England claims first series win in Sri Lanka since 2001

England 290 Curran 64, Perera 4-61 & 346 Root 124, Foakes 65*, Akila 6-115

Sri Lanka 336, Silva 85 & 243 Mathews 88, Lewadh 5-83, Moeen 4-72

England won by 57 runs

England Cricketers have won a test series first time since 2001 in Pallekele, Sri Lanka with a 57-run victory in the second test

Moeen Ali and Jack Leach wrap up series win for the tourist.

 

The hosts started day five in Pallekele on 226-7, needing 75 more, and added 14 in 28 balls. But Moeen Ali drew Niroshan Dickwella into edging to first slip for 356, before bowling captain Suranga Lakmal two balls later for a duck. Jack Leach completed the win by removing Malinda Pushpakumara.

 

Spinners took 38 0ut 0f 40 wickets for the first time in 2,327 test matches and 141-year test history. The previous record of 37 wickets was set in a test between India and New Zealand in 1969.