Close of play
England 486ao (Prior 126, Cook 96, Morgan 79, Welegedara 4-122)
Sri Lanka 479ao (Dilshan 193, Paranavitana 65, M Jayawardene 49, Finn 4-108)
England 149-2 (Cook 61*, Trott 58, Pietersen 15*, Herath 1-17)
In a sentence
The hosts reduced Sri Lanka’s promising overnight position to a first innings deficit, and began to build a strong score; with one day’s play remaining, the draw looks inevitable.
Player of the day
There were some decent performances from England’s players today, but it was really a day without stars. Swann bowled well to the tail and took a fine catch, while Alastair Cook is sitting pretty and secure with yet another Test half-century to his name. Even Steven Finn, despite throwing plenty more down leg, has a claim after taking the big wickets of the Jayawardene non-brothers. For Sri Lanka, Herath batted aggresively and took the wicket of Jonathan Trott – who’d batted pretty well until then.
On balance, Player of the Day is awarded to Alastair Cook. With Strauss losing his wicket straight away, the innings needed solidity. England’s maturing master was there to provide it. Who would bet against another ton up tomorrow?
Moment of the day
A beauty from Welegedara to remove Andrew Strauss with the second ball of the innings. It angled in then straightened violently to trap England’s captain LBW. Many are now talking about a weakness in the opener’s game, but today he was simply done by a pearl. The only criticism would be of his weak decision to throw away a review. And we can all forgive him after a commendable catch taken off Swann to remove Fernando.
Outlook for tomorrow
Having batted out the day, it would be nice to see Kevin Pietersen get established and build a score tomorrow, and Cook should be expected to carry on for a while longer. With so many capable batsmen to come in, England will be confident of staying in for as long as they’d like to. Will we see a mid-afternoon declaration, followed by an attempt to recreate the final-session heroics of Cardiff? We just might. Will Sri Lanka fall like flies again? Well, while their tail is about as convincing as a kettle made of ice cubes, they just might not.
The match looks set for a draw, and on to the Third Test.
Comment and analysis by cricket numpties, for cricket numpties.
Showing posts with label day review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label day review. Show all posts
Monday, 6 June 2011
Sunday, 5 June 2011
England v Sri Lanka, 2nd Test - Day Three Review
Close of play
England 486ao (Prior 126, Cook 96, Morgan 79, Welegedara 4-122)
Sri Lanka 372/3 (Dilshan 193, Paranavitana 65, M Jayawardene 40*, Finn 2-84)
In a sentence
A dull day to go with the dull weather, as a flat pitch got flatter and a flat attack got flatter.
Player of the day
Tillakeratne Dilshan. A shame that he was unable to make what would have been a deserved double century. Unorthodox he may be, but he is compelling to watch when he gets it right. For the good of cricket, one must hope that his thumb is not too badly injured and that his involvement continues.
Moment of the day
Tremlett once more hitting the bruised digit of the Sri Lankan captain. Not a moment for the squeamish, but it almost certainly had consequences for his innings and could possibly do so for the remainder of the series.
Outlook for tomorrow
It seems unlikely that the pitch will liven up and the fears about England's "samey" attack seem to have been borne out. Sri Lanka do have a brittle tail but they have done enough to make any fears of a repeat of Cardiff to be dispelled - or at least so logic would dictate. For England, it would be good to see Graeme Swann regain his mojo and for Steven Finn to bowl a more consistent line; on his home ground, he has been unacceptably erratic, despite picking up two wickets.
England 486ao (Prior 126, Cook 96, Morgan 79, Welegedara 4-122)
Sri Lanka 372/3 (Dilshan 193, Paranavitana 65, M Jayawardene 40*, Finn 2-84)
In a sentence
A dull day to go with the dull weather, as a flat pitch got flatter and a flat attack got flatter.
Player of the day
Tillakeratne Dilshan. A shame that he was unable to make what would have been a deserved double century. Unorthodox he may be, but he is compelling to watch when he gets it right. For the good of cricket, one must hope that his thumb is not too badly injured and that his involvement continues.
Moment of the day
Tremlett once more hitting the bruised digit of the Sri Lankan captain. Not a moment for the squeamish, but it almost certainly had consequences for his innings and could possibly do so for the remainder of the series.
