England in Sri Lanka March-April 2011/12

[puddleduck]

It's just mentally on these pitches we seem shot. Like we're caught between defence and attack. Then out comes the dreaded sweep, which is a good shot when played well and selectively, but not something to turn to in desperation, as it so often is. I hoped we might have learned from Pakistan, and tried to be positive, but it seems we haven't. We're as indecisive and half-arsed as ever. In contrast, look at how SL targeted Swann.

They went the other way today. Run rate over 4, but yes, almost seems like they expect to get out whilst someone like Jaya expects to get in and then score runs..

Three we get Alistair Campbell and Steve Hilton to run the spin camps.

It's so that when they get out to spinners again they know how to say all the right things to the press

 

[barmyarmy]

Swanny can't bowl in the SC...
Just about keeping us in the match.

 

[puddleduck]

Heh yeah his 13 wickets at under 30 against Pakistan was dreadful

Lovely stuff from Swann. Looked the far more threatening spinner in both innings so far.

 

[Owzat]

I can see England scraping together something around 200

And in the main thanks to the tail

Pietersen's average in Sri Lanka before this Test was 25.20 from four Tests, HS is 45no.

Didn't trouble that HS today

 

[puddleduck]

Those extra 100 runs Sri Lanka got are looking rather costly...

 

[Dipak]

SL at 41/4. England need to press their advantage and blow them away for something 100ish so that they're left with something like 220 to win.

Feel like kicking Panesar for those drops.

 

[puddleduck]

Careful Dipak, MU will get grumpy

*love you really dude*

 

[barmyarmy]

Well 167 is already a significant lead tbh. On this pitch it ought to be possible to chase 250 but anything over 200 and SL are strong favourites.

 

[Owzat]

Those extra 100 runs Sri Lanka got are looking rather costly...

Sri Lanka 1st inns : 193/7
England 1st inns : 191 all out

The 1st innings lead was effectively down to Jayawardene and the tail. There is a chance England will bat better second time around, if they are still in the game

 

[puddleduck]

I have some faith we will click. They are more than capable of scoring runs against this bowling attack.

(not sure what based on ha, should probably be committed).

 

[Rohit Doshi]

They were so much in the game against Pakistan in the second test

Anyways Sri Lanka any how need to score another 150 runs. 300 runs target is somewhat game in the pocket. Samaraweera and Chandimal are good batsman capable and thank god there are no more Left Handers

I take my word back.. Swanny

 

[Owzat]

England have persisted with the experienced backbone of batting and in four Tests this winter it has barely clicked at all.

 

[Adarsh]

Sri Lankan batsmen can't play spin.

 

[Owzat]

Sri Lankan batsmen can't play spin.

England batsmen can't play bowling...................

 

[Adarsh]

England have persisted with the experienced backbone of batting and in four Tests this winter it has barely clicked at all.

Persisted with them for FOUR tests ?! Gee, such a long rope. These batsmen must be privledged. Come on man, the same guys have got runs left right and centre for a few years now. They're obviously good batsmen, and it's gonna take more than one or two bad series to start sacking them.