Group A: England v Sri Lanka at Lord's, 14 May 1999Ball-by-Ball Commentary
Match to resume after a 10 minute innings break Match State: Innings break 0.1 Vaas to Hussain, no run, quick one over the wicket, outside the right hander's off stump to the keeper 0.2 Vaas to Hussain, one run, pokes it forwar dof the point 0.3 Vaas to Stewart, no run, defensive off the off stump 0.4 Vaas to Stewart, no run, tries to squeeze it on the off side, into the pad and it trickles away 0.5 Vaas to Stewart, no run, good line just outside the off stump, inside edge into the pad 0.6 Vaas to Stewart, no run, overpitched outside the off stump, Stewart mistimes the cover drive, well fielded at point End of over 1 (1 run) England 1/0 (RR: 1.00 RRR: 204/49 = 4.16) WPUJC Vaas 1-0-1-0 - Pavilion End N Hussain 1* (2b) AJ Stewart 0* (4b) 1.1 Wickramasinghe to Hussain, no run, defended back down the wicket 2.3 Vaas to Hussain, no run 2.4 Vaas to Hussain, no run, excellent over so far, nice and tight, Hussain can only pat it on the on side 2.5 Vaas to Hussain, no run, more timid defence down the pitch 2.6 Vaas to Hussain, no run, tapped on the on side, tip-top over from Vaas, he looks in good form, and is well suited to the English conditions End of over 3 (maiden) England 8/0 (RR: 2.67 RRR: 197/47 = 4.19) WPUJC Vaas 2-1-1-0 - Pavilion End AJ Stewart 4* (8b 1x4) N Hussain 4* (10b) 3.1 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run, pitched up on the off stump, defended away towards mid on 3.2 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run, attempted off cutter, turns into a half volley, Stewart continues his woeful form by playing it straight to the cover fielder 3.3 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run, aimed at the leg stump, quickish ball, pushed on the on side 3.4 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run, defensive push into the covers 3.5 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, one run, shortish, Stewart tries to smash a cut shot, top edge nearly becaomes a catch to the 3rd man 3.6 Wickramasinghe to Hussain, no run, plays and misses a dab shot outside the off stump End of over 4 (1 run) England 9/0 (RR: 2.25 RRR: 196/46 = 4.26) GP Wickramasinghe 2-0-8-0 - Nursery End AJ Stewart 5* (13b 1x4) N Hussain 4* (11b) 4.1 Vaas to Stewart, no run, defensive from outside the off stump towards the covers 4.2 Vaas to Stewart, no run, stiff bat defence, fielded at cover point 4.3 Vaas to Stewart, no run, another tight ball, pushes onto the on side 4.4 Vaas to Stewart, no run, stepping onto the back foot, nudges it towards the mid off 4.5 Vaas to Stewart, no run, steps back and clips it into the covers Stewart trying to scratch and claw his way into good form 4.6 Vaas to Stewart, one run, glanced off the thight to the wide 3rd man End of over 5 (1 run) England 10/0 (RR: 2.00 RRR: 195/45 = 4.33) WPUJC Vaas 3-1-2-0 - Pavilion End AJ Stewart 6* (19b 1x4) N Hussain 4* (11b) 5.1 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, one run, everytime he tries the off cutter, he overpitches, handsome drive, but the mid off runs around qucik enough 5.2 Wickramasinghe to Hussain, no run, chops it off the off stump, bowler hunts and gathers 5.3 Wickramasinghe to Hussain, no run, trying the late cut, misjudges slightly, into the ground and to the short 3rd man 5.4 Wickramasinghe to Hussain, no run, stepping down the wicket, drives to the cover fielder yet again scintillating cricket 5.5 Wickramasinghe to Hussain, no run, excellent outward seam movement off the off stump line, misses the outside edge, Wickkers, with a big appeal, doesn't think so 5.6 Wickramasinghe to Hussain, FOUR, crashing cover drive, that must hurt the bowler End of over 6 (5 runs) England 15/0 (RR: 2.50 RRR: 190/44 = 4.32) GP Wickramasinghe 3-0-13-0 - Nursery End AJ Stewart 7* (20b 1x4) N Hussain 8* (16b 1x4) 6.1 Vaas to Stewart, no run, yorker length, across the right hander, outside the off stump 6.2 Vaas to Stewart, no run, a half step backward, works it thru point, good dive by Jaya saves the runs 6.3 Vaas to Stewart, no run, defends to the cover point area 6.4 Vaas to Stewart, no run, defends off the off stump, chaminda picks up 6.5 Vaas to Stewart, no run, good inseamer, grabs a thick inside edge off the defensive shot, Ranatunga picks up