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Sam Robson century helps England retain lead

Sam Robson hits his maiden century to ensure England hold a 63-run lead over Sri Lanka at the end of day two of their second Test.

England closed day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka 63 runs ahead courtesy of Sam Robson's maiden century at Headingley.

England's Sam Robson celebrates scoring his maidan century on the second day of the second Test match between England and Sri Lanka at Headingley cricket ground in Leeds, northern England on June 21, 2014© Getty Images

The 24-year-old opener, playing in just his second Test, made 127 while there were also half-centuries for Ian Bell (64) and Gary Ballance (74) as England reached 311-6 in reply to Sri Lanka's 257.

Captain Alastair Cook was dismissed early on, though Robson and Ballance's accumulation put the hosts back on the front foot.

England had initially dominated the early sessions to take control, but Sri Lanka hit back with four wickets in the evening, as Bell, Joe Root and Mooen Ali bowed out late on, but Matthew Prior and Chris Jordan helped see England through to the end of day two.

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Sam Robson of Middlesex plays off his legs during the LV County Championship match between Warwickshire and Middlesex at Edgbaston on May 6, 2014
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