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Craig HillThe Poms choke as Sri Lankans force an unbelieveab
May 16th 2006 13:32
Yep, it has happened. The Poms have choked, after surrendering certain victory to manage a draw with visitors Sri Lanka.
England thought they were having it easy during their first test against the visiting Sri Lankan side after scoring a huge 6/551dec [declared] in their first innings, with star batsmen Kevin Pieterson slashing an entertaining 158 and Marcus Trescothick with a focused 108. Unsurprisingly, renowned Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan topped the bowling list with figures of 3/158 off a marathon 48 overs bowled.
Sri Lanka's run chase started abisimally after being steamrolled for just 192, which included 4 ducks, with batsman Jayawardene the only to post a respectable total of 61. Matthew Hoggard (4/27 from 14 overs) was most definitely the pick of the English bowlers, swinging the ball as dangerously as a boxer, which caused all sorts of problems for the Sri Lankan batsmen.
However, the visitors turned the tables in their 2nd innings, piling on a mammoth 9/537, with the English bowling and fielding lacking in fire and intensity with an abundance of dropped catches just to add to insult. Once again the captain Jayawardene top scored with a fighting captain's knock of 119, but was also well supported by several of his teammates with Dilshan (69), Sangakarra (65), Kulasekara (64*), Maharoof (59), Tharanga (52) and Vaas (50*) all chipping in courageously to snatch the game away from the home side.
It must be said that it is most definitely a wake up call for the Poms, who have already copped much criticism from their local newspapers (see image) for their flat 2nd innings performance. It just goes to show how important the mental game is in cricket, as the Poms have shown, one slip up or period of relaxation may be enough to cost you the game... and unfortunately (or fortunately if you're an Aussie like me), that's what happened to England. However, credit must go to the Sri Lankan squad who showed determination and spirit - they were the ones to play the better mental game.
You reckon she's a good sort? Yeah, that one over there.' (from Getty Images)
England thought they were having it easy during their first test against the visiting Sri Lankan side after scoring a huge 6/551dec [declared] in their first innings, with star batsmen Kevin Pieterson slashing an entertaining 158 and Marcus Trescothick with a focused 108. Unsurprisingly, renowned Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan topped the bowling list with figures of 3/158 off a marathon 48 overs bowled.
Sri Lanka's run chase started abisimally after being steamrolled for just 192, which included 4 ducks, with batsman Jayawardene the only to post a respectable total of 61. Matthew Hoggard (4/27 from 14 overs) was most definitely the pick of the English bowlers, swinging the ball as dangerously as a boxer, which caused all sorts of problems for the Sri Lankan batsmen.
More runs for Dilshan (from Getty Images)
However, the visitors turned the tables in their 2nd innings, piling on a mammoth 9/537, with the English bowling and fielding lacking in fire and intensity with an abundance of dropped catches just to add to insult. Once again the captain Jayawardene top scored with a fighting captain's knock of 119, but was also well supported by several of his teammates with Dilshan (69), Sangakarra (65), Kulasekara (64*), Maharoof (59), Tharanga (52) and Vaas (50*) all chipping in courageously to snatch the game away from the home side.
Flintoff's frustration as victory slips away (from Getty Images)
It must be said that it is most definitely a wake up call for the Poms, who have already copped much criticism from their local newspapers (see image) for their flat 2nd innings performance. It just goes to show how important the mental game is in cricket, as the Poms have shown, one slip up or period of relaxation may be enough to cost you the game... and unfortunately (or fortunately if you're an Aussie like me), that's what happened to England. However, credit must go to the Sri Lankan squad who showed determination and spirit - they were the ones to play the better mental game.
Article by Daily Mail, England
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