ENG vs SL 3rd Test Results

12:47 PM IST Right then, this marks a wrap to this immersive 3-match Test series. It has been nothing short of entertaining and a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. England take the series and further improve their standings in the World Test Championship. Whereas, a bittersweet end for Sri Lanka as they couldn’t clinch the series, but displayed what could be in store for them in the future with this win. Both teams have a streak of Test matches lined up for the next few months. England will be taking on Pakistan for a 3-match Test series, well, the venues haven’t been officially confirmed yet and it may take place outside Pakistan as well. That series will commence on October 7th. But before that, another bigger challenge awaits England in white ball cricket, as they will host Australia for a 3-match T20I series and a 5-match ODI series at home, in just about a week or so. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has a week’s rest before they host New Zealand at home in a 2-match Test series in Galle, which will begin on September 18th. Until then, cheers and take care!

12:41 PM IST The English players are now awarded with their medallions. Ollie Pope is requested to collect the silverware now. He collects the glittering trophy and walks towards his fellow teammates who pose for a team photograph. Clean sweeping the West Indies by 3-0 back in August, and now clinching a series win over Sri Lanka by 2-1. England have dominated this English summer with a 5-1 winning performance. And with this, the English Summer comes to a wrap.

12:38 PM IST The skipper of England, Ollie Pope is up for a talk now. Pope says that it is a disappointing result, but credit to Sri Lanka and they deserved the win. Adds that on Day 3, they kind of shot themselves in the foot as they didn't execute the plans effectively, and praises Nissanka for the way he batted. Says that there was no complacency, they stuck to their approach but just didn't score enough runs. Mentions that it was just one of those days where things didn't work out and they will look at it and try to improve in the upcoming games. Further adds, if they get the balance right, it will be alright as they have shown in the past. Credits Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes for playing all six Tests because it is not easy for fast bowlers. Tells that they have won 5 out of 6 Tests this summer, and they will learn from this defeat. Says when Stokes will be fit, he will be back leading the side, but he has enjoyed every moment of being the captain. Ends by saying that there have been a few words against him, and it was good to block that noise by scoring runs, but it doesn't matter because it came in a losing cause. Nonetheless, it was great to be back among the runs.

12:34 PM IST Time for the skippers' talk now! The captain of Sri Lanka, Dhananjaya de Silva is up for a flash interview. He says that there were no emotions in the changing room but is very proud of this team and happy for the win. Adds it is a very big moment, tells they had a tough time in the last two weeks. Adds that to come to England and get the win in these difficult English conditions, is a huge moment for the whole country. Mentions that to get 20 wickets, which they didn't execute in the first two Tests was special. On being asked about Nissanka, he tells that he wanted Pathum Nissanka in the playing XI and he proved that he is the best opening batter for Sri Lanka currently. Says they have a fixed batting lineup up and it is hard to bring someone in. Also adds that Kamindu Mendis and others have been consistently scoring runs in the domestic circuit and is happy to see them perform overseas. Ends by saying that they have will take a lot of confidence and positives from this series and is certain that they can beat any other team.

12:32 PM IST Kamindu Mendis wins the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for Sri Lanka for his all-round contributions throughout the series. Mendis says that it is a great win for the team. Adds that obviously these are challenging conditions, but their seamers did very well and Pathum Nissanka was excellent as well. Says that he just wanted to enjoy his time in the middle in these conditions. Mentions that he just made small changes here and there that helped him in this series but the main thing is to be confident in your abilities. Ends by saying that he is happy with playing in the middle order, but if the team wants to move him up, he will not mind that as well.

12:27 PM IST Joe Root wins the PLAYER OF THE SERIES award for England. He is also nominated as the PLAYER OF THE SUMMER for his immaculate contributions with the bat. He says it has been a great summer and is always nice to contribute as a senior player. He adds that he is trying to evolve every day. Mentions that this game is fickle and things change very quickly and that you need to keep working hard and keep training hard. On being asked whether he is at the peak of his career, he tells that the last few years have been the most enjoyable of his career. Also adds that they tried to find ways to put pressure on the opposition and stuck to the basics. Says it is what brings the best out of them.