England's Jonny Bairstow compiled his first century at Lord's and his second of the series to ensure the hosts completed a satisfactory first day of the final cricket test against Sri Lanka, finishing at 279 for six.
Captain Alastair Cook fell for 85, shy of his 29th test century, as the tourists hit back before tea but Bairstow, ensured England regained control in the final session, scoring his third test hundred of the year.
Bairstow, who scored 140 in the opening test was unbeaten at stumps close on 107, compiled off 164 balls with 13 fours.
England batsman Jonny Baistow Photo: Photosport
Yet Sri Lanka, who had at one point reduced England to 84 for four and looked in the mood to make a game of it, having lost the first two tests of the series, will kick themselves for not snapping up Bairstow's wicket.
He was dropped by Shaminda Eranga at mid-wicket when he was on 11, could easily have been run out later and then survived the closest of lbw reviews off Eranga on 56.
Bairstow, who narrowly missed a place on the Lord's honours board when dismissed for 95 against South Africa four years ago, made no mistake this time, pushing Rangana Herath to leg side to reach three figures off 160 balls before roaring in delight.
"It feels like it should have happened a few years ago," said a smiling Bairstow.
"It's something every boy dreams about. You could see I was pretty emotional.
"I'm enjoying my cricket and hopefully people are enjoying watching my cricket."
England won the toss on a beautiful sunny morning and elected to bat on a pitch that looked ripe for scoring.
Cook, was presented with a silver bat before the match after becoming the first English batsman to reach 10,000 test runs.
-Reuters
