Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar kicked up a bit of a storm on social media when he suggested that England should not get too carried away with their performances in the Test series in Sri Lanka.
Manjrekar, in a tweet, said: “While enjoying the success, England would be better served for its long term improvement by acknowledging that this SL side is a pretty weak side. This is currently the easiest subcontinental challenge.”
As expected many took exception to Manjrekar’s views. Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene pointed out the Sri Lankan team had defeated Pakistan 2-0 in the UAE last year and beaten Bangladesh in their own backyard in the five-day format. Others on social media were a bit more blunt.
But let’s take Manjrekar’s opinion at face value. This Sri Lankan team does not have that one name that made the island nation competitive in Test cricket over previous seasons – left-arm spinner Rangana Herath. In the absence of a class bowler at the top of his powers – Herath did retire after the opening Test in Galle but it was clear he was done well before that – England batsmen didn’t face that serious a threat.
Even so, they were thoroughly tested by spinners Dilruwan Perera, Akila Dananjaya and Lakshan Sandakan. In fact, it was England’s lower order of Ben Foakes, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran and Co rescued the visitors in all three Tests, continuing the trend that started in the 4-1 Test series win against England.
With veterans Alastair Cook, James Anderson and Stuart Broad either out or on their way towards the exit, England were expected to struggle against India and be thoroughly tested in Sri Lanka.
Yes. Root should make a public statement, preferably with an apology. https://t.co/jAZKvM8bgG
— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) November 24, 2018
But in both Test series, England have done exceedingly well to fight their way out of difficult situations in almost every innings. The second Test in Kandy showed exactly how resilient England have become.
The Three Lions conceded a lead of 46 and were 109-4 in their second essay. The series was alive but captain Joe Root crafted one of the most masterful centuries seen in Asian conditions to set a victory target of 301 on a pitch that was turning square.
Sri Lanka still didn’t give up, with Angelo Mathews hitting an equally marvelous 88 before the challenge fell short and England took the series.
As England look ahead and target India’s No1 Test ranking, they will do so with confidence as their new crop of Test cricketers like keeper Foakes, Curran, Jack Leach, Rory Burns have put their hands up when the team has needed them. A ‘weak’ Sri Lankan team takes nothing away from the fine work put in by an England team that is rightfully dreaming of regaining the top Test ranking.
