BUMBLE AT THE TEST: Shoaib Bashir wasn’t at his best but Ollie Pope did a decent job as England captain
England secured victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test match at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.
England were aiming for 205 runs and eventually reached their target with five wickets in hand, largely thanks to Joe Root.
Root defied Bazball with an unbeaten run of 62 runs from 128 balls, with the winning runs being scored after 7pm.
Among the spectators was Mail Sport columnist DAVID ‘BUMBLE’ LLOYD.
Read on for Bumble’s thoughts on the Test match and his Manchester diary musings.
Joe Root (right) hit an unbeaten 62 as England beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in the first Test
Groovy tunes
This weekend is Manchester Pride and what a party it is.
I started my evening at the Rat and Pigeon pub (a cozy bar with swinging music) and while I was waiting for my taxi home after a delicious curry at the Sangam, a nice guy came up to me and gave me a big kiss on my cheek!
Bashir not at his best
The young Shoaib Bashir was not at his best.
On a fourth day pitch we were hoping he would have a big impact. But Sri Lanka took care of him. He didn’t bowl a single maiden in the second innings.
Shane Warne always said, ‘Bowl girls, master the game.’ Bashir will only get better from these experiences.
England bowler Shoaib Bashir failed to bowl a single maiden during Sri Lanka’s second innings
Useless little quirks
I saw Ben Duckett swapping the bails, like England do when they need a bit of luck with the ball.
It’s all new to me. When I was a player, some people always put their left pad on first.
By the way, reader: little quirks don’t make any difference!
Pope has done quite well
What did we think of Ollie Pope’s first Test as England captain?
I think he’s done very well. He hasn’t captained much before and it wasn’t easy juggling his bowlers on Saturday after Mark Wood got injured.
The other sailors stuck to their task bravely. On that basis, Pope did a pretty good job in my opinion.
Ollie Pope started with a win in Manchester in his first Test match as England captain
You have to make something happen
They’re nice people in Bumble’s Legends’ Lounge, but some started to complain when England switched to their short-ball tactic.
I explained that when the game is quiet, you have to make something happen.
You can cause a failed shot by hitting the ball in a few times.
Mendis impressive
The forecast for Sunday doesn’t look too good, so I’m glad the worst of Storm Lillian stayed away on Saturday.
Old Trafford deserved a dramatic final day and got it thanks to a courageous performance from Sri Lanka, especially Kamindu Mendis.
The crowd was in good health and the Barmy Army, as always, were in excellent form.
Kamindu Mendis made a century in Sri Lanka’s second innings, hitting 15 fours
Beware of unorthodox action
Dan Lawrence’s bowling action always draws attention. He looks like a contortionist!
Always be wary of a bowler with an unorthodox action. Think Paul Adams or Lasith Malinga.
They proved that you don’t have to worry about pure action: they’ll get it to the other side somehow!