The Latest Breaking News from England

NEW DELHI: Jamie Smith's unbeaten 72 helped England secure a slim first-innings lead against Sri Lanka in the opening Test at Old Trafford on Thursday, despite the second day being curtailed by poor light and rain. England reached 259-6, a lead of 23 runs, in response to Sri Lanka's 236.

Report into prevalence of condition reveals stark north/south divide with the highest rates in north-west

As England and Sri Lanka battled for control, every time nothing interesting seemed to be happening, something surprising happened

Flintoff, the son of talismanic former England captain Andrew, became Lancashire’s youngest player in the Vitality County Championship.

Hosts on course despite top of the order failing to fire

Just 57 overs were possible in Manchester, with the morning session wiped out by rain and bad light curtailing the evening’s play.

Ex-England star once tipped to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day sacked after investigation into behaviour

A fine unbeaten 72 from wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith meant England ended day two with a first innings lead of 23 runs and four wickets remaining

The limited-overs side is in a state of transition following Matthew Mott’s sacking last month.