England captain Alastair Cook was delighted with James Anderson’s performance after the fast-bowler inspired England to a 110-run win over Sri Lanka in the first One-Day International (ODI) at The Oval.
“It was an outstanding performance from all the bowlers with Jimmy up front,” he said.
Anderson took four for 18 as Sri Lanka slumped to 121 all out chasing a revised target of 232 in a rain-shortened match.
“Full credit to him, he deserved the wickets and he was begging me for one more over so he could get five,” said Cook.
England made 229 in their 32 overs after a storm halted play for three hours and Sri Lanka’s target was subject to a Duckworth Lewis revision.
“But we batted very well and the way we handled that rain break was very special.”
His Sri Lankan counterpart Tillakaratne Dilshan was not too disappointed by the defeat.
“The short game can go either way. They batted very well and we had to take a chance but it didn’t work.”
But the new England captain warned his side not to let their opening win go to their heads.
“It was a really good start but let’s not get carried away,” said Cook.
“We have got to keep our feet on the floor and get back to working hard before Leeds.”
Anderson’s opening spell of three for 14 from four overs knocked the stuffing out of the Sri Lankan top-order and their innings never recovered.
Sanath Jayasuriya – in his final ODI two days before his 42nd birthday – was snared by a sharp catch by Eoin Morgan off Bresnan for just two although he did manage a wicket in England’s innings.
The teams now head to Leeds for the second match of the
series on Friday.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 30th, 2011.
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