By Stephen Brenkley

At last, after a week and eight matchs the Indian Premier League got the combination of ingredients it craved: a big crowd and a close, high scoring game. Chennai Super Kings, having scored 208 for five, edged out Mumbai Indians by six runs. One more boundary and it would have been an authentic thriller.

It was nonetheless exactly what the competition needed...

The real dilemma, as in any revolution you care to mention, is which side to choose. Herein may lie the weakness of the Indian Premier League. So far, the evidence is mainly anecdotal but it is still persuasive.

Stephen Brenkley, out in India to report on the IPL, is today joined by ex-England cricketer Angus Fraser. From 11.30 this morning the two will be discussing the event set to change the face of cricket. Feel free to join the debate or just soak up the conflicting views of The Independent’s star cricket writers.

Stephen gets us under way...

By Stephen Brenkley

A mob apparently turned ugly while queuing to buy tickets for the Indian Premier League on Tuesday. It is what mobs tend to do; it is also exactly what the organisers of the new all-singing, all-dancing competition might have craved - especially since nobody was actually hurt.

From four for three on the first morning of the Third Test, England needed to rally somewhat. They did so and went on by the final afternoon to win the match by 121 runs and the series by 2-1.  It was, more or less, the outcome that could have been predicted before the first ball had been bowled (except perhaps for New Zealand winning a match). But it does not take a churl to suggest that they have much to do to compete properly with the big boys again. Before Peter Moores and the other selectors gather once more they might do well to remember the title and sentiment of the 1965 film featuring Bob Dylan: Don't Look Back.

England, as looked likely from the second day, pressed inexorably towards match and series victory on the fourth day but will need a fifth to make it certain. The tourists took their time declaring, batting on and piling up more runs in the morning to leave New Zealand 553 for victory, some 135 than has ever made in the fourth inningsto win a Test match which seemed a trifle excessive. They took five of the home side's wickets for 222. So victory but the fourth day, Angus, may be remebered for two men - the dceparture of Stephen Fleming from New Zealand's ranks and the advent, esepcially in a long spell in the afternoon, of Stuart Broad. The past and the future merged.

If Peter Moores is a fan of poetry he may have quoted Browning tonight: "God's in his heaven, all's right with the world." England are dominating the deciding Third Test after the third day and the two batsmen who desperately needed runs got them. Andrew Strauss went to an unbeaten career best, his first Test hundred since August 2006, Ian Bell scored his seventh Test hundred. Both innings were splendid and came in the nick of time. And it is possible, Angus, after all the angst we have been purveying over the previous few days that England will pitch up for the First Test at Lord's in May with an unchanged eleven. The opposition may be innocuous but you can only play what's in front of you.

Well, the question which should be on most lips after two extremely odd days of cricket is: "Can anybody bat any more?" On a perfectly acceptable pitch - no, it is better than that - New Zealand went the way of England by collapsing haplessly. There was some splendid bowling- most of it of course,by  Ryan Sidebottom, but the Kiwis co-operated fully. Their last nine wickets went down for 61, and this after they had dominated the first session when Stephen Fleming produced the most fluent, languid batting of the series. England might have expected to be staring defeat in the face, instead they lead by 176, are now clear favourites to win match and series. But however you look at it, Angus, this has hardly been a great advertisement for Test cricket as the acme of the game.

Another appalling day's cricket by England. Patience with the much-vaunted, over-protected batting order has now worn out. They won the toss on a flat pitch and they wasted it. Kevin Pietersen's 129 - and what a good innings it was - was the only bright spot. One poor, insipid shot followed another. Angus, people at home are hopping mad if they haven''t stopped caring by now. While excessive reactions are not to be condoned this was international cricket (by England anyway) of an extremely poor quality.

Having wrapped matters up before lunch on the final day, England are level in the series. It was their first overseas Test win since Mumbai in 2006, their first under Michael Vaughan since Johannesburg in early 2005. It was as straightforward as could have been expected: the tourists took the four wickets they needed without alarm, Brendon McCullum biffed a few runs.  The pitch, always sporting, has attracted criticism but do these people want homogenous surfaces throughout the Test world? There was always something in it for the seamers and I suppose, Angus, to that extent there should be some sympathy for the omitted Stephen Harmison and Matthew Hoggard in view of the results achieved by their replacements, Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad for which they have received many garlands.

