Chamara Silva, who collected a pair in his debut Test, but roared back in this game with a scintillating ton, was awarded the Man-of-the-Match trophy. Stephen Fleming makes a nice speech.. "Sri Lankans played great cricket, Over the past year they have emerged as a credible and strong Test team. ... they have one of the greatest spin bowlers (Murali) and a action which is very difficult to pick (Malinga)" That about sums it up for as well. It was a wonderful comeback from a team who had lost the first Test. There was some controversy as well. A run out. Debates raged about whether it was unsporting. And here we are now.. all even stevens and wondering why is it so. Surely, these two-match series should be discontinued.
This is Sriram Veera, and along with Jamie Alter, signing off. It was good fun bringing you the live action. Till next time, good bye and good luck!
JEC Franklin c Silva b Muralidaran 44 (133m 95b 4x4 1x6) SR: 46.31
END OF OVER:85 | 8 Runs | NZ: 286/9
- Chris Martin4 (7b)
- James Franklin44 (94b)
- Farveez Maharoof11-1-47-1
- Muthiah Muralidaran34-9-87-5
Ray H writes in, "In response to Warwick Inder I would like to add I think NZ presently has the same selection problems as the England....i.e., some of the 'best' players are sitting on the sidelines. How can Ryder with a 1st class average of nearly 50 not be selected; how can Ross Taylor with as good a technique as Crowe not be selected. Conversely, how do we select How and Cumming with their domestic averages? If we look at the bowlers also I ask myself why players such as Adams, Gillespie and Patel are not in the frame. If NZ cricket is going to progress it must leave those that are not performing behind. "
Ben attacks me with, "You forgot to point out that Martin has bought up his 50 - in only 33 matches" My bad.
Derek screams out, "I don't think it is necessary to spell Fleming. Just reverse the batting order!
END OF OVER:84 | (maiden) | NZ: 278/9
- James Franklin44 (94b)
- Chris Martin0 (1b)
- Muthiah Muralidaran34-9-87-5
- Farveez Maharoof10-1-43-1
Still on Tindill. Carey again. "Tindill is unique also in that he is the only one that played both test cricket and rugby whereas Oliver, Page, McKechnie and Wilson represented NZ at either one day internationals in cricket or tour matches only with the AB's. As a gutsy left handed batsman, I am sure he would have enjoyed Vettori's brave knock."
END OF OVER:83 | 3 Runs 1 Wkt | NZ: 278/9
- Chris Martin0 (1b)
- James Franklin44 (88b)
- Farveez Maharoof10-1-43-1
- Muthiah Muralidaran33-8-87-5
SE Bond c †Sangakkara b Maharoof 6 (25m 18b 1x4 0x6) SR: 33.33
Both me and Dave need to get a life! Dave writes in to say, "Question is how many lives does Bond have? Easy answer: 007!"
END OF OVER:82 | 3 Runs | NZ: 275/8
- James Franklin43 (87b)
- Shane Bond6 (12b)
- Muthiah Muralidaran33-8-87-5
- Farveez Maharoof9-1-40-0