Friday 27 May 2011

England vs Sri Lanka- England's test before the INDIAN face-off

So as the great Indian circus err... IPL-2011 nears its end, a great cricket summer is about to start with the England-Sri lanka test series followed by the much awaited India-england test series in july-august this year. That series would be the decider on who is the real numero uno in test cricket. While India holds the no.-1 ranking in tests,  a series win over australia at home(2-0) and a drawn series in South Africa with a notable victory on the fast paced Durban track whereas England have a precious 2-1 ashes victory in the Kangaroo homeland  which has sparked the number 1 debate.

But before this clash, both the teams have a practice opportunity with india playing the west indies and england playing sri lanka. While India-west indies series is not expected to test the high-profile Indians much but the England-sri lanka might actually be a test of character for the English. Sri lanka have a very strong batting unit with an unexperienced but unpredictable and lethal bowling attack. With the newly elected skipper Dilshan they will look to register a victory on English soil and themselves move up the rankings and contest the no. 1 spot. While England is in the 3rd position trailing a meagre 2 points behind South Africa. England is looking  the most balanced side in test cricket right now with a good pool of fast bowlers, a world-class spinner and a resilient batting unit. Young sensation Eoin Morgan has been impressive along with Graeme Swann who has become probably the best off-spinner in world cricket currently leaving behind the turbanator Harbhajan Singh. With skipper Strauss and Pietersen in good touch, Engalnd look more than a force to reckon with. But they are up against a spirited Lankan side who have just lost a world cup final. Players like sangakkara and jayawardene never look out of form and it remains to be seen whether England is able to uncode the mystery man ajantha mendis even though he went for a lot of runs in his county stint. But they have lost 2 of their legendary performers Muralitharan and Malinga which certainly will be their weak link in the upcoming series. The first day of the test match was symbolic of a resileint Sri lanka fighting the english as Lankans were 133 for 2 at stumps with the slow and steady paranvitana not out on 58. So england have to cross this Sri Lankan hurdle before they can be worthy to challenge India's crown. Surely, TEST cricket is back..

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