Morale-boosting victory slips away for England

ENGLAND were undone by Sri Lanka’s spinners to fall to a 19-run defeat in Colombo as the morale-boosting victory Harry Brook’s men so desperately craved slipped away.

- By SCOTT HUNT, PA

Half-centuries from Joe Root and Ben Duckett appeared to have England well placed in their chase of 272 under lights to win the first ODI but the tourists slipped from 129 for one to 165 for six as the life drained from their innings.

England’s batters could not match the key contribution of Kusal Mendis, whose unbeaten 93 guided the hosts to an imposing 271 for six.

Few would have backed England’s under-fire batting unit to chase it down and, despite lower-order fireworks offering late hope, they were bowled out for 252.

Two weeks on from their 4-1 Ashes defeat, England began their preparations for next month’s T20 World Cup against a backdrop of speculation over the future of the team, with head coach Brendon McCullum’s position still in question.