The China Mail - Sri Lanka captain Mendis hits century in 321-6 against England

Mendis's 121 was the cornerstone of Sri Lanka's 321-6 as they looked to level this three-match series at 1-1.

Sri Lanka were dismissed for just 176 during an 89-run defeat in Tuesday's opener at Chester-le-Street.

Mendis opted to bat first after winning the toss in Leeds, with Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of the remainder of the series because of a back problem.

Sri Lanka's skipper was rewarded with a much-improved batting display as his side sought a first win this tour after being whitewashed 3-0 in the T20 series.

Together with Kamindu Mendis (54), he shared a second-wicket partnership of 137 before Pavan Rathnayake's breezy 48 kept the runs coming.

England retained some control in the field thanks to leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed's 2-48 and Gus Atkinson's 2-55.

Kusal, however, had a reprieve on 17 when he skyed Jamie Overton to fine leg, only for Atkinson to drop the two-handed catch in a swirling breeze after settling under the ball.

Kusal cashed in with a 47-ball fifty, with Kamindu reaching the same landmark in 56 balls.

Kamindu, who hit three sixes, finally fell when he skyed Atkinson to England captain Harry Brook at mid-on.

Kusal, having reviewed successfully when given out on 99, reached his seventh ODI century in style when he cover-drove Overton to the boundary for an 82-ball hundred, including 12 fours and three sixes.

He was dismissed when slogging an Ahmed googly to Tom Banton in the deep.

Ahmed, in the side for injured fellow leg-spinner Adil Rashid, also had Charith Asalanka caught by Atkinson.

Rathnayake's enterprising 39-ball innings ended when he was run-out by wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, who alertly pounced on Joe Root's wayward throw to complete the dismissal.

L.Kwan--ThChM