Sanath Jayasuriya, the interim head coach of Sri Lanka, reflected on two of the nation’s most significant Test victories at The Oval, highlighting the contrasting challenges faced by the teams.
The first triumph, in 1998, saw Jayasuriya himself leading from the front with a stunning 213, while Muttiah Muralitharan’s 16 wickets on a dry and slow surface played a pivotal role. He fondly remembered that win under captain Arjuna Ranatunga, crediting a strong all-around performance from Sri Lanka’s stars like Aravinda de Silva and Murali.
Fast forward to Sri Lanka’s recent victory, Jayasuriya emphasized the vastly different conditions faced by his team. This time, a green deck and overcast conditions turned the match into a pacer’s delight. The quartet of Asitha Fernando, Milan Rathnayake, Vishwa Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara spearheaded Sri Lanka’s efforts, collectively taking 18 wickets. Jayasuriya praised their relentless commitment and discipline, particularly in the second innings, where England were bundled out for just over 150 runs in under 35 overs.
The head coach was impressed by how Sri Lanka’s bowlers adapted to the conditions and delivered in a way that suited the pitch and weather, a significant contrast to the dry conditions of 1998. He credited the entire team for their resilience, with special mention to Kumara’s aggressive approach and Asitha Fernando’s consistency throughout the series.
This victory marks a major boost for Sri Lanka, and they will now carry this momentum into their upcoming home series against New Zealand, beginning on September 18.
