Vic Marks
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"It's good placement from Roy as the off side is pretty crowded. England have had two good overs - you have more time in these matches than you think."

Image source, Getty Images

Root again, this time taking the wiry, whippy Vandersay through the covers for four more. Roy, the piano mover to Root's piano player, swats and swipes, eventually getting through the covers for another boundary. Bad dance music plays, the sort that only sounds good from outside the nightclub.

Vic Marks
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"He tried to bowled a slower ball but still a good shot from Root as there were four men to beat."

Nice from Root, pouncing on a full toss to drive through the covers for four. This fella is in the sort of touch that makes Midas look like a pauper. England up and running. Andrew Strauss is in the crowd, getting his ear chewed by Giles Clarke.

Reverse-sweep! Herath to Roy. Four.

Vic Marks
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"There is tension out there. It's not the ideal start and they are not picking Vandersay's googly.

What do you make of this picture? One Direction in India? And what is Liam Plunkett wearing? Captions...

Image source, Getty Images

Indeed, leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay is on at the other end, a run-up so short it's barely worth bothering. In the dressing room, Hales de-pads. He's probably remembering the ton he got against Sri Lanka two years ago. Not today, Alex. Roy and Root dance about, Roy is hit on the pads by a googly... not out. England really struggling.

Mark Robinson: I'm glad Hales came in for Vince...selection completely justified...

Luke Breeze: Predicted about 10 minutes ago that Herath would end with 3-12. Haven't seen anything that makes me change my mind.

Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special

"Rangana Herath looks from the sidelines like a little village club cricketer but he has that control."

Image source, Rex Features

According to the replay, the impact was 'umpire's call'. Very, very marginal. I reckon Hales can feel aggrieved. Joe Root is the new man. Herath completes a wicket maiden. England should expect more spin...

Vic Marks
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"They agonised over whether Hales was fit and that agonising came to nought. There will be some discussion on whether that was outside the line but it was a poor shot."

Mike Bell: Hurled bat into dressing room after out LBW. Broke piece off. Then remembered I'd borrowed skipper's bat.

Image source, Getty Images

Spin from the other end, left-armer Rangana Herath immediately producing a rozzer that does for Hales. That ragged. 

Vic Marks
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"They have left some grass on this pitch which gives it just a little bit more bounce on what traditionally is a slow pitch."

Roy and Hales must be the most tattooed England opening partnership, in any form, in the history of the game. Roy's ink is on the left arm, Hales' on the right. Slip in, then out. No swing. Roy, bat taped up like a Christmas present, takes a pair of twos, one each side of the wicket.

James Copland: Can someone explain how Vince has been dropped yet Morgan has kept his place? And why not give Dawson a go?

D Rudden: Slowish pitch, I take 150 right now, anything higher massive bonus.

Image source, Reuters

Vic Marks
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"England need two of their first six to fire. It's difficult to assess what's a good total but I reckon if England can get around 170-175 here, that's a good score."

I've heard that, in order to fix his back, Alex Hales asked his hotel for a new mattress. Is that an option? "Hello, front desk. Yes, I'd like a toothbrush and a mattress please." Angelo Mathews has the ball.