Outlook for tomorrow
It seems unlikely that the pitch will liven up and the fears about England's "samey" attack seem to have been borne out. Sri Lanka do have a brittle tail but they have done enough to make any fears of a repeat of Cardiff to be dispelled - or at least so logic would dictate. For England, it would be good to see Graeme Swann regain his mojo and for Steven Finn to bowl a more consistent line; on his home ground, he has been unacceptably erratic, despite picking up two wickets.
Monday, 30 May 2011
England v Sri Lanka, 1st Test - Day Five Review
Close of play
England 496-5d (Trott 203, Cook 133, Bell 103*)
Sri Lanka 400 and 82ao (Perera 20, Swann 4-16, Tremlett 4-40, Broad 2-21)
England win by an innings and 14 runs.
In a sentence
An unbelievable few hours saw England steal victory from the jaws of a damp squib of a draw.
Player of the day
Chris Tremlett. After yet another late start, Strauss kindly allowed Bell the two overs required in which to reach his 13th Test century. Sri Lanka were thus left with approximately 50 overs to bat through to a dull draw. Tremlett tore into the openers and had them both out before tea. After the break Swann bowled splendidly and Tremlett's bounce and movement took two further wickets to leave Sri Lanka in disarray (although the wicket of Prasanna Jayawardene caused further debate over the UDRS: he attempted to hook and the ball went through to Prior to a mass appeal; Umpire Doctrove gave him not out; England reviewed the decision and HotSpot seemed to show no evidence, but the sound and path of the ball indicated it did make contact. After a discussion between Umpires Tucker and Doctrove, the decision was overturned, however the evidence was probably not irrefutable). A late flurry of runs by Perera saw Tremlett removed from the attack, but Broad wrapped things up with some hostile fast bowling. Sri Lanka were dazed and confused, England were confident and inspired; fortune favoured the brave.
Moment of the day
The 18th over of the Sri Lankan innings. From around the wicket Swann bowled a beautifully flighted off-break that dipped and with a hint of turn took the edge of Sangakarra's bat and carried to slip. Three balls later, this time over the wicket, Swann bowled a slightly quicker ball wide of Maharoof's off stump. Despite a bold forward defence, he nicked it to the grateful Prior.
So now on to Lord's. On a day that threatened nothing but rain and a chance for batsmen to play for their averages, a monumental achievement from England and complete loss of control from Sri Lanka leaves the series looking one-sided. Nevermind five bowlers, England won this with three. Anderson will be missed at Lord's, but Finn is a capable replacement on his home turf. The tallest bowling attack ever will surely give Sri Lanka more discomfort, unless their top order knuckle down and show some focus and discipline for the duration of the match. Meanwhile England storm forward, having now won four out of their last five matches, each won by an innings.
England 496-5d (Trott 203, Cook 133, Bell 103*)
Sri Lanka 400 and 82ao (Perera 20, Swann 4-16, Tremlett 4-40, Broad 2-21)
England win by an innings and 14 runs.
In a sentence
An unbelievable few hours saw England steal victory from the jaws of a damp squib of a draw.
Player of the day
Chris Tremlett. After yet another late start, Strauss kindly allowed Bell the two overs required in which to reach his 13th Test century. Sri Lanka were thus left with approximately 50 overs to bat through to a dull draw. Tremlett tore into the openers and had them both out before tea. After the break Swann bowled splendidly and Tremlett's bounce and movement took two further wickets to leave Sri Lanka in disarray (although the wicket of Prasanna Jayawardene caused further debate over the UDRS: he attempted to hook and the ball went through to Prior to a mass appeal; Umpire Doctrove gave him not out; England reviewed the decision and HotSpot seemed to show no evidence, but the sound and path of the ball indicated it did make contact. After a discussion between Umpires Tucker and Doctrove, the decision was overturned, however the evidence was probably not irrefutable). A late flurry of runs by Perera saw Tremlett removed from the attack, but Broad wrapped things up with some hostile fast bowling. Sri Lanka were dazed and confused, England were confident and inspired; fortune favoured the brave.