at mid wicket 6.6 Vaas to Stewart, no run, defends to the covers, another maiden, perfect disciplined quick bowling End of over 7 (maiden) England 15/0 (RR: 2.14 RRR: 190/43 = 4.42) WPUJC Vaas 4-2-2-0 - Pavilion End N Hussain 8* (16b 1x4) AJ Stewart 7* (26b 1x4) Upshantha is the new bowler, drafted into the XI in place of Jayawardena 7.1 Upashantha to Hussain, no run, straigth and close outside the off stump, Hussain with the awful choice of shots, trying a cramped cut shot 7.2 Upashantha to Hussain, one run, overpitched on his toes, flicked easily to de silva at fine leg 7.3 Upashantha to Stewart, wide: no run, seaming away slightly, barely a wide, but the umpires chooses so 7.3 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, outside the off stump and thru to the keeper 7.4 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, on his toes, plays a swat push to the cover point fielder 7.5 Upashantha to Stewart, FOUR, heavy handed shot thru the covers, using the full weight of the bat for the cover drive 7.6 Upashantha to Stewart, wide: no run, overpitched down the leg side, Koertzen has his second stretch for the over 7.6 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, attempted yorker becomes a full toss on leg stump, Stewart lamely plays it to the forward square leg End of over 8 (7 runs) England 22/0 (RR: 2.75 RRR: 183/42 = 4.36) KEA Upashantha 1-0-7-0 (2w) - Nursery End N Hussain 9* (18b 1x4) AJ Stewart 11* (30b 2x4) 8.1 Vaas to Hussain, one run, late cut, delicately played to the 3rd man 8.2 Vaas to Stewart, no run, turns it off the knees to the square leg fielder 8.3 Vaas to Stewart, two runs, straight drive, on the off side 8.4 Vaas to Stewart, no run, thru to the keeper 8.5 Vaas to Stewart, no run, into the pads, Stewart misplaying all over it 8.6 Vaas to Stewart, one run, tucks it off the hip, travels square, just behind the umpire, fielded 3 quarters of the way to the rope End of over 9 (4 runs) England 26/0 (RR: 2.89 RRR: 179/41 = 4.37) WPUJC Vaas 5-2-6-0 - Pavilion End AJ Stewart 14* (35b 2x4) N Hussain 10* (19b 1x4) 9.1 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, casual drive straight to the cover fielder 9.2 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, pushes short of the covers 9.3 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, straight to the point fielder 9.4 Upashantha to Stewart, three runs, waves the bat at it like a wand, times it very well, Mahanama chases down the slope from point 9.5 Upashantha to Hussain, no run, puts his back into that one, quick outside the off stump 9.6 Upashantha to Hussain, wide: no run, outswinger than just kept going and going 9.6 Upashantha to Hussain, no run, and thru to the keeper End of over 10 (4 runs) England 30/0 (RR: 3.00 RRR: 175/40 = 4.38) KEA Upashantha 2-0-11-0 (3w) - Nursery End AJ Stewart 17* (39b 2x4) N Hussain 10* (21b 1x4) 10.1 Vaas to Stewart, one run, shortish outside the leg stump, edges onto the thigh 10.2 Vaas to Hussain, no run, still no run.... Vaas has "VASS" on his shirt. The English can't even get the simple names right 10.3 Vaas to Hussain, no run, a dot into the covers 10.4 Vaas to Hussain, one run, thru mid wicket, casual single, casual fielding, cricket at its best 10.5 Vaas to Stewart, no run, defensive on the leg stump, ball trickles on the on side 10.6 Vaas to Stewart, one run, and the last ball goes into the covers End of over 11 (3 runs) England 33/0 (RR: 3.00 RRR: 172/39 = 4.41) WPUJC Vaas 6-2-9-0 - Pavilion End AJ Stewart 19* (42b 2x4) N Hussain 11* (24b 1x4) 11.1 Upashantha to Stewart, wide: no run, way way way wide of the off stump 11.1 Upashantha to Stewart, wide: no run, and another one, Upshantha probably getting disturbed by the slope 11.1 Upashantha to Stewart, one run, slashes it forwar dof point and into the deep 11.2 Upashantha to Hussain, wide: no run, and again, seaming away down the off side 11.2 Upashantha to Hussain, one run, jams a late cut down to the 3rd man 11.3 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, outside the off stump, thru to the keeper, Stewart obviosuly surprised to see that one being within reach 11.4 Upashantha to Stewart, wide: no run, swinging away, and then seaming away, Upashantha visiting all areas of Lords 11.4 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, pushes