England v Sri Lanka, 2014-15
Wisden's review of the fifth ODI, England v Sri Lanka, 2014-15
15-Apr-2015
At Pallekele, December 10-11, 2014 (day/night). England won by five wickets. Toss: England.
There was gold in the hills of Kandy for England as they fought to stay in the series. Root's third one-day century of the year - and sixth in all international formats - followed a six-wicket haul for Woakes in their most impressive display of the tour. It was sustained over two days after rain interrupted the match at the halfway stage. For the first time in the series, the reserve day came into play, and England returned to the ground knowing a chase of 240 was manageable, even if it would be a record to win at Pallekele. Trepidation about Sri Lanka's spinners turned out to be misplaced, and the England innings, coolly marshalled by Root, oozed a rare authority in subcontinental conditions. Cook and Ali both fell to the off-spin of Senanayake, playing his first international since having his remodelled action cleared by the ICC, but Taylor added 104 with Root, England's only three-figure stand of the series. Taylor made 68, then Root put on another 86 with Bopara. He remained there at the end, having slog-swept his way to three figures, as England won with five balls to spare. A day earlier, Cook - expecting to chase under lights - had chosen to bowl: his seamers located what little juice there was in the pitch, while Tredwell was miserly on his return at the expense of Ben Stokes. Woakes took the last five wickets in 2.5 overs, including four wide deliveries and the wicket of Sangakkara for 91.
Man of the Match: J. E. Root.
There was gold in the hills of Kandy for England as they fought to stay in the series. Root's third one-day century of the year - and sixth in all international formats - followed a six-wicket haul for Woakes in their most impressive display of the tour. It was sustained over two days after rain interrupted the match at the halfway stage. For the first time in the series, the reserve day came into play, and England returned to the ground knowing a chase of 240 was manageable, even if it would be a record to win at Pallekele. Trepidation about Sri Lanka's spinners turned out to be misplaced, and the England innings, coolly marshalled by Root, oozed a rare authority in subcontinental conditions. Cook and Ali both fell to the off-spin of Senanayake, playing his first international since having his remodelled action cleared by the ICC, but Taylor added 104 with Root, England's only three-figure stand of the series. Taylor made 68, then Root put on another 86 with Bopara. He remained there at the end, having slog-swept his way to three figures, as England won with five balls to spare. A day earlier, Cook - expecting to chase under lights - had chosen to bowl: his seamers located what little juice there was in the pitch, while Tredwell was miserly on his return at the expense of Ben Stokes. Woakes took the last five wickets in 2.5 overs, including four wide deliveries and the wicket of Sangakkara for 91.
Man of the Match: J. E. Root.