England seem poised for victory in the Third Test, which would level the series, but that will not prevent inquests, inquiries and investigations into the state of the side after a sloppy fourth day. The tourists dropped chance after chance in a wretched fielding display, which might not have been helped by a typical Wellington wind, but it failed utterly to support some occasionally splendid bowling. Angus Fraser will probably agree that England will almost certainly win it some time on the fifth day but should already be heading for Napier.

Well, England in the box seats. They finished the third day 421 ahead which means that New Zealand will need a world record fourth innings score to win the Second Test. On this pitch that won't be happening. So good for England. But the day was once more marked by batsmen getting in and then getting out. Two got fifties, none got hundreds, two others got forties. It is hard to understand, Gus. Or is it?  Andrew Strauss made a painstaking, determined 44 before stepping across his stumps but it might not be enought to save him.

England's day. Should be England's match. They finished 148 runs ahead of New Zealand with all second innings wickets intact. They were led to such pre-eminence by the swing bowling of Jimmy Anderson, recalled to the side  along with Stuart Broad in place of the old warhorses, Stephen Harmison and Matthew Hoggard. Anderson supported the selectors' decision almost perfectly with a splendid new ball display which contained just enough measured, swinging full length  balls to trouble the best of batsmen and yielded three wickets. New Zealand then in England style undermined their own recovery. From here England should win Gus and Anderson who finished with a five wicket haul did all that could be asked.

Tim Ambrose and Paul Collingwood put together an impressive partnership during the first day's play and England will be hoping to build on that as they get under way for day two.

Whatever happens, Angus Fraser and Stephen Brenkley will be here this Friday from 9a.m. until 10.30a.m. GMT to discuss the day's events.

Join them and have your say.

What an odd day's Test cricket. Three sessions were distinctly split - the first and third to England and the second to New Zealand and therefore the day as a whole went the way of the tourists. But behind it all lurked longterm concerns that refuse to disappear. England put on 82 for the first wicket after being put in, then lost their top five (again, it might be added)  for another 45 before being salvaged by the latest new wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose and Paul Collingwood as England finished on 291 for 5. Ambrose counter-attacked with intent, New Zealand obligingly fed his cut shot and he prospered. He finished the day on 97 not out and, Gus , before examining a fairly steep downside, it was a gutsy, not to mention necessary innings from Ambrose.

England will be looking for a big improvement in the Second Test and must hope that the decision to drop Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard pays off.

From 9a.m. until 10.30a.m. this Thursday, former England international Angus Fraser and our very own Stephen Brenkley will be online discussing the first day's action.

Get online and join them to have your say.

Ho hum. So much for the prospects of an England victory. Invited to chase 300 to win on the last day, they were bowled out for 110 by New Zealand on a pitch that lacked demons to the end. If the home side thoroughly deserved a win  which they had planne how they might achieve, England's exhibition was excruciating. The tourists were out-played and out-thought and even when they dragged themselves back into the contest on the fourth day they could not make it count. It was awful and England have been awful for too long, contiunally making excuses and providing reasons of different kinds and expecting that things will get better. But things show no signs of getting better, Angus.

Well, anybody who doubted or was beginning to doubt - and there were plenty - the allure, the sheer potency of Test cricket got their answer in Hamilton on  the fourth day. England, out of the match, for so long, were suddenly in it, and how. New Zealand, dominant for so long, took their eye off the ball for a mad half hour and defeat is now a possibility. At the end of the third day, New Zealand lead by 269 runs but have only two second innings left. Ryan Sidebottom took a hat-trick, Monty Panesar redeemed himself, England caught like demons. All four results are now possible. Has Gus Fraser, one of the few men in the world to stay awake on day three, got his breath back?

