Kandy Test: Sri Lanka defeat England by 88 runs

Sanath Jayasuriya bid adieu to his Test career divning 16 years in the most fitting way, with Sri Lanka claiming a spectacular 88 runs victory over England.

With England losing quick wickets in the first session of the final day chasing 350, the battle for survival was against time. All eyes were on record-holder Muralidaran, but it was the islanders’ new ball bowlers who did the damage. Chaminda Vaas and Randi Dilhara Fernando made use of the early morning conditions sharing four wickets amongst them. The first wicket to fall was of England skipper Michael Vaughan (4).

James Anderson, who was sent in as night watchman on Day 4 did not last long either and was cleaned up by Vaas. Fernando than scalped the biggest wicket of the day by removing Pietersen with a peach of a delivery. Sangakkara who is not keeping in the match grabbed a simple one at covers to dismiss Collingwood for 16.

Strong fight-back.
With just 90 on board, England had it’s half the side back in the hut. But a spirited performance by wicket-keeper Matt Prior and Ian Bell resurrected visitors’ hope of drawing the Test. The duo stood firm for almost two and half hours, crafting a 109 runs partnership for the 7th wicket. Bell was also the top scorer for England in the first innings with a fluent 83 and he struck his second half century of the Kandy Test.

Murali magic

Murali playing at home and having eclipsed Shane Warne’s record of 708 wickets was wicket-less for most part of the day. He was handed the new red cherry (second new ball) and was immediately rewarded as the master off spinner surprised Prior with his ‘doosra’ and also produced an equally brilliant delivery to dismantle Bell’s stumps.

Muralidaran showed he is the best judge of the Kandy wicket. “The old ball is easy to play because it won’t bounce out of the rough. “We knew even from the first innings, because it was turning a bit quicker. That’s what happened”. With the two set batsmen removed, the visitors were sliding and the win was within Sri Lanka’s grip.

Malinga who is known for his fiery yorkers did the finishing act by firing in a straight one aimed at Hoggard’s middle stump.

A win to cherish for.

With Sri Lanka starring down the barrel for most part of the Test and than making a strong comeback to win the game, skipper Jayawardena felt the win was a special one. “It’s a great achievement for our team. We had to dig dip and the lead in 2nd innings was very crucial.”

Michael Vaughan praised Bell and Prior for their heroic effort. “We fought really hard today.”Belly and Matty Prior's partnership was exceptional in the middle period. He felt that England can derive lot of positives from the game. “It was a war of attrition at points. Not quite enough in the end but we'll take a lot from it."

Sanath Jayasuriya who played his last Test had a wicket to his credit. Jayawardena said his team would miss his services. "We're going to miss him," "But I think he went on his own terms. To leave a legacy like that is brilliant”. “He has been a role model for all of us”

Sangakkara who became the first batsman to score more than 150 runs in four consecutive tests was adjudged Man of the Match for his knocks of 92 and 152 respectively. He said he is in top form at the moment. "I haven't played any better up to now but I hope I can get better."

With the win Sri Lanka go 1-0 up in the three match Test series. The second Test match begins on Sunday, the 8th of December. Matthew Hoggard is expected to miss the game due to a niggling injury. Steve Harmison is expected to bolster the English pace attack with his comeback.