Bopara injury concern as Bell struggles again

England made it two wins out of two in Sri Lanka with a fourth-innings chase only marred by concern over Ravi Bopara’s fitness and Ian Bell’s form.

The tourists reeled in a target of 359 against a Development XI, despite leaving first-innings centurions Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott in the pavilion in a four-wicket win.

Four others hit half-centuries, with Kevin Pietersen (52), Bopara (66), Matt Prior (84) and Samit Patel (72) all making valuable contributions. Bell, who has had a torrid 2012, made just 11.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But England’s concern ahead of Monday’s first Test is the No 6 spot – and the side strain which is likely to rule Bopara out of bowling in the Test series. In scorching conditions that demand relief bowlers, that will count against him and Patel’s measured knock will have done his chances no harm.

The first session was something of an inconvenience to England, who were more eager to get their second innings under way. Steve Finn, Tim Bresnan and Graeme Swann each claimed a wicket but England were soon encouraging their hosts to score quickly and declare. In the end, Angelo Perera made 90 not out before the lunch declaration at 272 for four – a lead of 358.

England opened with Pietersen and Bell, the two batsmen most in need of time at the crease. Things started well, with Pietersen collecting three fours in the first two overs and Bell hitting two drives to the boundary. But the Warwickshire man was gone in the fifth over, caught behind down the leg side. Bell’s top score in 2012 still stands at 29.

Bopara was in at three to partner Pietersen, who took just 49 balls to reach 50. He was out moments later, though, bowled by Tharanga Lokuarachchi. Bopara also got past fifty despite his injury before falling caught and bowled to Sajeera Weerakoon.

Prior also raced to 50 and, when he was bowled by Fernando, England were 248 for four. Bresnan managed 14 before being caught, bringing in Broad.

As the run chase heated up, Patel was bowled but Broad (17no) and Swann, who scored a whirlwind 31no, wrapped it up.