On this day in 2011 – England trigger sensational collapse to bundle Sri Lanka
24.4 overs. That is the duration the entire Sri Lankan second innings lasted against England at Cardiff on 30th May 2011. Let us dig a little deeper into what actually transpired in this eventful match.
Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to wield the willow first. The Sri Lankan openers gave an excellent start for the visitors and put on a 93-run opening stand for the first wicket. But then, Sri Lanka lost both their batting legends, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene in quick succession, and slipped to 133/3.
But then, Prasanna Jayawardene stood up for the visitors. The right-hander scored a magnificent 112 off 168 deliveries and kept the England bowlers at bay, as Sri Lanka ended their first innings with a competitive total of 400 on the board. For England, James Anderson and Graeme Swann scalped 3 wickets each with the red cherry in hand.
In reply, England produced a ravishing performance with the bat and declared their innings with their scorecard reading 496/5. While Alastair Cook and Ian Bell scored centuries, Jonathan Trott was the star performer. In an innings laced with 17 fours, Trott scored a classic 203 off 409 deliveries.
But then, the Sri Lankan side produced a miserable performance in the second innings. In fact, such was the sad state of affairs for Sri Lanka, that none of their willow wielders could even score more than 20 runs. Also, 4 Sri Lankan willow wielders failed to trouble the scorers.
Sri Lanka was bowled out for a paltry total of 82, and their entire innings did not even last 25 overs. Chris Tremlett and Graeme Swann sliced through the Sri Lankan batting line-up and scalped 8 wickets between them. Sri Lanka were thrashed by England by an innings and 14 runs.
And, for his magical double century with the willow, Jonathan Trott was awarded the Player of the Match award.
