OTD | Sri Lanka became the eighth team to play Test cricket in 1982

Turning the clock 43 years back in 1982 on February 17, happened to be the day when a new Test team, Sri Lanka was introduced as a full-time member with a Test status. The team played under the captaincy of Bandula Warnapura in the first-ever Test match of their 43-year-long history. With their Test debut, Sri Lanka became the eighth team to play Test cricket in the history of the game. 

In their first Test match, the Islanders hosted England in the only Test played at the R Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo from February 17 to 21. The hosts’ skipper Bandula Warnapura won the toss and decided to bat first. 

Batting first, the debutant Test side Sri Lanka were bundled at the score of 218 runs in the first innings. Middle-order batters Ranjan Madugalle and Arjun Ranatunga played the crucial half-century knocks of 65 and 54 runs, respectively. England’s Derek Underwood claimed a five-wicket haul, picking 5 wickets at just 28 runs in 18 overs. Besides him, Bob Willis and Ian Botham also bagged 3 and 2 wickets, respectively. 

In response to Sri Lanka’s 218, England could take a lead of only 5 runs at the end of the first innings, getting bundled out at the score of 223 runs. The veteran batter David Gower scored 89 runs, with 12 fours and a six followed by skipper Kieth Fletcher’s 45 runs, with three fours. 

Sri Lanka’s Ashantha de Mel scalped 4 wickets, alongside Somachandra De Silva’s 3 wickets and 2 wickets picked by Ajit de Silva. 

Sri Lanka fumbled in the second innings to lose their debut Test

Later in the second innings, England bowlers bundled out Sri Lanka at the score of just 175 runs, setting a target of 171 runs for England to chase down in the fourth innings of the game. Sri Lanka skipper Bandula Warnapura scored 38 runs, with five fours followed by number three batter Roy Dias’ 77 runs, with 11 fours. 

John Emburey scalped 6 wickets at just 33 runs in 25 overs for England in the second innings, alongside 3 wickets claimed by Derek Underwood. Bob Willis also picked a wicket at 24 runs in his nine-over stint. 

While chasing the target, England comfortably crossed the line in 58.1 overs, scoring 171 runs for the loss of 3 wickets and won the game by a massive margin of 7 wickets. Chris Tavare played a match-winning knock of 85 runs, with 12 fours. Besides him, opener Graham Gooch and the veteran batter David Gower also scored 31 and 42 runs, respectively.  

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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