There is old-fashioned Test cricket and old-fashioned Test cricket. The third day at Hamilton was one reason why the game as it was played 40 or so years ago had to change. There were 199 runs scored in the day for the loss of four wickets - 56 in 33 overs of the second session - and while it was intermittently absorbing the alternative option of watching paint dry would have provoked a stampede to a DIY shop. Engaland are still in danger of losing the match and if the slowness of the pitch was largely the reason for the slowness of the scoring the lack of ambition shown by England spoke of a team ill at ease with themselves. New Zealand's two spinners bowled well but Daniel Vettori and Jeetan Patel were made to resemble Murali and Warne. Gus doubtless will have some positives to take from  England's display.

Angus Fraser and Stephen Brenkley will be online again following the third day of play in New Zealand.

Come and join them between 9a.m. until 10.30a.m. tomorrow (Friday) to have your say.

Well, we might have been before. England, needing and probably expecting to bowl out New Zealand for under 350, watched them make 120 runs more than that. It was not in the game plan. A record seventh wicket partnership for New Zealand against England, betwen Ross Taylor and Daniel Vettori, reached 148. Well as they batted on a docile pitch - and Taylor's straight and extra cover driving was lovely - England's bowling too often matched the surface. Too often it asked too few questions. New Zealand deserved everything they got - and victory must be on their minds - but England frankly looked unprepared and underprepared. Stephen Harmison and Matthew Hoggard in particular did not look ready for a Test match.

England recommence their battle with New Zealand in Day Two of the first Test and you're invited to have your say.

Get online, join the debate with our experts, ask questions and discuss the latest action. From 9a.m. until 10.30a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Stephen Brenkley and former England international Angus Fraser will be online, live, discussing the game exclusively here at Open House. They're keen to see what you have to say.

Back to Test cricket and the purest form of the game for England. It was hardly scintillating stuff on the first day of the series and with New Zealand on 282 for six at the close it was old-fashioned in its way. England may be slightly the more pleased of the two sides, having captured the crucial wicket of Brendon McCullum just before the close. And crucially - not to say unusually - the tourists took some sharp catches. Angus will have been pleased with the way the bowlers stuck at it on a fairly unforgiving pitch.

England's first Test against New Zealand gets under way in Hamilton at 9.30pm tonight, London time. Starting at 8m tomorrow, Wednesday, our acclaimed writers Angus Fraser and Stephen Brenkley will be here discussing the game live online - and you're invited to join in. Gus and Stephen's webchat will kick off tomorrow at 8am - come and find out what they think of the opening day, and have your say.

New Zealand 3, England 1. After rain brought an early end to proceedings, it took the Duckworth Lewis System to decree that New Zealand had won the fifth match of the series. But any method deployed would have judged that they were the better team almost throughout. It could have been 4-1, had they not thrown away a winning position in Napier. England were as awful in patches as the Kiwis were efficient. Overall, what was disappointing was not that the tourists lost but the manner in which they did so and the last match again typified that. They failed to assess the pitch properly quickly enough and then bowled with naivety (to put it kindly) as New Zealand's openers, especially Brendon McCullum, went wild. Perhaps Angus will agree that England have been disappointing in many aspects of the game in the past fortnight.

Nothing like a tense one-day match to get the juices flowing. England and New Zealand were involved in the 23rd tied one-day match in Napier today. There were runs aplenty and a controversial climax. England made 340 for six in their 50 overs which seemed like enough even given the flat pitch. For long spells the Kiwis, led by the improbable figure of Jamie How, seemed to be strolling it.  But England hung in there and thanks to a last over bowled by Luke Wright of all people just restricted New Zealand to stay in with a chance of drawing the series. Had Daniel Vettori been given out run out by the third umpire to the final ball of the 48th over as he should have been it might have been different. Gus, will England feel relieved or robbed?

Well, that was much better by England. They won the third one-dayer - actually a must win in terms of the series - at a canter. Sport is unpredictable of course, which is what makes it worth playing and watching, but the England of today compared to the England of Wellington and Hamilton was breathtakingly different. Perhaps such a gap between the quality of performances is exacerbated by the inexperience of the side. Perhaps a rocket was all that was needed to remind players of what they should be doing. But the series is alive. Nobody was better for England than Ian Bell with 73. He is obviously richly gifted but one wonders if he is becoming one of the enigmas who have always been such a beloved feature of English cricket.

Whether England turn the tide, or they continue to be a wash out, the third ODI will certainly provide much to talk about.

