Sri Lanka v Englanf 1st ODI, Oct 07

Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI
1st October 2007

Disappointment in Dambulla

England got off to the worst possible start in the Bradford and Bingley ODI series against Sri Lanka, losing by 119 runs and being bowled-out in only 35 overs by a Sri Lankan side notable by Muttiah Muralitharan’s absence.
It can be argued that Sri Lanka had the better of the conditions, taking first use of a slow, placid pitch after Mahela Jayawardena had won the toss. What is for certain is that Sanath Jayasuriya and the increasingly effective Upul Thuranga got the home side off to the best possible start, reaching 71 in only 12 overs before Jayasuriya holed out to Bopara in the deep.
It is clear that England, as well as every other cricketing nation, are looking for their own Jayasuriya; experienced, aggressive and without fear, the flamboyant left hander will play his 400th ODI on Wednesday. In search of the right formula, England have experimented with Ed Joyce, Matt Prior and Ian Bell in recent times, although it was Phill Mustard who partnered Ally Cook at the top of the order. That being said, Mustard impressed on debut, his wicket keeping tidy and his batting fearless, exemplified by the manner in which he planted Chaminda Vaas for six straight down the ground. He needs an extended chance though. An integral part of a successful Durham side, he has the ability with the gloves to match his attacking instincts with the bat, and with time he may be a success, and the selectors must back their judgement and stick with him.
On a wicket that was by no means conducive to stroke play, Jayawardena in particular looked assured, and was rarely troubled, putting on fifty, first with Kumar Sangakarra, who was not at his best, and then with Chamara Silva, whose fledgling International career continues. Collingwood mixed his bowlers to some effect, although it was his own brand of medium pace which proved most difficult to get away as he chipped in with the wickets of Jayawardena and Silva. Graeme Swann, on his return to ODI’s impressed with his off-spin, returning figures of 1-47, luring Sangakarra from his crease to have him stumped by Mustard in the process.
269 was always going to be a tall order on such a benign pitch, and with hindsight, England bowled to short, looking to hit the deck hard as they had done in South Africa during the ICC Twenty20. Meanwhile, after a cameo 27 in 17 balls from Mustard, Farveez Maharoof reaped the rewards of bowling full and straight, mixing his pace to maximum effect. After Maharoof had ousted Bell and Kevin Pietersen, both caught at the wicket, Collingwood and Shah were both deceived by slower balls from Fernando and Malinga respectively. Cook had battled throughout, playing the ball late and with some grace through the offside, whilst watching wickets tumble at the other end, but he became Maharoof’s fourth victim when he feathered a catch to Sangakarra. Ravi Bopara’s unbeaten 27 did much to suggest that he merits a place higher in the batting order, but that was sole consolation as England were bowled out for 150 in only 34.5 overs.
England have every reason to be disappointed, and while Sri Lanka will look forward to the possibility of completing a second successive one-day white wash over England, it seems that we have a long winter ahead.