Third Test - result

England 336 & 230 beat Sri Lanka 240 & 284 by 42 runs

JACK Leach took four wickets and pulled off an outstanding run out as England completed a 3-0 series whitewash against Sri Lanka.

The Somerset spinner ended with 4-72 from 28.4 overs in the hosts' second innings as the tourists won by 42 runs, surviving a scare as final pair Suranga Lakmal and Malinda Pushpakumara put on 58 before tea.

Leach struck instantly after the restart, however, trapping Lakmal lbw to bring an end to a series that has been memorable for both the spinner and the team.

The left-armer had earlier taken the only wicket of the morning session, ending nightwatchman Lakshan Sandakan's stubborn resistance by inducing an edge which was taken by Ben Stokes at slip.

Sri Lanka then looked comfortable in progressing to 184-5 before Leach intervened in the field, running out dangerman Kusal Mendis (86) with a direct hit running in from square leg.

He then had Niroshan Dickwella caught by Keaton Jennings at short leg before wrapping up the victory either side of two wickets for Moeen Ali (4-92).

Leach said afterwards: "(It is) very special. I am absolutely knackered. It was an amazing game. Sri Lanka pushed us all the way. Fair play to them. What a result.

"I was just trying to get my body going again. I was keen to have the new ball in hand and get one to bite or slide on like it did. I was happy get one and get off the pitch.

"I would love to say I have been working on those long distance run-outs but... I saw it going to the stumps and I was like 'this is going to hit'."

Leach ends the series as England's joint-top wicket taker with 18 scalps at 21.38.