England vs Sri Lanka 2014

(07-06-2014 01:01 )Hawaiian Brian Wrote:  Just read Billy the Kid's contribution re the 12 for Lords so looks like Stokes is definitely excluded.

Hopefully he will be considered for the second test.

This is what Cook said about Stokes:

"He's gone for four-and-a-half, almost five runs an over so when you're playing an all-seam attack you've got to be very confident about all the bowlers We've got no doubt how good he will be for England but unfortunately with that injury he received he hasn't played much cricket and it's a big ask to come back quickly from something like that at this stage of his development as a player."

England's batting first, but new boy Sam Robson didn't last long. He made 1 in 7 balls.
England 14-1

22 for 2 now.
Cook played on to his stumps.
Robson went fishing at a ball he did not have to play.
More self inflicted dismissals.
Very poor start

England 209/5 and Prior just coming to the crease. England could do with a innings from him if he can still do it in test cricket. Not sure about England's batting order here - I suspect there's going to be some continued debate about it, but Bell apparently wanted to bat at 4.

Bell really should be batting at 3 imo and Ballance at 5.

England finished the 1st day on 344/5 with Root making a century and his 6th wicket stand with Prior worth 135. Sri Lanka's decision to put England in doesn't look great now.

England have declared on 575/9 with Root unbeaten on 200.

Sri Lanka solid in reply so far, closing the 2nd day on 140/1. A catch behind got ruled out after the decision was sent upstairs - why do that when TV umpires never give them out, even though they usually are?

Important pre lunch session for England this morning..
They need a few quick wickets to force a result.

Sri Lanka finish Saturday on 415/7 with 147 from Sangakkara. 2 wickets for Anderson and 2 for Jordan.