***Official*** England in Sri Lanka 2012

[theegyptian]

Don't agree with that where you say that you can say what you want when you're bowing well, Swann's not bowling bad anyway but why should he change who he is and what he says just because Panesar has bowled a bit better, makes no sense. He tends to be the one England player that speaks his mind and I actually prefer to see that, it's refreshing, instead of all the media trained types that bore the **** out of me. Don't agree with all he says but I can respect that he doesn't hold back and tells it like it is.

Hmm. I read his autobiography and that changed my opinion on him a load. Pre reading it I really liked him but having read it I just couldn't help but feel that he was childish, self absorbed and not very likeable. - so that probably sways my view.

With regards to the bowling well part. He's bowled decently enough recently but all the stuff he says, he is just an accident waiting to happen and eventually if his forms dips it will be that much easier to drop him because the england setup will just grow tired of him. Basically when he's doing well you can put up with him but when he's doing badly I don't think it will be long before he's cut adrift.

He still acts like a kid on the field most of the time and that's endearing when you're winning but is tiring as captain/coach when you're not doing so well.

 

[theegyptian]

england getting smashed around the park.

least broad was fit enough to play.

swann struggling without monty

 

[Spark]

Chamara Silva gives his wicket away on 162 - Finn sends him on his way with some chat and Silva just points to the scoreboard. Class

There a reason the English players have collectively suddenly decided to act like dicks?

 

[Arachnodouche]

Sand castle crumbling, baby.

SL have to play Mendis regardless of his recent mediocrity. I don't believe the English have seen much of him at all over the years. Herath and Mendis in tandem could do some real damage (provided DRS is around for the series).

 

[Spark]

Didn't he get absolutely flogged in county cricket last year? Herath I rate on SL decks though. LBWs, here we come.

 

[Himannv]

Mendis is rubbish for most part. Herath is a far better spinner imo.

 

[Arachnodouche]

^Exactly, but it's not so much his current quality as it is about the "mystery" aspect or whatever is left of it that will prey on the English middle order. I think he's worth trying out in the opening Test if only for Herath to reap the benefits from the other end, much like Rahman in the series gone by.

 

[Heboric]

Are there any Sri Lankan supporters on here who can tell me if there are online radio stations that one can listen to the test match commentary in English

 

[Scaly piscine]

Surprised England are only marginal favourites against Sri Lanka in the Tests. Sri Lanka are not anywhere near Pakistan's level.

 

[Arachnodouche]

Their batting in those conditions fires more often than not. Pakistan's batting, on the other hand, was distinctly mediocre and attritional, but they cobbled together just about enough to give the English batsmen headaches.

I'll be surprised if England come out of this thing with a series win.

 

[Heboric]

Surprised England are only marginal favourites against Sri Lanka in the Tests. Sri Lanka are not anywhere near Pakistan's level.

Come on be serious now, before the Pakistan series England were overwhelming favourites you cant deny that.

 

[Prince EWS]

Come on be serious now, before the Pakistan series England were favourites you cant deny that.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Come on be serious now, before the Pakistan series England were overwhelming favourites you cant deny that.

The bookies odds were pretty much the same as they are for this series.

Pakistan and Australia both dominated Sri Lanka for two Tests, with Sri Lanka coming back in the last one but never really threatening that much to win because their bowling isn't strong enough.

 

[Heboric]

The bookies odds were pretty much the same as they are for this series.

Pakistan and Australia both dominated Sri Lanka for two Tests, with Sri Lanka coming back in the last one but never really threatening that much to win because their bowling isn't strong enough.

So England werent overwhelming favourites given they are the number one side and hadnt lost a series in a long time add to that Pakistans combustible nature and brittle batting. I must visit your bookie lol

 

[Scaly piscine]

So England werent overwhelming favourites given they are the number one side and hadnt lost a series in a long time add to that Pakistans combustible nature and brittle batting. I must visit your bookie lol

I remember the odds for England and Pakistan being pretty much the same, England might have been marginal favourites I can't remember. Obviously after each result the odds shortened on Pakistan to win the next Test.

 

[benchmark00]

I feel as though Sri Lanka have played a dick load of cricket in the last few months.

 

[Contra]

Surprised England are only marginal favourites against Sri Lanka in the Tests. Sri Lanka are not anywhere near Pakistan's level.

Given that it's a 2 match series and one of the two tests is being played at the fattest of flat pitches in SSC (which is more than likely to be a draw). It becomes a toss up on who wins the first test and takes the series. One freak session from England and they could well go on to lose 1-0.

EDIT: Hmm.. on second thought the second test is being played at a different ground in Columbo, gives England more of a chance in that case.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Yea I was meaning the odds to win the first Test. I think England should be significant favourites.

And anyway Sri Lanka have a habit of losing series 1-0 of late.

 

[Jacknife]

Didn't he get absolutely flogged in county cricket last year? Herath I rate on SL decks though. LBWs, here we come.

Yes it got really ugly for Mendis, think he conceded one of the most runs ever in one outing.

Playing cricket in 46 degree heat must be unreal, even Prior kept without his pads on today.
Obviously a very flat pitch today, when it's England's turn to bat they must make the most of it and get some proper runs under their belts.

 

[Lostman]

And anyway Sri Lanka have a habit of losing series 1-0 of late.

SL have a habit of losing lately, period.

If Mathews is injured, I guess Silva has played himself into the first test with today's innings. Not the worse thing either, one of the better players of spin we have and a good move in case England pick both Swann and Monty.

My XI

Dilshan
Thiriminne (Going to miss Para and his 40's @ a SR of 25)
Sanga
MJ
Sam
Silva/PJ
Chandimal
Randiv
Herath
Welegedera
Fernando