England rediscovered the attitude and discipline that powered them to ODI victory over India in the summer when they recorded a convincing 65-run win over Sri Lanka.
England’s top order again failed to fire, only Mustard making a real contribution with 28 from 36 balls. Pietersen in particular looked out of sorts, struggling to make 12 runs off 41 balls. Collingwood and Shah had the task of getting their team back into the game, and it was Shah’s 82 that set England up with a competitive target. Swann again proved his usefulness as a lower order batsman with a handy 34 off 37 balls.
By contrast to the batting, England’s bowling was a team effort, the wickets evenly shared out amongst the bowlers, only Jimmy Anderson failing to take a scalp, although he bowled well enough to deserve at least one. Ryan Sidebottom proved that he can prosper away from English pitches, but again it was Graeme Swann who shone, taking 2-27 from his 10 overs.
In his current form there is little danger of Swann being replaced with Panesar. England might fancy playing two spinners in one of the forthcoming games, but who would be dropped? All three of the fast bowlers have proved themselves capable in Sri Lankan conditions, and given the last two matches the selectors would be wary of weakening the batting.
Obstructing the Field 