Hosts Sri Lanka will face England in the final episode of their tour that consists of 3 Tests, beginning this week. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers between these two sides. The first Test at Galle will be the swansong for Rangana Herath, the highest wicket taker in Test history for a left arm spinner.

Since 1982

Sri Lanka at their inaugural Test match (Image courtesy – Getty Images)

After obtaining Test status, Sri Lanka played their first ever Test on the 17th of February 1982 at the P.Sara Oval against England. It was the 921st match in the history of Test cricket. Bandula Warnapura led the Lions while Keith Fletcher captained the visitors.

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It was a close tussle as Sri Lanka bowled out England conceding a mere 5 run lead but later England’s experience proved vital as they eventually turned the tables securing a 7 wicket win.

Sri Lanka’s first win against England came in 1993 when they recorded a 5 wicket win at SSC under the captaincy of Arjuna Ranatunga. Alec Stewart led the visitors this time.

Sri Lanka vs England overall Test record head to head –

  • Played – 31
  • Sri Lanka – 8
  • England – 12
  • Drawn – 11

Recap of the past decade

Wild celebrations after Sri Lanka securing a thrilling win at Headingly in 2014 (Image courtesy – Getty Images)

Sri Lanka toured England in 2006 and the 3 match Test series ended as a 1-1 draw. In the following year, England traveled to Sri Lanka where the 3 match Test series ended 1-0 in favour of the home team who secured an 88 run win in Kandy.

Sri Lanka’s visit to England in 2011 resulted in a 1-0 win for the hosts as they beat the Lankans by innings and 14 runs at Cardiff.

In 2012, England’s tour in Sri Lanka ended in a 1-1 Test series draw as Sri Lanka’s 75 run win at Galle was followed by England’s 8 wicket win at P.Sara Oval.

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Perhaps the most thrilling Test series between the two sides happened when Sri Lanka toured England in 2014. Sri Lanka won the series 1-0; securing a stirring 100 run victory at Leeds on the penultimate delivery of the match after clinging on to  a dramatic draw in the 1st Test at Lords.

In Sri Lanka’s tour to England in 2016, the hosts won the 3 match Test series 2-0.

In the Lion’s Den

Since 1982, Sri Lanka have hosted England in 13 Test matches at home.

Sri Lanka vs England Head to Head Test Record in Sri Lanka –

  • Played – 13
  • Sri Lanka – 5
  • England – 4
  • Draw – 4

The first win for Sri Lanka against England came in 1993 at the SSC. The last time Sri Lanka hosted England in a Test match was in 2012.

Galle International Stadium

England at Galle, during their tour in 2012 (Image courtesy – Getty Images)

With the lovely Indian Ocean on two sides, bordering the famous Dutch Fort and town, Galle is one of the most picturesque venues in international cricket. But hidden behind the panoramic views, Galle has been a fortress for the Lions ever since it hosted its first Test in 1998. Out of the 31 matches played at the venue, Sri Lanka has won 18 while losing 7 and drawing 6 games.

The first time the two sides played in Galle was in 2001; the game ended in an innings and 28 run win for the Lions. The two have met in Galle in 4 Tests with Sri Lanka winning 2 while the remaining have ended in a draw.

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Pallekele International Stadium

Surrounded by misty mountains, the picturesque venue of Pallekele has been hosting Test matches for Sri Lanka since 2010. Sri Lanka have played 6 Tests at the venue, winning one and losing 2, while 3 have ended in a draw. England are yet to play a Test match in Pallekele.

SSC: Since 1984

The Sinhalese Sports Club Ground at Maitland Place has been a venue for Test cricket since 1984. Sri Lanka’s record at the SSC stands at 20 wins to 8 losses and 14 draws in 42 overall games. Both sides have met each other 4 times at the venue with Sri Lanka winning 2 (1993, 2003) to England’s solitary win in 2001. One game has ended as a draw.

Team Records

  • Highest team total – 628/8 dec (Sri Lanka at SSC, 2003)
  • Highest team total (for Eng) – 575/9 dec (at Lord’s, 2014)
  • Lowest team total – 81 all out (Sri Lanka at SSC, 2001)
  • Lowest team total (for Eng) – 81 all out (at Galle, 2007)

Batting Records

  • Most runs – Mahela Jayawardene (2212 runs in 41 innings) (Avg. 58.21)
  • Most runs for England – Alastair Cook (1290 runs in 28 innings) (Avg. 53.75)
  • Most runs in Sri Lanka – Mahela Jayawardene (1424 runs in 18 innings) (Avg. 89.00)
  • Most runs in Sri Lanka (for Eng) – Michael Vaughan (470 runs in 14 innings) (Avg. 33.57)
  • Highest individual score – Mahela Jayawardene (213* at Galle, 2007), Sanath Jayasuriya (213 at The Oval, 1998)
  • Highest individual score (for Eng) – Jonathan Trott (203 at Cardiff, 2011)
  • Highest individual score for England (in SL) – Kevin Pietersen (151 at P.Sara Oval, 2012)

Bowling Records

  • Most wickets – Muttiah Muralitharan (112 wickets in 30 innings) (Avg. 20.06)
  • Most wickets for England – James Anderson (51 wickets in 20 innings) (Avg. 22.27)
  • Most wickets in Sri Lanka – Muttiah Muralitharan (64 wickets in 20 innings) (Avg. 20.70)
  • Most wickets for England (in SL) – Ashley Giles (25 wickets in 10 innings) (Avg. 33.92)
  • Best bowling – Muttiah Muralitharan (9 for 65 at The Oval, 1998)
  • Best bowling (for Eng) – Phil DeFreitas (7 for 70 at Lord’s, 1991)

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