A 135-run partnership between Joe Root and Matt Prior has led England's recovery to close day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's on 344-5.

The hosts were on the back foot following the dismissals of Sam Robson, who scored just one run on his Test debut, and Alastair Cook (17).

Gary Ballance (23) shortly followed his teammates, but after lunch, Moeen Ali helped steady England's approach on his Test debut alongside Root following the wicket of Ian Bell, who was dismissed for an lbw.

Ali took 43 from 82 deliveries before tea, but at the start of the evening session, the 26-year-old was caught by Mahela Jayawardene to end his innings on 48.

Sri Lanka believed that they had nabbed their sixth wicket, but Prior managed to save himself from leaving the field on a duck following a review on the lbw call.

Root ended as England's hero of the day by reaching a Test century, while Prior secured an impressive half-century himself to push the team past the 300-run mark.

Root (102 not out) and Prior (76 not out) will return to the crease tomorrow at Lord's.