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.
Latest
-
IndiaKisma News: Hardik Pandya’s reasoning for excluding Umran Malik and Sanju Samson
Going into the T20I series against New Zealand, most Indian fans expected bench players would be given more significant opportunities…
-
NewsJofra Archer determined to keep playing Test cricket for England
After an 18-month injury nightmare, the fast bowler is two days into his comeback match in Abu Dhabi.
-
NewsGlenn McGrath concerned over ODI cricket’s future after seeing almost-empty MCG
Just over 4,000 fans attended Australia’s third ODI against England.
-
IndiaKisma News: Mohammed Siraj did his best to cement his place in Team India against New Zealand
India’s tour of New Zealand was a series that served little to no purpose for either side except for keeping up bilateral ties…
-
NewsJon Lewis: England are ready to grow wings and fly
Lewis was appointed as Lisa Keightley’s replacement last week.
-
NewsJofra Archer back in action as Lions warm-up England Test team for Pakistan tour
Archer has not played competitively for 18 months due to longstanding elbow problems and a stress fracture of the lower back.
-
NewsTeenage leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed added to England squad for Pakistan Test tour
The 18-year-old could become England’s youngest ever men’s Test cricketer if selected in Rawalpindi, Multan or Karachi.
-
NewsMatthew Mott believes Dawid Malan can make his way into World Cup defence
Malan was one of the few positives to emerge from England’s 3-0 ODI series whitewash defeat to Australia.
-
NewsJustin Langer hits out at ‘cowards’ in Australia squad for media leaks
Langer departed in February after being offered only a six-month contract extension.
-
EnglandFlat finish and schedule strife – what we learnt from Australia vs England ODI series?
The T20 World Cup champions suffered a 3-0 loss to Australia.