P – England, replying to Sri Lanka’s first innings of 275, were 2-239 at lunch on the third day of the second Test in Colombo on Thursday.

Jonathan Trott was unbeaten on 62 and Kevin Pietersen was on 18 after opener Alastair Cook has been dismissed for 94.

Resuming at 1-154, England’s overnight pair extended their partnership to 91 before Tillakaratne Dilshan (2-27) had Cook caught at slip by captain Mahela Jayawardene for 94.

Cook faced 278 balls and hit nine boundaries.

The tourists are trailing Sri Lanka by just 36 runs in the first innings with eight wickets in hand.

England are in a solid position to push for the series-equalling victory they need to retain the No.1 spot in the Test rankings.