- England’s risky sweeping strategy pays off in second Test
- England 290 & 324-9; Sri Lanka 336. England lead by 278 runs
A brave and brilliant century by Joe Root has given England the chance of a famous victory in a compelling Test match in Kandy. The England captain’s innings was brave not because he was ever in any physical danger – no pace bowler propelled a ball at him until the 55th over – but because the conception of this knock and the approach of the entire England line-up was so unusually bold and risky.
They swept and they scurried and they swept again. Their first seven batsmen were all out sweeping, which can easily prompt old timers to rail against the modern way. Thus they risked severe censure from the wise men in the boxes if their strategy failed abysmally. It did not. They have scored 324-9 on what is regarded as Bunsen burner, seldom seen in England (except at Ciderabad).
Written by Vic Marks at the Pallekele International Stadium
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/nov/16/bold-and-brave-root-century-puts-england-back-in-the-driving-seat-sri-lanka-cricket under the title “Bold and brave Root century puts England back in the driving seat”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
