England 'Mankaded' in series defeat
A fifth ODI soured by England batsman Jos Buttler's controversial run-out ended in a relatively comfortable six-wicket victory – and three-two series triumph – for Sri Lanka at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Tuesday.
A fifth ODI soured by England batsman Jos Buttler's controversial run-out ended in a relatively comfortable six-wicket victory – and three-two series triumph – for Sri Lanka at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Tuesday.
Buttler was the victim of the so-called 'Mankad' dismissal during the 44th over of the hosts' innings, which amounted to a weak 219 all out in 48.1 overs.
The Sri Lankans' pursuit was reasonably straightforward, concluded with 10 deliveries to spare on the back of fine half-centuries from batsmen Mahela Jayawardene and Lahiru Thirimanne.
The contentious incident saw Buttler run out at the non-striker's end by bowler Sachithra Senanayake. Umpires Chris Gaffaney and Michael Gough conferred before ruling the right-hander out for a stifled 21.
The talented Buttler had been warned prior to the previous delivery – but the opposition's insistence that the appeal be upheld was arguably contrary to the spirit of the game.
The English had, earlier, promised so much more than an admittedly poor final total. Half-centurion Alastair Cook and fellow opener Ian Bell's fruitful work, however, was laid to waste by the collective insufficiency of the middle order.
Batsmen three through seven, in fact, gathered a mere 75 runs. Outgunned by fast bowler Lasith Malinga's pace and undone by spinner Ajantha Mendis' turn and bounce, there was no denying the dominance of the opposition bowling unit.
The Sri Lankan's chase was clinical, hardly hampered by the early fall of opener Tillakaratne Dilshan and former captain Kumar Sangakkara. Jayawardene scored a cool, calm and collected 53 to Thirimanne's patient 60 not out, while skipper Angelo Mathews was ultimately at hand for a fitting, unbeaten 42.
Thirimanne was named Man of the Match – and Malinga Player of the Series in the wake of seven wickets in five matches at an impressive average of 29.00 and 5.94 economy rate.
The result pushed the sub-continent team to second position in the International Cricket Council's ODI rankings, flanked by Australia and India, who occupy first and third spot respectively. England have remained fourth.
Latest
-
England
On this day in 2018: Kevin Pietersen retires from professional cricket
The latter years of the Pietermaritzburg-born maverick’s career were spent on the T20 circuit.
-
England
Jofra Archer snaps off stump on impressive return from injury in India
The 28-year-old took two for 22 in seven overs.
-
County Cricket
Darren Gough steps down as managing director of cricket at Yorkshire
Gough said it was the “right time” to move on having been in the post since December 2021.
-
England
On this day in 2004: Steve Harmison takes seven for 12 against West Indies
The pace bowler produced a devastating spell at Sabina Park 20 years ago.
-
England
Jos Buttler feels refreshed and ready to enjoy ‘best years’ of his career
England’s white-ball team endured a poor 2023 which culminated in the disastrous defence of their World Cup crown in India.
-
England
Jos Buttler confident ‘special cricketer’ Jofra Archer will be fit for World Cup
Archer has not represented his country since last March when he featured in a T20 match in Bangladesh.
-
Indian Premier League
England batter Harry Brook withdraws from IPL following death of his grandmother
Brook pulled out of England’s five-Test tour to India before the squad flew out from their training camp in the United Arab Emirates.