(news.com.au) England has suffered an embarrassing eight-wicket defeat in the third and final Test of its home series against Sri Lanka.
A staggering top-order collapse on Sunday’s day three, which left the hosts 7-82 before being bowled out for 156 in just 34 overs, sparked the upset.
It was a particularly remarkable defeat given England was cruising at 3-261 in its first innings.
The win was Sri Lanka’s first Test victory in England in a decade and just its fourth all-time as the hosts claimed the series 2-1.
Opener Pathum Nissanka was the player of the match, spearheading the clinical run chase by adding an unbeaten 127 to his first innings 64, helping them reach the 219-run target with ease in just the 41st over.
Nissanka also capped off his superb effort by hitting a boundary to win the match.
“It is absolutely fitting that Pathum Nissanka hits the winning runs,” Nasser Hussain said in commentary.
“A big beaming smile on his face and probably all of Sri Lanka here at The Oval and back home.