Herath, dark hair punctuated by flecks of grey, once more troubles the outside edge of Moeen, with the left-hander this time getting willow on it for a couple. It's like two different games are going on out there at the moment. When Bairstow is on strike batting is as easy as the third pint of lager. For Moeen, it's a monster hangover. 

Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Image source, Getty Images

"When you're out of form like Moeen, you only see the negatives. When you're batting as well as Bairstow, it's easy to see the pluses."

Spin at both ends, hastening us towards the new ball, which is due in five overs. Siriwardana has Moeen swishing and swiping, a world away from the certainty being displayed by Bairstow.

Alex in London: Gower In The Tower, two teams of former players complete tasks to release the silky batsman from the Tower (of London)!

Simon Garbett, Birmingham: "Saved by the Bell": Former Aussie bowlers from their failed 2013 Ashes series jostle to take potshots and penalties against the pint-sized Warwickshire legend - who proceeds to save everything fired at him with considerable aplomb!

Richard in Sheffield: Competing teams take it in turns to scrub grass stains off a former England captain. That's "How clean is your Strauss? at 5pm weekdays on BBC2.

Image source, Getty Images

Lumley Castle, the grand old girl that spooked Shane Watson, peers on as Rangana Herath befuddles Moeen Ali. Wide of the crease, drawing Moeen into a needless stroke, beating the edge. When Moeen hits the ball back, Herath and Bairstow end up in a tangle, a cuddle, a cricketing game of twister.

Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician

"Moeen has batted at one, two, six, seven, eight and nine. His only Test century came at number seven."

More brilliance from Bairstow, this time driving straight back down the ground for four. I'm trying to think of more complete cricketing transformations, or times when I've seen an England batsman in such imperious form.  

Michael Jones: Know your Onions. Former English quickie Graham takes his adoring audience on a tour of allotments nationwide.

Paul Almond: The Murali Maze: debating thorny ethical issues with the Sri Lankan spinner. In a maze.

Neil Brown: NewsKnight. Nick Knight quizzes former Test greats on their Brexit (batting) stance.

Sri Lanka decide that Rangana Herath is the man to remove Bairstow early, with the England keeper instantly looking to score, trying to force through the off side. Even when he can't get the ball past the fielders, his jet heels between the wickets keep the scoreboard ticking. Sri Lanka's best chance of keeping him quiet might be asking Arjuna Ranatunga to sit on him. 

Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"The thing about England's middle-order is they don't hang around. It's very difficult to keep them quiet, so you've got to get them out."

Sri Lanka respect the form of Jonny Bairstow by instantly posting an off-side sweeper. It's like kissing his feet. How on earth has he got that to third man? Jagging back, cramped for room, guiding for four from about the line of middle stump.

Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Moeen can bat. He did very well against Australia in some crucial situations."

My shortcomings as a text commentator probably mean I haven't done that Thirimanne catch justice. You can watch it right here. Moeen Ali, who could do with a score, threads Siriwardana through the covers for four.

Gaz Derry: Gower of Strength. Cricket teams pull a tiger moth plane 22 yards as quickly as they can, filmed in South Wales.

Paul Beckett: 'Malcolm in the Middle' Former England paceman Devon Malcolm attempts to reconcile warring couples.

And good news everyone...our TV-producing friend is paying close attention:

Ollie Bartlett: Busy scribbling down all these suggestions to take to the producers. Thank you.

England have lost two for spit, but Sri Lanka's biggest problem is probably at the crease right now. Red hair, stubble, bat raised like a lumberjack, more runs than a trip to a dodgy curry house. Jonny Bairstow slips into the groove by whipping Nuwan Pradeep through square leg for four.

Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician

"Siriwardana has 10 wickets in five Test matches at an average of 20.67. All 10 dismissals were top-seven batsmen."

Looking again, Thirimanne clung on to that with both feet off the ground. As he landed, there was no expression, as if he takes those for fun. Trevor Bayliss watches on from underneath a cap and a hoodie. Thug life. Moeen Ali the new man.

Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"That's one of his favourite shots, it's another brilliant catch. It was a nice bit of bowling, just to set that ring field, tease the batsman and use your craft as a spinner: change your pace, vary your flight."

Adrian Powell: Hussain's line is it? Improvisation and theatrics.

Hector Dyer: Stickie Bird - contestants dress up as a pigeon and try to avoid being 'gunged' by Ryan Sidebottom.

Peter Blow: Wheelie Bin of Fortune. Ashley Giles presents a strange mix of WOF and 321. Loser gets a bin. Winner gets a central contract.