England Near Victory Against Sri Lanka in Test

England are on the verge of victory against Sri Lanka after an eventful third day of the first Test at Old Trafford. Jamie Smith's maiden Test century of 111 helped England to a first-innings total of 358, giving them a 122-run lead. Despite a resilient 65 from Angelo Mathews and an unbeaten 56 from Kamindu Mendis, Sri Lanka closed the day on 204-6, with a slender lead of 82. Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson were pivotal with the ball, reducing Sri Lanka to 10-2 early in their second innings. Sri Lanka's efforts were hampered by injuries, with Dinesh Chandimal requiring an X-ray on his thumb but later returning to bat. England persuaded the umpires to change the ball, which swung, aiding their bowling attack in the evening session.