"I was here a couple of Sundays ago for the Hundred Final and it was full. I hate to make those comparisons but it's not a good look for Test cricket." Our journalist panel had some strong thoughts on the small Lord's crowd at lord's on the fourth day. #bbccricket #bbccricket

TMS PODCAST: The Price is Right? The cost of Test Cricket. Jonathan Agnew is joined by Lawrence Booth, Ali Martin, Rex Clementine & Stephan Shemilt to discuss ticket prices for Tests & more. #bbccricket #ENGvSL bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0j…

“The new ball is the key. They attack with the new ball and once the ball gets older it is easy for batting. The top order needs to be solid. Either you have to stay at the wicket or play some shots.” – Dhananjaya de Silva #ENGvSL Rex Clementine thepapare.com/first-innings-…

Sri Lanka ‘A’ take an unassailable 2-0 lead to claim the Unofficial ODI series against South Africa ‘A’. #SAvSL More 👉 bit.ly/TPCricket

Poor Ollie Pope. He’s not made runs this series and former players are after him. Michael Vaughan being the harshest critic. ‘I don't like him as captain. He's quite an insecure human being...’ Steve James in The Times has called him, "worst starter since prawn cocktail.”

Senior journalist Palitha Perera is 80 today. He did commentaries in the inaugural Test. Gavaskar, Botham and Imran aren’t the only persons he had interviewed. He accompanied President JRJ to Cuba and inquired the possibilities of interviewing comrade Castro. His wish was granted

How my final Test and late daughter’s birth showed Sri Lankans’ warmth. From ⁦Steve James⁩ thetimes.com/article/9a5d5d…

Thalaivar Nirantharam!

“It’s a dream come true for me. Any bowler wants his name in Honours Board at Lord’s. I always dreamed of it and tried hard that if I had the opportunity to bowl at Lord’s I would ensure I entered my name on that list.” – Asitha Fernando Rex Clementine thepapare.com/asitha-thrille…

“Coming to Lord’s and watching the Honours Board, I saw only Rumesh Ratnayake sir had taken a five for. That was the inspiration. It was like a dream come true. I was so happy when Rumesh sir sent me a message congratulating.” Asitha Fernando.

The Oval, the ground that hosted the first Test match in England. What’s your favourite The Oval moment? Most Sri Lankans would pick 1998 Test win. Double hundred for Sanath, 150 for Ari and 16 wickets for Muri.

Found it!

“This is probably my last series in England. I scored some runs in last game and good start it was. Gutted couldn’t get a big one. Would like to finish series on a good note. A win would be ideal before we head back home” – Dimuth Karunarathna Rex Clementine thepapare.com/dimuth-promise…

‘We’ve been chatting about how to dismiss Joe Root? We want to come with a clear plan. He has scored massively against us. England batters score around him. We’d been too attacking for him. We need to deny boundaries. If we get him early that’s the key.” Dimuth Karunaratne.

Having watched training yesterday, you can come to the conclusion that Madushka is facing axe. Kusal Mendis maybe back and bat at 7. Sadeera an option too. Kamindu Mendis to bat high. As high as 3? Pitch greenish, conditions overcast, so they’ll be looking at seam options too.

Mr. Ranjit Fernando was SL Manager when they won their maiden Test in England in 1998. He told this beautiful story during Papare’s Legends series. Steve James, England opening batsman, is now a journalist. This week, in Times he wrote, ‘they are good people, these Sri Lankans.’

Sri Lanka bring in Kusal Mendis and Vishwa Fernando leaving out Prabath Jayasuriya and Nishan Madushka for third Test. Sri Lanka XI 1. Dimuth 2. Pathum 3. Kusal (wk) 4. Mathews 5. Chandimal 6. DDS (Captain) 7. Kamindu 8. Milan 9. Lahiru 10. Vishwa 11. Asitha.

If 12th man Upul Chandana hadn’t run out Alec Stewart with a direct hit, two things were possible. Murali taking ten wickets in an innings and England drawing the Test match.

Here we are then at The Oval. Asitha Fernando has been the stand out performer for Sri Lanka with 14 wickets to his name, most by either side. Can he make this toss count.

My newspaper along with CW Mackie PLC is running a quiz competition during Sri Lanka - England Test series. This is the second question of the series and you can answer correctly and win prizes from CW Mackie. Mail your answers to [email protected]