Mathews: Bowling was a bit scrappy
Captain Angelo Mathews lamented a disappointing showing at The Oval on Thursday, as Sri Lanka slumped to an 81-run defeat in the rain-affected first ODI against England.
Captain Angelo Mathews lamented a disappointing showing at The Oval on Thursday, as Sri Lanka slumped to an 81-run defeat in the rain-affected first ODI against England.
Inclement weather in London reduced the hosts' innings to 39 overs and the visitors' pursuit to a maximum of 32.
While half-centurions Ian Bell and Gary Ballance, all-rounder Chris Jordan and spinner James Tredwell impressed, the Sri Lankans in turn lacked genuine substance.
Slow bowler Sachithra Senanayake challenged with three key wickets, while former captains Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mahela Jayawardene promised more with an unfulfilled 33 and 35 respectively.
The trio largely lacked support, though, resulting in a a vital early lead for the English in an important five-match series.
"We were never really there, from the beginning. Our bowling was a bit scrappy, and also we never really got going with our batting," rued Mathews. "All in all, I thought it was a really poor performance by the whole team."
Jordan was named Man of the Match on the back of a brisk, career-best 38 not out and telling figures of three for 35. The second ODI will get underway at Chester-le-Street in Durham on Sunday.
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