That's why, following the conclusion of tomorrow's game, our acclaimed writers Angus Fraser and Stephen Brenkley will be here discussing the game live online - and you're invited to join them.

Gus and Stephen's webchat will kick off tomorrow at 9:30am - come and find out what they think of the match in New Zealand, and have your own say on the game.

By Stephen Brenkley

Statistics matter in cricket. Always have, always will. For every player who says they never look at the averages, it would be worth searching their laptop for the number of hits on stats data bases.

Twenty20, or twennytwenny, as it is more familiarly called in today’s glottal stop world (should that be gloaal stop?) is a veritable stats fest. In a game of narrow margins, the numbers that come after the decimal point may well prove crucial in a long career.

By Stephen Brenkley

Players come and players go, of course. But the path to the exit door has taken an excessive pounding from cricketers lately.

Shaun Pollock (pictured), the inestimable South Africa all-rounder, has retired, only a week after Adam Gilchrist of Australia announced his impending departure. Barely a year has passed since Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer went from the international scene. Brian Lara and Inzamam-ul-Haq soon followed. Soon doubtless, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly will bat their last.

By Stephen Brenkley

As part of what passes for the ballyhoo before England’s tour of New Zealand gets serious, there was some gentle musing on the captaincy. Ian Bell (pictured) was, somewhat surprisingly, nominated as a possible candidate for the one-day job should the incumbent, Paul Collingwood, be unavailable.

It's fascinating that the topic of the next captain should so often be raised when the present one has no plans to go anywhere. But that is the nature of sporting punditry – always look to the future.

Australia, the best team in the world, do it. Ricky Ponting’s team has lost only one of his 14 Test series and four of his 41 matches. And he has only just turned 33 so there is hardly an imminent vacancy. Yet the latest poll on the Melbourne Cricket Ground’s official website asks: “Who Should be Australia’s next captain?” Michael Hussey is running just ahead of Michael Clarke, as it happens.

By Stephen Brenkley

So Harbhajan Singh got away with it. Or at least that seems to be the general media interpretation of the judgement handed down at an ICC appeal hearing by Justice Hansen of New Zealand.

The point is being missed on a grand scale.

Rain saves England. Or at least ensured they took this Test into a fifth day. The tourists were 102 for one when a flurry of rain forced the players off just before lunch. This was followed by a mighty storm. So a day to bat, the last of the series with Alastair Cook and, especially, Ian Bell looking neatly controlled. But England's performance has gone down badly as embodied by our last three contributors yesterday, whose disaffection bordered on anger. There seems to be a general concern about Kolpak players in county cricket, Gus, and perhaps we can do more to help ourselves. Although I think we both have more sympathy we were both fairly unforgiving in our pieces in this morning's paper.

Bedraggled, bewildered, shortly to be beaten. When a huge afternoon storm hit Galle, England were 61 for six, in supposed pursuit of  Sri Lanka's total of 499 for 8 declared. That represented something of a recovery from 33 for six. It was a limp, ill-disciplined effort by a side kept in the field for more than two days. To be confronted, as they were, by two bowlers, one of whom was swinging it hugely (Chaminda Vaas) and the other of whom was peppering them with extremely rapid, accurate short balls (Lasith Malinga) was not what they wanted. They weren't up to it and they looked frayed and shattered. Even Gus Fraser may assume that it will be hard for England to save it from here. Sri Lanka have been, pure and simple, the better side. And no harm in that.

By Stephen Brenkley

Before he took the field Sri Lanka’s new cap in the Galle Test had a record all to himself. Uda Walawwe Mahim Bandaralage Chanaka Asanka Welegedera has more names and initials than any player in the history of Test cricket, all 2,498 to have preceded him.

He will go down on the scorecard as UWMBCA Welegedera and is known to as Chanaka. Thus he displaces Chaminda Vaas, the veteran left-arm medium pace bowler, who is also playing in this match and has a mere five initials – he is WPUJC.

England are severely lacking in this department and left themselves shorter in this match by omitting Stuart Broad.

