Life is indeed full of surprises, things do not always go your way. coins land the wrong side, men in white coats make seemingly unbelievable decisions, but then wouldn't life be dull without these anomalies? For England in picturesque Galle, it was getting a little too much. But all the same, Sri Lanka were the better team on the day.

The conditions and the pitch were always going to be Sri Lankan-friendly, and England fought gamely at times, but in general their batting had too many cracks.

The big threat Murali, was outbowled by the Sri Lankan skipper, Sanath Jayasuriya, and his part-time - maybe an unfair term - left-arm spin, whose match figures of 8 for 94, was beaten to the man of the match award only by Marvan Atapattu's marathon double-ton that laid the foundations for their win.

England's spinners in contrast, where less effective, and Giles in particular never really got to grips, as it were, with the conditions. Much had been expected after his performances in Pakistan. Croft was lively, but never really looked like ripping through the home side.

Sri Lanka took the best part of two days to get 470, but there was always the chance that England would fold twice. This they duly did, but with some assistance from those important men in white coats, who really should know better.

Atherton and Trescothick continued their solid run of partnerships, with 83. Trescothick went on, and enhanced his reputation and experience of spin with a fine debut century. Alec Stewart stuck to his task well, before a leg-side delivery hit him on the boot, and he was duly given out?? A taste of things to come. Something amiss? The laws of the game I fear. After Stewart departed the wheels fell off, - a cameo from Craig white apart - and 253 left them 18 short of the follow-on.

Second time a round, not much changed, apart from Trescothick only getting a fifty. The decisions were just as unhelpful to their cause, but not everyone has an excuse. Stewart held fast, to be undefeated on 34. But 189, after Atherton and Trescothick had added 101, left no one in any doubt, England would need more luck, and more concentration before they reach Kandy. They only managed 442 runs in 244 overs during the game, making Sri Lanka's progress look racy.

Murali and Jayasuriya finished the job for the home side, but the match referee had to warn number of players for excessive appealing. Together with the umpiring fracas, Hanumat Singh would have his work cut out, before the second Test, to bring confidence back to the game. With more Tests on the horizon once the World championship starts in May, there will be a greater call on independent umpiring, the system needs refining, training and vetting, or these situations will rear their unwanted head again.
Richard Kendall