Sri Lanka in England 2011

[barmyarmy]

Don't agree that an ACL tear is career-ending. I know I'm not an international fast bowler (as do the opposition after last night's match) but I recovered well enough from the operation and rehab.

 

[StinkyBoHoon]

I always love these stats that seem to focus on the "big teams" so they can conveniently leave out embarrassing results against minnows (it's a popular tactic of warne fans in murali debates, discounting the windies because warne's 40+ average their significantly hurts his "better away bowler" tag when compared to murali's that's hovering about 20). Of the "big teams" england are the only one to lose to the west indies in eons. they are on losing streaks against both their rivals, they are not even close to the best team in the world.

this debate is fairly moot, it seems to be based on India slipping up against the west indies for england to over-take them. I wouldn't bet very much on that and if india have slumped to the level where the windies can beat them in a series then maybe england do have a shout at being the best team by default.

anyway, rain.

 

[Haarithan]

The worst possible start to a cricketing summer in England , the dreaded RAIN arrives ! How do they call it summer then?

 

[cricket_icon]

all underway now. very good bouncer by broad but he seems a little unsure of himself atm.

 

[barmyarmy]

The worst possible start to a cricketing summer in England , the dreaded RAIN arrives ! How do they call it summer then?

Well to be fair it's Wales but yeah stupid place to hold a test in May (almost as dumb as Durham).

Decent start by SL - pitch looks flat and their batsmen are in good nick.

 

[Sureshot]

I think we've bowled okay, created a few chances, but not quick enough luck yet. Few wayward deliveries, but to be expected.

To be fair Colin, there's rubbish weather around most places atm, everywhere has strong wind atm.

 

[WubbaLubbaDubDub]

25 overs 75 runs for loss of no wickets is really a nice start from the Lankans go the tigers do well

 

[Slowcoach]

Sri Lanka doing it easy now...will be a draw.

----------

England's body language is terrible.
Trying to keep up the facade of control and confidence by faking coolness and obliviousness to the situation.
They are impotent and getting flogged, and it won't be til 0-150 that they start to lose their rags and get frustrated and act all indignant about the fact a team as "good as us" is being flogged by a team as "weak" as the "little" Sri Lankans.

Ok, maybe that was a bit harsh and premature (Dilshan just got out).

 

[Themer]

On that referral, I'm pretty sure it was out. There was a mark on Hot Spot where the ball passes the bat from the side on view, although it was only there momentarily. Good decision in my book.

Just got back from work hoping for another couple of wickets to be a fitting end to my day.

 

[Sureshot]

When have the England team ever branded the Sri Lankans as weak or little? It's only been said in some parts of the press afaik.

Interesting decision there, there's a definite sound and Sky have shown a tiny hotspot on the edge of the bat, which I thought I saw earlier. I can't see what else the sound could have been. I suppose it's going to split people 50/50.

Edit: Snicko confirming a tiny edge.

 

[Haarithan]

The funny thing about that Sangakkara dismissal was the manner in which he warned England to not refer it with a smile and a shake of his head . That was a good decision by the third umpire in the end . The last thing I wanted was a wrong decision out of technology which would have proven good enough for the BCCI to continue their policy to never use the DRS over the next couple of years atleast .

 

[Papa_Smurf]

When I viewed it real-time, I was like WTF's the appealing is about? First replay was pretty conclusive tbh - just a tickle of an edge. Good decision by both umpires

I like the look of Pranavitana. First time I've seen him, and he's got a good technique, with a solid defense. Promising player, for sure. And as I type this, he gets his 50 Well deserved

Man, I love watching the Tests played in England. Ball swings like crazy because of the conditions, while the pitch offers something for the batsmen. The result is an even contest between bat and ball - the way it should be.

 

[pcfan123]

yea finally some real cricket.

English summer how I love you

 

[StinkyBoHoon]

When have the England team ever branded the Sri Lankans as weak or little? It's only been said in some parts of the press afaik.

in this thread there's a couple of people predicting 3-0 to england. fairly harsh appraisal of their talent.

I really want to tip jayawardena, I think he's going to have a great summer but I don't want to jinx him.

 

[barmyarmy]

PlanetCricket ? Ashes heroes must overcome tough test

I hadn't intended to be quite so critical of England. I think they'll win the series just that it will be harder than people think.