Indika De Saram century as Zimbabwe fight for survival

For the third test match in succession Zimbabwe enter the final day fighting for survival. The day promises to be one of the most tedious days of international cricket imaginable, as Zimbabwe gave up hope of winning this match with 152 overs still remaining in the match. At the close the visitors had crawled to 51-1 off an incredible 48 overs.

It is disappointing that they could not have adopted a more positive approach having bowled out the Sri Lankans for 244. Whilst a lead of 118 is a substantial one on a wicket such as this, the players have come to Sri Lanka primarily to learn. They have learned little today apart from how to lunge forward to spinners on a slow wicket. What's more, one doubts whether such an approach is the best way to draw this test match with so many overs remaining. Whilst the Zimbabweans distaste for losing is understandable, crickets primary function is to entertain. Without spectators there would be no game.

For their part, the Sri Lankan's will be disappointed with the performance of their spinners on a wicket that is turning so much. Whilst the pitch has slowed down in pace they should have caused more problems for the Zimbabweans. Quite predictable, neither of the spinners had the variation to outwit such one-dimensional batting.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the batting of Indika De Saram (143) who scored 69% of the Sri Lankan runs with a magnificent century. The next highest score was Rangana Herath with 17! He was the only batsmen, from either side, who was able to come to terms with this wicket. A composed player with a balanced stance, his footwork is characterised by its simplicity. Being a small man he relies on timing for his power and is thus a stylish player to watch.

He paced his innings well today. When Sri Lanka slipped to 166-7 after the loss of Thilan Samaraweera (13), Prasana Jayawardena (7) and Dinusha Fernando (0), Indika sensed the importance of the moment and took the attack to the Zimbabwean bowlers. Well supported by Rangana Herath (17) he put on 66 for the 8th wicket. Suddenly a lead of just 40 was transformed into a match winning one of 118.

During that 8th wicket stand he changed the game. Prior to it the Zimbabweans had been pressing hard for wickets. Gus Mackay toiled long and hard in the first session but with little reward for his endeavors and Raymond Price continued to impress with a fine spell of left arm spin, picking up 4 wickets in the innings.

However the 8th wicket stand drowned the player's hopes of victory and diffused their enthusiasm. The close fielders were dispersed and the sweepers were dispatched to the boundaries. When Indika De Saram was finally dismissed, caught at mid-off trying to flail the ball over the top, it was too late for the Zimbabwean's.

Zimbabwe changed the batting order in the second innings. Gavin Rennie was relieved after a succession of LBW dismissals and was replaced by Douglas Marillier (20). Both Marillier and Price soon settled into their defensive mode. If their style was not laudable then at least their unstinting concentration is admirable. Especially Price who has now batted 287 deliveries for his 26 runs in this match.

Douglas Marillier was the only man dismissed in the innings, despite incessant appealing from the unashamed Sri Lankans, when he was bowled by Herath after a timely switch of ends. Rangana herath was the pick of spinners today finishing with 1-7 off 17 overs! He deserved more as he frequently beat the right handers.