Moeen Ali fires England to healthy lead in second Test

England dominate with bat and ball on day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka, declaring on 498-9 before leaving the tourists on 91-8 at the close of play.

Moeen Ali hit an unbeaten 155 to help England to a commanding position at the end of day two in their second Test against Sri Lanka in Durham today.

Ali resumed on 28 at the start of play, and went on to register his second Test century as England dominated with the bat, eventually declaring on 498-9.

Moeen Ali celebrates his 150 during day two of the second Test between England and Sri Lanka on May 28, 2016© Getty Images

In response, Sri Lanka's batsmen once again failed to fire and they closed the day having collapsed to 91-8, still 407 runs behind the hosts.

Chris Woakes was the star with the ball, finishing day two with figures of 3-9 having also weighed in with 39 runs when partnering Ali - his best Test figures with both bat and ball.

England added 79 runs to their overnight total of 310-6 before Woakes became the first man to fall on the second day, and he was quickly followed by Stuart Broad (7) and Steven Finn (10).

Jimmy Anderson finished unbeaten on eight when England declared, and he soon made an impact with the ball too, dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne for just nine runs.

Indeed, Kusal Mendis (35) was the only Sri Lankan to make a significant score as England tore through their batting lineup, with Broad joining Woakes on three wickets by the end of the day, while Anderson also accounted for two.

The tourists will resume tomorrow with Lahiru Thirimanne (12*) and Suranga Lakmal (0*) at the crease, although their hopes of rescuing their three-match series look bleak, with England already 1-0 up.

Chris Woakes of England grimaces in the field during day one of the 5th Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at the Kia Oval on August 21, 2013
Read Next:
Woakes to replace Stokes in England team
>