Couch Critic previews the second test match between Sri Lanka and England including best bets from @Olimp_SA
SRI LANKA vs ENGLAND 2nd Test, Galle. Friday 22 Jan @ 06:30
Things didn’t go according to plan for Sri Lanka (or us) in the first test with specifically their first innings collapse costing them in a big way. It was a rather disgraceful surrender from the home side in their first innings and their fight back with both ball and bat after that almost only served to irritate further than inspire.
Here’s how I see things going down in the second test at Galle.
The Inside Scoop
Dom Bess and Jack Leach would have been looking forward to this Sri Lankan trip like kids on Christmas eve. Both proceeded to fill their stocking with five-for’s and the Galle square would have just become lower and slower since the first test. It would have been standard procedure for Mark Wood to rotate and given his failure to get on the wicket-taking board it’s a near certainty now. Other changes would likely be kept to a minimum.
The home side have lost Karunaratne for good and Kusal Mendis has finally been put out of his misery by Mickey and his merry men. In theory Matthews and Chandimal are class players who can mix it with the best that their visitors have to offer but in practice the islanders have about as much application as I have when trying to follow a New Year’s resolution. Lakmal should return and the home side need him to hit the ground in Forest Gump mode – running!
How I see it playing out
The Lankans will surely put up a better fight with the willow this time around but I struggle to see them having the bowlers to knock England over twice. In the day’s of Murali Mickey would have been sipping Champagne at the end of five days but I fear Arthur is much more likely to find himself considering the prospect of falling on his own sword at the conclusion of this one.
Betolimp Best Bets
Man of the Match – J Leach @ 10.00
I backed Dom Bess as top series bowler so this probably seems a bit of a cop out (which it is to a degree). I figured Leach would take a bit of time to hit his best but he got there by the second innings it seems and I expect the slow left-armer to kick on from here.
Top Eng 1st Innings Batsman – D Lawrence @ 7.50
Root gave no one a sniff with a classy dig at the first time of asking. Lawrence looked silky smooth alongside him though and at the price he is worth a go.
Top Sri Lanka 1st Innings Batsman – D Shanaka @ 15.00
The likes of Thirimanne, Matthews and Chandimal are the standout batsmen but if the Lankans crumble again it could be a case of anyone being in with a shot of top-scoring. Shanaka bats at 7 and averages a hardly inspiring 14. Yet the all-rounder has a recent half century against South Africa on his resumé and I’m willing to have a nibble.
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Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
