England in command

England seamer Andy Caddick went off injured and Sri Lanka opener Marvan Atapattu retired hurt in an eventful start to the touring team’s first innings in the third and final Test at Old Trafford on Saturday. England finished their first innings at 512 with fine centuries from mark Butcher and Alec Stewart.

In reply, Sri Lanka were 130 for one at stumps. Meanwhile, Atapattu went to hospital for an X-ray, having made 10 and helped his new opening partner Russel Arnold to give Sri Lanka their best start of the series by putting on 48.

Caddick suffered a strained left side that forced him off after bowling three deliveries of his sixth over.

Brief scores: England 1st innings 512 (M Butcher 123, A Stewart 123) Sri Lanka 1st innings 130 for one wicket.