The spirited Sri Lankans who were tainted with misfortune on a rain-affected day raised the curtains for an exciting finale at Lord’s. Chasing a target of 362, Sri Lanka remained on 32/0 at stumps, needing 330 more runs to win
After an entire session being washed out by rain, England resumed their innings at 109/4 with the intentions of adding on more to the 237-run lead. Early on to the proceedings, Shaminda Eranga who dismissed Nick Compton on the previous day claimed his second wicket by removing Steven Finn for 7.
Skipper Alistair Cook, returning from ankle injury he suffered at silly point, joined opener Alex Hales who was bracing one end with a half-ton under his name. The pair gradually obtained the upper hand as Hales propelled his way with composed strokeplay while captain Cook who was stricken by injury, played the supporting role.
The match, already marred by the DRS setbacks and a few umpiring errors continued to play its role when Nuwan Pradeep was called no-ball by Rod Tucker after Hales was rattled on 58 where the footage showed a fraction behind the line. Prior to this, Hales was involved in another incident on day 3 when Eranga thought he had removed him for 45 but the DRS couldn’t overturn the umpire’s on-field call which was upheld. Moreover, Cook would have made his back to the pavilion for 11 when Sri Lanka decided not to use the DRS when Herath’s delivery struck him on the pad which was given not out in the original call.
Consequently, the Sri Lankan national flag, which was unfurled at the balcony of the dressing room to lift up the spirits after the incorrect decision by Tucker was asked to remove as the MCC does not allow flags or banners at Lord’s.
The 82 run stand was finally broken by Angelo Mathews when he deprived Hales his first test century, trapping him for 94. Going into tea, England stood at 206/6 with a lead of 334 runs but the continuation was again stalled by rain.
Later, England went on to score 233/7 before declaring, setting a target of 362 runs for the visitors. Cook remained unbeaten on 49 while Eranga and Pradeep took 3 wickets each.
At stumps Sri Lanka were 32/0 requiring another 330 runs to record their first ever Test win at the iconic venue. A victory is obtainable if they throttle carefully with unruffled batsmanship. A battle for a stalemate is likely to leave them once again at the receiving end and only a dauntless response would create history.
