Sri Lanka in England/Netherlands

[kodos]

I would back England to chase down 200 but anything over 250 I am a bit skeptical with of course the Murali factor. This could be the day when Flintoff rises up to the occasion and Panesar will be versatile with the ball with Murali getting so much turn already.

 

[Sureshot]

Still 3 days left in this game? Is the pitch devastating or are the bowlers just outclassing the batsmen? Sri Lanka have got to look to bat out the day tomorrow if they want to salvage part of this test series.

Some poor batting from both teams.

The pitch is alright, very dry, with a fair bit of rough.

it would be GREAT to see Sri Lanka win this!! does england have a break after their series against Pakistan?? or are they playing other countries?

Straight into the Ashes, about 6 weeks off.

 

[tsyrmas]

good too see Sri Lanka pushing on a bit here. just these 50-70 run partnerships and maybe a big score from someone is what they need

 

[evertonfan]

I know i'll sound like a commentator here, but Monty is the key to England winning or losing this game, the seamers look a little flat.

 

[Adarsh]

I don't think so. I don't think Monty has the capability of taking more than 3 wickets, unless they are gifted to him or the pacers do very very badly. I expect Sri Lanka to score atleast 300 here. The problem for them is that there is too much time, giving England enough time to score it. Therefore, they'll try to bat for as long as possible and won't be bothered about the runrate.

 

[m_vaughan]

Straight into the Ashes, about 6 weeks off.

Something called the Champions Trophy has been forced in between although I think both England and Australia might not send their strongest teams for that competition.

 

[hondeyho]

There goes Dilshan, but I still think Sri Lanka will win this one - England have had some recent troubles in chasing scores and Murali will certainly do his best...


Well done Monty! That'll show 'em!

 

[sohum]

Something called the Champions Trophy has been forced in between although I think both England and Australia might not send their strongest teams for that competition.

Aren't they required to send the strongest team? I feel there was such a controversy last time around. India had sponsorship issues, and were planning to send a second string XI.

 

[valvolux]

At what point do england start worrying?

 

[gary0808]

When or if Sri Lanka pass 300. At the moment it is only slightly heading Sri Lanka's way

 

[CricketFan999]

The thing is that it's only day 3. So any score is achieveable if England bat smart over the 2 days, day and half they will have to score it. It won't be easy on a 4/5th day pitch against Muralitharan but it's still possible.

 

[sohum]

I think time is a non-factor in this game. Wickets are coming pretty quickly, and it will take a good effort for the English batsmen to withstand a rampaging Murali on a pretty scruffed up 4th/5th day pitch. Pietersen probably holds a key card, seeing that he has shown signs of conquering Murali already, this series. Flintoff also needs to hit the form with the bat for some time, now.

 

[RoboRocks]

Murali should not have to many problems in bowling England out on this wicket.
England are in a no win situation.
Well played and well bowled Sri Lanka they deserve to win.

 

[aussie1st]

It's all down to KP if England are to survive this one. He is the best player of spin going around for mind. If he can't keep out Murali there ain't much hope for the rest of the batters.

 

[Sureshot]

The key for England today is we only had 4 bowlers, Freddie looked like a worm cut in half.

Monty was brilliant, 34 overs, great workload, and I don't think he's misfielded in this test!

Losing Freddie will probably cost us this game.

I wouldn't rule us out though, we must be patient on this slow pitch, Murali will obviously be a danger, but it is slow turn.

I felt maybe Plunkett should have had more overs, but then hey, we can't have eveything go our way.

Hope Feddie is alright for the ODIs starting a fortnight from yesterday. (17th)