The amazing conclusion to what had been until the final two hours an incredibly tedious Test in Cardiff perhaps shouldn’t have surprised English cricket fans (including the Reverse Sweep) as much as it did.
Seeing the excellent Chris Tremlett and Graeme Swann bowling out Sri Lanka for 82 in just 24.4 overs was pretty exhilarating stuff. Indeed, it was the 10th shortest innings in Test history.
However, England have been making a bit of a habit of this over the last 12 months, having dismissed the opposition in double-quick time for under 150 seven times in the last 11 Tests they’ve played.
It all started against Bangladesh at Old Trafford last June, where the visitors were hustled out for 123 in just 34.1 overs.
Pakistan then became the serial fall guys: bundled out for 80 in 29 overs at Trent Bridge, 72 in 39.3 overs at Edgbaston as well as 74 in 33 overs and 147 in 36.5 overs at Lord’s.
Finally, and perhaps most famously of all, Australia were humbled on day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, being shot out for just 98 in 42.5 overs.
So whilst England have proved to be pretty rubbish at ODI cricket, they have developed an unerring ability to bowl teams out in Tests in far less than 50 overs.
Maybe it’s time to change England’s ODI kit to the traditional whites.
Where next?
1st Test, Cardiff: England marks out of 10
Day 1 Talking Points: Cold Turkey for Aussies on Boxing Day
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Thanks for sharing
Posted by: Sri Lanka Travel | Wednesday, December 07, 2011 at 05:31