*Official* England in Sri Lanka 2021

[flibbertyjibber]

Got to say I think Buttler is really getting to grips with test match batting now. Just looks very assured at the crease. India will present a much more difficult challenge with their pace attack but he looks good

Really think he was lucky to return when he did and could have been dropped for doing very little in the ashes but they stuck with him and he has come good with some vital knocks in tough situations in the last 12 months.

 

[Pup Clarke]

He misses the last 3 tests in India.

Ah fair! I suppose it can be applicable for the reverse home series in August

 

[GIMH]

Really think he was lucky to return when he did and could have been dropped for doing very little in the ashes but they stuck with him and he has come good with some vital knocks in tough situations in the last 12 months.

Typed through gritted teeth mate?

 

[wpdavid]

How's the light looking? Had to abandon even TMS for conference calls now. Should be getting this wrapped up today though yeah?

Cricinfo haven't mentioned the light being a problem. Jos has probably made sure we won't be going off with 10 runs needed on Day 5.

 

[GIMH]

Cricinfo haven't mentioned the light being a problem. Jos has probably made sure we won't be going off with 10 runs needed on Day 5.

Could claim another half hour if we didn't get it done in 6 overs anyway tbf. But as you say, academic now.

 

[wpdavid]

Could claim another half hour if we didn't get it done in 6 overs anyway tbf. But as you say, academic now.

Being dark may have been a problem. Not that I'm claiming to be any sort of expert on that sort of thing in SL.
But almost there now.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Excellent win by England but does it really count if you do it without any net bowlers in the XI?

 

[GIMH]

Fantastic victory and a really bloody good Test match.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Brilliant win.

Sri Lanka played the series like a 90's England side, thrown away both matches with a brainless batting display and fought hard to stay in it.

 

[wpdavid]

And there it is. Buttler seems to be so calm in these situations, doesn't he. And obviously good to see Sibley contribute.

 

[cnerd123]

good stuff by England. SL's batting in the 1st test 1st innings and 3rd innings here cost them both games, though there were some questionable fielding strategies and the bowling attack as a whole could have been better. Getting drubbed 2-0 at Galle is not good.

England go into India in some decent form. Runs for most of the lineup, Root in godlike form, and Bess and Leach starting to find some rhythm with the ball as well. Broad and Anderson are good, Stokes and Archer set to join the side...will be a tough team to beat.

 

[MW1304]

Pretty shocked we won that.

Surely Perera's last match that? Couldn't support Embuldeniya there in any meaningful way.

 

[Gremlin]

Well played England. Enthralling cricket. Sri Lanka pushed them in stages but must be concerned by the batting and support bowling. Very happy for Sibley seeing it through also.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Pretty shocked we won that.

Surely Perera's last match that? Couldn't support Embuldeniya there in any meaningful way.

Depends who else they have to replace him I guess but he was poor.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Buttler looks like such a massively improved player, nice to see him fulfilling that potential now.

 

[GIMH]

If we steamroll India, which obviously we will, what does that mean for our WTC prospects?

 

[ImpatientLime]

all that chasing experience in white ball matches paying off for buttler.

but muh andy strauss focusing too much on white ball cricketttt

 

[MW1304]

Depends who else they have to replace him I guess but he was poor.

He's also an old man. Need to give a young guy some experience.

 

[theegyptian]

Very nice win having lost both tosses. Does kind of seem selfdefeating now that the likes of Buttler and Bairstow will miss most of the india tour given the resources we've ploughed into improving their games for the conditions, and the relative lack of experience of those likely to play in their absences - although i understand the reasons why. Just a shame that we won't have our best unit out.

 

[wpdavid]

I know that this is a long way from the strongest SL side ever, but winning twice when batting last at Galle is a fair effort. Is that five away wins on the trot in the last 13 months or so?

And apparently that's six wins on the trot in SL, taking us back to the final test in the 2012 series.