“These guys played in different conditions altogether” – Jayasuriya lauds de Silva and co. for bettering Sri Lanka’s 1998 triumph at The Oval

Sri Lanka’s interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya hailed Dhananjaya de Silva’s team after they defeated England by eight wickets in the third Test match at Kennington Oval, London. The visitors were able to outplay the hosts in the final Test of the series after losing the opening two games.

Sri Lanka successfully chased down 219 runs, with opener Pathum Nissanka scoring an unbeaten knock of 127 runs. This was also the highest successful run-chase by an Asian team while playing in English conditions.

Sri Lankan bowlers came up with a brilliant display of bowling in England’s second innings, skittling out the hosts for a paltry score of 156.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka had beaten England in 1998 by 10 wickets at the Oval after a double century from Sanath Jayasuriya (213) and a fine knock of 152 runs from Aravinda de Silva. Furthermore, former legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan picked up 16 wickets (seven in the first innings and nine in the second essay) in the Test match.

“About 27 years ago we won here, under Arjuna [Ranatunga]. Murali [Muthiah Muralidaran] got about 16 wickets, I got a double-hundred, Aravinda [de Silva] got a 150. It’s a place we’ll never forget – The Oval,” Jayasuriya said during the post-match press conference.

“But these guys played in different conditions altogether. It was tough conditions, with the grass, the weather, and everything was cloudy and cold. All credit to these boys. The fielders fielded well and the batsmen took responsibility in the second innings,” Jayasuriya admitted.

Meanwhile, England had taken a 62-run lead after Sri Lanka were bundled out for 263. However, the tourists were able to make a solid comeback with the ball in the final Test of the series.

Jayasuriya lauded the quartet pace battery of the team, who delivered for the team in the series. Asitha Fernando scalped 17 wickets in three Test matches and finished as the highest wicket-taker of the series. Lahiru Kumara also bagged 11 wickets in two Test matches he played.