Ton-up Root powers England to 320-4 v SL

Joe Root

England captain Joe Root hit an unbeaten 168 as his side built up a lead of 185 over Sri Lanka on a rain-hit Day Two of the opening Test. England were 320 for four when rain halted play in Galle.

Root and Dan Lawrence, who scored 73 on his Test debut, built a 173-run partnership after the tourists resumed the day on 127-2.

Root, who is batting with Jos Buttler (7), hit his 18th Test ton and kept up the pressure on the home bowlers despite losing overnight partner Jonny Bairstow for 47 early in the day.

Meanwhile, the England cricket team were hit by a new COVID scare on Friday as two staff members tested positive and were hospitalised, officials said.