Moment of the day
The 18th over of the Sri Lankan innings. From around the wicket Swann bowled a beautifully flighted off-break that dipped and with a hint of turn took the edge of Sangakarra's bat and carried to slip. Three balls later, this time over the wicket, Swann bowled a slightly quicker ball wide of Maharoof's off stump. Despite a bold forward defence, he nicked it to the grateful Prior.
So now on to Lord's. On a day that threatened nothing but rain and a chance for batsmen to play for their averages, a monumental achievement from England and complete loss of control from Sri Lanka leaves the series looking one-sided. Nevermind five bowlers, England won this with three. Anderson will be missed at Lord's, but Finn is a capable replacement on his home turf. The tallest bowling attack ever will surely give Sri Lanka more discomfort, unless their top order knuckle down and show some focus and discipline for the duration of the match. Meanwhile England storm forward, having now won four out of their last five matches, each won by an innings.
Sunday, 29 May 2011
England v Sri Lanka, 1st Test - Day Four Review
Close of play
England 491-5 (Trott 203, Cook 133, Bell 98*)
Sri Lanka 400 (P Jayawardene 112, Anderson 3-66)
In a sentence
Easy pickings for England as Trott continued his serene progress while Sri Lanka pursued a defensive attitude, seemingly fearful of final day gremlins in the pitch.
Player of the day
One IJL Trott. A second double century for the man now homing in on a Test average of 70. Aesthetically pleasing, no, but this was attritional batting and to condemn the man, as has been seen in some media circles is as bizarre as OMC's 1996 smash hit. Looked utterly untroubled until getting himself out to Dilshan's part-time off-breaks.
Moment of the day
The slapdash fielding by Farveez Maharoof which enlivened a becalmed period of play. Slide tackles are for the football stadia a few miles down the road, lad, not trying to stop boundaries. Otherwise, it was a highly uneventful day.
Outlook for tomorrow
It's totally up to England. Batting practice or let Broad, Tremlett and Swann get some overs under their respective belts. Either way, the game is dead as a contest, which reflects badly on Cardiff as a venue, for they have now produced shirtfront pitches for each of their two Test matches. The weather forecast once again looks unhelpful so it could well be a case of seeing Eoin Morgan bat out a meaningless half-century to half-heartedly enhance his Test credentials.
England 491-5 (Trott 203, Cook 133, Bell 98*)
Sri Lanka 400 (P Jayawardene 112, Anderson 3-66)
In a sentence
Easy pickings for England as Trott continued his serene progress while Sri Lanka pursued a defensive attitude, seemingly fearful of final day gremlins in the pitch.
Player of the day
One IJL Trott. A second double century for the man now homing in on a Test average of 70. Aesthetically pleasing, no, but this was attritional batting and to condemn the man, as has been seen in some media circles is as bizarre as OMC's 1996 smash hit. Looked utterly untroubled until getting himself out to Dilshan's part-time off-breaks.
Moment of the day
The slapdash fielding by Farveez Maharoof which enlivened a becalmed period of play. Slide tackles are for the football stadia a few miles down the road, lad, not trying to stop boundaries. Otherwise, it was a highly uneventful day.
Outlook for tomorrow
It's totally up to England. Batting practice or let Broad, Tremlett and Swann get some overs under their respective belts. Either way, the game is dead as a contest, which reflects badly on Cardiff as a venue, for they have now produced shirtfront pitches for each of their two Test matches. The weather forecast once again looks unhelpful so it could well be a case of seeing Eoin Morgan bat out a meaningless half-century to half-heartedly enhance his Test credentials.
Saturday, 28 May 2011
England v Sri Lanka, 1st Test - Day Three Review
Close of play
England 287-2 (Cook 129*, Trott 125*)
Sri Lanka 400 (P Jayawardene 112, Anderson 3-66)
In a sentence
Trott and Cook cruised along at a gentle pace in 240 run partnership where neither player ever looked seriously troubled by a popgun attack.
Player of the day
The two headed monster that is Johnister Trook. A familiar sight to watchers of English test cricket over the last 6 months, Cook and Trott were as comfortable as a Cheshire cat spread out on a pillow in front of the fire. The runs were carefully shelved and ordered rather than piled on, but another day of obedient work at the crease from these two would be very welcome indeed in the England dressing room.
