England’s cricketers beat Sri Lanka 2-0, to clinch the two match series against Sri Lanka, with six wicket win. Tourists England, showed one change from their first test win as Stuart Broad made way for all-time highest fast bowling wicket-taker James Anderson.
The hosts Sri Lanka, who were well beaten in the first test, fared better with the bat in the first innings this time round. Dinesh Chandimal’s side scored 381 all out, largely helped by 110 by star all-rounder and former captain Angelo Matthews.
Wicket-keeper batsmen Niroshan Dickwella (92) and skipper Chandimal (52) provided support for Matthews as the hosts Sri Lanka for the first time in the series frustrated England’s bowling attack. Spinners Jack leach and Dom Bess were wicketless, and only were able to dismiss Sri Lanka’s batting line-up, largely due to veteran James Anderson’s brilliance (6-40).
In response England, got their reply off to the worst start as England’s openers Zak Crawley and Dom Sibley again feel cheaply. Just like in the first test, The Three Lions were indebted to their captain supreme Joe Root. The 30-year old Root, who scored a brilliant 228 in the first game, backed this up with another superb knock of 186.
It was only Jos Buttler (55) who was able to offer any kind of support for his captain. Despite this, England were still able to get close to Sri Lanka’s first innings total and ended up being just 37 runs behind Sri Lanka’s total.
Having been in a position of dominance, inexplicably the home side self destructed and in their second innings scored 126 all out. Star bowler Lasith Embuldeniya , who has starred with the ball in this series, ended up top scoring with the bat, the spinner top scored for the Sri Lankan’s with 40.
England were left with a low target to chase of 164 to win the second test and complete a whitewash over their hosts. Just like throughout the series opener Zak Crawley fell cheaply, but just like the first test in the second innings, the tourists England had a wobble.
From the English perspective, thankfully Dom Sibley (56 not out) was able to return to form and Jos Buttler (46 not out) were able to guide the tourists home, winning by six wickets. Tougher challenges await Joe Root’s side, who play India 5th February in Chennai’s Chidambaram Stadium.
The Bearded Captain 