Bat and ball / Andrew Hughes / 06 December 2007 /

Our cricket man Andrew Hughes rates the individual performances of the England XI that lost the First Test at Kandy

Now that's what Test cricket is all about! The First Test in Kandy had everything; a world record for the greatest spinner of the modern era, fluctuating fortunes, a close finish in failing light, a collapsing roof, an invasion of bees and a pitch that offered early swing, generous spin and flattened out nicely for batting after lunch. While we get our breath back here are my marks out of ten for the tourists:

Cook 0/10

Had a shocker, 4 runs, 7 balls and bamboozled by the wily Vaas's left arm swing. Has the potential and is not under pressure but needs to get his feet moving early on and restrain his instinct to fish outside the off stump.

Vaughan 7/10

A mixed game with the bat, a dogged 37 on the second day was the foundation on which the first innings lead was built. But he was done up like a kipper by Vaas early on the fifth day to herald a mini collapse. Marshalled his bowlers pretty well and got the balance right in the field.

Bell 8/10

England's batsman of the moment, the only one in any sort of touch. Played some gorgeous cover drives on the second day and his last day 83 that took England to the brink of safety was a masterpiece of sustained concentration. Should perhaps have gone on to three figures and did drop a couple at slip, where he looks uncomfortable.

Pietersen 5/10

The definitive Pietersen of recent times, outrageous shots interspersed with poor judgement and a dose of bad luck. Could do nothing about the shooter that cleaned him up on the last day but was outthought padding up to Murali in the first innings and his average continues to creep downwards.

Collingwood 3/10

Back in the ranks he ground out an ugly 45 to secure the first innings lead. But his patience deserted him at a crucial time on the last day. His foot movement is still poor and he remains in no sort of touch.

Bopara 5/10

His second innings display was a refreshing dose of belligerence, replete with wristy well-timed boundaries. It could be argued that cameos were not what were required but in the context of his debut Test it was a welcome sign of confidence.

Prior 6/10

Kept tidily and despite looking all at sea in the first innings, came back with an intelligent and gutsy knock on the last day, despite being roughed up by some short stuff from Fernando.

Sidebottom 5/10

Struggled with his line on the first day particularly, but stuck at it and bowled better in the second innings with no reward. These aren't his conditions but he is an admirable and reliable servant.

Hoggard 8/10

England's best, he wrecked the Sri Lankan batting on the first day with swing then switched to economy off cutter mode. A class act, his performance was all the more creditable given the back strain with which he toiled in the second innings.

Anderson 3/10

The continuing faith shown in Anderson is baffling as he poses very little threat to batsmen outside English conditions and combines a wayward line with mental fragility. Wilted under the onslaught of Jayasuriya and Sangakkara.

Panesar 6/10

Monty was below par throughout, getting a fair amount of turn but straining too often for the wicket taking ball and not racking up enough maidens. He needs to learn from this and not try to out Murali the master.

The law of sod has struck and England will be without the one bowler they can't afford to lose for the Second Test. Common sense tells us that Hoggard's replacement will be Stuart Broad since the only Sri Lankan worried about Steve Harmison is the bloke who has to repair the sight screens. Without a credible Flintoff replacement, England are pretty much prevented from employing two spinners and at batting friendly Colombo that will stop them winning. So even though the odds on England at [5.4] are tempting, I will be backing the draw at [2.5]. They did at least show some fight and determination on the last day in Kandy and have the capability to grind out a draw in Colombo.

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