da betsson： Andrew Miller provides the plays of the day from the fourth day between Sri Lanka and England in Colombo
Andrew Miller in Colombo12-Dec-2007
Lifting spirits: Stuart Broad was rewarded for his commitment by claiming Chaminda Vaas as his first Test wicket © Getty Images
Wicket of the day
Steve Harmison’s leaping delivery to dismiss Jehan Mubarak. It wasanother classic Harmison splice-trembler that confirmed his importance- when on form – to England’s cause. It came in the ninth over of themorning and confirmed that the good pace and rhythm that Harmison hadshowed in his first foray of the innings was no illusion. If Galleprovides any assistance for England’s quicks, he’s seems to be in themood to exploit it.Spirit-raiser of the day
Stuart Broad’s debut wicket. Before the match, Peter Moores had raisedjustifiable concerns about young Stuart’s stickability. He’s onlybowled more than 25 overs on four occasions in first-class cricket,and England are in no hurry to break their most exciting youngfast-bowling talent before he’s reached full maturity. But Broad ismade of stronger stuff than his willowy frame suggests, and in the29th over he finally got his man, as Chaminda Vaas fluffed anattempted hook and Ian Bell claimed a simple chance above his head.Shot of the day
Mahela Jayawardene had a slightly different mindset when he resumedhis innings today. He was less content to faff around and went afterthe bowling with some intent, most notably when he went down on oneknee to Monty Panesar and smeared him over midwicket for four. It wasthe most aggression he’d shown all game, but it came back to haunt himone over later – he tried the same shot, and Paul Collingwood at slippouched a steepling top-edge.Quote of the day
“C’mon Westlife, give us a ballad!” That was how Matt Prior set aboutenlivening the afternoon session, as England’s heads threatened todrop. His words were picked up on the stump microphone, although itisn’t entirely clear who was the target of his quip. A quick poll offemale teenage cricket fans, however, reveals that Broad is thelikeliest boy-bander in the current England set-up.Bowling change of the day
After bowling more than 47 overs for his five wickets in the firstinnings, Muttiah Muralitharan appealed for someone – anyone – to helpshare the spin-bowling load. And so, with scores of 0, 9 and 9 underhis belt, and a new string urgently needed for his bow, up steppedJehan Mubarak in the ninth over of England’s second innings. SanathJayasuriya he ain’t. A first-ball long-hop and three full-tosseslater, he was sent to graze in the outfield, as Murali was coaxed intothe attack in his place.Cheer of the day
Cricket is a perverse sport – you pay good money to go and watch yourteam, and as often as not – if you’re an England supporter – you’rejust as happy to see no cricket at all. “It’s so dark, it’sunbelievable,” chanted the Barmy Army, as the light began to fade, andsure enough, one over later, Aleem Dar whipped the bails off. Thenoise from the stands was louder than for any of England’s wickets,and as for Aleem, his efforts earned the ultimate accolade: “Aleem’sin the Army,” chanted the Barmies.