Cricket

Sri Lanka's historic victory at The Oval in 2024 marked a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. While their 1998 triumph at the same venue remains etched in memory, the conditions faced by the 2024 team were far more challenging.Sanath Jayasuriya, a key figure in the 1998 victory, hailed the fast bowlers for their exceptional performance. Unlike the dry and sunny conditions of 1998, the 2024 match was played on a green-tinged track under cold and cloudy skies."These guys played in different conditions altogether," Jayasuriya said. "It was tough conditions, with the grass, the weather, and everything was cloudy and cold. All credit to these boys."Sri Lanka's quartet of quicks, Asitha Fernando, Milan Rathnayake, Vishwa Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara, shared 18 wickets between them. Kumara's aggressive approach and Fernando's consistency were particularly noteworthy."It's the first time we went with four fast bowlers, and we went with that because of the conditions here, and all of them went beyond 100% in their efforts," Jayasuriya said.The series also witnessed the emergence of young talents like Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka. Mendis, batting at No. 7 and 8, scored 267 runs, including a century. Nissanka's aggressive batting, particularly his 127 not out in the second innings, played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's chase."Pathum couldn't play Tests for a few years because of injuries, but he's been doing well in T20s and one-dayers," Jayasuriya said. "He played his natural game here, and I love to see him doing that."Rathnayake, who made his debut in the first Test, impressed with both his bowling and batting. He took 10 wickets and scored 72 and 43 down the order."Milan played Sri Lanka A cricket and we knew that he was a good bowler and could bat well," Jayasuriya said. "But the world didn't know he could bat. He batted really well and bowled really well right through this Test series."Sri Lanka's victory at The Oval in 2024 showcased the resilience and determination of their team. The fast bowlers' exceptional performance, coupled with the emergence of young talents, bodes well for the future of Sri Lankan cricket.

Sri Lanka's bowlers staged a remarkable comeback on the second morning of the first Test against England at The Oval, bowling out the hosts for 325 and reducing their deficit to 324 runs.Resuming at 221 for 3, England collapsed to 6 for 35 in 56 balls, with poor shot selection and falling into Sri Lanka's traps. Ollie Pope, who had scored a dazzling 103 not out overnight, pushed his score to 154 before being dismissed by Vishwa Fernando.Harry Brook, who looked streaky on 8, added just four runs before skying a catch to Asitha Fernando. Vishwa Fernando also dismissed Jamie Smith, while Dhananjaya de Silva removed Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson.Pope brought up his 150 in just 151 balls, but Vishwa ended his knock with a short ball that Pope hooked to deep square leg. Debutant Josh Hull and Shoaib Bashir were the last two wickets to fall, giving Sri Lanka eight wickets in the morning session.Sri Lanka's fast-bowling coach, Aaqib Javed, had suggested his charges would "rest and come up with something better than this" after a dire opening day. The bowlers responded with greater patience and probing lines, making the ball swing and setting traps for the England batters.By lunch on the second day, Sri Lanka had one run on the board for no loss after batting just one over before the break. The tourists will be hoping to continue their improved performance and make further inroads into England's lead in the afternoon session.

Ollie Pope's resurgence as England's captain continued on Friday as he notched his maiden century in the role during the first day of the third Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval.Pope, playing on his home ground, rediscovered his batting touch, scoring an unbeaten 103 off just 103 balls. His innings propelled England to a strong position of 221-3 at the close of play, despite poor light conditions forcing an early end to the day.Sri Lanka, who trail the three-match series 2-0, won the toss and opted to field first. However, they failed to capitalize on the overcast skies and green-tinged pitch, as England's openers made a solid start.Ben Duckett, who missed out on a century on Friday, struck consecutive fours off Milan Rathnayake's deliveries. However, Dan Lawrence, playing as a makeshift opener, struggled and was dismissed for just five runs.Pope, batting at number three, got off to a positive start, cutting a loose delivery from Rathnayake for four and later hooking a six off Lahiru Kumara. Duckett raced to a brisk fifty in just 48 balls, including seven boundaries.Despite the floodlights being on, the umpires deemed conditions too unsafe to continue and halted play due to bad light. Rain further delayed the match, which resumed at 1410 GMT.Duckett continued his aggressive approach, ramping Kumara for six over fine leg and then uppercutting him high over third man. However, he fell short of his fourth Test century when he mistimed a scoop off Rathnayake and was caught by wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal.Pope, 26, had a stroke of luck when a top-edged six off Kumara went his way. He completed his seventh Test hundred - and his first at The Oval - when he elegantly square-drove Asitha Fernando for his 13th boundary.However, bad light once again forced the players off the field, and no further play was possible on Friday.England, who have already secured a 3-0 victory against the West Indies earlier in the season, are now aiming for their first clean sweep in a home Test campaign since 2004.

