Sri Lanka vs England 1st test - Match thread.

[Biltong]

First topic message reminder :

Sri Lanka: Lahiru Thirimanne, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Thilan Samaraweera, Dinesh Chandimal, Prasanna Jayawardene (wk), Suraj Randiv, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Chanaka Welegedara


England: Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Matt Prior (wk), Samit Patel, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Monty Panesar

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat.

[Biltong]

Fun? I'm shatting myself!

Excellent Test cricket, though. Complete cliffhanger of the sort that ODI and T20 cricket can never rival.

I think if england gets close and don't win you should still eat at least one hat, simply as punishment for having so little faith.

[Guest]

Hoping for a Swann/Broad partnership like at Edgbaston against the Aussies in 2009

[dummy_half]

84 needed with only the bowlers left - OK, Swann and Broad are both good ball strikers, but it's surely asking too much of them to get us home from here...

[Guest]

If they can get to 300......

[Mad for Chelsea]

terrible shot from Swann, disappointing capitulation from England just before tea...

[dummy_half]

Sri Lanka have had the happy knack of taking wickets when they needed them, plus the bits of luck have gone their way (Broad's no-ball, Prior's dismissal). Surely the game is theirs now though - even if Broad goes for everything and it comes off, I can't see Jimmy and Monty holding out for long enough at the other end.

[Guest]

That Trott wicket changed the whole game. Grrrrrrrr. We are so near yet so far.

[alfie]

All my fault.

Watched earlier but didn't come on here until Trott and Prior were well into their stand...

...started typing and Prior got out ... And all downhill from there...

Mea culpa.

[Guest]

alfie

I knew it was someone else's fault!

[liverbnz]

The pressure was always going to tell once England got the total down to double figures. No use relying on tailenders to get the pressure runs even if they are able to hit the ball around a bit when the pressure is less intense.

[Fists of Fury]

They might as well have a swing for the fences. They aren't going to get anywhere in singles.

[Fists of Fury]

Oh and it's a good job I'm not hungry, because there is a distinct lack of hats being offered my way.

[alfie]

Sri Lanka have had the happy knack of taking wickets when they needed them, plus the bits of luck have gone their way (Broad's no-ball, Prior's dismissal). Surely the game is theirs now though - even if Broad goes for everything and it comes off, I can't see Jimmy and Monty holding out for long enough at the other end.

Actually I recall Jimmy and a couple of substantial late order partnerships - one of 80 or more with Swann , and I think also one with Broad.

Different circumstance though , and I think this would be asking a bit much...

Have to applaud the Sri Lankan close catching today - brilliant! Though I think a touch of luck in the Prior one.

At least England made a serious attempt.

[ShahenshahG]

o god

[ShahenshahG]

u Flip bunch of bottlers

[Mad for Chelsea]

well you can't blame the tail for not getting the runs, the unlucky Prior dismissal really turned the game. Also, Samit Patel has some answers to give, what was he thinking when he played that shot? Don't think he really looks like a test cricketer TBH, maybe Bresnan or Bopara to come in next test.

[Fists of Fury]

An all too predictable ending. Decent chase, excellent from Trott, and whilst luck maybe wasn't with them at times England's batsmen have a lot to answer for. Number 1 side in the world? Don't be absurd.

[Fists of Fury]

Bresnan and Bopara aren't the answer. We need a proper batsman to be given a chance that is capable of regular contributions. I'm not sure Taylor is good enough yet, but if they think he is then get him in for the Windies Tests.

[Guest]

I can't fault Trott. What a display. Kudos to Sri Lanka. That afternoon session must've had it's frustration.

Strauss and KP really need some runs. If only the top order could've added 50 runs, who knows.

The bowling unit have proven they can take 20 wickets. Anderson getting a 5er was an amazing effort.

Let's not get too down. 2 tests left.

[ShahenshahG]

gutted for trott

[Beer]

Is it really all doom and gloom? We've been here before! England always do poor in these countries. Think they are better than the opposition and that ranking goes to the head.

[alfie]

So a deserved win for Sri Lanka as England eventually faded quite fast...

Will be left to rue that awful top order batting effort on day two.

Probably the best batting effort of the "Asian adventure" today , rather too late.

But hopefully the others will have learned something from watching Trott today , and perhaps gained a little confidence for the next Test.

[Fists of Fury]

1 Test left...not 2.

[alfie]

So where next from here?

Not a lot to be done to strengthen the batting - the top five are the best available , Prior was good today , and I really rate him, so the number seven slot is the only change option.
Pointless swapping Bopara for Patel - he may bat no better , and he can't bowl at present , so I reckon Bresnan must come in (I would be much happier with three quick bowlers).
The question is whether he replaces Patel or Monty. You could try Finn for Monty instead , but that does nothing much for the batting.

The summer is a different issue completely , and can be considered in a month or so , when the Number Six issue at least will be addressed again...

[Guest]

Thanks for the correction FOF. Poxy workmate told me it was 3!

