Sri Lanka stunned as England wins thriller
Source: Agencies |
June 1, 2011, Wednesday
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ENGLAND seized one of the most remarkable victories in test history on Monday when it beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 14 runs in a match which appeared doomed to end in a frustrating draw.
After 130 overs had been lost to rain in the first test of a three-match series, England bowled the tourists out for just 82 in a fraction over two hours in their second innings.
The result was a stunning turnaround after only 15 wickets had fallen on the first four days and provided yet more evidence that England's ambition to become the No. 1 test team in the world is a realistic goal. "It will go down as one of the most extraordinary test matches we have ever played," England captain Andrew Strauss told reporters. "Earlier in the day I was saying that it was one of the drabbest test matches I have played."
The final day started four hours late and England batted for only two overs to allow Ian Bell to reach his hundred, declaring at 496 for five.
Sri Lanka then began its second innings trailing by 96 runs at 15:21 local time. By 17:32 the game was over. Chris Tremlett sparked the win with the first three wickets and finished with four for 40. Off-spinner Graeme Swann claimed four for 16 and Stuart Broad wrapped up the win with the final two wickets.
Praiseworthy
England's performance was all the more praiseworthy as it had been reduced to three specialist bowlers when its leading paceman James Anderson suffered a side strain in the Sri Lanka first innings.
Sri Lanka struggled immediately when Tharanga Piranavitana was caught at first slip off Tremlett for a duck and skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan was caught and bowled for 10 before tea. After the interval, Sri Lanka was immediately under pressure once more when Mahela Jayawardene (15) became England and Tremlett's third wicket. After playing and missing the previous ball, the batsman edged the next delivery to Strauss at first slip.
It was then 36 for four when Thilan Samaraweera (0), batting with an injured elbow, chopped a bottom edge on to his stumps from a ball that turned and kept low from Swann.
The procession of wickets continued as Sri Lanka slipped from 43 for four to 43 for seven, starting with the loss of former captain Kumar Sangakkara for 14. The left-hander came forward and prodded at Swann only to edge low down to Strauss at slip for his third catch of the innings.
By this time the 922 spectators, who had either braved the rain, would have sensed that one of test cricket's most freakish results was about to unfold before their eyes.
"It's very difficult to explain," said Sri Lanka skipper Dilshan. "I can't believe we got out in 24 overs with such a good batting line up. We lost the match because we batted badly."
After 130 overs had been lost to rain in the first test of a three-match series, England bowled the tourists out for just 82 in a fraction over two hours in their second innings.
The result was a stunning turnaround after only 15 wickets had fallen on the first four days and provided yet more evidence that England's ambition to become the No. 1 test team in the world is a realistic goal. "It will go down as one of the most extraordinary test matches we have ever played," England captain Andrew Strauss told reporters. "Earlier in the day I was saying that it was one of the drabbest test matches I have played."
The final day started four hours late and England batted for only two overs to allow Ian Bell to reach his hundred, declaring at 496 for five.
Sri Lanka then began its second innings trailing by 96 runs at 15:21 local time. By 17:32 the game was over. Chris Tremlett sparked the win with the first three wickets and finished with four for 40. Off-spinner Graeme Swann claimed four for 16 and Stuart Broad wrapped up the win with the final two wickets.
Praiseworthy
England's performance was all the more praiseworthy as it had been reduced to three specialist bowlers when its leading paceman James Anderson suffered a side strain in the Sri Lanka first innings.
Sri Lanka struggled immediately when Tharanga Piranavitana was caught at first slip off Tremlett for a duck and skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan was caught and bowled for 10 before tea. After the interval, Sri Lanka was immediately under pressure once more when Mahela Jayawardene (15) became England and Tremlett's third wicket. After playing and missing the previous ball, the batsman edged the next delivery to Strauss at first slip.
It was then 36 for four when Thilan Samaraweera (0), batting with an injured elbow, chopped a bottom edge on to his stumps from a ball that turned and kept low from Swann.
The procession of wickets continued as Sri Lanka slipped from 43 for four to 43 for seven, starting with the loss of former captain Kumar Sangakkara for 14. The left-hander came forward and prodded at Swann only to edge low down to Strauss at slip for his third catch of the innings.
By this time the 922 spectators, who had either braved the rain, would have sensed that one of test cricket's most freakish results was about to unfold before their eyes.
"It's very difficult to explain," said Sri Lanka skipper Dilshan. "I can't believe we got out in 24 overs with such a good batting line up. We lost the match because we batted badly."
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