Asitha Fernando arrives at the crease, joining namesake Vishwa.

He fends off the final two balls of Bashir's over.

By the way, we're all crediting that wicket to the change of text commentator, right?

I'm just saying what we're all thinking.

Michael Vaughan
Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

Finally! England take the ninth wicket. That was an innings of great determination. Sri Lanka fought hard and the pitch was played nicely.

Thanks Ffion, hello there.

Rathnayake greets my arrival by lofting Bashir over mid-on for two.

That's the fifty partnership up.

From nowhere!

Vishwa Fernando slog sweeps into the leg side for four, unsettling some pigeons that were safely nestled at mid-wicket. I'm not sure what the collective noun for pigeons is.

Perhaps Mike Peter can let you know. He's back to take you through the rest of the day.

Daniel Norcross
BBC Test Match Special commentator on BBC Sounds

Well you often get two seasons in one day in Manchester.

Michael Vaughan
Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

At the start of the day's play it was bright, and you'd think Sri Lanka would be used to that. They have actually played a lot better since the weather has changed for the worse.

Rathnayake came to the crease at 113-7.

It's been an excellent innings, as he moves to 70 with a gloriously timed drive through the covers for four.

At least the spin at both ends means England are whizzing through their overs, even if not much is happening.

Root gets through a maiden to Vishwa Fernando, who has an epic three from 42 balls.

Daniel Norcross
BBC Test Match Special commentator on BBC Sounds

The field has turned into a more defensive position to prevent singles.

The spectators on their balconies which overlook Old Trafford have provided some great entertainment today.

They've moved on from coats and jumpers, to being huddled up in full on duvets out there. Amazing.

Andy Zaltzman
Statistician on Test Match Special

Milan Rathnayake, who is making his Test debut today, averages 16 in first-class cricket with a top score of 59. It's the seventh highest score batting at nine or lower on Test debut and the highest on this ground, beating Darren Gough's 65 against New Zealand in 1994.

Phil Tufnell
Former England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

Rathnayake got himself into a good position to just swing at it.

SL 216-8published at 66 overs

66 overs

Right on cue!

Milan Rathnayake flicks a switch and whacks Joe Root over the top for six.

Root sends him a bouncer in response, which does catch the batter by surprise, but he manages to play it safely into the ground for a couple more.

A productive over, at last.

Phil Tufnell
Former England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

207-8 isn't a great start, but it could've been much worse. It's something to build on for Sri Lanka.

The game has stalled somewhat as Vishwa Fernando shows absolutely no desire to score any runs and Rathnayake is also not prepared to take too many risks yet.

They look intent on seeing out the day, though it's still early days for that. I didn't think we'd get this far when Shoaib Bashir did this earlier.

Phil Tufnell
Former England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

I definitely did hear a couple of noises there but it dropped short. A strange little passage of play.

Half an appeal for a catch at short leg, but it's off the thigh pad, and Dan Lawrence retrieves it.

Elite captaincy move from Pope, by the way. Immediately gets himself out of short leg and chucks the new (ish) guy straight in the firing line.

Mark Wood removes his jumper and cap, but soon has to put them back on because the umpires have had their say.

It'll be spin only from here on unless the light improves. Joe Root will continue.

Wood takes it well, though. He always has a smile on his face.

Milan Rathnayake, fifty on Test debut.

Heck of an effort from number nine.