Day 16: Spin it to win it

Is it possible for a spinner to find the rhythm they need in just a day of match practice? The answer is usually no. However good the conditions. It would never be easy for Jack Leach and Dom Bess. Leach hasn't played much cricket in the last 12 months, and Bess has been under scrutiny during the same time despite five wickets in the first innings. Bess has the credit of an impressive tour of South Africa in the bank, and Leach deserves his chance.

It was also inevitable that Sri Lanka would bat better second time around. England are still on top of course, and with two days to go, it won't be easy. More formidable challenges await in India, but there is no expectation that the rest of the Test series with Sri Lanka won't be tricky. How England respond will be interesting. Of course, this isn't a full-strength England side. Ben Stokes, Rory Burns and Jofra Archer aren't in Galle. James Anderson is having his workload managed. It is a long year of Test cricket for England as ever the build-up is to the Ashes next winter.

With the first two days' efforts, expectations are high with Sri Lanka well beaten in South Africa recently that could have given the position they would roll over. The first innings did little to dispel that.

What England need over the next seven days cricket is to find a way of winning. There is enough promise there, and one disappointing day doesn't make a Test year.

Ireland play

Ireland finally managed to play some cricket today. It wasn't the planned ODI against UAE, but instead, Afghanistan stepped into the breach as the two sides ramp up preparation for the series between the two sides. Ireland lost by 23 runs, but the majority of the squad took part.

South Africa let Luus

South Africa announced its women's squad to face Pakistan. Without the services of Dane van Niekerk, Sune Luus will lead the Proteas.

Pakistan's new coach David Hemp will be hoping to see his side beat a well organised South Africa team.

Make or break day

Australia will be kicking themselves that they failed to reach 400 in the fourth Test at The Gabba. Tim Paine needed to bat well, talk that his place was under pressure not just as captain, but also behind the stumps.

Australia will have to bowl well in the first session. If there was ever a day was made for Cheteswar Pujara to bat all day, then this is.