They have been told to be positive at all times, but England had to dig deep before they could have the desired effect at Lord’s when faced with a combination of one of the greatest batsmen in history and a featherbed pitch. Even the best bowlers of all time may have struggled against Kumar Sangakkara on the third day of the first Test once he had decided that this was the day when he would finally make his first Test century at the home of cricket. Yet, when Moeen Ali, almost out of nowhere, forced an edge from a rare loose Sangakkara shot to end his latest high quality century and claim a notable first Test wicket, England suddenly looked capable of claiming a decisive advantage.
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Sangakarra scored 147, his first Test hundred at Lord's
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Moeen Ali had him caught behind by Matt Prior for maiden Test wicket
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James Anderson had opener Kaushal Silva caught behind early on
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Mahela Jayawardene hit 55, Angelo Mathews in 79 not out
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Liam Plunkett took his first Test wicket for seven years
It was apt that when Sangakkara finally went to that 36th Test hundred but first on this ground that Jayawardene should be at his side, his great friend rushing to leap on him and join the celebrations as @placeholder basked in the adulation.