At the Kennington Oval in London, Mark Butcher took aim at England following their shocking batting collapse in the second innings of the third Test match between them and Sri Lanka.
Day 3 saw England off to a brilliant start as they took the final five Sri Lankan wickets for 52 runs, taking a 62-run advantage into the first innings. The hosts, however, were unable to take advantage as they lost their opening seven wickets for 82 runs. England passed the 200-run barrier thanks to a gallant half-century from Jamie Smith, before they were eventually bowled out for 156 in 34 overs.
Mark Butcher, the former cricket player for England, was taken aback by what he witnessed during his country’s second innings.
While appreciating the efforts of Sri Lankan pacers Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando, the former cricket player turned broadcaster bemoaned the fact that several of the top-order batsmen gave up their wickets.
It was startling. That went well when they knocked out Sri Lanka this morning, but after that, they were bowled out in 34 overs, Butcher said.
“Yes, there was movement and Vishwa Fernando and Kumara had that fantastic spell, but they batted with a lead of 60 runs and gave away a few top-order wickets, even though they only had a 60-run lead,” the man stated.
Although England had taken a commanding lead in the Test match, Butcher warned that their lackadaisical batting display on Sunday, September 8, could cost them the opportunity to completely destroy Sri Lanka.
It’s been flipped around. Perhaps due to some end-of-term complacency and some outstanding cricket from Sri Lanka, England is currently facing the prospect of losing quite embarrassingly from two positions of strength in addition to failing to complete the sweep, Butcher continued.
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As they enter Day 4, Sri Lanka is well ahead of schedule, needing just 125 more runs to complete an incredible victory. With Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis batting on 53 and 30, respectively, the visitors have nine wickets in hand.
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