CricInfo at World Cup 1999
[The ICC Cricket World Cup - England 1999]
   
Ball-by-Ball Commentary

Group A: England v Sri Lanka at Lord's, 14 May 1999

Ball-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


 
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Date-stamped : 14 May1999 - 19:48