LEEDS, England, (Reuters) – Opener Sam Robson hit his maiden test century before Sri Lanka fought back with four late wickets on the second day of the second test at Headingley, England closing on 320 for six, a lead of 63.
Robson (127) put on 142 with Gary Ballance (74) and 87 with Ian Bell (64) – in his 100th test appearance – but not until struggling England captain Alastair Cook had been caught behind for 17.
Cook went in the fourth over of the day when he edged Prasad to Kumar Sangakkara at first slip, his 23rd innings without a test hundred dating back to May 2013.
Robson and Ballance were hardly troubled but Ballance had two escapes when umpire Billy Bowden’s lbw decision off Rangana Herath was overturned on review and when he was put down at short leg off Angelo Mathews.
Joe Root and Moeen Ali were also dismissed cheaply as skipper Mathews and Shaminda Eranga led the Sri Lanka recovery with two victims each.
