Cook steady but Sri Lanka has England 74-3 in 3rd test

Published Jun. 9, 2016 9:16 a.m. ET

foxsports

LONDON (AP) Alastair Cook was 48 not out after a burst of three wickets by Sri Lanka had England 74-3 at lunch on the first day of the third test on Thursday.

Cook and Alex Hales posted an opening stand of 56 until Hales lost patience and fell for 18 trying to heave a delivery from spinner Rangana Herath to the leg-side.

Nick Compton (1) and Joe Root (3) were out cheaply and in the space of two overs to give the Sri Lankans a little early momentum in the final test at Lord's after they lost the first two games and the series.

Seamer Suranga Lakmal picked up Compton caught behind, and Root lbw for his 2-22.

England opted to bat first on a pitch that looked good for batting.