England v Sri Lanka, 2016
Wisden's review of the fourth ODI, England v Sri Lanka, 2016
Dean Wilson
15-Apr-2017
At The Oval, June 29 (day/night). England won by six wickets (DLS). England 2pts. Toss: England.
On his home ground, Jason Roy came within a hit of overhauling England's long-standing individual record score. But, having pillaged a spectacular 162, he aimed a tired hoick at Pradeep Fernando, and was bowled. It meant the record remained Robin Smith's unbeaten 167, made against Australia at Birmingham in 1993, though it would fall before the summer was out. Roy faced 118 balls, and hit 13 fours and three sixes. Just as impressive was his work-rate: he scampered 16 twos and 54 singles. By the time he fell in the 38th over of a game restricted to 42 a side by the weather, England were in sight of a series-clinching victory. After Ali (promoted to open because Alex Hales had jarred his back) went cheaply, Root helped pile on 149 in 18 overs, an England record for the second wicket against Sri Lanka. Then Morgan and Bairstow sat back and let Roy run riot; the pick of his innings was a massive straight strike off Prasanna that sailed into the pavilion. Earlier, Sri Lanka had produced their best batting performance of the series on a flat Oval track, easing past 300 following an interruption for rain in the 19th over. England's target was swelled slightly to 308 - but it was nowhere near enough, and they sailed to their second-highest successful run-chase with 11 balls to spare.
Man of the Match: J. J. Roy.
On his home ground, Jason Roy came within a hit of overhauling England's long-standing individual record score. But, having pillaged a spectacular 162, he aimed a tired hoick at Pradeep Fernando, and was bowled. It meant the record remained Robin Smith's unbeaten 167, made against Australia at Birmingham in 1993, though it would fall before the summer was out. Roy faced 118 balls, and hit 13 fours and three sixes. Just as impressive was his work-rate: he scampered 16 twos and 54 singles. By the time he fell in the 38th over of a game restricted to 42 a side by the weather, England were in sight of a series-clinching victory. After Ali (promoted to open because Alex Hales had jarred his back) went cheaply, Root helped pile on 149 in 18 overs, an England record for the second wicket against Sri Lanka. Then Morgan and Bairstow sat back and let Roy run riot; the pick of his innings was a massive straight strike off Prasanna that sailed into the pavilion. Earlier, Sri Lanka had produced their best batting performance of the series on a flat Oval track, easing past 300 following an interruption for rain in the 19th over. England's target was swelled slightly to 308 - but it was nowhere near enough, and they sailed to their second-highest successful run-chase with 11 balls to spare.
Man of the Match: J. J. Roy.