Cricket:England pulled off one of the most remarkable victories in test history as they skittled Sri Lanka for just 82 on the final afternoon to win by an innings and 14 runs in Cardiff. Graeme Swann (four for 16) and Chris Tremlett (four for 40) were the heroes as the tourists simply crumbled in just 24.4 overs.
England had briefly batted when play got under way at 3pm after yet more rain at the SWALEC Stadium, Ian Bell (103 not out) getting his 13th Test ton before they declared on 496 for five — a lead of just 96, which incredibly proved to be enough.
After play had started four hours late, Andrew Strauss declared England's innings closed at 496 immediately after Ian Bell (103 not out) had reached his 13th test century.
Tremlett, one of only three specialist England bowlers after James Anderson suffered a side strain in Sri Lanka's first innings, struck twice before the tea interval. He claimed the wickets of openers Tharanga Paranavitana (0) and skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan (10).
Ably supported by Swann, Tremlett dismissed Mahela Jayawardene (15) and his namesake Prasanna Jayawardene (3) after the interval. Four of the five days in the match were affected by rain. The second test in the three-match series starts at Lord's on Friday.
Strauss hailed his bowling attack after they the improbable win. The Sri Lankan second innings did not even last two hours, and Strauss said: “I don’t think any of us thought it was hugely possible to get this result, but we knew we could have 50 overs to apply some pressure.
“There was some outstanding bowling from Chris Tremlett with the new ball, Stuart Broad as well, with Graeme Swann backing them up. We were on the receiving end of a similar result in Adelaide four years ago, and you can never relax in this game. We got some early wickets and then we went on.”
Jonathan Trott, whose double-hundred means he is behind only the great Donald Bradman on the all-time test batting averages, was named as man of the match.
“I don‘t get bored of batting,” he said. “It‘s something I work hard on and to play in this team is fantastic. I don‘t pay attention to my average, I just want to contribute to the team. You work really hard to be at the top of your game and it‘s been great in the last couple of months.”
Shell-shocked Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan said: “I‘m really disappointed. We have to forget about it now and regroup and play some good cricket at Lord‘s.”
He expects to have bowler Dilhara Fernando back after injury, adding: “He isfine and bowling in the nets.”