Atkinson strikes again as England sweep to series win

There was not a great deal of encouragement from the Lord's pitch and a thin crowd made for a slightly sleepy Sunday.

- Ali Martin

But by 5pm, after another five-wicket haul from the soaring comet that is Gus Atkinson, England had sealed a series win against Sri Lanka and set up the prospect of their first perfect Test summer for 20 years.

Not since 2004, when New Zealand and West Indies were swept aside by Michael Vaughan's men, have England won every Test in a home season. Although they play one fewer these days, a 2-0 lead over Sri Lanka - secured with a 190-run victory in this second Test - to follow the 3-0 win against West Indies still presents a rare opportunity. Ollie Pope, two wins from two as stand-in captain but personally light on runs, will welcome the return to the Oval this week.

Like the Vaughan vintage, this is an England side hoping to build towards a climax down the line; a work in progress, rather than the finished article. They have refreshed their team - not least the bowling attack - and even with three first-choice players lost to injury this series Ben Stokes, Zak Crawley and Mark Wood maintained winning ways. Their opponents this summer may sit on the wrong side of the sport's titled global economy, but credit is still due.