England v Sri Lanka: Gary Ballance ton gives hosts control
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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.