Moment of the day
The England pair took advantage of the extra pace of the new ball and the marginally more adventurous fields that accompanied it, best summed up by a powerfully succinct cover drive for 4 played by Cook off Herath in the 87th over. It was a terrific display of the command over bowling Cook now possesses and served as a warning for any who may write off the Essex opener's feats in the winter as a fluke.
Outlook for tomorrow
It's difficult to see such a moderate Sri Lanka attack dismiss England for a low enough total to create themselves a lead. Barring the weather the home side should push past 400 tomorrow - but with no Anderson in the field and more rain to come predicting anything other than a draw seems fanciful.
England 287-2 (Cook 129*, Trott 125*)
Sri Lanka 400 (P Jayawardene 112, Anderson 3-66)
In a sentence
Trott and Cook cruised along at a gentle pace in 240 run partnership where neither player ever looked seriously troubled by a popgun attack.
Player of the day
The two headed monster that is Johnister Trook. A familiar sight to watchers of English test cricket over the last 6 months, Cook and Trott were as comfortable as a Cheshire cat spread out on a pillow in front of the fire. The runs were carefully shelved and ordered rather than piled on, but another day of obedient work at the crease from these two would be very welcome indeed in the England dressing room.
Moment of the day
The England pair took advantage of the extra pace of the new ball and the marginally more adventurous fields that accompanied it, best summed up by a powerfully succinct cover drive for 4 played by Cook off Herath in the 87th over. It was a terrific display of the command over bowling Cook now possesses and served as a warning for any who may write off the Essex opener's feats in the winter as a fluke.
Outlook for tomorrow
It's difficult to see such a moderate Sri Lanka attack dismiss England for a low enough total to create themselves a lead. Barring the weather the home side should push past 400 tomorrow - but with no Anderson in the field and more rain to come predicting anything other than a draw seems fanciful.
Friday, 27 May 2011
England v Sri Lanka, 1st Test - Day Two Review
Close of play
England 47-1 (Cook 24*)
Sri Lanka 400 (P Jayawardene 112, Anderson 3-66)
In a sentence
Sri Lanka are in command after making hay against a disjointed attack shorn of Jimmy Anderson for most of the day, whose series is now in doubt.
Player of the day
Prasanna Jayawardene had the confidence to take on the England bowling in the afternoon session and was rewarded with several boundaries, a Nick Knight eulogy in the commentary box and a fine century to boot. Comfortable against Swann and rarely troubled by England's largely flat seam attack, his runs at no. 6 have gone some way to justifying the tourists' selecting five genuine bowlers.
Moment of the day
Anderson's working over of Mahela Jayawardene to start the day was swing bowling par excellence. 11 consecutive outswingers pitched up tempted the right-hander, followed by a full inducker that flummoxed the former Sri Lankan captain as he edged to second slip. But this expert piece of bowling also highlights how much England missed the Lancastrian when his strain put him out of action in the late afternoon.
Wickets
England 47-1 (Cook 24*)
Sri Lanka 400 (P Jayawardene 112, Anderson 3-66)
In a sentence
Sri Lanka are in command after making hay against a disjointed attack shorn of Jimmy Anderson for most of the day, whose series is now in doubt.
Player of the day
Prasanna Jayawardene had the confidence to take on the England bowling in the afternoon session and was rewarded with several boundaries, a Nick Knight eulogy in the commentary box and a fine century to boot. Comfortable against Swann and rarely troubled by England's largely flat seam attack, his runs at no. 6 have gone some way to justifying the tourists' selecting five genuine bowlers.
Moment of the day
Anderson's working over of Mahela Jayawardene to start the day was swing bowling par excellence. 11 consecutive outswingers pitched up tempted the right-hander, followed by a full inducker that flummoxed the former Sri Lankan captain as he edged to second slip. But this expert piece of bowling also highlights how much England missed the Lancastrian when his strain put him out of action in the late afternoon.
