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England lose five wickets before close of play

England collapse to 57-5 at stumps on day four of their second Test against Sri Lanka while chasing 350 for victory.

England collapsed to 57-5 late on day four of their second Test against Sri Lanka, leaving them facing a heavy defeat.

Angelo Mathews scored 160 for the tourists earlier in the day as they posted a total of 457 in their second innings, setting England a target of 350 for victory.

Sam Robson and Alastair Cook quickly added 39 runs as they started their reply, but Dhammika Prasad removed the England captain for 16.

Prasad continued to cause problems with the English batsmen as he trapped Gary Ballance lbw with the next ball before claiming the wickets of Ian Bell and Robson to take four wickets in 13 runs.

Liam Plunkett was sent in as a nightwatchman as the hosts tried to reach stumps without giving away another wicket, but the bowler was the subject of two reviews before edging a Rangana Herath delivery to Nuwan Pradeep with the final ball of the day.

Joe Root was not out at the close of play, and will resume on six tomorrow morning with England 294 behind.

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Sian Cowper
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England's Stuart Broad celebrates taking another wicket during the fourth Ashes Test with Australia on August 12, 2013
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