England secure series draw

ENGLAND cruised to an eight-wicket victory in the Second Test to secure a 1-1 series draw with Sri Lanka — and maintain their position as the best team in the world.

Chasing 94 to end a four-match losing streak, the tourists did not allow memories of their fourth-innings capitulation for 72 against Pakistan earlier in the year to affect them.

Captain Andrew Strauss fell for a duck in the first over but Alastair Cook hit a fluent 49 and Kevin Pietersen made an explosive 42 to guide the team home.

In fitting style, Pietersen smashed a match-winning six midway through the final afternoon in Colombo to cement England's position as No1 in the rankings.

Graeme Swann had earlier taken two wickets, finishing with six in the innings and match figures of 10 for 181.       Full Read