Ballance leads England to big lead

Jun 15, 2014

Angelo Mathews began the day 21 short of a century and made it to three-figures in 171 balls•Getty Images

England were looking to build up a big lead but after a confident start Shaminda Eranga had Alastair Cook caught behind•Getty Images

Rangana Herath then entered the fray to have Joe Root lbw...•AFP

But Nuwan Kulasekara had Matt Prior caught just after tea and England were six down only 223 ahead•PA Photos

Ballance brought up his century in the last over of the day, an innings that led England out of trouble and back into control of the Test•PA Photos

But England made quick work of the Sri Lankan tail to take a first-innings lead of 122•Getty Images

Eranga added the wicket of Sam Robson, bowled off an inside edge...•AFP

...and when he bowled Moeen Ali through the gate, England had slipped to 102 for 5•PA Photos

Ballance remained steady and moved to his first half-century in Test cricket •PA Photos

...and he claimed Ian Bell in identical fashion as Sri Lanka sensed a way back into the game•AFP

Gary Ballance was solid as England looked to him to ensure their lead grew•Getty Images

And he found Chris Jordan as a valuable partner, the pair adding 78 for the seventh wicket•PA Photos