Compton perhaps trying to show a bit more positive intent, flashing at a wide delivery from Eranga and picking up a single to the off-side boundary rider.

Vic Marks
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"It's carried. It was a tough one, almost bisecting first and second slip. In practice, they probably catch those."

Hales dropped on 19published at 16:16 British Summer Time 11 June 2016

16:16 BST 11 June 2016

Eng 27-0

Down! Sri Lanka can't afford to miss those. Hales pushing off the back foot, Karunaratne moving late to his left and shelling it out of one hand. Never looked like catching it. Would have been a classic Hales dismissal, but instead he survives.

Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"This is why Alex Hales is in the side - with a good lead and wanting to get bowling again, you may as well get cracking. If it's there to hit, you may as well hit it."

Lovely shot from Hales, a beautifully balanced straight drive that sends Lakmal sprawling in a vain attempt to cut it off. Four runs. And that's four more, crunched through the covers, Lakmal leaking...

Nick Compton is going to do this his way - it's an over of 'Thou shalt not pass' against Eranga.

Hales blocks out a maiden from Lakmal.

Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special

"It was a fantastic dive at mid-off. There was a mix-up, almost resulting in Compton being run out. That wouldn't have gone down well. His heart would have been in his mouth."

Good fielding from the gazelle-like Rangana Herath at mid-off, sprawling to collect the ball, and there's almost a run-out as Compton and Hales stand transfixed in mid-pitch. Luckily Herath's throw is poor and Compton scampers home safely.

Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

Image source, Getty Images

"Compton is so still at the crease, as if transfixed. I know you have to stay still, but I wonder if he waits too long."

If I can add my two penn'orth on this important issue, ketchup and mustard is an essential combination on hot dogs. In all other contexts, it is unacceptable. Hope that clears things up. Don't bowl there to Compo! Short and wide from Lakmal and Compton smashes it through extra cover. On the charge...

Image source, PA

How is Nick Compton going to play this then? It seems likely that his Test career is on the line. It looks like he's not going to change his usual method - he leaves the first three balls of Eranga's over, then nurdles one off his hip.

Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special

"Alastair Cook is back at Lord's. I don't think he has to serve a time off the field, but they've clearly decided he's not yet fit to bat."

Compo is off the mark first ball, just about safely. Hales hits Lakmal for consecutive fours, flicked through backward square and flayed through point. Emphatic.

Image source, Getty Images

Elliott Sanderson: I'd have a lot more faith in an England win if Ali opened in Cook's absence. Compton doesn't inspire confidence.