Following England vs Srilanka Match , which is the upcoming match for England Jamie Anderson says the batsmen have “a point to prove” in Sri Lanka.The England batting line-up has been instrumental in the team’s surge to number one in the Test rankings but, after two years of consistent run scoring throughout the top seven, they came unstuck spectacularly in the recent series against Pakistan.
England were routed 3-0 in the United Arab Emirates as Pakistan, led by spinners Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman, bowled Andrew Strauss’ side out six times for less than 260.
Things have already looked better at the start of this trip, with first-class centuries from Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott.
There were also fifties from Matt Prior, Samit Patel, Ravi Bopara and Kevin Pietersen as the tourists chased down a fourth-innings target of 359 against Sri Lanka’s Development XI.
“They obviously have a point to prove,” said Anderson after England trained for the first time in Galle ahead of Monday’s Test.
“The way we batted in our second innings of the last warm-up game was fantastic. We chased down a really high score in not many overs and we can take a lot of confidence from that.
“All of our top six or seven have had a good hit in the middle on this trip and hopefully they can start well on Monday.”
The issue that will be taxing Strauss and team director Andy Flower most in the build-up to the match is the number six position.
Bopara was the clear favourite to replace the axed Eoin Morgan, not least because his useful medium-pacers offered England another bowling option in unforgiving physical conditions.
Anderson and new ball partner Stuart Broad will be unable to settle in for lengthy spells in this heat and Essex all-rounder Bopara was seen as the ideal relief bowler.
But he is suffering with a side injury and is not fit to bowl in the series.
He may still play as a specialist batsmen, but will now face increased pressure from Patel and Tim Bresnan.
Patel’s batting is of a similar level to Bopara’s and his left-arm spin could make him an attractive option as England seek to lighten the load on their attack.
Anderson admits there is a dilemma.
“It is going to be a difficult decision obviously, with Ravi not being able to bowl,” said Anderson.
“It’s always difficult going in with just two seamers and two spinners and not having that fifth bowling option.
“It’s slightly different for seamers here because in this heat the spells will be shorter than we’re used to.
“Sri Lanka is probably a place where it is easy to leak runs and that’s something we’re well aware of. Hopefully it’s something we can combat.
“Obviously Trotty and KP can bowl a few overs but the decision the selectors have to make is whether they want that fifth bowler to be someone who is more capable with the ball.”
Broad missed England’s first tour match with an ankle sprain, sustained when he tripped over the boundary rope, and he did not bowl in nets this morning.
Anderson is confident that was simply a precaution and expects him to be back up to full speed tomorrow.
“I think his fitness is good,” said Anderson.
“He just wanted an extra day off from bowling after the last game. He bowled quite a few overs in the last game and he’s just giving his ankle a little bit of extra time to recover.”
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