Not sure about Bresnan alfie. I would like to see him included, not sure we need 3 seamers. I think bring in Bopara or even Morgan and have KP pick up some overs. I think another batter may have seen us home.

[Biltong]

Number 1 side in the world? Don't be absurd.

Those rankings means diddly Fists. I was watching a local show called Inside edge last night and they were discussing the rankings. They were of meaning that it is ridiculous that a team could go to NZ, have two of those matches be rain affected and still win the series, but actually lose a ranking point for the net result.

All just a gimmick if you ask me.

[Pal Joey]

No one can beat the NZ weather. A bit harsh to lose points over that.
It's happened to better teams you know mate... you're not the first!

[Biltong]

True, It doesn't bother me much either, I am just thinkng if it were England there would have been a number of disgruntled posters here.

[Guest]

My mate is having a punt that Strauss will be gone by the tour of India. He is a Middlesex fan and believes that if Strauss can't play spin that there is no need for him in India.

[liverbnz]

I think you could be right there lk. His form since 2009 does not warrant selection, and whilst he may be doing a decent job as captain, he is certainly replaceable especially when a lot of strategies are thought out with the coaching team before the game or in the breaks of play during a Test.

[Guest]

He thinks his field placings are bizarre at times and I know Beefy gives him stick at times for them.

Like you say his form doesn't merit selection at the moment.

[Guest]

It was always going to be a tall ask for England to reach a record fourth innings score (for England anywhere) in order to win. I am pleased Trott scored a century and all the batmens more or less "got in". This time around it was the bowling tail that failed to support the batsmen in the batting. However, getting oneself into a position that required a record fourth inning score was the reason why England lost.

[Guest]

If you're going to replace anyone in the batting it would have to be Cook - based on his test scores in the sub-continent. Yet he was Englands top batsman in the one day series.

[liverbnz]

Well to be fair wouldn't there be something wrong if we understood everything the England captain does? He's far greater placed to decide field placings and overall strategies than the casual viewer is he not?

I'd be pretty worried if understood everything he was doing, as unlike him I haven't spent the majority of my life in the game and being a student of it like Strauss. He'll get applauded when his innovatative decisions go right, and hammered when they go wrong. "why is he doing that?" they'll moan. But if you're trying to being innovative and break new ground, you'll not get everything right. And it likely decisions on field placing are not his alone. They'll be a collective decisions from him and coaches who have researched data, footage, stats you name it.

As for Botham, well he's a pretty simple man, and I like him for it but when he speaks on the finer details of the game I find myself switching off. Cricket is not a simple game as he would often put it.

[liverbnz]

If you're going to replace anyone in the batting it would have to be Cook - based on his test scores in the sub-continent. Yet he was Englands top batsman in the one day series.

I'd say he's the least likely of all to be replaced. He's Strauss' replacement. His place is as solid as can be at this moment.

[Guest]

I agree with a lot of that liverbnz

His field placing for catching Sangakkara was subperb.

I hope the ECB do not do anything rash.

[dyrewolfe]

Probably a bit early to be making any changes. For now a good boot up the backside for those that failed to deliver ought to suffice.

I've ceased to be surprised that England continue to make the same mistakes...poor shot selection, lack of concentration, trying to dominate bowlers and/or hit them out of the park, when sensible solid, Trott-style batting was the order of the day.

We never learn, regardless of who we're playing or who we have in the team.

If they want to have any hope of hanging on to their No.1 test team status they're going to have to buck their ideas up.

[mystiroakey]

If you're going to replace anyone in the batting it would have to be Cook - based on his test scores in the sub-continent. Yet he was Englands top batsman in the one day series.

I'd say he's the least likely of all to be replaced. He's Strauss' replacement. His place is as solid as can be at this moment.

cook along with kpo and trott will not be replaced- cook will be captain soon enough- the rest need to worry

[mystiroakey]

anyway- gutted, because the last 4 test matches we basically gave away- none of which we were outplayed by much- we have just played more badly than the opoosition. India or aus would have ripped them games up.

[Liam]

Well what a day. England thoroughly threw that game away, no doubts about it. On a pitch that wasn't offering much to the spin bowlers, England's batsmen managed to gift them wicket after wicket.

Trott was superb. He played every ball on merit, even his "Risky" shots were calculated. On a pitch such as this one, you need to defend the good balls, and put away the rank ones, something that Trott showed today.

Prior gave his wicket away. He needed to stick around, there was no need to attack at all. I was listening to TMS and they were questioning whether or not Prior qould try and take the attack to the bowlers. Soon as I heard that, I knew he would be out soon. He batted superbly for his 41, then plays a stupid shot, haven't we heard that before. Pietserson also played a poor shot, Bell was playing a shot you would play when 60 n.o. not 13.

This is clearly a mental thing with England batsmen on sub-continent pitches. It was a batting paradise today, and they f**ked it up. no doubts about it. I feel for the bowlers, because time and time again, they restrict the opposition to low scores on pitches which threaten to bat sides out of the game. They then watch as they are forced to put the pads on, and before you know it they are out there for another 70 overs in the sweltering heat. Broad is now injured, something that may have been avoided if he didn't have to spend so much time in the field. Patel need to make way and Bopara needs to be given one more chance.

