1 Jun 2011

Stuart Law suffers ignominious first Test loss as coach

1:26 pm on 1 June 2011

The former Australian Test batsman Stuart Law's first Test as interim coach of Sri Lanka has ended in embarrassment after a stunning final day collapse.

In a rain-affected match that seemed destined for a draw at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, England rolled Sri Lanka for just 82 on the last day to claim an innings and 14 runs victory.

England had earlier declared their first innings at 496 for five, a lead of 96, with only 51 overs left in the day's play.

Despite the humiliating defeat, Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan said there was no point reading the riot act to his team for their meek surrender with the second Test at Lord's set to start on Friday.

He says while it will be difficult to forget the match they must stick together as a team and is confident his side can rebound for the second Test.

The Test was Sri Lanka's first outside the subcontinent since 2008.