ENGLISHMEN’S LAST VISIT TO SRI LANKA Lankan juggernaut kept rolling on
With Andrew Strauss’ team embarking on the first of two tests against Sri Lanka tomorrow at the Galle Stadium, this is a good time as any to hark back to the last series between the two countries to be played in Sri Lanka.
Asgiriya December 1st 2007 and Jayasuriya’s joy at winning the toss soon dissipated as Hoggard bowled a superb opening spell to have the local team on the ropes. Panesar took three while the seamer had four. Apart from Sangakkara (92) and stumper Jayawardene (51) no other batsman acquitted himself creditably. England was able to take a lead of 93 on the back of Bells 83 and skipper Vaughan’s 37. Muttiah Muralitharan (35-14-55-6) created history with the wicket of Collingwood. His 709th made him go past Warne’s 708, with a little more still left in the tank.
Sri Lanka’s batting then came good, with Jayasuriya 78, Vandort 49, Sangakkara 152, Jayawardena 65 and Chamara Silva 37 churning out the runs. Pursuing a target of 349, the Visitors were rolled over for 261 to lose by 88
Sri Lankan’s biggest problem could be fatigue (mental and physical) and also jadedness as a result of the South African, Australian and Bangladesh tours. Under normal circumstances, the batsman should make hay while the sun shines. The Englishmen, being fresher, will be better primed for the battle.
runs. Bell 74 (his second fifty plus in the match) and Prior 63 could not stem the tide. Sri Lanka’s three main bowlers, Vaas, Fernando and Murali combined to deliver the killer bowls.
Predictably, the next test played at the bowler’s grave-yard (need one say SSC?) was a high scoring draw. Cook 81,Vaughan 87, Collingwood 51 and Prior 79 Shepherded their team to a relatively progressive 351. There was another five for from Murali. Sri Lanka put on show their batting might as Vandort 138, Jayawardena 195, Prasanna Jayawardena 79 and Chamara Silva 49 guided the team to a staggering 5489. Sidebottom and Harrison had three against half centuries from Cook, Vaughan and Bell and Petersen’s unbeaten 45 (his highest on this tour) meant the visitors drew the match easily and still harboured hopes of levelling the series.
The Galle Stadium had been almost restored to its pristine glory a few days short of the third anniversary of the Tsunami. The Sri Lankans made a run avalanche, as Mahela 213 not out, Dilshan 84, Vass 70 and Sangakkara 46 took them to a formidable 499-8.
In replay, Vass and debutant Welagedara accounted for six and England were routed for 81 - their lowest in Sri Lanka. Following on, they showed typical British grit and that famed bulldog spirit to reach the safety of 251-6 and earn a draw. Cook’s 118 kept the Sri Lankans at bay for long enough.
Mahela Jayawardena, the recipient of two-of-the-match awards, was on obvious choice for the man of the series. England had been competitive most times, but there was quite some distance between the two teams.
Galle 2012 and a lot of attention will focus on the Sri Lankan line up. De- spite a few recent one day failures, Chandimal seems to have done enough to win another test cup. Samaraweera, the belated inclusion for South Africa is a must. What of the discarded Paranavithana? He hasn’t scored piles of runs to force his way back. Chandimal could stand behind the stumps or Prasanna could be slotted in at the top.
With Herath holding down his place, will it be Randiv or Senanayake to bowl in tandem with him? The Englishmen are well-equipped within spinners and one feels they will have Swann and Panesar in the line-up. With Anderson, Finn and Broad around, you can be sure there will be no seaming tracks will be laid out.
Strauss’ side came a cropper against the likes of Ajmal and Retman. But, probably, Sri Lankan’s pairing may not be quite as lethal. Suspicions apart Ajmal’s doosra is a joy to behold.
Sri Lankan’s biggest problem could be fatigue (mental and physical) and also jadedness as a result of the South African, Australian and Bangladesh tours. Under normal circumstances, the batsman should make hay while the sun shines. The Englishmen, being fresher, will be better primed for the battle.