Reviewing existing International Cricket seems a bit meaningless in light of the tragic death of gifted Australian Phillip Hughes. However, it is in their performances that the international cricket community can continue to show their respects, and in several performances in the first one day international between Sri Lanka and England, shades of Hughes’ quality strokeplay were evident.
Most notably, was Moeen Ali’s effort (we predicted his heroics earlier in the week). His 87-ball 119 was littered with boundaries, class and confidence. His innings further outlined his importance to England’s Cricket World Cup campaign, especially as Alastair Cook and Ian Bell continue to struggle to improve strike rates.
Ravi Bopara aptly assisted the England cause with a rapid 65 late in the piece. He was last out miscuing a leg side whack, giving Sri Lanka a 25 run win. Bopara has often been left carrying the baby of late, and is vastly improving as a finisher. Part of his development has been the ability to clear the rope rather than simply placing balls and hitting gaps. His power will be crucial on the grounds of New Zealand and Australia at the Cricket World Cup.
Sri Lanka’s first up effort setting a target was built around a balanced team effort. Three players (Dilshan, Jayawardene, and Kusal Perera) scored half centuries, while others (Matthews, Jeevan Mendis, and Thirimanne) made handy contributions at better than a run a ball. The 302 total was imposing; no team had chased more than 285 to win at Premadasa Stadium.
Making matters even tougher for the geezers was a quality spin attack that stifled the likes of Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and James Tredwell as they sought quick runs at the end. Stokes in particular laboured to 16 off 27 before being stumped looking to find some much needed momentum. Woakes followed in the same suit leaving England’s cricket coaches needing to quickly find a plan to mask the middle order’s limitations against spin.
The win, Sri Lanka’s first since leaving for India to replace the West Indies in a one day international series, will provide them with a welcome boost, while England still search for a World Cup hero that single handedly win games on the big stage (notwithstanding Ali’s fantastic contribution in this game).
One rather interesting cricket anomaly occurred in the first over of England’s run chase. Captain Cook was adjudged LBW twice before successfully reviewing both decisions (both going over the top). Unfortunately for Cook, DRS form is not a selection team consideration.
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