Blood, sweat and tears for England in Galle today

At the end of day one of the third Test in Sri Lanka, England had only taken four wickets (for the price of 147 runs), but Steve Harmison looked threatening for the first time in many a long month. So much so, in fact, that The Guardian's own Mike Selvey headlined his Wednesday piece "Harmison rediscovers his blood and thunder". Now if that wasn't the sort of hope to summon your correspondent from the arms of Morpheus in the small hours this morning, what would be?

Sadly, the early rising was not hugely rewarded. The first session brought back the worst memories of following England on their ritual winter humiliations while we at home seek desperately to fend off the sub-zero temperatures with cashmere and alpaca. Sloppy fielding from such as Alastair Cook made me wish I was still having a nightmare. Poor Matthew Hoggard was clearly still suffering from his back injury and must feel even worse after becoming another victim of Daryl Harper's random umpiring.

Matt Prior had a pretty shocking day and Ryan Sidebottom - who actually bowled really well - was left steaming when Prior let a really good chance to get Tillakaratne Dilshan escape with bad glovesmanship. Still at least Ryan had yesterday's scalp of Michael Vandort for comfort - though I doubt that helped his mood today. Cook slightly made up for earlier errors by effecting a neat run-out of Dilshan in the last over before tea. Ravi Bopara seemed to be taking advantage of this break-through nicking the wicket of keeper Prassana Jayawardene straight after.

However the main man, Mahela Jayawardene had different plans, and after a sublime innings that almost makes one forget that one is a fan of the other team, coasted serenely to 149 not-out at the close of play. He really is the most delightful of cricketers and it is a privilege to be of this generation and enjoy his masterful stroke-making. Since taking on the captaincy he has gone from strength to strength and I understand his Test average has gone from 50+ to 60+. Marvellous. If only our own England captain could learn by the example that is being set before him.

Tomorrow we rejoin the fray with England needing to take four quick wickets in the first session to even have a chance of not being humiliated. 384 for six at the end of day two must look pretty comfortable for the Lankans.

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]