Cook turns up the heat

Opener scores unbeaten 71 as England fights back.

CARDIFF:

Alastair Cook’s appetite for runs showed no sign of being sated as he carried on from where he left off in Australia to guide England to 148 for two against Sri Lanka at tea on the third day.

But despite his unbeaten 71, England were still 252 runs behind Sri Lanka’s first innings 400. This was England’s first Test match since Cook made 189 in an innings win against Australia in Sydney in January that completed a 3-1 Ashes series victory during which the Essex opener scored a mammoth 766 runs at 127.66.

England lost injured nightwatchman James Anderson without adding to their overnight total of 47 for one after rain had washed out the morning session. But Cook and Jonathan Trott (49 not out) then kept Sri Lanka at bay with an unbroken stand of 101.

However, their partnership was overshadowed by confirmation Ashes spearhead Anderson would not bowl again this match because of a side strain he suffered on Friday, with the swing bowler now doubtful for next week’s second of a three-match series at Lord’s.



Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2011.