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Sri Lanka v England, 2nd Test, Colombo, 4th day
Keeping the bounce and spirits high
Andrew Miller in Colombo
December 12, 2007
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Lifting spirits: Stuart Broad was rewarded for his commitment by claiming Chaminda Vaas as his first Test wicket
© Getty Images
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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