England v Sri Lanka - Official Second Test Match Thread

[BarmyBarmyArmy]

reminding me of the ashes here, tailenders getting the runs. That drop from Panesar didn't help - seriously, why is the guy in the team?

[Vrock]

Originally Posted by BarmyBarmyArmy

That drop from Panesar didn't help - seriously, why is the guy in the team?

I agree, it didn't help but Panesar's poor ability in the field is known and the selectors are having faith in the fact that he is working extremely hard to improve. He is getting there, in the outfield he is diving and chasing balls around and showing intent at least.

Speak of the man now, he's bowling.

[greg]

That is why Panesar is in the team.

[BarmyBarmyArmy]

LBW - Nice one monty

[Vrock]

And he's got a wicket! That is the main reason why he is in the side.

He got the ball to turn and gets Malinga out LBW, a very nice delivery from the slow left armer.

Monty's lack of batting and fielding ability are certainly made up for when he takes wickets.

[BarmyBarmyArmy]

141 all out.

Well bowled England!

[Vrock]

Muralitharan just couldn't keep his head down and gave into the temptation of having a swipe, as he is prone to do.

Being bowled out for 141, a second low score in first innings in two tests clearly shows that the Sri Lankan batsmen struggle to face the English quicks early on in the game when the pitch is giving the most to the bowlers.

And they say that this is a batsman's game.

If England can bat now and score 450 runs then you would have to fancy England taking the victory, at Lord's they bowled Sri Lanka out for very few on a third day pitch and I suspect we will Sri Lanka batting late on the third day at least. And Monty has already got a small amount from the pitch, I am sure he'll be able to do it again when the pitch is a little more giving.

If Sri Lanka's opening bowlers can't do the job with the new ball then a lot will be dependant on Murali, only time will tell if he can spoil England's day so far.

[Vrock]

No wickets yet to fall as of yet for Sri Lanka's opening bowlers, Dilshan has come on in place of Malinga but does not look to be troubling the English opening pair. Vaas continues to be the pick of the three but is also not looking greatly dangerous.

No doubt Murali will be joining the party sooner rather than later.

[Collyisamackem]

Fantastic bowling from the guys, all of them chipping in and Plunkett shining through. Well done guys!

Tresco is taking a liking to Maharoof, two fours from this over, 42/0.

[BarmyBarmyArmy]

Yep, great start from Strauss and tresco as we often see - clearly looking for a big lead and perhaps looking to avoid a 2nd innings.