Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has once again grabbed the headlines on social media. This time, Manjrekar has been lambasted for taking a dig at England’s Test series triumph on Sri Lankan soil.
The Joe Root-led English side followed their 211-run triumph in Galle with a 57-run victory in Pallekele and thereby recorded their first Test series win in Sri Lanka for 17 years. Moreover, the visitors are in a very strong position in the third and final Test in Colombo, having secured a 99-run lead in the second innings with all the wickets in hand.
Amidst this remarkable performance from England in the adverse Asian conditions, Manjrekar on Saturday (November 24) took to Twitter and wrote: “While enjoying the success, Eng would be better served for its long term improvement by acknowledging that this SL side is a pretty weak side. This is currently the easiest subcontinental challenge.”
While enjoying the success, Eng would be better served for its long term improvement by acknowledging that this SL side is a pretty weak side. This is currently the easiest subcontinental challenge.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) November 24, 2018
Manjrekar’s belittling remarks on England’s win certainly didn’t go down too well among the Twitterati as he was brutally trolled thereafter. In fact, the Indian fans didn’t spare the Mumbaikar as well.
Here are some of the reactions:
Yes. Root should make a public statement, preferably with an apology. https://t.co/jAZKvM8bgG
— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) November 24, 2018
Manjrekar ji This is the same Sri Lankan team defeated Sauth Africa. and also playing in india and draw a test match.
— Mohammad Faizy (@MohammadFaizy3) November 24, 2018
What a bloody ridiculous comment. Without stooping to that level, i dont recall India being a super opposition last simmer?
— LB (@lbrown51) November 24, 2018
Beating opponent in his own game is not an easy challenge. England defeated SL on rank turners it cant be undermined. Pitch giving same assistance to both side's spinners England utilized better and won.
— Sunil Singh (@Sunil_1984_) November 25, 2018
This Sri Lankan side lost only one Test & drawn two Tests in India
— JSK (@imjsk27) November 24, 2018
Whitewashed Pakistan in UAE & South Africa/Australia at home but yeah it's the easiest subcontinental challenge... https://t.co/Z2t0ElS8Qd
Ah bless, you ok? Have some chips with your salt, and watch you don’t choke on the sour grapes for pudding
— Tom Howarth (@Sirbobbyliveson) November 24, 2018
It is worth mention here that England will move up to the second spot in the ICC Test rankings after the conclusion of the three-match Test series in Sri Lanka. Having taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, Root and company will push South Africa down to third in the rankings irrespective of the outcome of the Colombo Test.