England v Sri Lanka - First Test - Fourth Day Onwards

[Vrock]

After three days of cricket, in parts excellent, in others quite poor. England have managed to get themselves into a healthy position after having made a big first innings total of 551 and bowling Sri Lanka for 192 out to enable the follow-on.

Bowling out the Sri Lankan's for the second time has proved something of a more daunting task for England's bowlers, the unused Panesar in the first innings has collected two of three wickets that have fallen; he has certainly shown signs of excellent control and also got some deliveries to turn a fair way.

The final couple of days, weather providing, should give viewers some excellent entertainment. The key for England will be to take plenty of wickets with the new ball, the key will be Sri Lanka surviving the new ball. If England take wickets with the new ball, we could have an innings defeat on our hands, if Sri Lanka survive, then we could see them make England bat again. Which, from where they were at certain times in this match, I feel would be a great achievement.

[mudney]

England for the win after Sri Lanka collapse tomorrow. Innings and 50 I reckon

[Ernest]

England will win providing the weather does not interfere in a big way.

I think Sri Lanka batted well yesterday, but I have seen teams better than Sri Lancs with only one wicket down, loes wickets with a clatter the morning after when the bowlers are fresh.

Englands bowling did not look as sharp on Saterday, but that's the problem with enforcing the follow on, the bowling gets little rest - a lot to be said for not asking for the follow on, but getting stacks more runs instead, but with poor weather about Flintoff probably got it right.

[Karthik]

It is irritating,isn't it.A team is winning and the weather gets bad.I think in international cricket they need stadiums with a covered roof.

[mudney]

Originally Posted by Karthik

It is irritating,isn't it.A team is winning and the weather gets bad.I think in international cricket they need stadiums with a covered roof.

That would cost too much. It also adds to the charm a little bit. The better team usually wins a series however. Not always the case, think Eng v SA in 1998, wow we were lucky!

[Vrock]

Sri Lanka have started the day well, no wickets lost as of yet and Mahela Jayawardene has reached a half century. Certainly Flintoff looks to be hanging on for the new ball.

Hoggard was getting the ball to do a little bit, Plunkett has got it do something to but the Sri Lankan batsmen have played and missed a fair bit.

Four overs till the new ball.

[Vrock]

The new ball has been taken but as of yet has brought no wickets.

Hoggard is getting the ball to swing and bowled a beauty, as I type Hoggard gets an edge and Strauss drops another one!

Flintoff is getting the ball to seam and Collingwood dropped the ball but he was diving at full stretch to his right in the slips.

[Rifat]

Sri Lanka are batting well, I don't think they are going to suffer an innings defeat from here.

[mudney]

Neither do I. But listening to it on the radio, it is beyond the commentators how England haven't taken 5 wickets, let alone 0. Strauss just dropped a sitter apparently, to add to the one he dropped off Vaas the other day.

Hoggard seems to be bowling well with the new ball but isn't having much luck, and even his patience is being tested.
C'mon England!!!

[Crunchy]

Mahmood needs to be brought into the attack. He's the only bowler with any pace at all. England need Harmy back desperately, other than Hoggard the medium pacers have largely looked innocuous. Flintoff again looking very ordinary indeed with his 79 mph pies.