Costly Mistakes: The Great Escape and Wasted Time

The West Indies and Sri Lanka played to a draw in the second Test of what is turning out to be a series for the record books. It was a match of five days, two tales, and countless twists. The hosts were in complete control for the first 120 overs; finding themselves at 118-2 at stumps on day 2, replying to Sri Lanka’s 253 all out. But, the complexion of the match changed on the third day, when the Sri Lankans refused to take the field after they were informed of the umpires’ decision to change the ball; delaying the start of play by two hours. Although the ball was changed, the Asians were presented with an advantage that was nonexistent at the end of day 2 – making the West Indian batsmen wait – returning to the field of play seemingly psyched up. Though the mind-games may not have been intentional, they were without a doubt effective. The West Indies were only able to add 182 for the remaining 8 wickets as Sri Lanka went from taking two wickets in 44 overs to eight within the next 56. The visitors then dominated the remainder of the game, only meeting fierce resistance in the form of Kraigg Brathwaite, who returned to his usual assiduous self. He had help from Shai Hope who showed fight Caribbean fans had not witnessed for some time, staying at the wicket with his fellow Bajan for a total of 36 overs, even while carrying a stomach injury from being hit in the with the ball by Lahiru Kumara.

Initially, one could have been forgiven for seeing the first innings' scorecard and thinking it was a comprehensive bowling performance from the hosts. After all, Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach did restrict the opposition (who won the toss) on Day 1; with figures of 5/59 and 4/49, respectively. Nevertheless, Windies bowlers were found wanting, both in line and length. For much of the 79 overs, the hosts were found guilty of perusing too short a length on a wicket which was rewarding a good length and a line which forces a batsmen to play.

It must be said that the Caribbean seamers were good in the 1st innings, but they were nowhere near their best. Therefore, merely being ‘good’ meant they had to be near perfect in the field. Case in point, there was a dropped catch and seven extras, which included two no-balls. Being deceived, they returned to the second innings and continued to bowl short of a good length, almost surrendering the Test because of same. Although, this time around they conceded thirty-four extras including eleven no-balls of which three were wicket-taking deliveries. Two of these wicket-taking no-balls were during the match-changing partnership of 117 between Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis. Thus, there is work to be done by the hosts and going into the final Test on June 23, one would hope that the West Indies will make sufficient changes to see out this series and go on to make permanent adjustments for Bangladesh’s visit to the Caribbean next month.