Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene struck an unbeaten 168 to put the home side in a good position at the end of day one of their first Test match against England.

Jayawardene came in with his team struggling on 15-3 following early wickets from English duo James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

However, Jayawardene formed partnerships with Dinesh Chandimal and Prasanna Jayawardene to steady the Sri Lankan innings.

Towards the end of the day, England's spin-bowler Monty Panesar twice failed to take catching opportunities to dismiss Jayawardene.

Samit Patel, making his Test debut for England, took two wickets, while Anderson ended with three wickets to his name - taking his Test tally past 250.

Sri Lanka will resume tomorrow morning on 289-8.