Doozy of a day at HQ, all eggshell blue in the heavens and unblemished green down below. Singles tucked and scampered; we've lost one of the three slips to the call of cover.

First maiden of the day from Broad. Track still looks an absolute ripper to bat on.

Vic Marks
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"You sense that both the batsmen relish the look of this outfield. The key is not to worry too much about the state of the game, just enjoy yourself in good conditions."

Silva gets a nasty short one from Anderson, and he plays it like a dream - leaning back, bending the knees, watching the cherry fizz past his snout. First the defence, now the attack - dreamy cover drive, one to bore the grandkids about. Simon (below) - Ginger action man appears to have a Pontingesque cheek scar, as if he's also faced a revved up Harmison on a bouncy Lord's track.

Striking image, that, of George's maw. Looks like the portal to another ghastly world. Also can't help wondering if the dentist didn't put all his good eggs on the top shelf - that bottom row is all misfits and misshapes. Broad, lean and glaring, turns from the Nursery End. Round the wicket, and Karunaratne slaps a short one for four more. And again! No, Moeen will just haul this one back in, three more. 

And so. Karunaratne to face, standing tall to punch Anderson away past Moeen at point for the first boundary of the innings. Three slips, a short leg, sleepy post-lunch buzz about the old place.

Image source, Reuters

Robert Stow: Bairstow's Test average after 34 innings; 26.4. Average after 44 innings: 39.97. Not a bad turnaround.

That's the one Liam. Looking at it again, George now appears to be holding his breath - possibly as a portraiture-era bet (how long can you hold your breath while being committed to oils) and possibly because the artist breakfasted a little too fibrously. 

If you're wondering which Englishman has that wicketkeeping record, it's Sir Alec of Stewart. 173 vs the Kiwis in Auckland. You can close your lids and picture the cuts and pulls now. Plus the trademark white lid.

Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special

"He tried to repeat the shot he'd just played, opening the face, but he got a thin edge on it."

Image source, Reuters

Jimmy Anderson, up onto his toes to glide a short one away through the vacant third man slots for four. Apparently the portrait of George that I'm referencing isn't showing up on the page. Can anyone find the correct image, based on the description provided?

Vic Marks
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"It was a genuine top edge, and they go a long way these days, don't they? Good catch by Lakmal running to his left. Bairstow might play a few more shots now."