Video: England's Moeen Ali is 'gutted' as heroics are in vain

Moeen Ali today admitted he was "gutted" for the team after England's dramatic Second Test defeat to Sri Lanka.

The Worcestershire batsman had looked destined to lead England to an historic draw at Headingley after batting through the final day and scoring his first Test century.

But in an incredible finish, his10th-wicket partner James Anderson was dismissed by the penultimate ball of the match to give Sri Lanka the match and series.

Ali, who finished unbeaten on 108 and faced 281 balls in a mammoth effort, said: "I'm gutted. The hundred does not mean so much. It would have been great if we could have saved the game.

"But it was a great ball at the end to Jimmy. He played so well, for him to bat the way he did, he played very well.

"I'm gutted for him and I'm gutted for the lads."

Having walked out to bat at the start of the day with England 57-5 and seemingly staring defeat in the face, Ali partnered Joe Root, Matt Prior, Chris Jordan, Stuart Broad and Anderson in the rearguard action.

A Sri Lankan victory looked a mere formality when Broad was the ninth wicket to fall but Ali and Anderson saw out more than 20 overs, only to see their hopes dashed almost at the last when the latter could only direct Shaminda Eranga's perfect bouncer to Rangana Herath at square leg.