Hales books top spot but misses out on century

WHISPER it but England’s long search for an opener good enough to partner Alastair Cook may finally be at an end after Alex Hales provided the most compelling evidence yet that he is the right man for the job. There may have been two dropped catches, a close lbw shout and a controversial reprieve after he had been bowled, but Hales (below) came closer than ever at Lord’s yesterday to solving a puzzle that has dogged England ever since Andrew Strauss retired four years ago. Final judgment may have to be deferred until his wait for a maiden Test century is finally over but, in falling six runs short of it, Hales did more than just set up England’s victory push in this final Investec Test. England ended a shortened fourth day of the third Test needing to take all 10 Sri Lankan second innings wickets if they are to complete the 3-0 whitewash that was their realistic target in this early-season series. Yet, whatever happens today, with the tourists resuming on 32 without loss and still requiring 330 to win, England will be satisfied they have at least taken one big step towards solving the top-order problems that have continued to dog them even against a mediocre Sri Lankan attack. Not that Hales’ 94 in England’s 233 for seven declared was without good fortune. Twice on Saturday Sri Lanka let chances from Hales slip through their fingers and then yesterday saw him come close to being trapped lbw on 45 by Shaminda Eranga on a day when nothing went right for Angelo Mathews. Yet it was Hales’ reprieve on 58 that so infuriated Sri Lanka they felt compelled to drape their flag over their balcony in protest and complain to referee Andy Pycroft. Umpire Rod Tucker was quick to shout no ball when a delivery from Nuwan Pradeep kept perilously low and clattered into Hales’ stumps but replays showed his heel just about broke the line and the Australian had made the wrong call. At least Hales, who has fallen in the 80s three times so far in his short Test career, made the most of his good fortune to go on and play with an assurance that has been missing, in particular, against the spin of Rangana Herath.