England vs Sri Lanka: Alex Hales admits a rush of adrenaline cost him first Test century

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Tom Collomosse27 May 2016

Alex Hales admitted a rush of adrenaline had stopped him entering the history books for England today.

Had he scored a century, Hales would have become the first batsman to make a hundred in all three forms of the game for England.

Instead, he was dismissed for 83 after trying to cut Sri Lanka spinner Milinda Siriwardana to the boundary. Hales had hit the left-arm spinner’s previous delivery for a straight six and the England opener conceded he had been rash.

“Maybe adrenaline got the better of me and I tried to lamp it for four rather than taking a single,” he said. “While I’ve learned a lot, I’ve still a lot to prove.

“I felt a combination of frustration and anger after getting out. I tried to hit the ball too hard and lost my shape, but you live and learn and I’m looking forward to the second innings. I feel in good touch for the rest of the series.

“Hopefully I will be able to nail the opener’s spot in all three formats. It is only a couple of games ago that I was averaging 17 in Test cricket and there were questions about my spot.”

A win here at Durham would seal the three-match Investec Series for England with a Test to spare, after they took the First Test at Headingley last week.

After choosing to bat first, the home side closed on 310 for six but Hales, Joe Root (80), Jonny Bairstow (48) and James Vince (35) will all be frustrated not to have made bigger scores.

Sri Lanka coach Graham Ford was full of praise for his side’s attitude after their thrashing by an innings and 88 runs at Headingley.

Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Thirimanne and captain Angelo Mathews took superb catches for the tourists and Ford said: “I’m pleased to see the fielding come good down after the attitude they showed in training sessions.

“I’ve always had a high regard for the Sri Lankan attitude but after last week, the blokes have all spoken about wanting to improve.”

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