England Destined For Greatness?

The best cricket teams can rise above obstacles, even the weather, because of a confidence that comes from being winners. Like other sides, they have a strong and deep batting line up, class and variety among the bowlers and they snap up the half chances when they are offered but its that winning confidence that secures victories where there were none to be had. For ten years from mid nineties to mid naughties, Australia were that team but England now have the crown.

On a rain interrupted third day, under conditions notoriously difficult for batsmen and following a disastrous start, Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell brushed the obstacles aside and played winning cricket.

Sri Lankawere finished of briskly but with almost the same speed, England were 2-14 inside eight overs: Andrew Strauss gone again for single figures, edging comfortably to first slip and Jonathan Trott tickling one to the keeper from Lakmal bowling right arm round the wicket. The latter may well have been a clever plan but it mattered not as England were in strife with the enigmatic Pietersen striding to the wicket. For almost all of the 40 remaining overs that were slotted among the showers, that's just what Pietersen did ... stride and strut and perhaps even found his old swagger. Was it aided by Herath's late addition to the bowling personnel? Did Sangakkara err? Despite KP's blunder in losing his wicket in the last over of the day, it was a fine innings and included two partnerships which have kept the game completely in England's control.

Cook continued on his run making ways in a partnership of 106 with Pietersen but it was again Bell who caught the eye, scoring at a run a ball with exquisite timing and precise strokeplay. England ended the day in front after scoring at 4 an over, making every effort to set up a winning advantage on Sunday. A lead of 150 may be enough.

A 2-0 series win may well lift them above South Africa making their series against India next month a top of the table clash.