Dom Bess, Jack Leach and Joe Root sparked a massive Sri Lankan batting collapse as England sealed a crushing series victory in Galle on Monday.
The fourth day’s play started with England still needing to complete their first innings, Leach and James Anderson at the crease.
Sri Lanka wrapped up the tail by dismissing England for 344, giving them a handy lead of 37 runs.
But, a disastrous batting display by the hosts once again dumped them deep into trouble with batsmen carelessly throwing their wickets away.
READ: Root steadies England’s shaky ship
The three England spinners accounted for all 10 Sri Lankan wickets, dismissed for only 126. The collapse all but ruined the lead Sri Lanka had, giving England the opportunity to win the second Test with a day to spare.
Bess bagged figures of 4-49 and Leach 4-59, while Root picked up the final two Sri Lanka wickets.
Needing 164 for victory, the visitors suffered no real damage in their small run chase. Despite losing a couple of wickets early on, opener Dom Sibley made sure of the result with an unbeaten half-century as England won the second Test by six wickets.