[Mike Selig]

As for Botham, well he's a pretty simple man, and I like him for it but when he speaks on the finer details of the game I find myself switching off. Cricket is not a simple game as he would often put it.

I think it goes a lot further than that: he can't accept that the way he and his team-mates used to do things is no longer appropriate given how the game's played nowadays. He always seems to have at least 15 players in the field if you listen to everywhere where he thinks someone should be (short-leg, another slip and third-man at least, although where they come from?).

My favourite piece of commentary from Botham was when Vaughan set a deep backward point to Jayasuriya for the slash he plays over the off-side. Botham said "he's put a man out for the wide long-hop, it's ridiculous". Jayasuriya promptly slashed at a fullish ball and hit it straight down the man's throat. Hussain (who is an excellent commentator with 6 times Botham's tactical nous and thus understanding of strategy) couldn't help but laugh...

Strauss's captaincy was mostly fine I thought. The two main reasons for England losing the match were the batting and the dropped chances on day 1 (which did a lot for momentum).

[Mike Selig]

Prior gave his wicket away. He needed to stick around, there was no need to attack at all. I was listening to TMS and they were questioning whether or not Prior qould try and take the attack to the bowlers. Soon as I heard that, I knew he would be out soon. He batted superbly for his 41, then plays a stupid shot, haven't we heard that before.

What an absolutely bizzarre comment! Prior swept the ball which got stuck in the fielder's middrift. Not in anyway his fault, just one of those things. "no need to attack at all?" How on earth were England going to score the remaining runs? I don't think Sri Lanka were going to bowl 100 or so wides.

People always moan when someone gets out playing an attacking shot. England did need to score 340 somehow, they weren't all coming in nudges and nurdles...

[mystiroakey]

mike if you hit a ball straignt at someone you deserve to be out- there is nothing bizzare about what he said at all!!

[eirebilly]

Well i did expect this to be honest but i am still upset. It was some effort to even get themselves back in the match. It may give them some much needed confidence for the next test.

[Duty281]

We threw the game away, no doubts. Well done to Trott but silly strokes played by Bell, KP, Prior and practically the entire batting order. One word lads, patience. We seem to have a mental block in Asia when it comes to batting, with bowling though we have the best attack in the World. Interesting balance.

Anyway our record this winter is 0-4 but I'm sure that come summer our record will be something like 5-1. Yes we've lost 4 tests, ALL down to the batting. The only crumb of comfort is our batters do appear to be playing better - they made over 300 today! And one other thing...

If England win the 2nd Test (very possible) our ranking will be tied with SA on 116. What happens if it is tied? Are we both no.1 or do South Africa have to actually get ahead on 117+? But if we lose or draw..... congratulations Biltong.

[eirebilly]

We threw the game away, no doubts. Well done to Trott but silly strokes played by Bell, KP, Prior and practically the entire batting order. One word lads, patience. We seem to have a mental block in Asia when it comes to batting, with bowling though we have the best attack in the World. Interesting balance.

Anyway our record this winter is 0-4 but I'm sure that come summer our record will be something like 5-1. Yes we've lost 4 tests, ALL down to the batting. The only crumb of comfort is our batters do appear to be playing better - they made over 300 today! And one other thing...

If England win the 2nd Test (very possible) our ranking will be tied with SA on 116. What happens if it is tied? Are we both no.1 or do South Africa have to actually get ahead on 117+? But if we lose or draw..... congratulations Biltong.

[Fists of Fury]

I'm not overly fussed about the rankings, I just want to see us winning Test matches, but I imagine a tie would leave it in England's hands as they are in possession, so to speak.

Very disappointed today after being given plenty of hope by the Trott and Prior stand, but at least I won't be dining on hats this evening.

[Duty281]

We threw the game away, no doubts. Well done to Trott but silly strokes played by Bell, KP, Prior and practically the entire batting order. One word lads, patience. We seem to have a mental block in Asia when it comes to batting, with bowling though we have the best attack in the World. Interesting balance.

Anyway our record this winter is 0-4 but I'm sure that come summer our record will be something like 5-1. Yes we've lost 4 tests, ALL down to the batting. The only crumb of comfort is our batters do appear to be playing better - they made over 300 today! And one other thing...

If England win the 2nd Test (very possible) our ranking will be tied with SA on 116. What happens if it is tied? Are we both no.1 or do South Africa have to actually get ahead on 117+? But if we lose or draw..... congratulations Biltong.

Oops didn't mean that, meant over 250!

[eirebilly]

Thought i had missed something there then

There are positives to take from this defeat and that is that Trott, Bell and Prior looked much better.

[Duty281]

Thought i had missed something there then

There are positives to take from this defeat and that is that Trott, Bell and Prior looked much better.

It's a shame he got cocky on 41.

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