Cricket: England heading for day of drama

England, chasing 161 for victory in the second test against Sri Lanka, closed on 91 for four yesterday to set up a dramatic fifth and final day.

Sri Lanka, struggling on 98 for six at the start of play, produced a fine rearguard action to throw the match open again, Kumar Sangakkara (95) and Kumar Dharmasena (54) leading the way before the innings folded for 250.

Pace bowler Darren Gough took four for 50 from 22 overs and off-spinner Robert Croft three for 40.

England, bidding to level the three-match series, were soon in trouble as they lost openers Michael Atherton and Marcus Trescothick with 25 on the board.

Graham Thorpe steadied the innings with a rapid 46, but his dismissal, followed by captain Nasser Hussain's departure just before the close, reignited Sri Lankan hopes.

Sri Lanka won the first test in Galle by an innings and 28 runs.

In Georgetown, an unbroken century stand between Gary Kirsten and Jacques Kallis gave South Africa the edge on the second day of the first test against the West Indies.

They put on 105 to carry the touring team to 130 for one by the close in reply to West Indies' 304.

Kirsten was the main aggressor, hitting nine fours and a six in his unbeaten 80. Kallis ended the day on 39.

Earlier, new captain Carl Hooper marked his international comeback with 69 as the West Indies' last three wickets added 71 valuable runs.