A long day for England with relief on the stroke of tea. All at once, they look tired and ready for home. Mistakes in the field may have cost them their opportunity to square the series. Four clear cut chances have gone begging, none quite in the dolly category but all eminently catchable if Tests are to be won. Matt Prior was twice guilty moving to his right - his weaker suit - as was Alastair Cook who could not cling on to a harder chance in the gully at the very start of the day - Tillekeratne Dilshan had not added to his overnight seven at the time -and not long before tea all but ignored an edge as it past him at second slip. The opportunity that Prior did take - smartly to his left off Dilshan's glove - was not given by the umpire.

The result was a wicketless day until just before tea. Mahela Jayawardene, attempting a scurried single to register his second hundred of the series, saw Dilshan narrowly (very narrowly) run out and then the other Jayawardene, Prasanna, edged behind to give Ravi Bopara his first Test wicket. Too little, too late, maybe. The feeling is, Gus, that Sri Lanka may be over the hill even if they are not far away. 

Well, here we are at Galle for the first day of a Test which, for once, is perhaps more than a cricket match. First, apologies for the absence of F and B at the Test - communications in Galle have been a tad tricky. This game has been a long time a'coming. No cricket has been played here since the tsunami on Boxing Day 2004 devastated the ground, a large part of the island and cost somewhere between 31000 and 40000 people their lives. There was an unequivocal determination on the part of all concerned to play this match although the revamped stadium is far from  finished and the weather has conspired against it. Play eventually got underway at noon. England inserted Sri Lanka, probably because the pitch was an unknown quantity, and Gus Fraser may think they are alrteady regretting it.

By Stephen Brenkley

With a spring in their steps and a song in their hearts the England team went off to do good works yesterday. It was heartening to see how willingly they took on their duties on what might have been a golfing or doss around the pool day. So, some might opine, they jolly well ought to as well-paid young role models (but spare us the sanctimony, please).

By Stephen Brenkley

They have been hitting town in their droves and their first port of call has been the cricket ground. There the jaws of England supporters – 3,000 of them due - have dropped.

Galle Stadium, rebuilt after the horrific 2004 tsunami which claimed some 40,000 lives in Sri Lanka, and supposed to be a gleaming symbol of regeneration, looks as though it would be ready to stage a Test match sometime next December. Instead it must be ready – largely sans any spectator amenities whatever, including seats – by Tuesday.

A draw looming here and maybe all to play for in the final Test at Galle, beginning on Tuesday. England have done well enough on the final day in Colombo but nobody - yet - has gone on to make a century for them in the series. Their top three batsmen in the order all made fifties today - and doubtless we'll come again to the indubitably talented, increasingly enigmatic Ian Bell  in a moment. And then there's the pitch. Those able to flog life from a dead horse may have found it to their liking, but is this type of slow surface really suitable for modern Test cricket? Gus may care to ponder briefly.

By Stephen Brenkley

Cricket photographers are a rum lot, not least on England tours abroad where they must spend long hours under a hot sun waiting for the shot that might ring round the world. To while away their time between balls and overs a couple of them have dreamt up a new game: casting the Sri Lankan team as Star Wars figures.

Another day, more torment for England. All the tourists can do now is attempt to save this match and series - when Sri Lanka let them bat again, that is. England have been kept in the field throughout the first two sessions of the fourth day and although they removed Mahela Jayawardene for 195 - what a captain's innings - they ran into further trouble. The Sri Lanka ninth wicket partnership went beyond 70 as tea approached, its chief architect, Prasanna Jayawaredene having been dropped twice on four and nine. It will take an effort of will and skill probably beyond England but Gus Fraser may think they can somehow eke out the draw.  But the better team are winning here.

Some days in Test cricket seem longer, harder and less thrilling than others. This is one such. The day has gone on and and on as has Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lankan captain, 120 not out at tea. Sri Lanka, one up in the series, are playing risk free cricket on a pitch that contains no perils. They have not been especially pedestrian - 95 in the first session, 82 in  the second - but it has rarely been compelling. One wicket fell by tea, Ryan Sidebottom striking with the second new ball. The tourists have stuck at it and an early word is deserved for Stephen Harmison, wicketless but always wholehearted, occasionally quick and thoroughly deserving of a wicket or too as I'm pretty sure a fellow member of the fast bowlers' union will concur.

