Leeds, England: England survived 70 minutes of the opening session against Sri Lanka to reach 83-5 when rain stopped play for an early lunch on the fifth day of the second test at Headingley.
The tourists require five more wickets for their first series victory in England, but were frustrated by disciplined batting from Moeen Ali, 22 not out, and Joe Root, 9 not out.
England made only 26 in nearly 18 overs in front of a smattering of spectators as Root contentedly committed himself to a morning's deadbatting and Moeen sought to steel himself to a defensive game that is more alien to him.
Sri Lanka's recovery had been admirable - England were 311 for 3 in their first innings at one stage, ahead by 54 - but they must have feared a final, cruel twist as the Headingley pitch played relatively calmly and rain began to rob time from the game.
England was reduced to 57-5 on the fourth day after being set 350 to win. Fast bowler Dhammika Prasad, who took 4-15 on Monday, could not rediscover his momentum in the first session on Tuesday as Ali and Root frustrated Sri Lanka.
Root survived an lbw appeal from Rangana Herath shortly before the rain. More showers are forecast.
