England captain Alastair Cook was to undergo a fitness test yesterday as rain delayed the scheduled 11am start of the fourth day’s play in the third Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s.
Cook was unable to bat in his usual opening position on Saturday after being struck below the left knee while fielding close in earlier in the day.
As yesterday morning’s rain prevented a prompt resumption of play, Cook made his way across the main ground for a fitness test batting in the nets at the Nursery End of Lord’s.
Photo: Reuters
An England statement said Cook’s injury had “significantly improved overnight” and team officials remained optimistic that the 31-year-old left-hander, who made 85 in his side’s first innings, would be able to bat again in the match.
Steady overnight and morning rain was sufficient for both the pitch and square to remain fully covered as the scheduled start time approached.
England, bidding for a whitewash at 2-0 up in the three-match series, were 109-4 in their second innings — a lead of 237 — with Alex Hales on 41 not out and nightwatchman Steven Finn on 6 not out.
Sri Lanka on Saturday came back fighting after a wild third day in which 13 wickets fell.
The pitch, which flattened under sunny skies on the first two days, turned nasty under cloudy, humid conditions. The fast bowlers took advantage, and Sri Lanka collapsed from 162-1 overnight to be all out by tea for 288. England, beginning their second innings with a lead of 128 got a taste of their own medicine, slumping to 50-3 and limping to 109-4 by stumps to stretch their lead to 237.
Sri Lanka quick Nuwan Pradeep bowled Joe Root (4), James Vince (0) and first-innings century-maker Jonny Bairstow (32) in taking 3-25 off nine overs.
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