Wickets
M Jayawardene c Strauss b Anderson 4 - thick edge high up the bat on an inswinger and was well taken by Strauss at second slip
Paranavitana b Tremlett 66 - dragged on flashing at a full ball pitching on off-stump
Samaraweera c Swann b Anderson 58 - angled into the body with a touch of swing and
edged to second slip
Samaraweera c Swann b Anderson 58 - angled into the body with a touch of swing and
edged to second slip
Maharoof run out (Trott) 16 - guilty of lax backing up as Trott feathered a delivery driven
back at him onto the stumps
back at him onto the stumps
Perera c Tremlett b Broad 25 - mistimed pull looped to mid-on
Herath c Trott b Swann 25 - filthy delivery slapped straight to cover
P Jayawardene c Prior b Broad 112 - tight line and length induced a regulation edge to the
keeper
keeper
Lakmal c Broad b Swann 2 - excellent diving catch at mid-on to grasp a fulsome drive
*****
Strauss c M Jayawardene b Lakmal 20 - a touch of away movement created an edge and a
fine catch at second slip
Outlook for tomorrow
England will have to bat all day to avoid a significant deficit. The key question is whether
Mendis and Herath can extract any venom from a benign surface, because if not a draw
looks nailed on.
Thursday, 26 May 2011
England v Sri Lanka, 1st Test - Day One Review
Close of play
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat - rain prevented play until 3.30pm
Sri Lanka 133-2 (Paranavitana 58*, Dilshan 50)
In a sentence
Considering rain cut the day in half the tourists would probably have accepted 133-2 at the close, though with Sangakkara back in the hutch England won't be disappointed.
Player of the day
Newly appointed skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan was classy and composed at the crease for his half-century before limply giving his wicket away misjudging a stock Swann delivery. Scored at a good clip by exploiting Broad's lax control of line and length with a range of crisp offside play.
Moment of the day
Kumar Sangakkara falling victim to a combination of a superb delivery from Anderson and questionable umpiring from Rod Tucker up in the TV booth. Whilst it is true that there was a noise as the ball passed the edge, and indeed there was a fleck of heat on the hotspot image, to say it met the conclusive standard supposedly required to overturn a standing umpire's decision is highly debatable. As ever, the DRS debate will run on and on.
Wickets
Dilshan b Swann 50 - bottom edge into the stumps trying to cut a ball slightly too full and straight
Sangakkara c Prior b Anderson 11 - jaffa of an inswinger pitching on the stumps induced the faintest of edges (given out on review)
Outlook for tomorrow
England will have to bowl with more discipline on a slow and steady pitch to dislodge the compact Paranavitana. If the Sri Lankan left-hander can continue at his own untroubled pace and let the flashier stroke players of the two Jayawardenes and Samaraweera to kick on around him then an imposing score could be in the offing.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat - rain prevented play until 3.30pm
Sri Lanka 133-2 (Paranavitana 58*, Dilshan 50)
In a sentence
Considering rain cut the day in half the tourists would probably have accepted 133-2 at the close, though with Sangakkara back in the hutch England won't be disappointed.
Player of the day
Newly appointed skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan was classy and composed at the crease for his half-century before limply giving his wicket away misjudging a stock Swann delivery. Scored at a good clip by exploiting Broad's lax control of line and length with a range of crisp offside play.
Moment of the day
Kumar Sangakkara falling victim to a combination of a superb delivery from Anderson and questionable umpiring from Rod Tucker up in the TV booth. Whilst it is true that there was a noise as the ball passed the edge, and indeed there was a fleck of heat on the hotspot image, to say it met the conclusive standard supposedly required to overturn a standing umpire's decision is highly debatable. As ever, the DRS debate will run on and on.
Wickets
Dilshan b Swann 50 - bottom edge into the stumps trying to cut a ball slightly too full and straight
Sangakkara c Prior b Anderson 11 - jaffa of an inswinger pitching on the stumps induced the faintest of edges (given out on review)
Outlook for tomorrow
England will have to bowl with more discipline on a slow and steady pitch to dislodge the compact Paranavitana. If the Sri Lankan left-hander can continue at his own untroubled pace and let the flashier stroke players of the two Jayawardenes and Samaraweera to kick on around him then an imposing score could be in the offing.
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