CARDIFF: England seized one of the most remarkable victories in Test history Monday when it beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 14 runs in a match which appeared doomed to end in a frustrating draw. After 130 overs had been lost to rain in the first Test of a three-match series, England bowled the tourists out for just 82 in a fraction over two hours in their second innings. The result was a stunning turnaround after only 15 wickets had fallen on the first four days and provided yet more evidence that England's ambition to become the number one Test team in the world is a realistic goal. “It will go down as one of the most extraordinary Test matches we have ever played,” England captain Andrew Strauss told reporters. “Earlier in the day I was saying that it was one of the drabbest Test matches I have played,” he added. The final day started four hours late and England batted for only two overs to allow Ian Bell to reach his hundred, declaring at 496 for five. Sri Lanka then began its second innings trailing by 96 runs at 1521 local time. By 1732 the game was over. Fast bowler Chris Tremlett sparked the win with the first three wickets and finished with four for 40. Off-spinner Graeme Swann claimed four for 16 and Stuart Broad wrapped up the win with the final two wickets. England's performance was all the more praiseworthy as it had been reduced to three specialist bowlers when its leading paceman James Anderson suffered a side strain in the Sri Lanka first innings. Last man Suranga Lakmal was the 10th victim when he edged Broad to third slip Alastair Cook to spark jubilant scenes among the England team. “It's very difficult to explain,” said Sri Lanka skipper Dilshan. “I can't believe we got out in 24 overs with such a good batting line-up. We lost the match because we batted badly.”
