***Official*** Sri Lanka in England and Ireland 2014

[Maximas]

Don't think many expected such a placid 25 overs, England just wasted the conditions and their chances a bit and some solid batting has been good, 1 down when we go past the lead and we've really got a chance, 250 lead is what we are after, and the longer the game goes the more Herath comes into it. Time to start getting nervous for Karunaratne as well, this is when he often gets out

 

[Spark]

First time I've had a proper look at Jordan and am wondering how a guy is playing tests with that run up. His action is also very mechanical as well.

They talk about him "finding a way to take wickets" but in my experience that often means "actually not very good, but lucky"

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Ill say it quietly but I am finding Plunkett exciting to watch.

Me too, inspired pick by the men in charge as not many would have considered him at all.

 

[Migara]

Plunkett looks scary. Missing Aravinda TBH. Plunkett pitching short against him would have made an interesting battle.

 

[Maximas]

**** Sanga is looking good

 

[Spark]

That's out. Nasty ball.

 

[Maximas]

darn, thought he'd done a Herath, key wicket

 

[Viscount Tom]

Gillespie > Saker

 

[Maximas]

Partnerships the key from now on, make sure wickets don't fall in clumps, Matthews could be very important as this match unfolds, hoping he and Mahela bat with intent

 

[Maximas]

finally in front, game in the balance, you'd rather be England right now I feel though, can't afford to lose more than 2 more wickets before stumps IMO

 

[viriya]

Sanga needs to make 126 to end the tour with a 59 career average..

 

[SOLID MATTIC]

Bumble is amazing. This guy is the most entertaining commentator in sports today, nevermind cricket.

England need to really step up their game here, they've let Sri Lanka back into the game and I'm not confident that this England batting line-up can score that many batting last.

 

[Maximas]

I think Sanga will now average 40 in England even if he gets out now, one of the reasons I never thought much of the 'too many bogey countries' argument - a bad record can be patched up so easily because the sample size is small

 

[Spark]

I think Sanga will now average 40 in England even if he gets out now, one of the reasons I never thought much of the 'too many bogey countries' argument - a bad record can be patched up so easily because the sample size is small

Yeah indeed. He doesn't look like he should have any major difficulties either, in comparison to anyone else who tours England anyway

 

[Maximas]

Sanga needs to make 126 to end the tour with a 59 career average..

On the cards

 

[Prince EWS]

I think Sanga will now average 40 in England even if he gets out now, one of the reasons I never thought much of the 'too many bogey countries' argument - a bad record can be patched up so easily because the sample size is small

Yessssssssssss

The careers of batsmen are already extremely hard to analyse because the sample sizes are too small and the nature of batting itself lends itself to wild inconsistency and uncontrolled variables, and yet we as fans apparently think the solution to this is to break careers down into even smaller segments where these problems are exasperated.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Safe to say who is on top now and it isn't England.

 

[Maximas]

Safe to say who is on top now and it isn't England.

Now now, while Sri Lanka may appear to be playing better they aren't necessarily better placed, this batting line-up is rather vulnerable, especially with the weak tail, the pitch is also looking pretty good as well, so England may be able to chase more than what we though this morning, not until this partnership takes the lead beyond 120 would I say Sri Lanka is better placed, we could well be one wicket away from disaster atm

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Mathews will score runs, I accept Thirimane might not but the rest of the top 7 should get a few. If SL lead by 200 at the end of this innings they will win.

 

[viriya]

I think SL need a 250+ lead to really have a chance of winning. Herath will be good but the pitch is still a good one.