Keeping the bounce and spirits high
Andrew Miller provides the plays of the day from the fourth day between Sri Lanka and England in Colombo
Andrew Miller in Colombo
12-Dec-2007
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Wicket of the day
Steve Harmison's leaping delivery to dismiss Jehan Mubarak. It was another classic Harmison splice-trembler that confirmed his importance - when on form - to England's cause. It came in the ninth over of the morning and confirmed that the good pace and rhythm that Harmison had showed in his first foray of the innings was no illusion. If Galle provides any assistance for England's quicks, he's seems to be in the mood to exploit it.
Steve Harmison's leaping delivery to dismiss Jehan Mubarak. It was another classic Harmison splice-trembler that confirmed his importance - when on form - to England's cause. It came in the ninth over of the morning and confirmed that the good pace and rhythm that Harmison had showed in his first foray of the innings was no illusion. If Galle provides any assistance for England's quicks, he's seems to be in the mood to exploit it.
Spirit-raiser of the day
Stuart Broad's debut wicket. Before the match, Peter Moores had raised justifiable concerns about young Stuart's stickability. He's only bowled more than 25 overs on four occasions in first-class cricket, and England are in no hurry to break their most exciting young fast-bowling talent before he's reached full maturity. But Broad is made of stronger stuff than his willowy frame suggests, and in the 29th over he finally got his man, as Chaminda Vaas fluffed an attempted hook and Ian Bell claimed a simple chance above his head.
Stuart Broad's debut wicket. Before the match, Peter Moores had raised justifiable concerns about young Stuart's stickability. He's only bowled more than 25 overs on four occasions in first-class cricket, and England are in no hurry to break their most exciting young fast-bowling talent before he's reached full maturity. But Broad is made of stronger stuff than his willowy frame suggests, and in the 29th over he finally got his man, as Chaminda Vaas fluffed an attempted hook and Ian Bell claimed a simple chance above his head.
Shot of the day
Mahela Jayawardene had a slightly different mindset when he resumed his innings today. He was less content to faff around and went after the bowling with some intent, most notably when he went down on one knee to Monty Panesar and smeared him over midwicket for four. It was the most aggression he'd shown all game, but it came back to haunt him one over later - he tried the same shot, and Paul Collingwood at slip pouched a steepling top-edge.
Mahela Jayawardene had a slightly different mindset when he resumed his innings today. He was less content to faff around and went after the bowling with some intent, most notably when he went down on one knee to Monty Panesar and smeared him over midwicket for four. It was the most aggression he'd shown all game, but it came back to haunt him one over later - he tried the same shot, and Paul Collingwood at slip pouched a steepling top-edge.
Quote of the day
"C'mon Westlife, give us a ballad!" That was how Matt Prior set about enlivening the afternoon session, as England's heads threatened to drop. His words were picked up on the stump microphone, although it isn't entirely clear who was the target of his quip. A quick poll of female teenage cricket fans, however, reveals that Broad is the likeliest boy-bander in the current England set-up.
"C'mon Westlife, give us a ballad!" That was how Matt Prior set about enlivening the afternoon session, as England's heads threatened to drop. His words were picked up on the stump microphone, although it isn't entirely clear who was the target of his quip. A quick poll of female teenage cricket fans, however, reveals that Broad is the likeliest boy-bander in the current England set-up.
Bowling change of the day
After bowling more than 47 overs for his five wickets in the first innings, Muttiah Muralitharan appealed for someone - anyone - to help share the spin-bowling load. And so, with scores of 0, 9 and 9 under his belt, and a new string urgently needed for his bow, up stepped Jehan Mubarak in the ninth over of England's second innings. Sanath Jayasuriya he ain't. A first-ball long-hop and three full-tosses later, he was sent to graze in the outfield, as Murali was coaxed into the attack in his place.
After bowling more than 47 overs for his five wickets in the first innings, Muttiah Muralitharan appealed for someone - anyone - to help share the spin-bowling load. And so, with scores of 0, 9 and 9 under his belt, and a new string urgently needed for his bow, up stepped Jehan Mubarak in the ninth over of England's second innings. Sanath Jayasuriya he ain't. A first-ball long-hop and three full-tosses later, he was sent to graze in the outfield, as Murali was coaxed into the attack in his place.
Cheer of the day
Cricket is a perverse sport - you pay good money to go and watch your
team, and as often as not - if you're an England supporter - you're
just as happy to see no cricket at all. "It's so dark, it's
unbelievable," chanted the Barmy Army, as the light began to fade, and
sure enough, one over later, Aleem Dar whipped the bails off. The
noise from the stands was louder than for any of England's wickets,
and as for Aleem, his efforts earned the ultimate accolade: "Aleem's
in the Army," chanted the Barmies.
Andrew Miller is UK editor of Cricinfo