Milestones, records keep Englishmen at bay

Much has been made of the milestones that were created in last month's test – Vaas' hundredth test, Sanath's last, Murali's record, Sangakkara becoming the second Sri Lankan after Attapattu to make hundreds against all test–playing countries and finally Kumar becoming the first batsman to score more than 150 in four consecutive tests.

What is often lost sight of is the fact that this game almost went down to the wire, with a wee bit of help from the weather. Talking of the weather, this writer, as a "Kandyan" by adoption is mightily pleased that in a subsequent test, Galle took over Kandy's mantle as the Manchester of Sri Lanka. So much for such transient pleasures!

Mahela's decision to bat first was per par for the course. After Sidebottom had effected the breach, courtesy a brilliant Pieterson catch, Hoggard took over and cut a swathe through the middle order within three near unplayable deliveries.

42-5 was furthest from the skipper's mind when he made his decision. At this point, the stumpers got together and by dint of a mixture of perseverance and aggression added 106 for the next wicket. The tide seemed to have been turned. At the end, though, the Sri Lankan innings progressed from tragedy to farce.

Vaas, as was his wont, dismissed Cook early. But the enterprising Bell, 36 and the dogged Vaughan saw England well placed on 49-1 at the end of day one. The Sri Lankan bowlers struck back on the second day and on the third morning to keep the visitors down to a lead of 93.

History was made just before twelve noon on day three when Muralitharan got his 709th wicket. The gritty Collingwood was a fit victim and the off spinners joy at overtaking Warne for good was pure and unconfined. Once more, Murali was not mastered as his figures of 35-14-55-6 confirm.

Sanath blazed away, with the faithful partner (Vandort in this instance) by his side. The feature of his eye- catching 78 was that over of carnage when Anderson was dispatched to the boundary in all his deliveries. On the strength of the feel good factor, he promptly announced his retirement from tests. Go out when you are on top seemed to be his belief.

Sangakkara put the memory of a missed hundred and double hundred behind him with a long, masterly knock of 152. This is his golden period where no bowler (Lee, Hoggard at all) seems to faze him. He is indeed the master of his destiny. The skipper continued his good run with 65, while Vandort, Chamara Silva and Prasanna weighed in. Panesar took three but went for plenty. His reputation was certainly dented in this series.

Cook become a Vaas ‘bunny’ once again and Vaughan departed early as England began their task of hunting down a 350 target. Bell was admirable as he purred his way to 74 on top of his 83 in the first essay. Pieterson, not enjoying the best of tours, went for 18 and the dour Collingwood made 16.

Debutant Bopara played neatly and precisely for his 34. At the end it was Matt Prior who stood up defiantly, stroking an attractive 63. Murali took bowling honours with match figures of 9-140, with Warne trailing him. The Sri Lankan win by 88 runs was all the more creditable as they had to come from behind in order to do so. This was Sri Lanka's 51st win in 173 tests.

There were some umpiring lapses by Aleem Dar and Azad Rauf and the controversies reflected poorly on the elite panel. Even as I write, Symonds given a reprieve by Bucknor (a glaring error!) has gone on to post a big hundred and take the initiative away form India. Even Homer nods!