it down to the mid off 11.5 Upashantha to Stewart, wide: no run, like a duracell battery, the over keeps going and going. every wide in the over has been similar, pitching shortish, swinging and seaming down the off side 11.5 Upashantha to Stewart, two runs, squats a little, cuts thru the cover point 11.6 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, the ordeal is over, an 11 ball over is finished with a poke into the covers\ End of over 12 (9 runs) England 42/0 (RR: 3.50 RRR: 163/38 = 4.29) KEA Upashantha 3-0-20-0 (8w) - Nursery End N Hussain 12* (25b 1x4) AJ Stewart 22* (47b 2x4) what a marathon from the ridiculous to the sublime, murali is brought on 12.1 Muralitharan to Hussain, no run, Hussain gets a rush of blood and advances down the wicket, misses and the ball hits the pad, there's an appeal the crowd hilariously call "NO BALL", what wit 12.2 Muralitharan to Hussain, one run, jams it thru the mid wicket 12.3 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run, misplays it onto the on side 12.4 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run, onto one knee for a hopeless sweep, scratches the ball on the on side behind square 12.5 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run 12.6 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run, walking into the ball, clips it off the toes to the festively plumb captain End of over 13 (1 run) England 43/0 (RR: 3.31 RRR: 162/37 = 4.38) M Muralitharan 1-0-1-0 - Pavilion End N Hussain 13* (27b 1x4) AJ Stewart 22* (51b 2x4) no prizes for guessing Eric is out of the attack, Wickkers is back 13.1 Wickramasinghe to Hussain, one run, guides it down to the 3rd man 13.2 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run 13.3 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, one run, a single taken to point 13.4 Wickramasinghe to Hussain, no run, wild slash and miss cut shot outside the off stump 13.5 Wickramasinghe to Hussain, no run, played easily into the covers 13.6 Wickramasinghe to Hussain, no run, tucks him up a little, defends down the wicket End of over 14 (2 runs) England 45/0 (RR: 3.21 RRR: 160/36 = 4.44) GP Wickramasinghe 4-0-15-0 - Nursery End AJ Stewart 23* (53b 2x4) N Hussain 14* (31b 1x4) 14.1 Muralitharan to Stewart, FOUR, first successful attacking shot in a long while, onto one knee and sweeps over the mid wicket and down to the rope 14.2 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run, down to the mid on, "VASS" collects smartly and sens the batsman back 14.3 Muralitharan to Stewart, one run, squeezes it thru the mid wicketa 14.4 Muralitharan to Hussain, no run 14.5 Muralitharan to Hussain, OUT: advances down the wicket for an attacking reason only known to him, misses the on drive, Kalu easily collects, Hussain has a short walk to the dressing room because of the amount of dancing he committed to England 50/1, Partnership of 50 N Hussain st Kaluwitharana b Muralitharan 14 (33b 1x4 0x6) M Muralitharan 1.5-0-6-1 - Pavilion End 14.6 Muralitharan to Hick, no run, defensive off the off stump End of over 15 (5 runs) England 50/1 (RR: 3.33 RRR: 155/35 = 4.43) M Muralitharan 2-0-6-1 - Pavilion End AJ Stewart 28* (56b 3x4) GA Hick 0* (1b) 15.1 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, two runs, slashes it thru the covers, collected in the deep 15.2 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, two runs, handsome drive thru the covers, one step forward and a nice smooth drive 15.3 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run, pokes it towards the covers 15.4 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run, stepping back and defending on the off side 15.5 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run, pokes back to the bowler 15.6 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run, the ball on its merry way to the point fielder End of over 16 (4 runs) England 54/1 (RR: 3.38 RRR: 151/34 = 4.44) GP Wickramasinghe 5-0-19-0 - Nursery End GA Hick 0* (1b) AJ Stewart 32* (62b 3x4) 16.1 Muralitharan to Hick, no run, sharp turner down the leg side, may have clipped the pad which saved it from a wide 16.2 Muralitharan to Hick, one run, floated in the air just out of reach of the diving bowler, collected at mid off 16.3 Muralitharan to Stewart, one run, smoothly played thru the