England re-write the history books with series come-back

The enormity of England's achievement of defeating Sri Lanka having been one down in a three Test series can best be appreciated from a look through the record books.

The only other time England have come back to win a three Test series having been behind was against Australia in 1888. Indeed, there are only five previous occurrences of this at all. After England coming back in 1888, there followed a gap of over 100 years before it occurred again. It then happened twice in a few months, South Africa hitting back against New Zealand in 1994-95, and Pakistan doing the same against Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka have twice managed the feat. Firstly against Pakistan in 1995-96, and most recently when they fought back against New Zealand in 1997-98.

The turn of fortunes in this series is even more remarkable bearing in mind that England lost the First Test in this series by an innings. Nothing better illustrates the new found resilience and belief in this Hussain and Fletcher led unit.

England's odds for the Ashes series have been shortened from 5-1 to 100-30 in light of the victory.

It is the first time since 1979 that England have won four consecutive Test series, and sees the team up to fourth in both the Cricketer International and Wisden's ratings. It is only 18 months since Wisden rated England as the worst Test team.

Team Points

Australia 75

South Africa 68

Pakistan 55

England 51

India 42

New Zealand 39

West Indies 37

Sri Lanka 35

Zimbabwe 16

Bangladesh 13