Cricket: Pietersen the spark as the long-awaited test England secure victory

Published on Sunday, 15 April 2012 14: 51

It took throughout the winter but England finally won a test match on the sub-continent and proved that they win are suitable in all conditions and on all surfaces.

In fact, when in the last four play which had focused batsman, as in Colombo, bright, and above all played as straight as in the game, then a few other tests would have won. Their troubles have been well documented, but pleasing Kevin Pietersen scored great century, that many big players was worthy.

Not even, Mahela Jayawardene scored as easily or as freely as Pietersen, apart from the dispute about his switch hit, proved that he had learned from its mistakes in the UAE and developed to survive a technology and method and leads to secure results.

The significance of Pietersen's England cannot be stressed enough. Destroyed in the first innings he Sri Lanka confidence make which is correct, but occasionally repellent strokeplay. It was not notable, self indulgent and superlatives, but, clinical and aggressive. The Andrew Strauss of joy for his captain, is not only running, but the speed at which he scores. If he had along the meanders, collect in the style of Jonathan Trott, it was the same result achieved and England still option would in a strong position if you must, but the game would have three hours closer at the end of a tie make more likely than an England win.

Awarded the bowlers, since they have been of comfort "for a long time, to dismiss Sri Lanka in the second innings." On flat wickets tends seam or swing, that hardly a team have two new balls, so this means that innings lasts around 100 took over. Bowling is that hard, which is why James Anderson was the outstanding cricketer of the winter.

Anderson has England seam attack with incredible endurance, skill and success carried. The heat in this bright Colombo has debilitating was and yet if the ball at the last meeting raised it to consistently deliver a different search spell awakened. His fitness and willpower should is not refuted by his boy band, everyone sees. Over the five games he has 18 wickets at an average of 25, the figures, which would be good for a spinner to drive spin-friendly wickets, hit, but absolutely amazing considering he is a pace bowler, the swing depends on.

Stuart broad was also outstanding before injury forced his return home and Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar proved that they can mix it with the locals. He was strong back to his best in this match, the ball before immersion, fizzing and spiders. Therefore England now the No. 1, should be retained on the ground at least until the series of the year in the middle of summer when the South Africans came to England. Anderson and broad square against Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.

Both types of dough will be a thorough examination of the art and the courage and this time the England six have no excuse on the conditions.