mid wicket 16.4 Muralitharan to Hick, no run, trying to defend outside the off stump, unfortunately the ball was spinnign down leg 16.5 Muralitharan to Hick, wide: no run, spins too far this time, Kalu muffs the take down the leg side 16.5 Muralitharan to Hick, one run, good safe sweep, bangs it into the ground, collected at deep backward square 16.6 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run End of over 17 (4 runs) England 58/1 (RR: 3.41 RRR: 147/33 = 4.45) M Muralitharan 3-0-10-1 (1w) - Pavilion End GA Hick 2* (5b) AJ Stewart 33* (64b 3x4) 17.1 Wickramasinghe to Hick, one run 17.2 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, one run, cut shot travels fine down to the 3rd man 17.3 Wickramasinghe to Hick, no run, defends it back to the bowler 17.4 Wickramasinghe to Hick, no run, tries to deflect it behind the point fielder, but is collected instead 17.5 Wickramasinghe to Hick, no run 17.6 Wickramasinghe to Hick, no run, a hint of inswing, but solidly played into the covers End of over 18 (2 runs) England 60/1 (RR: 3.33 RRR: 145/32 = 4.53) GP Wickramasinghe 6-0-21-0 - Nursery End AJ Stewart 34* (65b 3x4) GA Hick 3* (10b) another economical over, but England seem only concerned with not losing wickets Erattic Eric is back on, this time from the opposite end 18.1 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, defensive thru the bowler, collected by the mid off 18.2 Upashantha to Stewart, two runs, a single taken to mid on, excellent side on hit at the bowler's end tragically allows an overthrow 18.3 Upashantha to Stewart, two runs, plays across the line behind the square leg and down to the deep fielder 18.4 Upashantha to Stewart, two runs, welld riven thru the mid wicket, the introducation of Eric takes all the pressure off England 18.5 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, looked to want to play it thru the covers, but has an inside edge to the mid on 18.6 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, driven straight, but stopped by the bowler End of over 19 (6 runs) England 66/1 (RR: 3.47 RRR: 139/31 = 4.48) KEA Upashantha 4-0-26-0 (8w) - Pavilion End GA Hick 3* (10b) AJ Stewart 40* (71b 3x4) 19.1 Wickramasinghe to Hick, one run, played just behind the mid wicket, good pick up and throw to deny any hope of a second 19.2 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run, defensive back to the bowler 19.3 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run, clunky drive towards the covers, Mahanama bounces and collects 19.4 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run, taps some of that defensive stuff towards the covers 19.5 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run, raises the bat, collected by the keeper England biding their time, waiting for the part time bowlers 19.6 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, one run, thick outside edge along the ground to the mid on End of over 20 (2 runs) England 68/1 (RR: 3.40 RRR: 137/30 = 4.57) GP Wickramasinghe 7-0-23-0 - Nursery End AJ Stewart 41* (76b 3x4) GA Hick 4* (11b) 20.1 Jayasuriya to Stewart, one run, down to the wide mid off area 20.2 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run, a little stronger and thru the same area 20.3 Jayasuriya to Stewart, no run, pushed on the on side 20.4 Jayasuriya to Stewart, one run, straight drive. mid on runs around 20.5 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run, flicks off the toes forward of the square leg 20.6 Jayasuriya to Stewart, no run, pushes on the off side, Jaya chases and makes a messy fdive to collect around short cover End of over 21 (4 runs) England 72/1 (RR: 3.43 RRR: 133/29 = 4.59) ST Jayasuriya 1-0-4-0 - Pavilion End GA Hick 6* (13b) AJ Stewart 43* (80b 3x4) singles were all too easily found that over 21.1 Wickramasinghe to Hick, two runs, trying the lofted cover drive, instead the thick outside edge is grabbed and it floats over the back ward point 21.2 Wickramasinghe to Hick, one run, pushes it forward of the square leg 21.3 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, two runs, the gap is easily found in the covers, England lookes to have moved up a gear 21.4 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run, defensive back to the bowler 21.5 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, FOUR, terrific