Swann and Sidebottom sink Sri Lanka

DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Off-spinner Graeme Swann claimed a career-best four for 34 to help England bowl out Sri Lanka for 164 in 41.1 overs in the third one-day international today.

Sri Lanka appeared to have claimed an early advantage by winning the toss and batting first but the top order collapsed early and then Swann ripped through the middle to give England an excellent chance of taking a 2-1 lead in the series.

Left-armer Ryan Sidebottom was also on form with a penetrative new ball burst, finishing with three for 19 from 8.1 overs.

Middle order batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan, recently dropped from Sri Lanka's test squad and under pressure for his one-day place, provided lone resistance with a fighting 70 from 84 balls with six boundaries.

Sri Lanka's problems started soon after the first of three short rain interruptions that reduced the match to 48 overs per side. Left-armer Ryan Sidebottom bowled Upul Tharanga (15) with a delivery that nipped back.

Sidebottom also claimed the wicket of Sanath Jayasuriya (11), who top-edged a pull stroke.

Stuart Broad tipped the match further England's way when Mahela Jayawardene (two) crashed his first delivery, a wide long hop, straight to Paul Collingwood at point.

Next over Kumar Sangakkara (nine) was caught behind off the faintest of edges.

Swann's entry into the attack brought immediate success and Chamara Silva (11) bottom-edged a sweep on to his foot and wicket-keeper Phil Mustard held on to a sharp reflex catch.

Swann followed up with the wickets of Jehan Mubarak (six) and Farveez Maharoof (seven), both caught and bowled on another sluggish Dambulla pitch.

Dilshan found a more dependable ally in tailender Dilhara Fernando and the pair added 46 precious runs for the ninth wicket before Swann dismissed Dilshan in his final over.

REUTERS SSC VC2005