England wrap up series whitewash but are made to sweat by spirited Sri Lanka

• England beat Sri Lanka by 42 runs to win series 3-0
• Sri Lanka’s 10th-wicket stand makes for nervy finale

This was not quite the straightforward formality that had been anticipated. In fact, the Sri Lankans, with their pocket-battleship of a No 11 at the helm, Malinda Pushpakumara, gave England a real fright late in the day. When he arrived at the crease his team needed 101 more runs for victory. Those in charge of the post-match rituals were clearing their throats and checking their lines.

But there is freedom in a hopeless situation. In harness with captain Suranga Lakmal, Pushpakumara opened his shoulders against the spinners and drove, cut and swept with abandon and the ball kept speeding to the boundary – on one occasion way beyond the rope for a straight six. Root, trying to suggest calmness without quite succeeding, juggled his spinners, the reviews were used up and this unlikely pair made it to a delayed tea, having added 58. By now the new ball had been taken and had banged into Pushpakumara’s helmet.

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