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Top 5 Bowling Performances in ENG vs SL Test Matches

James Anderson in action vs Sri Lanka in 2021 (X)James Anderson in action vs Sri Lanka in 2021 (X)

The upcoming three-match Test series between England and Sri Lanka, starting on August 21 in Manchester, promises another chapter in their rivalry. Across 36 Test matches, England leads with 17 wins to Sri Lanka's eight, and 11 games have ended in draws.

As the ENG vs SL showdown looms, Sri Lanka will be keen on improving their track record, while England will look to strengthen their stronghold.

Over the years, the ENG vs SL Test matches have been a showcase for remarkable bowling performances. As the upcoming ENG vs SL 2024 Test series approaches, let’s take a closer look at the top five bowling performances in the England vs Sri Lanka Test series history.

5. James Anderson (England) – 6/40, 2021

James Anderson (Twitter)James Anderson (Twitter)

In the 2021 Galle Test during England's tour of Sri Lanka, England clinched a six-wicket victory over the hosts courtesy of James Anderson and Joe Root.

Anderson delivered a masterclass in seam bowling, capturing 6 wickets for just 40 runs in Sri Lanka's first innings. This stellar performance significantly curtailed Sri Lanka’s scoring, restricting them to 381 despite a strong start.

Despite facing a formidable target, England responded with 344, largely due to Joe Root's brilliant 186. Sri Lanka's second innings crumbled to 126, setting a relatively modest target of 164 for England. The English pursuit was spearheaded by Dom Sibley's resilient 56* and Jos Buttler's brisk 46*, guiding them to victory.

4. Ragana Herath (Sri Lanka) – 6/74, 2012

Rangana Herath (Twitter)Rangana Herath (Twitter)

In the 2012 Test at Galle, Rangana Herath's exceptional bowling was crucial in Sri Lanka's victory over England by 75 runs. Sri Lanka set a solid foundation with 318 in their first innings, thanks to a remarkable 180 from captain Mahela Jayawardene.

Despite England's effort to counter, they were restricted to 193, largely due to Herath's impressive 6-wicket haul for 74 runs.

Sri Lanka then posted 214 in their second innings, setting England a challenging target of 340. Herath continued to dominate, capturing another 6 wickets for 97 runs in England's second innings, which ended at 264.

3. Phil DeFreitas (England) 7/70, 1991

Phil DeFreitas (Twitter)Phil DeFreitas (Twitter)

In the 1991 Test at Lord's between England and Sri Lanka, Phil DeFreitas delivered an outstanding bowling performance that was crucial in setting the stage for England's victory,

England set a strong first innings score of 282, thanks to Alec Stewart's unbeaten 113. Sri Lanka responded with 224, with Chandika Hathurusinghe scoring 66, while Phil DeFreitas dominated with the ball, taking 7 wickets.

England declared their second innings at 364/3, buoyed by Graham Gooch's 174. Chasing 423, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 285, despite Sanath Jayasuriya's spirited 66, as Phil Tufnell picked up 5 wickets, securing a 137-run victory for England.

2. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 8/70, 2006

Muttiah Muralitharan (Twitter)Muttiah Muralitharan (Twitter)

In the 3rd Test at Nottingham in 2006, Sri Lanka clinched a significant 134-run victory over England. Sri Lanka posted 231 in their first innings with the lower order providing crucial runs.

England, in response, narrowly trailed with 229, despite a collective bowling effort led by Muttiah Muralitharan. The Sri Lankan batsmen bettered their performance in the second innings, tallying 322, thanks to contributions from Kumar Sangakkara and Chamara Kapugedera.

Chasing a formidable 325, England succumbed for 190, largely due to Muralitharan's dominant eight-wicket haul in the innings, sealing the win for Sri Lanka by 134 runs.

1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 9/65, 1998

Muttiah Muralitharan (Twitter)Muttiah Muralitharan (Twitter)

In the 1998 Test at The Oval, Sri Lanka dominated England to secure a 10-wicket victory. England first posted 445 runs, with significant contributions from Graeme Hick and John Crawley, despite Muttiah Muralitharan's seven-wicket haul.

Sri Lanka responded emphatically with 591, powered by centuries from Sanath Jayasuriya and Aravinda de Silva. England's second innings crumbled to 181, again under Muralitharan's spell who took nine wickets.

Chasing a modest target of 36, Sri Lanka effortlessly achieved the win without loss, highlighting Muralitharan’s match-defining performance with 16 wickets which earned him the Player of the Match.