New Delhi: Sri Lanka produced a remarkable performance to defeat England in the third and final Test at the Oval, London to claim a consolation win. The Islanders outplayed the much-fancied English side by 8 wickets to bag a famous win courtesy of a superb century by opener Pathum Nissanka, who carried his bat, with an unbeaten 127-run knock off just 124 balls. The explosive batter, who scored a vital 64 in the first innings, was deservedly named Player of the Match.
For England, it was a case of missed chances, complacency and stubborn decision-making, that led to their downfall in the third Test. After five successive wins, the Three Lions failed to end the home summer with a perfect record but still managed a 2-1 series victory to finish the season on a winning note.
England lift the series trophy after the 3rd Test Match between England and Sri Lanka at The Kia Oval on September 09, 2024 in London, England. (Getty Images)
England get a reality check as ‘Bazball’ backfires
The downfall of England started on Day 1 when they slumped from 261 for 3 to 325 all out after losing their last seven wickets for just 64 runs. That was not because of great bowling but due to the careless approach by the English batters under the garb of ‘Bazball’ – a term that refers to the aggressive and fearless style of play of the England cricket team in red-ball cricket. There was nothing fearless about England’s play, though. It was reckless.
England showed complacency, feeling like 325 was a good enough score, and bowled the off-spinners for 17 overs allowing Lanka to gain the upper hand. It almost felt like an air of invincibility surrounded them as they played with a feeling that Sri Lanka couldn’t beat them.
England didn’t learn from their mistakes on Day 3 as their stubborn and reckless approach with the bat left them reeling at 84 for 7. If not for Jamie Smith’s blazing 67 off 50 balls, England’s innings would have folded much earlier than 156.
Set a target of 219, the visitors reached the target for the loss of two wickets before lunch on the fourth day as youngster Nissanka and veteran Angelo Mathews (32 not out) steered them home with an unbroken partnership of 111.
It was a significant win for Sri Lanka, who ended a run of seven successive Test defeats by England. The Islanders also surpassed Pakistan and India by recording the highest successive run-chase by an Asian team in England with their first victory on English soil since 2014.
Highest successful-run chases by Asian teams on English soil
219: SL vs ENG, The Oval, 2024
180: PAK vs AUS, Headingley, 2010
173: IND vs ENG, The Oval, 1971
148: PAK vs ENG, The Oval, 2010
138: PAK vs ENG, Lord’s, 1992
It was a big reality check for England, who threw away the match from a position of huge strength on Day 1. But credit should also be given to Dhananjaya de Silva’s side, which took full advantage to claim a landmark win.
ENG vs SL: England threw away the match from a position of huge strength on Day 1 and Sri Lanka took full advantage to claim a landmark win. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
