Pope on the ropes

ENGLAND RATTLED AS WICKETS TUMBLE

- 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 total meltdown in the Third and final Test yesterday.

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

Sri Lanka are firm favourites to clinch victory, needing just 125 runs to win, having bowled out England for just 156 off just 34 overs before scorching to 94-1 at close.

With Pathum Nissanka (53) and Kusal Mendis (30) in impressive form and well set, it will need an outstanding bowling performance for England to somehow avoid defeat.

Having had control of this contest for the first two days, a bad batting display where many players threw away their wickets - as much as Sri Lanka's bowlers performed well-cost them dearly.