Sri Lanka stuns woeful England after unthinkable Test cricket collapse

England has suffered an embarrassing eight-wicket defeat in the third and final Test of its home series against Sri Lanka.

England has suffered an embarrassing eight-wicket defeat in the third and final Test of its home series against Sri Lanka.

A staggering top-order collapse on Sunday’s day three, which left the hosts 7-82 before being bowled out for 156 in just 34 overs, sparked the upset.

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It was a particularly remarkable defeat given England was cruising at 3-261 in its first innings.

The win was Sri Lanka’s first Test victory in England in a decade and just its fourth all-time as the hosts claimed the series 2-1.

Opener Pathum Nissanka was the player of the match, spearheading the clinical run chase by adding an unbeaten 127 to his first innings 64, helping them reach the 219-run target with ease in just the 41st over.

Pathum Nissanka celebrates a century during their big win. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Nissanka also capped off his superb effort by hitting a boundary to win the match.

“It is absolutely fitting that Pathum Nissanka hits the winning runs,” Nasser Hussain said in commentary.

“A big beaming smile on his face and probably all of Sri Lanka here at The Oval and back home.

“It’s just their fourth win in England in 21 Test matches and it’s some fight back as well.”

The tourists’ bowling attack took full advantage of an overly aggressive England side on day three, with Nick Hoult of The Telegraph calling it “the worst batting of the Bazball era”.

Captain Ollie Pope and the England side suffered a stunning collapse.. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The loss sees England drop into sixth in the World Test Championship standings, with Sri Lanka moving up into fifth.

The Poms now need excellent results in their remaining matches this tournament away to Pakistan and New Zealand to have any hope of making the June 2025 final at Lord’s.

India and holders Australia are the only nations with a winning record in this WTC, with this summer’s five-Test series down under set to prove decisive.

The Aussies then finally face Sri Lanka away in early 2025.

Originally published as Sri Lanka stuns woeful England after unthinkable Test cricket collapse