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Thilan (142), Mahela (134) maul hapless England
Lanka has two more days to make it happen
By Marlon Fernandopulle
Thilan Samaraweera and Mahela Jayawardene compiled centuries and a record 262 runs for the third wicket as Sri Lanka piled on the agony on England to reach a commanding 563 for 5 wickets a lead of 298 runs at the end of the third day's play in the third test at the Sinhalese Sports club grounds yesterday.

England who toiled in the blazing heat and humid conditions paid the price for a sloppy fielding display and now face a daunting task to save the match and the series. With the Sri Lankans expected to make an early declaration today England will be expected to bat out the remaining two days if they are to save the game.

Samaraweera and Jayawardene who were playing on their home turf began the day cautiously extended their overnight 125 run third wicket stand to 195 as Sri Lanka went into lunch at 334 for two wickets. Jayawardene was lucky to get away after he was dropped by Trescothick at slips and Giles at fine leg when on 70 and 74.
However, soon after lunch both batsman reached their centuries and cut loose to score a flurry of boundaries. Jayawardene showing glimpses of his true potential drove and cut on the off side with ease and elegance. He reached his century in 206 balls with the help of 14 boundaries and a six

Samaraweera promoted to bat at number three made full use of three dropped catches by Marcus Trescothic to complete a pain staking century. He batted for over six and a half hours and faced 345 balls to reach his third test century.After reaching three figures Samaraweera cracked a host of boundaries as Vaughn and his Englishman simply stood and watched.

England finally broke the record third wicket stand after Mahela Jayawardene holed out to substitute Collingwood at deep square leg off Andrew Flintoff.(400/3)The pair added 262 runs for the third wicket which was the highest for the third wicket surpassing the 242 between Sanath Jayasuriya and Aravinda de Silva at the London Oval in 1998.

Samaraweera's innings finally came to an end when he was run out after a mix up with Dilshan.(443/4)The obduarate right hander occupied the crease for over eight overs in a marathon innings that frustrated the Englishman.Skipper Tilakaratne's woeful series as captain and batsman continued when he was bowled by Ashley Giles for 12 (456/5) which brought some hope to the tired and desperate visitor.

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