2nd Test: Cook relies on pace attack for Sri Lanka decider

England captain refuses to dwell on absence of competitive spinners.

LONDON: The lack of a front-line spinner to replace Graeme Swann continues to vex English cricket, but captain Alastair Cook insists their four-man pace attack remains the best option, heading into the second Test against Sri Lanka on Friday.

James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Liam Plunkett and Chris Jordan on debut bowled manfully on a flat wicket in the first Test at Lord’s, turning a match that appeared destined for a draw on its head with six wickets in Monday’s remarkable final session.

Sri Lanka’s number 11 batsman Nuwan Pradeep was left grimly hanging on at the close, seeing out the final five balls, including successfully reviewing an lbw decision on the penultimate delivery to ensure the series is still up for grabs in the second and final match at Headingley starting Friday.

England used all-rounder Moeen Ali as their spin option, but the Worcestershire man is a batsman first, and failed to seriously trouble the Sri Lanka batsmen, claiming only the scalp of Kumar Sangakkara in his combined 28 overs.

Swann took 255 wickets in 60 Tests, but abruptly retired midway through the 5-0 Ashes defeat in Australia, and with Peter Moores replacing Andy Flower as coach earlier this year, Cook admitted they had yet to discuss a long-term spin-bowling plan.

“We know we need a front-line spinner to balance the attack,” said Cook.

“You don’t become a really good side without one. At the moment, with our options, we think this is the best side, so we might carry on seeing this side play until we feel there is someone ready to play.

“It is a cause of concern and something which we need to try and address as quick as we can.”

England are likely to name the same team for the second Test, while Sri Lanka are set to be without wicketkeeper-batsman Prasanna Jayawardene with an injured finger, as well as quick Suranga Lakmal, who missed the first Test with a hamstring tear.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.