England and Sri Lanka will face off in the final Test of the summer at The Oval, the traditional venue for the season's finale. Despite the limited challenge posed by Sri Lanka, England has dominated the series, aiming to complete a first summer sweep since 2004.Gus Atkinson has emerged as a star for England, taking 33 wickets in five appearances, while Jamie Smith has solidified his position as wicketkeeper. The hosts have also handed a debut to 6ft 7in left-armer Josh Hull, who impressed in the series warm-up.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has struggled to live up to expectations. Despite flashes of resistance from Asitha Fernando and Kamindu Mendis, two first-innings collapses have left them with too much to do. Dhananjaya de Silva's decision to bowl at Lord's also backfired, putting an inexperienced bowling attack under pressure.The Oval Test will be a chance for Ollie Pope to improve his average as Test captain, while Sri Lanka will be determined to avoid a whitewash. The pitch is expected to favor pace, with Sri Lanka opting for a four-man pace attack.

Josh Hull, a towering 6ft 7in left-arm seamer, is set to make his highly anticipated England debut in the third Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval, commencing on Friday. The Leicestershire pacer replaces Matthew Potts in the only change to the side that secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series with a dominant 190-run victory at Lord's.Hull's selection is a testament to his exceptional physical attributes and promising performances at the domestic level. Despite making only nine County Championship appearances, his ability to generate pace and swing with his left-arm angle has caught the attention of England's management. He impressed on his England Lions debut last month, claiming match figures of 5 for 74.Ollie Pope, England's stand-in captain in the absence of Ben Stokes, hailed Hull's potential, describing him as having "a massive ceiling." Pope highlighted Hull's height and ability to reach speeds of up to 90mph, combined with his left-arm angle, as key attributes that make him an exciting prospect.Hull's inclusion adds a unique dimension to England's bowling attack. His height allows him to extract extra bounce, making it difficult for batters to drive the ball. Additionally, his left-arm angle provides a different angle of attack, forcing batters to adjust their approach.Hull's debut marks a significant moment for England, as he becomes the first left-arm seamer to represent the Three Lions in a Test since Sam Curran in 2021. He is only the second left-arm seamer to play a Test for England since Ryan Sidebottom's last appearance in early 2010.

Jasprit Bumrah's devastating spell of 6 for 19 in the first ODI against England at The Oval on July 12, 2022, stands as a testament to his exceptional bowling prowess. It was the best performance by an Indian bowler outside Asia, decimating the hosts and laying the foundation for a comprehensive Indian victory.Bumrah's opening burst was a masterclass in swing and seam bowling. He dismissed Jason Roy and Joe Root for ducks in his first over, sending shockwaves through the English batting lineup. Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingston followed suit, leaving England reeling at 26 for 4.Mohammed Shami complemented Bumrah's brilliance from the other end, claiming 3 for 31. Bumrah returned for his second spell and continued his demolition, clean-bowling Brydon Carse and David Willey to complete his six-wicket haul. England were bundled out for a paltry 110 in just 25.2 overs.Bumrah's spell of 7.2 overs, 3 maidens, 19 runs, and 6 wickets was a statistical masterpiece. It showcased his ability to generate movement and accuracy, making him a formidable force in any conditions.The Indian openers, led by captain Rohit Sharma's unbeaten 76, made light work of the chase. Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan (31*) forged an unbroken 114-run partnership to secure a dominant 10-wicket victory.Bumrah's heroics in the first ODI continued his impressive run of form. He was instrumental in India's recent T20 World Cup triumph, where he emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker.With 149 wickets in 89 ODIs at an average of 23.55 and an economy rate of 4.59, Bumrah has established himself as one of the most potent bowlers in the world. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace makes him a nightmare for batsmen.

South East Stars secured a 19-run victory over Sunrisers under the DLS method in a rain-affected match at The Oval. The Stars' impressive total of 153 for 4 was built around Georgia Redmayne's patient 38, while Emma Jones (36), Phoebe Franklin (23), and Bryony Smith (21) provided the fireworks.Sunrisers' chase was anchored by Grace Scrivens' stylish half-century (62*), but with only Jo Gardner (23) offering meaningful support, they fell short of the target. Dani Gregory's 2 for 21 and Tilly Corteen-Coleman's wicket with her first ball kept the Sunrisers in check.The match was reduced to 18 overs per side due to rain, which delayed the start until 3:50pm. Smith's aggressive start, including four boundaries in one over, set the tone for the Stars' innings. Franklin continued the momentum with four fours, before Villiers dismissed her.Jones then took over, hitting two mighty sixes to boost the Stars' total. Redmayne played a supporting role, while Alice Davidson-Richards added a quickfire 16.Sunrisers' chase began disastrously, losing three wickets for 19 runs. Scrivens responded with a six and a half-century, but Gregory's double strike and Gardner's dismissal left the visitors with too much to do.