straight drive, just to the umpire's right, the judges give it 4 21.6 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run, poked straightish on the on side End of over 22 (9 runs) England 81/1 (RR: 3.68 RRR: 124/28 = 4.43) GP Wickramasinghe 8-0-32-0 - Nursery End GA Hick 9* (15b) AJ Stewart 49* (84b 4x4) 22.1 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run, poorly judged by Hick, pops a drive up in the air but it lands safe on its way to long off 22.2 Jayasuriya to Stewart, one run, thru mid off, and there's a battler's 50, off 85 balls 22.3 Jayasuriya to Hick, no run, defends 22.4 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run, in the air again, Hick gives yet another thick edge, and yet again it lands safely, this time behind the covers 22.5 Jayasuriya to Stewart, two runs, smooth cover drive, Vaas fields very well just inside the rope 22.6 Jayasuriya to Stewart, no run, defensive on the off side, collected in teh covers End of over 23 (5 runs) England 86/1 (RR: 3.74 RRR: 119/27 = 4.41) ST Jayasuriya 2-0-9-0 - Pavilion End GA Hick 11* (18b) AJ Stewart 52* (87b 4x4) Upashantha given a 3rd chance 23.1 Upashantha to Hick, no run, defends on the off side 23.2 Upashantha to Hick, one run, squeezed thru the covers well 23.3 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, chopped thru the point area, Jaya fields safely 23.4 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, nice inswinger, aimed at the off stump, well defended 23.5 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, more good inward movement, defended off the stumps 23.6 Upashantha to Stewart, legbye: FOUR, misses the glance, but it clips the pad and beats the diving rolling Kalu, too fine for the 3rd man End of over 24 (5 runs) England 91/1 (RR: 3.79 RRR: 114/26 = 4.38) KEA Upashantha 5-0-27-0 (8w) - Nursery End GA Hick 12* (20b) AJ Stewart 52* (91b 4x4) 24.1 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run, short arm pull shot just behind square leg 24.2 Jayasuriya to Stewart, three runs, knocked thru the mid wicket, collected near the rope 24.3 Jayasuriya to Hick, two runs, a fine sweep in both senses of the word, fine leg fields 24.4 Jayasuriya to Hick, two runs, he was on his knee for that sweep before it was delivered, Jaya obligingly bowls it towards the ready bat 24.5 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run, guided thru the backward point to bring up the 100 24.6 Jayasuriya to Stewart, one run, stepping back, an easy drive thru the covers End of over 25 (10 runs) England 101/1 (RR: 4.04 RRR: 104/25 = 4.16) ST Jayasuriya 3-0-19-0 - Pavilion End AJ Stewart 56* (93b 4x4) GA Hick 18* (24b) Jaya not proving as effective as in Calcutta 3 and a bit years ago 25.1 Upashantha to Stewart, one run, short and wayward of the off stump, cut forward of point and into the deep 25.2 Upashantha to Hick, no run, going for the cut shot, bottom edges it along the ground, keeper has to dive to his left 25.3 Upashantha to Hick, one run, pushes wide of the mid off 25.4 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, a half step backwards, jabs a drive down to the mid on 25.5 Upashantha to Stewart, (noball) no run, outside the off stump, thru to the keeper 25.5 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, drives off the stumps down to the mid on 25.6 Upashantha to Stewart, one run, plays it just behind point, deep point makes the gather End of over 26 (4 runs) England 105/1 (RR: 4.04 RRR: 100/24 = 4.17) KEA Upashantha 6-0-31-0 (8w 1nb) - Nursery End AJ Stewart 58* (98b 4x4) GA Hick 19* (26b) Murali is baaack 26.1 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run, short turn from outside off and then down the leg side into the pad 26.2 Muralitharan to Stewart, FOUR, slips out of the hand, ball travels full and wide down the leg side, Stewart is aware and makes with an excellewnt sweep shot 26.3 Muralitharan to Stewart, one run, defensive off the off stump towards mid on, Murali fields with some flashy fielding, but the running was too good 26.4 Muralitharan to Hick, no run, defends on the on side to the square leg 26.5 Muralitharan to Hick, no run, straight one outside the off stump, driven straight to Ranatunga in the covers 26.6 Muralitharan to Hick, no run, glances down the