6 Apr 2012

England in command after Pietersen hundred

6:40 am on 6 April 2012

England lead Sri Lanka by 181 runs after three days of the second and final cricket test at Colombo.

Kevin Pietersen hit a swashbuckling 151 to brighten England's prospects of a series-levelling victory, hitting 16 fours and six sixes before England were bowled out for 460 in their first innings.

Sri Lanka had one over to face before stumps in their second innings and they survived scoring four without loss, all leg byes.

England are desperate to win the match and share the series to retain their world number one ranking after a disastrous run of form on their winter tours in Asia.