England's Alastair Cook revels in special day

Omnisports

May 30, 2016 4:48 AM

Alastair Cook savoured a "special day" after becoming the first England batsman to score 10,000 Test runs as his side beat Sri Lanka by nine wickets

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Alastair Cook savoured a "special day" after becoming the first England batsman to score 10,000 Test runs in a nine-wicket win over Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street on Sunday which sealed the series.

A magnificent century from Dinesh Chandimal (126) and a defiant 61 from spinner Rangana Herath ensured Sri Lanka avoided a second successive innings defeat on day four.

The tourists were skittled out for only 101 in the first innings, but posted 475 second time around to set England a target of just 79 to take an unassailable 2-0 lead with one match to come at Lord's next week.

England captain Cook needed only five runs to become the 12th player to reach the 10,000 mark - as well as the youngest at the age of 31 and 157 days - and scored an unbeaten 47 to make history.

Opening batsman Cook said: "The game is not about personal milestones, it's about the team effort.

"But it's been a real special day, nice to have my family here to see it. It's the seven o'clock nets with Goochie [Graham Gooch], all the hard work that goes into it.

"There's always questions to be asked, no matter how many runs you have behind you, the next innings is most important.

"It does mean a lot but I couldn't do it without the support of my family and team-mates. Credit to Sri Lanka, they played a lot better in the second innings, they found the pitch more to their liking.

"It shows how hard you have to work for Test match wins."

James Anderson was named man of the match after taking 5-58 on day four to pass 450 Tests wickets after claiming 3-36 in the first innings and Cook was full of praise for the paceman.

"Jimmy's 5-50 on a slow wicket shows he's a genius. It's a tough bowling attack to face and I'm glad I can captain them." said Cook.

England have named the same side for the final match of the series in London, which starts next Thursday.

Omnisports

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