Trott and Pietersen dig deep as England battle
28/03/2012
Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen were unbeaten on 40 and 29 respectively at the close of the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle as England closed on 111-2, chasing 340 to go 1-0 up.
That target may seem unlikely as it would be the highest England have chased in the fourth innings of a Test to win, while the batsmen continued their winter of struggle against spin in posting just 193 in their first innings.
However, Trott and Pietersen both have the ability to play long innings and fans enjoying hospitality packages at the Kia Oval Test when England play South Africa in July may be familiar with the abilities of both players, each of whom made their first Test centuries in crucial Ashes matches on the ground.
Sri Lanka had slumped to 167-9 earlier in the day but a catch off a no-ball helped the last-wicket stand add what may be a decisive extra 47 runs, with Prasana Jayawardene making 61 not out.
England have made over 300 to win a Test three times, the most recent being at Headingley in 2001 against Australia.
By Liz Johnstone