LONDON: England's Jonny Bairstow compiled his first century at Lord's -- and his second of the series -- to ensure the hosts completed a satisfactory first day of the final test against Sri Lanka on Thursday, finishing at 279 for six.

Captain Alastair Cook earlier fell for 85, shy of his 29th test century, as the tourists hit back before tea but Bairstow, in the form of his life, ensured England regained control in the final session, scoring his third test hundred of the year.

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Yoorshireman Bairstow, who scored 140 in the opening test and has chalked up more runs than anyone in first-class cricket over the past 12 months, was unbeaten at the close on 107, compiled off 164 balls with 13 fours.

He swung wildly across the line and edged Herath to a grateful Mathews in the 19th over with the score on 56.

Compton walked in under pressure after a torrid series so far but lasted 11 balls before edging a full delivery by Suranga Lakmal to wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal having scored one.

The morning got even better for Sri Lanka when Lakmal trapped Joe Root lbw for three -- the decision going to the third umpire after Root was originally given not out.