**Official** Sri Lanka in England and Ireland 2016

[Prince EWS]

1st innings - 83/5
2nd innings - 77/5
3rd innings - 93/5

Seriously, we were probably Bairstow getting a jaffa early away from this being a low-scoring thriller.

 

[morgieb]

And there's the ten-fer.

Interesting to see who the MOTM is. Both Bairstow and Anderson were brilliant.

 

[grecian]

Meh, shut up whining, I've known pitches like this where our attack (including many of the bowlers playing here) bowled too short and wasted even better conditions than these.

In general we've been top-notch this match, bowled just the right lines and lengths with great skill and panache. Can see why neutrals or Lankans supporters would hate it, but Englishmen moaning is just so bloody English.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Guess we could always play a big nation at this time of year instead. Them Aussies play the moving ball really well, wonder how they would get on in May?

 

[StephenZA]

Guess we could always play a big nation at this time of year instead. Them Aussies play the moving ball really well, wonder how they would get on in May?

I would happily volunteer SA... would be lovely watching Philanderer, Steyn and Rabada bowling on this....

 

[OverratedSanity]

1st innings - 83/5
2nd innings - 77/5
3rd innings - 93/5

Seriously, we were probably Bairstow getting a jaffa early away from this being a low-scoring thriller.

Those scores really highlight the massive difference in quality between England and sri lanka's lower orders too. The lankan bowlers have added virtually nothing to the total.

 

[StephenZA]

England lower order is quite insane at the moment... particularly when they do have one of the best (if not the best) attack in the world right now. Its not like they are picking players to extend the batting.

 

[91Jmay]

Those scores really highlight the massive difference in quality between England and sri lanka's lower orders too. The lankan bowlers have added virtually nothing to the total.

Herath at 8 is really glaring isn't it.

 

[grecian]

It was interesting that pre-play Botham and Holding both said Strike=rate was something they rated highly, so clearly bowler of the match has the best Strike-rate and average as well, step forward the Beard.

 

[grecian]

Take the award away from Bairstow for misusing the word "literally", no he didn't "literally have the ball on a string" that would be cheating.

I'm sure that Howe-Zat will say my quibble proves his point, but it's genuinely one of my top 5 annoying use of words.

 

[vogue]

http://gu.com/p/4jepp?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Ben Stokes doubtful for England’s second Test after suffering knee injury

 

[grecian]

http://gu.com/p/4jepp?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Ben Stokes doubtful for England’s second Test after suffering knee injury

Ravi-time.

 

[JRC67]

Ravi-time.

Prepared to put money on Woakes to bat at 8. Personal preference would be to give Ball a chance and move Broad to 8.

 

[Niall]

Prepared to put money on Woakes to bat at 8. Personal preference would be to give Ball a chance and move Broad to 8.

Really like the idea of bringing in Ball and moving Ali up the bowlers up a spot as well, but yeah smart money is on them been conservative and going with Woakes..

 

[LegionOfBrad]

It will almost certainly be Woakes. It would be a good opportunity to have a look at Ball.

 

[Pothas]

Barker, nah it will be Woakes.

Anyway, Sri Lanka thanks for ruining my Sunday.

 

[YorksLanka]

Just got back from our game and seen the scorecard..congrats England, thoroughly deserved..

 

[Pratters]

Oh deary me. Such a bad loss for the Lankans.

 

[smash84]

Sri Lolka

 

[FBU]

Really like the idea of bringing in Ball and moving Ali up the bowlers up a spot as well, but yeah smart money is on them been conservative and going with Woakes..

Farbrace seemed to suggest this when he spoke after play. He seems to think there is lots of batting in the middle order so I feel Ball will play if Stokes it out.