leg side, but the short fine leg is ready and waiting End of over 27 (5 runs) England 110/1 (RR: 4.07 RRR: 95/23 = 4.13) M Muralitharan 4-0-15-1 (1w) - Pavilion End AJ Stewart 63* (101b 5x4) GA Hick 19* (29b) 27.1 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, drives from outside the off stump to the wide mid off 27.2 Upashantha to Stewart, two runs, splices it down to the 3rd man, risky second taken, but the fielding was too west indian-like 27.3 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, chopped into the ground, bowler makes the nonm-clean save on the off side 27.4 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, casual drive to the mid off 27.5 Upashantha to Stewart, no run, worked down to the mid on 27.6 Upashantha to Stewart, one run, easy flowing cover drive direct to the deep cover fielder End of over 28 (3 runs) England 113/1 (RR: 4.04 RRR: 92/22 = 4.18) KEA Upashantha 7-0-34-0 (8w 1nb) - Nursery End AJ Stewart 66* (107b 5x4) GA Hick 19* (29b) Eric continues his impressive 3rd spell, after the woeful start 28.1 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run, misplays a sweep shot to the short fine leg, perhaps off the pad 28.2 Muralitharan to Stewart, one run, flicks it thru the mid wicket 28.3 Muralitharan to Hick, one run, sweeps square, just behind the umpire 28.4 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run, defends to the gully area, or I suppose a backward point 28.5 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run, impatient shot, trying to sweep over mid wicket, misses, into the pads nothing going SL's way, there's barely been an lbw shout 28.6 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run, that there ball goes into them there covers End of over 29 (2 runs) England 115/1 (RR: 3.97 RRR: 90/21 = 4.29) M Muralitharan 5-0-17-1 (1w) - Pavilion End GA Hick 20* (30b) AJ Stewart 67* (112b 5x4) Jaya is back, hopefully to hurry up the victory 29.1 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run, forces it towards the square leg 29.2 Jayasuriya to Stewart, no run, good bit of left arm turn, defends on the on side 29.3 Jayasuriya to Stewart, no run, forces on the off side, around teh point area 29.4 Jayasuriya to Stewart, one run, leaning forward into it, ball is flicked off the toes behind the square leg 29.5 Jayasuriya to Hick, no run, pushed on the on side, Jaya not getting the required turn for around the wicket 29.6 Jayasuriya to Hick, SIX, wayward putrid ball down the leg side, Hick replies with a spanking lofted drive across the line and over the square leg End of over 30 (8 runs) England 123/1 (RR: 4.10 RRR: 82/20 = 4.10) ST Jayasuriya 4-0-27-0 - Nursery End AJ Stewart 68* (115b 5x4) GA Hick 27* (33b 1x6) 30.1 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run 30.2 Muralitharan to Stewart, legbye: one run, squeezed on the on side, fielded at square leg 30.3 Muralitharan to Hick, one run, flicked easily behind squar eleg 30.4 Muralitharan to Stewart, one run, defends on the on side, thru mid wicket 30.5 Muralitharan to Hick, no run 30.6 Muralitharan to Hick, no run, into the pads, appeal for lbw, probably a hint of bat in there End of over 31 (3 runs) England 126/1 (RR: 4.06 RRR: 79/19 = 4.16) M Muralitharan 6-0-19-1 (1w) - Pavilion End AJ Stewart 69* (118b 5x4) GA Hick 28* (36b 1x6) 31.1 Jayasuriya to Stewart, no run, pushes into the covers 31.2 Jayasuriya to Stewart, one run, flicks across the line, gathered at deep forward square leg 31.3 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run, easy cut shot, forward of square, into the deep 31.4 Jayasuriya to Stewart, one run, just to mid wicket 31.5 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run, into the covers, England edging their painful way to victory\ 31.6 Jayasuriya to Stewart, two runs, guided behind point, they nearly went for 3, but Hick wasn't that interested End of over 32 (6 runs) England 132/1 (RR: 4.13 RRR: 73/18 = 4.06) ST Jayasuriya 5-0-33-0 - Nursery End GA Hick 30* (38b 1x6) AJ Stewart 73* (122b 5x4) what's wrong with teams winning in style rather than all this tedious pushing and prodding Match State: Drinkies and stop the presses, the sun is out 32.1 Vaas to Hick, one run, sliced thru the point, past the umpire who's on the wrong side to avoid looking into the