England beaten in Kandy

England's cricketers came within a few overs of forcing a draw but lost the first Test against Sri Lanka by 88 runs in Kandy.

Ian Bell and Matt Prior gave Michael Vaughan's team hope of a draw with a seventh-wicket partnership of 109, but Muttiah Muralitharan broke that partnership when he bowled Prior for 63 and then Bell for 74.

England's chances of victory disappeared when Chaminda Vaas, playing in his 100th Test, bowled nightwatchman James Anderson for 11 and then had captain Michael Vaughan caught out for five early on the final day.

That left England on 27 for three as they chased a target of 350.

Dilhara Fernando followed that by bowling Kevin Pietersen for 18 and then claiming Paul Collingwood's wicket for 16 as England limped to 125 for five at lunch and Sanath Jayasuriya took advantage of the slow and low pitch by trapping Ravi Bopara for 34.

Bell and Prior provided dogged resistance as they steered England to 209 for six at tea but their wickets left the team on 249 for eight and they were soon bowled out for 261.

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