England in Sri Lanka

[Sureshot]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/7129506.stm

Article from the Beeb on Prior's performance with views from Russell and Stewart, interesting thoughts, though I think Russell is wrong about saying Prior is better up to the stumps than Gilly, interesting view nonetheless. He had a very good game, the article sums him up well, he has divided opinion amongst the fans and media stronger than most have in recent times. Despite the missed stumping this game was his best match yet for England and as Stewart says, with all the criticism he's had he's showing he has the mental attitude to suceed.

Basically, they're saying I'm right

I think the key to England coming back in this series (to either a drawn or won series, either is a very good result imo) is how Cook plays Vaas, Cook is a quick learner though so I have full faith in his ability to overcome his problems.

King Pietersen...

I can't see how after one match you can claim that Strauss should be in the touring side/team, he's been awful for a year, he isn't at all suited to Sri Lankan/Sub continent pitches, maybe in New Zealand he can be considered, personally his England career is over for me though, just too many ways you can get him out/get himself out.

 

[0601731]

dont know bout strauss but ramprakash should have surenly been in the team.

 

[Sureshot]

KP batted, looks fine for Sunday. Hoggard didn't bowl and looks like having no chance, Sidebottom missed with a heavy cold.

 

[RoboRocks]

Just looking at the records at the next two venues Colombo and Galle.

Colombo, England could get away with not playing 2 spinners because there have been shared wickets for both seamers and spinners.

http://stats.cricinfo.com/srilanka/...ickets_career.html?class=1;id=679;type=ground

Galle is a different kettle of fish:

http://stats.cricinfo.com/srilanka/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?class=1;id=847;type=ground

Murali obviously has the most wicket but look at Vaas' record. He averages 37 and even Jayasuriya is above him so England will need to play both spinners in Galle.

 

[MUFC1987]

Hopefully Harmison will play, with a big doubt over Hoggard and Sidebottom and Anderson both struggling he's the only option for me and I can see him doing well, the problem is that they still won't give him the new ball, which would be wrong in my view. Harmison needs confidence, having him sat at third man for an hour while Sidebottom and Anderson let the openers get off to a start won't help. I'd like to see Shah play as well, he showed in India that he can grind out innings in tricky conditions and with Collingwood looking a better prospect than Bopara with the ball, it should just come down to batting ability.

 

[Sureshot]

He's got a sore back and he's carrying his stuff? Madness.

Harmison seems to be replacing Hoggard for Sunday, I wouldn't drop Bopara, he did enough to warrant his place in the side, Colly is a good bowler, but I'd rather have him at backward point all test match rather than racking up some overs, Bopara showed in the warm up match he can bowl well enough.

You're right though it should come down to batting ability, something which I think Bopara has as much of as Shah. The management like Bopara's never say die attitude.

---

Can everyone see that piccy of Hoggy? Not coming up for me.

 

[RoboRocks]

He's got a sore back and he's carrying his stuff? Madness.

Harmison seems to be replacing Hoggard for Sunday, I wouldn't drop Bopara, he did enough to warrant his place in the side, Colly is a good bowler, but I'd rather have him at backward point all test match rather than racking up some overs, Bopara showed in the warm up match he can bowl well enough.

You're right though it should come down to batting ability, something which I think Bopara has as much of as Shah. The management like Bopara's never say die attitude.

I was just thinking of that when I saw those practice pictures a minute ago.

You can't drop Bopara after one test. He needs at least this series to prove he can play at this level. Besides the management have made their choice.

I hope Broad plays instead of Harmison since Broad has experience in these conditions since he played in the ODI side just a month ago and Harmison according to Simon Hughes said on TMS during the game that Harmison look all over place just like the ashes series.

 

[aussie_ben91]

I loved how the Australian commentators on Foxsports News took the **** outta' the poms following the 1st Test Match in Kandy.

"After having Sri Lanka reeling at 5/42 in their first-innings, England still managed to find a way to lose."

Classic.

Harsh but funny.

 

[charith]

I loved how the Australian commentators on Foxsports News took the **** outta' the poms following the 1st Test Match in Kandy.

"After having Sri Lanka reeling at 5/42 in their first-innings, England still managed to find a way to lose."

Classic.

Harsh but funny.

Harsh indeed. But its Sl in SL and Sanga bailed us out once again so can't really blame England. BUt they did let a oppurtunity slip. Hard to come by in SL especially when they win the toss and bat first. Hope we win the toss again at the SSC no doubt its a bat first pitch. Love to see a massive score and Sanga getting another ton.

I reckon England should play Swann its just something different. Especially against Sanga with the ball turning away from him. Bopara and Collingwood can prvide the third seam option now that hoggy is out.

 

[Sureshot]

It's starting half an hour earlier according to BBC website. I'm unsure as to what time to set the alarm for, do I miss the whole 1st session or wake up for 5:30? I think I'll miss the first session as I have some homework to do tomorrow.

I'm very cautious about the prospect of Harmison playing though. I think Broad could get a debut.

 

[MUFC1987]

If it is down to either Broad or Harmison (depending on injuries/illness to Sidebottom/Anderson and team make up) I think they'll plump for Harmison. Simply because if Harmison does badly, it's not the managements fault, it's all going to be looked at as Harmison's own doing, whereas if they play Broad and he struggles, they'll get flack for giving him his debut in unwelcoming conditions.

 

[irottev]

England off to a great start. Unbeaten 50 partnership. Nice! Almost all of the runs from Vaughan.

EDIT. 60 on the board and Vaughan with 50. Fernando isn't international standard.

 

[nuffa]

gr8 first session for england.. vaughan and cook batting brilliantly..

 

[Sureshot]

Just got up, seen the highlights and I'm delighted, 75* for Vaughan and he's looked very fluent, it'll be one of his best hundreds should he get there.

For people who don't know, Broad and Harmison in for Anderson (dropped) and Hoggard (injured), Broad or Harmison to open with Sidebottom?

 

[Gilly Fan]

This is complete domination from England. Great work so far!... Until now. Vaughan falls on the the bad luck number for cricket! 87!

Caught in the legs of the fielder. No hands at it's best!

Geez, what a name for one end of the ground.

"Tennis Courts End"

Can't they be any more creative? :