low sun 32.2 Vaas to Stewart, no run 32.3 Vaas to Stewart, FOUR, bam! whacks a cut shot just behind the point umpire, Vass giving too much width across the right hander 32.4 Vaas to Stewart, no run, outside the off stump, travels close, but the bat is held high in the air 32.5 Vaas to Stewart, no run, another good ball, forcing the batsman to play, defended down the wicket 32.6 Vaas to Stewart, no run, pushed on the off side, the big guy collects in the covers End of over 33 (5 runs) England 137/1 (RR: 4.15 RRR: 68/17 = 4.00) WPUJC Vaas 7-2-14-0 - Pavilion End GA Hick 31* (39b 1x6) AJ Stewart 77* (127b 6x4) 33.1 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run, easy push thru the coers 33.2 Jayasuriya to Stewart, one run, another push into the covers 33.3 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run, yet another push thru the covers, this time with the added highlight of a shout for something from kalu 33.4 Jayasuriya to Stewart, one run, knocked, guess where, into the covers 33.5 Jayasuriya to Hick, no run, finally a change in routine, tapped behind point 33.6 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run, square again, thru cover point End of over 34 (5 runs) England 142/1 (RR: 4.18 RRR: 63/16 = 3.94) ST Jayasuriya 6-0-38-0 - Nursery End GA Hick 34* (43b 1x6) AJ Stewart 79* (129b 6x4) 34.1 Vaas to Hick, one run, attempted pull shot, top edge over the slips, but Hick's a jammy bugger today, there's no 3rd man within cooee 34.2 Vaas to Stewart, no run, knocked to the shortish cover, Rana is the fielder 34.3 Vaas to Stewart, no run, defends on the on side, vaas fields 34.4 Vaas to Stewart, one run, worked thru the covers, leaning on the back foot 34.5 Vaas to Hick, one run, grinds it just behind point 34.6 Vaas to Stewart, no run, defends it on the on side End of over 35 (3 runs) England 145/1 (RR: 4.14 RRR: 60/15 = 4.00) WPUJC Vaas 8-2-17-0 - Pavilion End GA Hick 36* (45b 1x6) AJ Stewart 80* (133b 6x4) 35.1 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run 35.2 Jayasuriya to Stewart, one run, driven towards mid wicket 35.3 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run, works it behind the point fielder\ 35.4 Jayasuriya to Stewart, one run 35.5 Jayasuriya to Hick, wide: no run 35.5 Jayasuriya to Hick, two runs 35.6 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run End of over 36 (8 runs) England 153/1 (RR: 4.25 RRR: 52/14 = 3.71) ST Jayasuriya 7-0-46-0 (1w) - Nursery End GA Hick 41* (49b 1x6) AJ Stewart 82* (135b 6x4) 36.1 Muralitharan to Hick, no run 36.2 Muralitharan to Hick, no run 36.3 Muralitharan to Hick, no run 36.4 Muralitharan to Hick, two runs 36.5 Muralitharan to Hick, no run 37.1 Vaas to Hick, no run 37.2 Vaas to Hick, FOUR, cracking mid wicket drive, all the way to the rope 37.3 Vaas to Hick, no run 37.4 Vaas to Hick, one run, guided behind the point fielder 37.5 Vaas to Stewart, one run, again, pushed away on the off side 37.6 Vaas to Hick, no run, defensive push to the cover fielder End of over 38 (6 runs) England 162/1 (RR: 4.26 RRR: 43/12 = 3.58) WPUJC Vaas 9-2-23-0 - Nursery End AJ Stewart 83* (136b 6x4) GA Hick 49* (60b 1x4 1x6) 38.1 Muralitharan to Stewart, one run, played to the mid on Mahanama, who pounces in his characteristic manneer 38.2 Muralitharan to Hick, no run 38.3 Muralitharan to Hick, legbye: one run, sweeps, misses, clisp the pad to the 3rd man 38.4 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run, works it into the off side 38.5 Muralitharan to Stewart, one run, throws the bat at it, good sweep forward of square leg and into the deep 38.6 Muralitharan to Hick, three runs, flicks off the pads and down the 3rd man with the fielding farce, slips over on a banana peel (*) and they grab a 3rd, that's Hick's 50 End of over 39 (6 runs) England 168/1 (RR: 4.31 RRR: 37/11 = 3.36) M Muralitharan 8-0-27-1 (1w) - Pavilion End GA Hick 52* (63b 1x4 1x6) AJ Stewart 85* (139b 6x4) 39.1 Wickramasinghe to Hick, one run 39.2 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, no run 39.3 Wickramasinghe to Stewart, one run 39.4 Wickramasinghe to Hick, no run 39.5 Wickramasinghe to Hick, no run 39.6 Wickramasinghe to Hick, one run End of over 40 (3 runs) England 171/1 (RR: 4.28 RRR: 34/10 = 3.40) GP Wickramasinghe 10-0-41-0 - Nursery End GA Hick 54* (67b 1x4 