By Stephen Brenkley

A song was released yesterday marking Muttiah Muralitharan's world record of Test wickets. It is possible to imagine at least another two score commemorative trinkets and marketing opportunities yet, given the way the country has been gripped by the event. Signed, limited edition first day covers are probably already worth a few bob and nobody has started producing the mugs and plates yet.

By Stephen Brenkley

Umpires are always in the game. It goes with the territory. Off the field an umpire might be as unassuming as an undertaker's suit but on it they have to be assertive, ready to make instantaneous, game-shifting decisions and stand by them.

Mistakes are bound to be made as Asaf Raud demonstrated in Kandy and Daryl Harper proved with unnerving certainty on the first day at Colombo. No matter: it is to crickets' credit that by and large the players tolerate and understand human error.

Another day, more fascination, and welcome to the Prior and Sidebottom Show. Together the unlikely pairing, one hirsute, one bereft of hair, have given England considerable cause for optimism in ths match. They shared a crucial ninth wicket stand of 74 - watchful, never passive - and then combined to remove the first two Sri Lankan wickets before tea on the second day. Upul Tharanmga went first, bringing a good diving catch by Prior, and then wonder of wonders, Kumad Sangakkara nicked one which moved late off the pitch. Grand, gritty stuff by the English, Gus?

By Stephen Brenkley

Hardly has play begun in Colombo than thoughts are turning to Galle and the poignant moment when international cricket returns there. It is inevitable. Nearly three years have passed since the tsunami that killed 40,000 and devastated much of the southen resort and its cricket ground on the way.

Teams of labourers are working round the clock to ensure the new ground will be ready in time. It is said that it will be a close run thing. To coincide with the match several admirable tsunami related events are being run.

England won the toss here this morning on a clammy, but breezy day and batted. This went against Gus Fraser's overnight advice but it has worked so far. The openers shared 133 for the first wicket, the first three figure first wicket partnership in 15 Tests. Michael Vaughan looked beautiful - barely another word for it - until he was out for 87. England moved to tea only a wicket down. A grand beginning on another slow, old pitch, Gus?

It's the eve of the Second Test in  Colombo - a must win for England, as they say in the tabloids, if they are also to claim the Test series. No official team changes as yet because the way of things in cricket is that the starting XI is kept a closely guarded secret until the official list is handed by the captain to the match referee half an hour before the scheduled start at the toss. But the hot news is that Stephen Harmison is likely to return to the England side in place of the injured Matthew Hoggard. Not only that but there are increasing whispers that the Stuart Broad may be preferred ahead of James Anderson for his Test debut. Angus, panic or a cunning plan? Do tell the view of a bowler's bowler.

England lost a compelling opening Test by 88 runs with barely half an hour left before the light ran out. Unfortunately, the tourists' wickets ran ourt first. Disappointing to lose as England's captain Michael Vaughan observed. But there were plenty of fine things on show in a gripping match as I'm sure Angus Fraser can be easily persuaded.

By Stephen Brenkley

No cricket side in the world is more faithfully supported than England. Each and every tour is accompanied as it has been for 15 years or so by legion upon legion of travelling fans. It has been no different in Kandy where around 2,500 England fans saw their side beaten by 88 runs yesterday.

By Stephen Brenkley

It was difficult to believe, as the two great Sri Lankans went to their various records, that they were performing on a ground where they played as schoolboys. The Asgiriya ground may have been the venue for 21 Test matches and six one-day internationals but it is, first and foremost, the playing field of Trinity College.

After the record breaking bowling, the record breaking batting. Kumar Sangakkara has batted wonderfully in Kandy to put Sri Lanka in firm control of the First Test. He has now scored four hundreds in his last six innings, seven in his last 14. He has become the 9th player to score hundreds against every other country (apart from their own of course). But enough of stats. It was a magisterial tour de force by a man making the most of being in the form of his life. Wouldn't you say Gus?

By Stephen Brenkley

What, it may be asked as the years pass, have Mluleki Nkala, Martin van Jaarsveld and Paul Collingwood in common as Test cricketers?  Put another way, did you hear the one about the Zimbabwean, the South African and the Englishman?

