Sports

Nottinghamshire one of the most beautiful counties in England is also famous for its historic places! History seems to associate very much with Nottingham in many ways! Not just the history of the area but cricketing history too! The great Harold Larwood from the bodyline era was big history maker. There were many others. The list could go on. It was only fitting that Sri Lanka too made history at these beautiful ground when England was defeated in a test match.

Contrary to the doomsday predictions, Sri Lanka was after all history at Nottingham! It was an absolute honour to have England on their knees in the 3rd test, when the entire English Media and most of their supporters were talking of three and a half day test matches.

As for the test match itself, I thought the turning point of the match was the last two wickets in our first innings! Adding over 90 runs from the precarious position Sri Lanka was in, was absolutely fantastic. Chaminda Vaas has showed the world his capability as a batsman. He was so focused and determined and it was no surprise to see him remain unbeaten in both innings and also end up facing the most number of balls in the series for Sri Lanka. Now with over 300 wickets and almost 2500 runs, Chaminda Vaas has achieved unprecedented heights for a Sri Lankan all rounder. That is Sanath Jayasuriya included. With his advancing years, I feel that Vaas could settle in beautifully in to a 3rd seamer’s role and bat at no.7.

Geoff Boycott’s comments,
Back to the test match! It was only fascinating for me to watch the likes of Geoff Boycott having to eat his own words after Sri Lanka won. Working with him on Test Match Special Radio, you could hear the familiar comment of Boycott saying, 8220gOh it is a three and half a day test match. It is no good practice for the Pakistan series. Sri Lanka is no match for England.8221h Having to endure such comments for most of the series, it was nice that the Lankan cricketers choose the 3rd test to let us have the opportunity to get back at the rather critical English press and commentators. I was delighted to hear Boycott winding up just before Sri Lanka won saying, 8220grelieve me of this misery. Our batsmen just don’t know how to play Muralithern.

Looking back on the test series I fully believe that after the Lord’s game, Sri Lanka had an opportunity to win the series! You may not agree but I can tell you, as that was the ground situation. I suppose it was great to level the series as the Lankans were not even expected to draw a game. But had they not blundered with their selection and had they managed to apply them better with the bat, I am very sure that Sri Lanka would have defeated England.

Chaminda Vaas despite having a lean run with the ball was more than useful down the order. Both Sangakkara and Jayawrdane despite not having the best form were world class and respected. Dilshan was consistent without a real big one. Young Kapugedara finally lived up to expectations but has still a very long way ahead of him. But for the rest it is back to the drawing board!

A win in the tests will not necessarily mean that all is well. There is a plenty of work to be done and hopefully will be done sooner before it gets out of hand. But as far as Sri Lanka ‘s tour of England and the test series is concerned, it is a highly creditable one which will after all be recorded in the annals of test cricket and not the struggle the Lankans went through.