Prior ton in vain for England A

Tour match, Colombo: Sri Lanka A 145 & 296 beat England A 157 & 245 by 39 runs

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Matt Prior's century was not enough to avert defeat for England A in their second first-class match in Colombo.

On a topsy-turvy third day, Sri Lanka A reduced the tourists to 26-5 but they fought back to 229-6, chasing 285 to clinch the series 2-0.

Prior made 104 and shared a stand of 126 with Graeme Swann but the latter's dismissal for 71 was the first of four wickets to fall in as many overs.

Leg-spinner Malinga Bandara took three wickets to take his match haul to 11.

Swann had already played a vital role with the ball, taking two of the wickets to fall in the morning for figures of 3-85.

We're disappointed but we've shown the fight we've got in the side Ian Bell More reaction

The home side were reduced from 211-5 overnight to 296 all out.

he wickets just kept tumbling, though, as Vikram Solanki, Ian Bell and Owais Shah fell in the first three overs to opening bowlers Gayan Wijekoon and Nandika Ranjith.

Entering the fray with his side in tatters, Prior set off at a pace faster than a run a ball, but was generally content to find gaps in the field, hitting 13 fours and a six.

I think it's essential that Swann and Prior are brought in for Giles and Jones for the Ashes From Bill J Have your say on TMS

Bandara heaved three sixes and four fours in his 50 before providing Richard Dawson with one of his three wickets from a return catch.

Alistair Cook helped him right the ship, contributing an even 36 to a partnership of 81 for the sixth wicket.

Swann upped the tempo, facing just 64 balls, until he edged leggie Thilina Kandamby.

Bandara ended an impressive game with a day to spare as he dismissed Dawson and Prior in the space of five balls.