Well, it might be a slight exaggeration to say that it's all happening at Kandy but it is turning out to be some Test match, one entirely fitting for a world record. Muttiah Muralithan achieved that feat in the morning when he bowled Paul Collingwood to record his 709th dismissal in Tests. But England somehow fashioned a crucial lead of 93 before Sri Lanka fought back with a solid opening stand, unbroken on 89 at tea. Included in that were six successive fours in an over by Sanath Jayasuriya off James Anderson. Angus, have you managed to draw breath?

Just before the rain came down here in Kandy, Muttiah Muralitharan drew level with Shane Warne as the leading Test wicket-taker of all time. Both men are now on 708 but the surest thing in cricket is that Murali will make it 709, 710, 711 and that's by tomorrow. He was running rampantly through England when the downpour arrived. It's like being in England in the 2007 summer. Angus, England still don't look as though they've got much of a clue how to play him, do they?

By Stephen Brenkley

Few things in cricket are as rewarding as listening to a Matthew Hoggard press conference. It is not as if he is especially incisive about the game (though he can be), it is not as though he always knocks 'em dead (though he can do), it is not that he is invariably a model of candour (though he often is).
Nor is he free from cliche, racking up at close of play on the opening day at least five "Put it in the right areas," the most hackneyed bowling phrase de nos jours.

It was a bold selection decision for England to give Ravi Bopara his debut in the First Test. All the smart money seemed to suggest that Owais Shah deserved a chance to make the number six berth his own.

By Stephen Brenkley

England are being made to feel utterly welcome. Sri Lanka is predominantly Buddhist but the lobby and surrounding areas of the Mahawali Reach are filled with artificial Christmas trees (white leaves, red lights). It feels like being in a suburban shopping centre.

And there are other trees on the agenda too. Two players from England and three from Sri Lanka planted specimens of the real things outside the Asgiriya Stadium yesterday. It was the launch of a campaign by the Rotary Club of Sri Lanka which aims to plant 10 million trees in 10 years, splendid not least because the country is not short of trees.

By Stephen Brenkley

Another of the beauties of cricket is that both teams preparing to play the First Test in Kandy are staying in the same hotel. They are mingling at the Mahawali Reach (also temporary home of this reporter) in the same lobby and the same dining room. It could not and would not happen in any other big time professional sport.

It may be partly because Kandy does not have many smart hotels (though it is not entirely bereft either). But it is partly because the players have mutual respect and recognise they are playing a game. The practice is also usual in India, South Africa and Pakistan, though not in Australia.

By Stephen Brenkley

The biggest story in town remains Muttiah Muralitharan. Until he takes Test wicket number 709 and thus overtakes Shane Warne's world record that will remain the case. To reach this, the boy from Kandy needs five more wickets. Or does he? 

It's true that according to official records Murali has so far taken 704 Test wickets but the purists - and they are legion - insist his present tally should stand at 699. Not only purists indeed but those with a passing fancy of what Test cricket should and (should not) be about.

By Stephen Brenkley

On a greatly more sombre note, the future of the Test series was called into question yesterday because of two bomb blasts in Colombo, which is 120km and a light year away from Kandy. The Sri Lankan capital has become a city under siege because of the renewal last year of the Tamil Tigers' bloody struggle for an independent state.

The perpetrator of the first explosion yesterday was an elderly female suicide bomber targeting government offices. The second was seemingly caused when a security guard inspected a suspect package. Sixteen people died.

By Stephen Brenkley

There is a state of high excitement in the hill country of Sri Lanka. This was embodied - as is the case with events the world over - by the taxi driver as he threaded his way through the meandering piles of tuk-tuks in Katugastota on the very fringe of Kandy. "This is where Murali grew up," he gesticulated wildly and proudly. "This is where he learned it all."

Murali, of course, is Muttiah Muralitharan, the champion bowler of Sri Lanka who is about to break one of the most significant of all cricket records. He needs five more wickets to overtake the Australian Shane Warne's record of 708 Test wickets. Since Murali has averaged 6.12 wickets a match in his 115 Tests, 6.75 in Tests in Sri Lanka and 7.2 on his home town track at the Asgiriya Stadium he is the hot favourite to achieve the feat in the First Test against England starting on Saturday.