Last time, England were in Sri Lanka for a Test, back in December 2007, there was a proper three-match series at stake. If they are struggling against Herath this week, remember they had the mighty Murali to worry about four years ago. While at the time of writing, the First Test could go either way, last time, it was Sri Lanka who dominated. In fact, England got off lightly with a 1-0 defeat.
It started at Kandy, where the visitors unusually established a first innings lead. Matthew Hoggard took 4-29 but it was that man Prasanna Jaywardene who, with Kumar Sangakkara, prevented an early embarrassment. As in the Galle Test in 2012, Ian Bell top-scored for England with 83, frustrating Muralitharan who nevertheless took 6-55. Things then swung Sri Lanka's way. The openers put on a century partnership before Sanga made 152, including another 122 for the third wicket with Mahela Jayawardene, who later declared to set England an unlikely 350 to win. Bell passed 50 again, as did Matt Prior, but the bowlers did their job and the home side won by 88 runs to make it 1-0.
A few days later, the circus moved on to Colombo. This time it was a gritty Cook and a swifter Vaughan who shared a big opening stand. However, it was a patchy England innings, featuring a first-ball duck by Bopara. Debutant Stuart Broad and his colleagues had a tougher time of it, as Sri Lanka amassed 548-9 declared. Opener Vandort scored 138 and both Jayawardenes were again in the runs, led by skipper Mahela, who contributed a hefty 195. Rain and more solid English batting on the final day ensured a draw.
Galle hosted the final Test and England's hopes of equalling the series were soon dashed. Hoggard returned in place of new boy Broad but Sri Lanka once more posted a considerable score, and Mahela was even more dominant, compiling an unbeaten 213. He does seem to enjoy making big hundreds at home against England. Things went from bad to disastrous as Vaughan's side crashed to 81 all out. Only three reached double figures and this time it was the seam of Vaas rather than Murali's spin which did most of the damage. Their second innings spanned more than two days, which lent more to rain than Alistair Cook's patient century, and near certain defeat was averted.
Weather looks unlikely to intervene in March 2012 so there will be a positive result. Sri Lanka must be favourites to go 1-0 up just as they did four years earlier, but when you have KP, Trott, Prior et al, there's always hope. Just don't play back to full deliveries and be thankful you're not up against Mr Muralitharan!
