England in Sri Lanka, 2018

[thegreenhell]

Great knock by Jennings.I hope it gives him the confidence to build on it and make the position his own. Then we'll only have to worry about the #1 and #3 positions.

[type-r]

England now starting to make inroads this morning after a slow start.

Rashid still not bowling enough. Only 2 overs so far.

[thegreenhell]

This should be all over today.

[thegreenhell]

And there it is, Joe Root's first overseas Test win as captain.

[type-r]

Easy and well deserved victory.

However, the next few pitches won't be as a flat and friendly to bat on as that... will be interesting to see how they get on!

[Gargamel]

thegreenhell said:

And there it is, Joe Root's first overseas Test win as captain.

Amazing stat, the first overseas test win since 2016...

SL not looking the finest cricketing side at the moment. Still good win.

On Jennings, questions remain of course, especially against high class pace and a moving ball. However as the summer proved, there is almost no-one in world cricket whose defence is certain against fast late swing, and I doubt that will change.

Nevertheless, hopefully it builds in Jennings a sense that he belongs at this level and he can kick on from here. One swallow certainly makes for a good time, but perhaps not a summer.

[Black can man]

desolate said:

NormalWisdom said:

Is there any radio commentary?

Google says TalkSport...........

Edited by NormalWisdom on Wednesday 7th November 08:44

Talk Sport 2
So DAB or online only.

It's ok and there's no adverts.

Have to say the Talksport commentary is a lot better than i expected .

I suspect being under the same umbrella as Sky helps a lot.

[Black can man]

England are being far to aggressive here again this morning,

[spikeyhead]

Black can man said:

England are being far to aggressive here again this morning,

It's far too predictable

[type-r]

Another failure for the over-rated Stokes.

Middle/lower order will need to deliver again.

[Gargamel]

The pitch is giving turn at right angles on the first morning.

England not waiting to get an unplayable have instead predictably opted to hit everything and accept the loss of wickets.

170/6. I think 250 might be par on this track. But S/L will probably manage the game slightly better than England.

However Curran and Buttler are probably the two best players against spin, so lets see if they can pile a few on.

Playing at 3 you need patience, adaptability and a solid technique against the new ball. Stokes can play solid, we have seen him grind for runs, but it isn't his game. No one really thinks he is a three, its a holding position.

Was hoping Buster would follow his century with a competent knock in this one, but .... false dawns abound

[Gargamel]

Big chance now for Jimmy A to secure the century, Curran is taking chances, If James can get him to settle down and graft, then the ton must be odds on this time.

[fathomfive]

Gargamel said:

Big chance now for Jimmy A to secure the century, Curran is taking chances, If James can get him to settle down and graft, then the ton must be odds on this time.

Jimmy must be getting frustrated that Curran keeps getting him off strike.

ETA: bks.

Good knock from Curran. Great knock from Jimmy.

[Black can man]

Hard to complain at the performance so far , Sam Curren really could be a huge English cricketing superstar & thank goodness he has the likes of Sir Alec looking after him .

What a career this young man could have .

[WindyCommon]

Oh Jimmy. So much unfulfilled promise.

[fathomfive]

Two moments of brilliance from Stokes this morning have evened this up a little.

[Piginapoke]

our noses are in front now I think. Going to be a great match.

[jbswagger]

Advantage Sri Lanka now.

[Gargamel]

When your opener asks for a nightwatchman.... Oh dear lord.


Small lead for SL nothing to worry about if they are batting fourth. We need 250+ I think to be secure.

[Black can man]

England showing lots of intent again this morning.

Rory Burns looks like he wants this vacant opening slot.