1x6) AJ Stewart 86* (141b 6x4) 40.1 Muralitharan to Hick, no run 40.2 Muralitharan to Hick, one run 40.3 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run 40.4 Muralitharan to Stewart, two runs 40.5 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run, steps forward to jab his pad at it 40.6 Muralitharan to Stewart, no run, spins down the leg side, Stewart aborted his shot End of over 41 (3 runs) England 174/1 (RR: 4.24 RRR: 31/9 = 3.44) M Muralitharan 9-0-30-1 (1w) - Pavilion End GA Hick 55* (69b 1x4 1x6) AJ Stewart 88* (145b 6x4) 41.1 Vaas to Hick, no run, defends on the off side 41.2 Vaas to Hick, one run, pull shot, another top edge, get again lands safely, Hick due a run of low scores after this lucky innings 41.3 Vaas to Stewart, OUT: quick ball pitching on the middle stump, angling across, Stewart plays outside it, clips the thigh, big appeal for caught behind, Venkat says yes after a Bucknor-esque wait, TV seems to indicate he was a bit unlucky England 175/2, Partnership of 125 AJ Stewart c Kaluwitharana b Vaas 88 (146b 6x4 0x6) WPUJC Vaas 8.3-2-18-1 - Nursery End view from behind shows he definitely didn't hit it 41.4 Vaas to Thorpe, no run, awkward defence outside the off stump 41.5 Vaas to Thorpe, no run, vicious inseamer into the left hander from outside the off stump the umpire with the dodgy decision was in fact Koertzen, not Venkat 41.6 Vaas to Thorpe, three runs, flicks across the line behind the square leg End of over 42 (4 runs) England 178/2 (RR: 4.24 RRR: 27/8 = 3.38) WPUJC Vaas 9-2-21-1 - Nursery End GP Thorpe 3* (3b) GA Hick 56* (71b 1x4 1x6) 42.1 Muralitharan to Thorpe, wide: no run 42.1 Muralitharan to Thorpe, one run 42.2 Muralitharan to Hick, no run 42.3 Muralitharan to Hick, no run 42.4 Muralitharan to Hick, no run 42.5 Muralitharan to Hick, no run 42.6 Muralitharan to Hick, one run End of over 43 (3 runs) England 181/2 (RR: 4.21 RRR: 24/7 = 3.43) M Muralitharan 10-0-33-1 (2w) - Pavilion End GA Hick 57* (76b 1x4 1x6) GP Thorpe 4* (4b) 43.1 Vaas to Hick, no run 43.2 Vaas to Hick, one run 43.3 Vaas to Thorpe, one run 43.4 Vaas to Hick, no run 43.5 Vaas to Hick, FOUR, gets an inside edge, misses the leg stump and it runs all the way to the fine leg boundary, no mirrors broken by Hick recently 43.6 Vaas to Hick, no run, pokes it into the covers to end Vaas's quota for the day End of over 44 (6 runs) England 187/2 (RR: 4.25 RRR: 18/6 = 3.00) WPUJC Vaas 10-2-27-1 - Nursery End GP Thorpe 5* (5b) GA Hick 62* (81b 2x4 1x6) 44.1 de Silva to Thorpe, one run, flicks across the line and behind the mid wicket 44.2 de Silva to Hick, one run, pull shot travels square to the deep fielder 44.3 de Silva to Thorpe, one run, tapped into the covers 44.4 de Silva to Hick, one run, plays across the line thru the mid wicket 44.5 de Silva to Thorpe, one run 44.6 de Silva to Hick, two runs End of over 45 (7 runs) England 194/2 (RR: 4.31 RRR: 11/5 = 2.20) PA de Silva 1-0-7-0 - Pavilion End GP Thorpe 8* (8b) GA Hick 66* (84b 2x4 1x6) 45.1 Upashantha to Thorpe, no run 45.2 Upashantha to Thorpe, no run 45.3 Upashantha to Thorpe, no run, easy little dabbed defensive shot to the mid off 45.4 Upashantha to Thorpe, no run, defends off the off stump, fielded in the covers 45.5 Upashantha to Thorpe, FOUR, excellent off drive, little strength needed, perfect timing 45.6 Upashantha to Thorpe, no run, steps back and deflects it into the covers End of over 46 (4 runs) England 198/2 (RR: 4.30 RRR: 7/4 = 1.75) KEA Upashantha 8-0-38-0 (8w 1nb) - Nursery End GA Hick 66* (84b 2x4 1x6) GP Thorpe 12* (14b 1x4) a mere 7 needed to kill this match off 46.1 Jayasuriya to Hick, wide: no run 46.1 Jayasuriya to Hick, one run, a push into the covers raises a cheer for the 200 46.2 Jayasuriya to Thorpe, one run, flicks it away to mid wicket 46.3 Jayasuriya to Hick, no run, guides it on the off side, but doesn't find the gap 46.4 Jayasuriya to Hick, no run, defends down the pitch, Jaya gathers it 46.5 Jayasuriya to Hick, SIX, one step down the pitch, lofted on drive, and there's a apt way to end the match\ an easy win for England, winning the toss gave them the big advantage, they skittled SL early on England grab the full set of 2 points for the opening match. The world chumps Sri Lanka leave with zero Commentary by venkat@cricinfo.com help@cricinfo.com |