England v Sri Lanka test series 2021

[Indian Bee]

Two match test series starts tomorrow.

Having seen the recent SA series, Sri Lanka didn’t look that impressive especially their bowling where they found it difficult to take SA wickets. Although Sri Lanka at home are a different proposition.

I don’t expect half the team that will start for England tomorrow will line up in the first test against India next month but a good opportunity for some to cement their place. England did really well last time they toured Sri Lanka.

Hard to call but England should have enough over the two test matches.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

4:30am start for those who don't know.

 

[Indian Bee]

The Sri Lanka batting has been quite embarrassing. Not to take anything out of England bowling which has been on the mark.

126-7

 

[badgerbee]

Dom Bess with the 'luckiest' 3 fer ever!! One from a reverse sweep, one off a long hop and one rebound off Bairstow's boot!!!
And now he gets a 'genuine' one............although the shot was awful!!!
130/8

 

[badgerbee]

Run out off a deflection now!!!
130/9

 

[TW3Bee]

Anything that could go wrong for Sri Lanka, has gone wrong.
9 down now, a run out backing up, deflected off Leach's hand.

 

[badgerbee]

4 wickets for 4 runs........

 

[wanderer paul]

All out for 135

5 for, for Bess

 

[WarrenBee]

SL,, 135 all out!

 

[badgerbee]

Last 5 wickets go for 9 runs!!!
Let's see how England fare.............Test match all over in 2 days??!!

 

[nick logan]

Last 5 wickets go for 9 runs!!!
Let's see how England fare.............Test match all over in 2 days??!!

hope not , planning on getting up to watch sat morning !

 

[Bristolian Bee]

Great to see England and Wales on top but in the absence of Bees this will ruin my weekend if it's all done and dusted by the small hours of Saturday morning. Bat long guys, bat long

 

[SQUELCH]

Makes a nice change bit of cricket - laptop on with cricket on in the background - winner!

 

[nick logan]

Great to see England and Wales on top but in the absence of Bees this will ruin my weekend if it's all done and dusted by the small hours of Saturday morning. Bat long guys, bat long

17-2

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Looking like a 3 day test at the moment.

 

[Indian Bee]

Great to see England and Wales on top but in the absence of Bees this will ruin my weekend if it's all done and dusted by the small hours of Saturday morning. Bat long guys, bat long

I know what you mean. Remember a few weeks ago woke up early to see India against Australia on a Saturday morning and then found out India was bowled out for 36. Ruined my Saturday morning.

 

[sheffbee]

very slow outfield

 

[8corner]

17-2

Don't worry Nick. Leave it in the capable hands of the Skipper. These two might just put on a big stand

 

[Les Beeavinu]

I know what you mean. Remember a few weeks ago woke up early to see India against Australia on a Saturday morning and then found out India was bowled out for 36. Ruined my Saturday morning.

Those cancelled South Africa game got me very, very grumpy.

 

[sheffbee]

Those cancelled South Africa game got me very, very grumpy.

Me too, we were playing so well I was really enjoying the cricket

 

[Indian Bee]

Those cancelled South Africa game got me very, very grumpy.

Really hope this pandemic doesn’t interfere with this summer’s sport. India touring England, the Euro’s whilst still celebrating Brentford going up as Champions.

 

[Gazza Bee]

74-2 now - seem to have steadied the ship from a poor start (famous last words). If we can get to close still 2 down then it has been the best 1st day of an overseas tour I can remember for a long time.

 

[sheffbee]

Really enjoying this. Snowing like mad here in Sheffield. Great with feet up nice pot of tea and watching cricket

 

[wanderer paul]

Ticking over nicely. Which is what is required.

 

[SmiffyBee]

Sri Lanka's Wicket Keeper's name is an anagram of... a shrilled winnock

 

[sheffbee]

Good stuff England. Enjoyed that.

 

[nick logan]

Don't worry Nick. Leave it in the capable hands of the Skipper. These two might just put on a big stand

wise words Capn

 

[nathanbee]

Assuming no disasters tomorrow, this game will be over inside 3 days.

 

[SmiffyBee]

Assuming no disasters tomorrow, this game will be over inside 3 days.

thundery showers for the next few days, so may make it into the 4th day.

 

[Gazza Bee]

Just about the perfect day and certainly the best opening day to an overseas series I can remember. Sri Lanka are a poor side as demonstrated by their tour of SA recently but you can only beat what is in front of you.

 

[kewbee]

Just about the perfect day and certainly the best opening day to an overseas series I can remember. Sri Lanka are a poor side as demonstrated by their tour of SA recently but you can only beat what is in front of you.

Would have loved to have been out there,perfect cricket trip.

 

[Gazza Bee]

Would have loved to have been out there,perfect cricket trip.

Yeah a friend of mine went to the last tour there and said the locations are amazing - although I do think he partook in the local beverages which were quite strong and may have left a few blanks in his memory banks lol

 

[stevil]

Pleasing that Root is on 66no overnight...

 

[Les Beeavinu]

You get your kicks from that sort of thing do you?

 

[stevil]

You get your kicks from that sort of thing do you?

I do, sir!

 

[Indian Bee]

Yeah a friend of mine went to the last tour there and said the locations are amazing - although I do think he partook in the local beverages which were quite strong and may have left a few blanks in his memory banks lol

Reminds me when I did a houseboat stay in the backwaters in Kerala. The locals in the charge of the houseboat caught some fresh fish and I need a drink with some nice hot curry - ask them to get me some vodka. The vodka was local and it contained 70% alcohol - had a glass and half and knocked me out until the next morning. I’m sure the fish curry tasted nice mind you.

 

[Gazza Bee]

Root converts to a century - currently 214-3 and set for a decent lead at close of play. Can someone send Mickey Arthur a rulebook please - claiming a catch when the ball hit the ground off the bat

 

[Nada Bee]

Pleased for root. His first century for 14 months.

good to see us setting up a decent platform here in test cricket. It’s been a while, not wanting to take away how bad SL are. It’s pleasing to see us bat properly
In test cricket

 

[nick logan]

According to Cric Info Root in control of 95 % of his shots

 

[Indian Bee]

According to Cric Info Root in control of 95 % of his shots

So technically every 100 balls he will face, there are 5 balls that is he likely to get out too

 

[Indian Bee]

Root has made this 100 look ever so easy.

 

[nick logan]

So technically every 100 balls he will face, there are 5 balls that is he likely to get out too

can't remember seeing such a high number in an innings that long

 

[Indian Bee]

can't remember seeing such a high number in an innings that long

Agree has looked in complete control. So easy on the eye when Root plays like this. SR over 60 is excellent.

 

[sheffbee]

150 for Root . More interesting now with the new ball.

 

[Gazza Bee]

Lawrence falls for 73 on debut - lead currently 169 with a session left. Assuming no huge collapse we should be looking for near 300 by close of play.

 

[sheffbee]

Buttler in now after Lawrence dismissal . Should be good.

 

[sheffbee]

All out attack on Mendis getting pretty funny

 

[Gazza Bee]

Don't think there will be any play now due to rain - lead is 185 with 3 days left so as long as the weather doesn't affect things England should wrap this up on day 4

 

[badgerbee]

Lunch on Day 3
England 421 all out, lead by 286
Root 228
Play resumes at 07:00

 

[SmiffyBee]

Sri Lanka now 60-0
The draw is ON.