More runs for Ben Duckett. This time he cuts a wide ball from Asitha Fernando - the right-arm version of these two Sri Lankan Fernandos - to the boundary.

Dan Lawrence, meanwhile, is yet to get off the mark as Duckett rattles along.

Very good, Ollie.

England's first boundary off the middle of the bat comes as Vishwa Fernando serves up a half-volley on the pads. Duckett doesn't even try and keep it down, just flicking the ball out to the boundary in a flash. He gets a three afterwards to keep the strike.

Vishwa Fernando is just searching a little.

I wonder how often these Sri Lanka bowlers have bowled in conditions like this. It's like playing amid the opening burst of a dry ice machine before a gig in the 1980s.

It's been a quiet summer for Ben Duckett. After two fifties against West Indies, he's averaging just 23.25 against Sri Lanka, the lowest he's managed in a series since returning to the Test team.

Almost a wicket!

Ben Duckett inside edges an inch or two past his stumps.

Duckett is going to try and play shots here despite the conditions it seems. It's England's first boundary either way.

Image source, PA Media

Nervy times for Dan Lawrence as he plays and misses to a lovely, seaming delivery from left-armer Vishwa Fernando.

He could do with a run or two.

Sunderland have made their best start to a season for 99 years, Ben...

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Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

You can't even see the top of the high-rise buildings behind the stand Stephan is sitting in. That's how low this foggy murk is sitting over the capital.

Ben Duckett gets England off the mark with a streaky edge.

A tidy start from Sri Lanka.

Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport chief cricket writer at The Oval

I've said plenty of times before that the outside seats in The Oval press box are the best in world cricket. I reckon this is the best seat in the best box. Front row, number one. I can sit on the sightscreen if I wanted to disrupt play. In the firing line of a straight six, too.

After a careful start, Ben Duckett swishes at a wide ball from Asitha Fernando. The keeper has to dive across in front of first slip to take the ball.

Ben Duckett is averaging just 9.80 with the ball swinging back into him from left to right. Scoring his runs on the front foot with his well-documented low leave percentage, he strikes at 125.

Here we go then.

Daniel Lawrence and Ben Duckett have emerged into the gloom.

Jimmy would love these conditions.

Image source, Getty Images

Jimmy Anderson speaking to Test Match Special: "It’s been a bit strange for me in terms of playing my last game and going into a slightly different role. But I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been a lot of fun and I’m hoping we can finish well this week."

On Josh Hull: "I think he’s really exciting as a prospect and a player. He’s got lots of attributes that are really exciting. He’s tall, swings the ball, can bowl with good pace. It’s great that we’ve got this opportunity to have a look at him. I’m trying to give him the confidence to go out and enjoy himself. Regardless of how this week goes, he’s definitely in England’s plans for the future.

I’m just trying to keep him calm and relaxed like he is. He’s got a very good head on his shoulders. He’s been enjoying his time around the group. He’s learning from all the players, learning from the environment and how we want to play Test cricket. We’re trying to keep him relaxed and make sure he goes out there with a smile on his face and enjoys it. Debuts can be a little bit pressurised. He might not have played on a big ground with a big crowd."

Sir Alastair Cook
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

Today is about Ollie Pope finding a way to get a score to nip it [talk about his place] in the bud.

So England will be batting shortly.

The cameras have already panned to stand-in batter Ollie Pope. He's apparently a man under pressure despite scoring 121 and 51 four Tests ago.

He was England's second-highest score in their first series of the summer.

Tough gig.

Sir Alastair Cook
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

I don't like to go into any Test match without a spinner, everything just seems to work when there's a spinner on your side.