Buttler's record-breaking ton in vain

May 31, 2014

Kusal Perera got Sri Lanka off to a brisk start after the tourists were inserted for the third match running•Getty Images

Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan put on 172 for the second wicket•Getty Images

Sangakkara was stumped for 112•Getty Images

From 10 for 2, England were grateful for an 84-run stand between Joe Root and Gary Ballance•Getty Images

Jos Buttler was into his rhythm early, scooping one past his stumps•Getty Images

...with Buttler reaching a century off 61 balls, the fastest by an Englishman•AFP

Harry Gurney broke the opening stand but it was to be an isolated early success•Getty Images

Dilshan lost his leg stump to James Anderson...•Getty Images

England's bowling at the death was more effective, with 87 runs and six wickets coming from the final ten overs•Getty Images

Ajantha Mendis broke through in his first appearance on tour, as the asking rate began to rise•Getty Images

Ravi Bopara made a composed 44-ball half-century as England's unlikely salvage operation gathered steam•PA Photos

He couldn't see England home, however, as Lasith Malinga conceded only four runs off the final over to ensure victory for Sri Lanka and level the series at 2-2•AFP

...but Sangakkara progressed serenely on to record his first Lord's hundred•Getty Images

Sri Lanka still managed to total 300, though, and Lasith Malinga struck early to remove both England openers•Getty Images

Eoin Morgan was caught out of his ground by Kumar Sangakkara as England slipped to 111 for 5•Getty Images

Buttler and Bopara added 133 at 8.14 an over...•PA Photos