Root was dismissed while attempting a quick single, with Jonny Bairstow at the other end. The Sri Lankan wicketkeeper ran across swiftly towards the short cover region and completed the run out with a superb direct hit.
Chasing a target of 74 runs to win the first Test, England lost three quick wickets but finished the Day 4 at 38/3, needing only 36 runs to win the game.
For England, Daniel Lawrence and Jonny Bairstow were unbeaten at the crease on seven and 11 runs respectively.
Promoted
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 135 in the first innings, while England, riding on skipper Joe Root s double century, went on to score a massive total of 421 runs in their first innings.