Sri Lanka v England: Trading tactics for day five

Test previews / Ed Hawkins / 06 April 2012 /

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Graeme Swann will be hoping to take early wickets tomorrow and hopefully that of Mahela Jayawardene

"It is perhaps a little naïve to expect something similar but it is worth discussing stratagem if there is to be a tight finish. Prices can swing wildly and it is important if one is trading in such a situation to keep one’s discipline."

Another batting masterclass from Mahela Jayawardene has given Sri Lanka a chance of saving this match but they will have to carry on batting deep into the last day. As the end approaches it's worth remembering a few golden rules about trading, says Ed Hawkins.

I'm not sure if you can hear but if you put your ear very close to the television set in the early hours when England resume their must-win second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo tomorrow, you might be able to hear their nerves jangling.

As predicted, Sri Lanka are making England fret. And it is no surprise to have seen Mahela Jayawardene leading the fight, with a little help from Thilan Samaraweera.

It would be unfair to say Jayawardene wrote the book on obduracy because he is, to all intents and purposes, a flair player of extraordinary grace and charm. He is one of the most attractive batsmen to watch in the world. But, boy, can he drop anchor.

Samararweera had a reputation for just for grit and between them they are tougher to remove than grease from a silk shirt. You can try to be cute, aggressive or just use brute force but it is darn tough to budge.

So we could have a topsy-turvy day in store on the final day in Colombo and that could mean plenty of change on all three results. With Sri Lanka enjoying a lead of 31, they still have a sniff of victory, even if Graeme Swann struck twice late on because of the way the hosts have 'reversed' their batting. Angelo Mathews and Prasanna Jayawardene are more than adequtre accomplish for their captain.

Yesterday we discussed that possibility of a surprise comeback, pointing to the mental scars left by England's collapse in the face of a small chase against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

It is perhaps a little naïve to expect something similar but it is worth discussing stratagem if there is to be a tight finish. Prices can swing wildly and it is important if one is trading in such a situation to keep one's discipline.

That means remembering some golden rules. Firstly, before placing a trade (a back-to-lay or the other way round), work out what you want from it. Are you looking for a whole point swing or something smaller? This can depend on stakes but not everyone is a big hitter, of course.

Once you have decided what you are after, stick to it. This might mean backing England at, say [1.60] and then laying off at [1.40].

Secondly, it is important to not get carried away. Yes, Sri Lanka are a nice price at [20.00], you might say, but that doesn't mean you have the house on them and then, half an hour later, switch off the television in a rage because no-one has taken a two-wicket maiden. It is best to plan for bite-size price movements.

Thirdly, and this is the most tricky, try to think what the situation in the match will be in ten or 20 minutes time. Become the on-field skipper. Is this bowler tired? How are we trying to get this batsman out? It all helps to form an opinion, and a smart one, too.

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