Filed under: Cricket
Third Test Day Two (close): Sri Lanka 177-9 (Chris Tremlett 6-42)Chris Tremlett celebrated a five-wicket haul at the Rose Bowl but rain dominated the second day of England's third Test against Sri Lanka.
Only 23.2 overs were possible as wet weather again frustrated both teams, with the tourists needing victory at Hampshire's ground to share the series.
But England, and Tremlett in particular, used what little play was possible to put Kumar Sangakkara's team under more pressure in their first innings.
England v Sri Lanka Scorecard
Thilan Samaraweera was the first of the day to depart when he edged Tremlett to Kevin Pietersen in the gully, then Thisara Perera's attempt to blast his way out of trouble came to an ugly end.
Perera had two runs to his name when a big swing at a Tremlett delivery saw him nick behind. Tremlett, playing on the ground of his former county, claimed his fifth wicket when Rangana Herath top-edged to James Anderson.
Prasanna Jayawardene had worked his way to 43 before getting caught off in the deep off Graeme Swann's bowling, then Tremlett claimed another when Suranga Lakmal was caught behind, with Sri Lanka finishing the day 177-9.
REACTION:
England fast bowler Tremlett told Sky Sports he believes victory is still possible despite the weather:
"The weather has been unkind, unfortunately, but at the same time the game's moving on. We've got nine wickets here. Hopefully we can clean them up quickly tomorrow and then look to be positive when we bat and try to bowl them out again. We want to win the series 2-0."
On his performance coming at the ground where he first started his career:
"To cap it off with six wickets today is very special. I tried to bowl a bit fuller. At the same time, I don't think the Sri Lankans like the ball up around their earholes. I just tried to make the most of the conditions. Generally I just felt today i was little bit more consistent and got the rewards."
On needing a response after the second Test was drawn:
"Lord's was a little bit disappointing. I wanted to bounce back strong. I'm very happy with six wickets so far in this game and hopefully I can do that again in the second innings."
On enjoying their positive performances:
"We like to celebrate each other's successes. We've just had a little toast. It's always nice to do something good and have or team-mates supporting you as well. If somebody does well, hits a hundred, or gets a five-for, it's something we celebrate. It's a great team spirit we've got going. When guys do well, it's good that we do that."
MEMORABLE MOMENT: Tremlett is not a man to show his emotions but he was delighted to when he marched off having taken six wickets at the ground where he started his career.
PLAY OF THE DAY: Tremlett and Matt Prior combined superbly to dismiss Perera. Tremlett used his bounce, while Prior leapt athletically to take the catch.
WHAT IT MEANS: England are edging towards the result they need to secure the series. Sri Lanka need to gather a few more runs and attempt to put the hosts under any pressure.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Fabio Cannavaro Fabio Quagliarella Feliciano Lopez Fernando Torres Fernando Verdasco
No comments:
Post a Comment