MANCHESTER, England (AP) — England was faltering in its chase of 205 to win the first test against Sri Lanka on Saturday after losing its top order before tea on Day 4 at Old Trafford.

England was 82-3 and needing 123 more runs for victory, with Joe Root (13) and Harry Brook (6) in the middle and no more specialist batters remaining. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, a century-maker in the first innings, was due in next before a long tail.

Ben Duckett (11), Dan Lawrence (34) and captain Ollie Pope (6) were the batters to have departed and the run rate had slowed to 3.97 per over, leaving the result in the balance.

Earlier, the Sri Lankans were dismissed for 326 soon after lunch, collapsing following the departure of Kamindu Mendis for 113 — the third century of his four-match test career. Dinesh Chandimal was the last batter out for 79, with the final four wickets tumbling in 26 balls.

Sri Lanka added 122 runs on the fourth day after resuming its second innings on 204-6.

Chris Woakes had figures of 3-58 and fellow paceman Matthew Potts claimed 3-47.