England resolve pleases Flower

England coach Andy Flower was impressed with his side's fighting qualities during the drawn second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's.

The hosts were reduced to 22-3 on the first morning after being asked to bat, but recovered to the extent they were pressing for victory on the final day of the rain-affected match after setting Sri Lanka a target of 343.

Unlike in the series opener at Cardiff when the tourists subsided in 24.4 overs, Sri Lanka batted out for a stalemate at 127-3 when stumps were drawn.

"People reacted very well to that pressure situation. It was very impressive, excellent,'' said Flower.

"To get to 22 for three in the first place was not our most successful piece of batting.

"But from the position we were in, (Alastair) Cook, (Ian) Bell and others did an outstanding job resurrecting the innings.''

When they batted again, England were again indebted to Cook, who continued his astounding run of form with his 18th Test hundred - a sixth in 12 innings, unprecedented among Englishmen.

"I thought it was a tricky second innings," added the coach. "When it started it was in bowler-friendly conditions, and we know Lord's changes character in those overhead conditions.

"We needed to be very good on that fourth afternoon - and I thought Cook, (Jonathan) Trott and (Kevin) Pietersen did really well.''

"I think Kevin (Pietersen) showed on Tuesday, and the evening before, how comfortably he can play left-arm spin."
Andy Flower Quotes of the week

Flower was especially pleased with the Pietersen's 72. "It was significant. I liked the determination and the way he approached that innings,'' he said.

"He was very selective early on, and did the right thing by the team on Monday evening by ensuring he was not out with Cook for the next day.

"In the context of the game and for the team, that innings was a good one.

"He is a class batsman, and we hope that will kickstart a great summer for him. I don't see any reason why it won't be.

"I think Kevin showed on Tuesday, and the evening before, how comfortably he can play left-arm spin.

"If he continues in that mode, he will be making a lot of runs against all types of bowlers.''

Pietersen eventually fell to left-arm spin again, for the 20th time in Tests, but only after a major contribution and to a very good delivery.

England lead the three-match series 1-0 heading into the final Test at the Rose Bowl, starting on June 16.

 

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