SMITH PREVENTS TOTAL COLLAPSE

Jamie gives England hope

- Gary Fitzgerald

ENGLAND need a bowling hero to fly to the rescue if they are to avoid crashing to defeat at The Oval.

Jamie Smith's batting prowess helped them avoid a total meltdown in the third and final Test yesterday.

But Ollie Pope's men need a huge turnaround to keep alive their bid for a summer Test clean sweep.

Sri Lanka are firm favourites to clinch a consolation victory with only 125 more runs needed, having bowled England out for just 156 in 34 overs before scorching to 94-1 at close.

With Pathum Nissanka (53) and Kusal Mendis (30) in impressive form and well set, England need a miracle to claim a 3-0 series win.

Having controlled this contest for the first two days, a bad batting display - where several players threw their wickets away - cost the hosts dearly.