MANCHESTER (England), June 14: Mark Butcher sustained his prolific form with a second century in three innings for England on the rain-ruined second day of the third and final Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford Friday.

The Surrey left-hander stroked 123 as England extended their overnight 273 for four to 377 for six before bad light and then rain forced an early close on a day during which only 28 overs were possible.

Butcher made his runs from 226 balls and hit 18 fours, following scores of 105 and 94 in the previous two Tests of the series that England lead 1-0.

Alec Stewart was his chief ally, hitting an unbeaten 57 and sharing a partnership of 92 with Butcher — a fifth-wicket record for England in tests against Sri Lanka.

Butcher has made 1,186 runs in his last 14 Tests at an average of 49.41, culminating in the prolific form that has produced scores of 17, 105, 94 and now 123 in the current series.

He was on 85 when play finally started after lunch following the morning’s washout, and it was not long before he was celebrating his century by flicking a delivery from left-arm paceman Chaminda Vaas to the fine leg boundary.

Butcher was given lbw to Vaas.

Andrew Flintoff had the ill luck to be run out for one while backing up at the non-striker’s end when Vaas, the bowler, deflected a straight drive from Stewart onto the stumps.