Galle (Sri Lanka), Nov 8 (AFP) England looked Thursday to be building a commanding position in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, with the visitors leading by 250 at lunch on day three.

Opener Keaton Jennings was unbeaten on 60 accompanied by Ben Stokes not out on 14 as the home side struggled to get back into the match.

Having been 38 without loss overnight, Jennings's opening partner Rory Burns, brought in to replace the retired Alastair Cook, was run out on 23.

Moeen Ali, out first ball in the first innings, made just three before driving straight to Rangana Herath at mid-on off Dilruwan Perera.

Perera then quickly claimed his second, getting England captain Joe Root caught behind for three.

England made 342 in the first innings thanks to a century from Burns's fellow debutant Ben Foakes. Sri Lanka were then bowled out on Tuesday for 203, leaving them 139 behind. (AFP) APA

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