in the rest of this match with a side strain on Saturday.

Earlier England, after rain washed out the morning session, added just five runs to their overnight total.

Strauss declared as soon as Ian Bell, who resumed on 98, cut debutant seamer Thisara Perera to complete a 159-ball hundred featuring a six and 11 fours.

Bell’s was the third century of an England innings that saw his Warwickshire team-mate Jonathan Trott score 203 and opener Alastair Cook 133.