England v Sri Lanka – Third test match final day report

Match result: Match drawn

Our hopes of an exciting finale to this third test match were sadly dashed by the weather. Only 12.2 overs of play were possible on a decidedly damp final day and the match fizzled out into a draw.

So England win the series comfortably by two tests to nil but what have we learned to prepare us for the upcoming visit of Pakistan?

The top order is still a concern. True Hales is getting his act together and the opening partnership with Cook is starting to look solid. We shall have to wait and see if he can stand up to the greater pace of the Pakistan attack. However, Compton and Vince are just not scoring the runs and it would not be a surprise if replacements were not called up for the next test series.

The lower middle order is definitely not a problem and has got England out of a hole rather more often than they should be required to. Bairstow is in wonderful form with a first class average this season of over a hundred. His doubling up as wicket-keeper does give England a very strong batting line up but he is still not the finished article as a keeper and, hence, we must be prepared to accept and forgive the occasional faux pas in this area.

There is not much to say about the bowling attack. They have performed well in mostly favourable conditions. Finn looked to be coming back to some form in the third test on his home ground but still needs to work on his rhythm. He still looks to collapse slightly as he approaches the wicket.

Anyway, the test matches are over for now and we move on to the one day versions of the noble game. Sri Lanka will soon be heading across the Irish Sea to take on Ireland in two One Day Internationals, the first being on June 16th.