Gary Ballance struck a brilliant maiden Test century as England survived a scare to set up a tilt at victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Lord's.

The Zimbabwe-born Yorkshire batsman smashed Rangana Herath for six in the final over of the day to bring up his hundred in only his second Test and guide England to 267-8 in their second innings, 389 ahead.

On a riveting fourth day which began with Sri Lanka being bowled out for 453 in reply to England's 575-9 declared, the tourists had roared back into contention by reducing their hosts to 121-6 in their second innings, a lead of just 243 with almost four sessions of the match remaining.

But the cool-headed Ballance led England's recovery from number three with a vital innings of courage and skill.