Sri Lanka convincingly defeated England in every department of the game in the one-off Test launched on Tuesday at the Surrey Oval.
No doubt it was one of the best batting displays we have seen here or abroad. Therefore, it is a memorable moment for the cricket loving public of Sri Lanka. In 1984 Sidath Wettimuny (190) batting artist par excellence, Duleep Mendis (110) and Amal Silva (102) in their own inimitable styles scored centuries at Lords and showed our batting skills. Today as one day international world champions, Sri Lanka showed the cricketing, public that they are equally good at the longer game too. Sri Lankans, who were given only one-off Test this summer, proved to the rest of the world that they are no-push-overs, and they are the most entertaining and exciting band of cricketers in the world today. The batting display of the Sri Lankans would have reminded some of the ``Old English Folks'' the days of the mighty West Indies batting fiestas revolved round the Terrible three W's Worrel, Walcott and Weekes, Clive Lloyd, or Vivian Richards.
Sri Lanka in their total of 446 for 3 wickets, (one run more than England) on the third day thumped more than 50 boundaries in their 110 over blitz, which gives a run rate of 4.05. They started the day with 79 for one. On the third day they scored 367 runs in 90 overs giving a run rate of 4.07 which is unbelievable in a Test match.
Third-day of the SL - England Test is a day to remember. Batting is an art. For cricket, first and foremost, a batsmans game. Fast footwork, unerring judgement or brilliant eye-sight is necessary to become good batsmen. Jayasuriya and De Silva possessed all these. They have one faculty which made them much superior to others. It was in being able to judge, almost as soon as the ball left the bowlers hand - quicker brain and quick judgement. Gough, Fraser, and Cork who accounted for 59 wickets among them in their recently concluded Test series against South Africa met their Waterloo at the Oval, against Sanath, Aravinda and Arjuna. Although Hick and Crawley scored centuries for England, the innings of Sanath and Aravinda outshone them.
Jayasuriya reached his fifth century in his career in 124 balls and reached its epic 213 runs in 346 minutes facing 327 balls of which he despatched 33 of them to the fence and one over the fence. Sanath Jayasuriya provided the fireworks, with technically skilled batting. Cutting and driving with authority, he trounced every bowler brought against him.
Aravinda De Silva is a gem of a batsman. His hook and pull shot is pure magic. No other batsman in the world can position himself to despatch a ball to square leg or mid wicket like Aravinda De Silva. That is his forte. When he reached 23 in this Test Match, he become the first Sri lankan Test player to reach the 5000 run mark. He was the 42nd overall to achieve this in Test history. Playing in his 74th Test, Aravinda De Silva remained unbeaten with 125 runs on day three.
To bat with Aravinda De Silva, must be an education and revelation to anyone. I am sure, Sanath would have enjoyed it most. Aravinda De Silva was undoubtedly a tower of inspiration to Sanath Jayasuriya, in making the third wicket record-breaking stand 243 runs. They improved their own record which they established against India when they scored 218 in 1997. Team spirit was very high and Sri Lankan batsmen Sanath, Aravinda and Arjuna batted to plan with guts and determination. Their running between the wickets were superb.
In compiling this record breaking innings, the stamina they (Sanath and Aravinda) and Arjuna possessed was remarkable. They never seemed the least bit tired and was running as quickly at the end of the day as if they were just beginning. All credit should go to Alex Kountari, Australian born Sri Lanka Physiotherapist, in making the Sri Lanka team physically fit, in this fashion.
Sri Lanka made their second highest Test total after their world record of 952 for 6 declared against India last year, when they amassed 591 on the fourth day against England.
The highlight of the 4th day was the last wicket partnership of 59 runs between debutant Suresh Perera who batted extremely well for his unbeaten 43 and Muralitharan scored 30 runs.
Aravinda De Silva, reached his fourth score of over 150 in a Test. His innings (152) lasted forte 457 minutes off 287 balls with 17 fours.
Skipper Arjuna Ranatunga is an amazing cricketer. His cool temperament and leadership qualities helped Sri Lanka to be one of the powerful cricketing nations in the world. Ranatunga completed England's misery. He reached his unbeaten half a century before close of the third day, but on fourth day he got out for 51 runs. He recorded his 33rd fifty in his Test career.
His glorious six off Salisbury could not be easily forgotten.
One word can sum up a successful captain. He must have a patience of a Saint, diplomacy of an Ambassador or High Commissioner, compassion of a social worker and a skin of a Rhino. Ranatunga is endowed with all these qualities put together and that is one reason that he is considered as one of the best cricket captains in the world.
Sri Lanka - England one-off Test will be long remembered by Sri Lankans for Muralitharan's record-breaking bowling feat. He captured seven wickets for 156 in the first essay. With this, his overall tally now stands at 194 wickets for 42 Tests. Further ``Murali'', thus became the second most successful off-spinner in the annals of Test cricket . Only Lance Gibbs of West Indies is ahead of him with 309 wickets from 79 Tests.
Sri Lanka completed a successful cricket tour in England. All credit should go to the cricketers, manager Ranjit Fernando, coach Roy Dias and physiotherapist Alex Kountari.
Our cricketers proved a point to the authorities of cricket that they are a force to be reckoned with. With this performance, it is very likely that Sri Lanka will be given more Test matches in the future by the English authorities.
To begin with Sri Lanka were off to an inauspicious start. Firstly criticism was levelled at the Team composition. They were bundled out by a county side in England for a paltry 56 runs. Critics started wagging their tounges. Cricket administration of Sri Lanka, mode of selection became the talking point. But, when Sri Lanka clinched the Emirates Trophy by beating South Africa and England in the Triangular Series, things changed rapidly and the villains became heroes overnight.
What a funny game cricket is? It is like our life. When things go wrong and not rosy, people desert or leave you. People are so sentimental, they became bad losers. As I said in my earlier article, there are days of disaster as well as the days of glory for any player. Criticism is good. But unfair criticism can ruin a team.
Its a pity that when a player fails some go to the extent of writing him oft. Some elements spread rumours, character assassinations and even the families of the players are not spared, by these Honourable gentlemen''. They do not realise the philosophy of this noble game. They do not know that victory and defeat are part and parcel of this game. What matters is how you play the game.
Sri Lanka team is presently riding high. Now is not the time to relax. Our bowling and fielding should be improved. Bowling requires concentration, correct bowling action, and ability to bowl a good length and direction and a certain amount of luck. Fielding requires concentration, training and fitness. Remember, we have many more goals to achieve in the future. Itn hardwork no doubt. Keept it up Good Luck again.