Sl Vs Aus 3rd Test Day4 Cricinfo

Interesting final day ahead

  

AP Sri Lankan batsman Anjelo Mathews acknowledges the crowd after scoring his maiden test century as Australia's Usman Khawaja looks on during the fourth days' play of the third test cricket match between Australia and Sri Lanka in Colombo on Monday.

The Sri Lankan Captain T.M.Dilshan dithered on what a good lead would be to declare this morning, even as Anjelo Mathews consumed precious time on Monday morning to bring up his century. This game could end in a draw,and it will be because Sri Lanka did not back itself up and declare. Anjelo, in line for captaincy, looked more interested in his personal landmark than in the team pulling level in this series.

Angelo Mathews, one of the two Sri Lankan batsmen who held the side together in this series against Australia, and the tail were in the middle for close to 20 overs and the addition to the total was less than 50.

And, if Sri Lanka is not left with enough time to chase down the target set by Australia – that is if the Aussies fold up on Tuesday morning – then, Anjelo will not need to look any further to find out who stood between a possible thrilling victory and a dreary draw.

Australia were barely 52 runs ahead in their second innings at the end of Day 4 in the last and final test of the three test series against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club grounds here on Monday. The Aussies lost 3 wickets for 209 runs.

The Aussie second innings began well with the opening pair putting on 62 runs in even time, despite the fact that Phillip Hughes (122 not out) was on a pair when he came on to bat. He has no 50 to his name in the past 10 innings and he has struggled through this series. But the placid pitch rarely threatened him, and he looked comfortable against the only decent spinner in the game, Ranganna Herath.

Herath managed to trouble all the other batsmen and M.Clarke looks particularly awkward against him. But he survived the day.

Earlier, four early wickets for Australia, and a lead of over 150 for Sri Lanka set the stage for an interesting day’s game on the fourth day. The Sri Lankan first innings closed at 473 runs, in reply to Australia’s 316 all out.

The day began with the solid-looking S.Eranga departing, dragging a Siddle fuller delivery into the wicket after making 12. R.Herath was trapped leg before by Siddle, for 3 and a bad mix-up between Anjelo Mathews and C.Welegedara meant that Welegedara had to leave. Mathews was then on 95, as S.Lakmal, the last man in, faced four anxious deliveries.

Mathews brought up his hundred in 256 balls, 388 minutes. Mathews had started his day on 85 runs off 205 balls and remained not out on 105

The next few overs saw similar fields and it was clear that Australia was being defensive. Mathews did not opt for the slog. He instead was in the compiling mode – and it was clear later in the day that this is not what his team wanted

Sl Vs Aus 3rd Test Cricinfo

A chance to draw level

 

Ponting back in the squad; injury worries for both teams

The final Test of the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy series begins here on Friday with Australia leading the three-Test series 1-0. The Sri Lankan team hopes its top order will be able to put up a big score in the first innings as asserted by its former captain Kumar Sangakkara.

“The key is to score big in the first innings,” said Sangakkara. “We have not been able to do this in the previous two Tests,” he added.

For Sangakkara, who made his Test debut in 2000, this will be a landmark Test — his 100th.

“It's not often that a player gets the opportunity to play in 100 Tests,” he said.

He will be the fifth Sri Lankan to play a century of Tests after Muttiah Muralitharan, Mahela Jayawardene, Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas. It would be a memorable outing for Sangakkara if Sri Lanka can put in a better performance.

Harris out

There are a few injury worries for both the teams. For Australia, its best bowler in the series, Ryan Harris, is out. Aussie captain Michael Clarke said Harris was being rested as a ‘precaution', after scans revealed a hamstring injury.

Ricky Ponting, who had gone home for the birth of his second child, is back in the squad. Since Shaun Marsh made a big century at Pallekele, the axe falls on Usman Khawaja. “He (Ricky Ponting) was always going to walk back into the team,” Clarke said.

Spinner Ajantha Mendis, who missed the first two Tests, has been ruled out for the final one too due to a sore back. However, the experienced Rangana Herath, who had injured his finger ahead of the second Test is likely to come in place of Seekkuge Prasanna. Fast bowler Chanaka Welegedara too was uncomfortable at Pallekele but may play here.

The teams (from):

Australia: M. Clarke (captain), R. Ponting, S. Watson, M. Beer, T. Copeland, B. Haddin, R. Harris, P. Hughes, M. Hussey, M. Johnson, U. Khawaja, N. Lyon, S. Marsh, J. Pattinson and P. Siddle.

Sri Lanka: T. Dilshan (captain), M. Jayawardene, K. Sangakkara, T. Samaraweera, P. Jayawardene, S. Eranga, R. Herath, S. Randiv, S. Lakmal, A. Mathews, T. Paranavitana, D. Prasad, S. Prasanna, L. Thirimanne, C. Welegedara and A. Mendis.

Umpires: Tony Hill and Aleem Dar.

Sl Vs Aus 2nd Test Day5 Cricinfo

Rain helps Sri Lanka along, yet again

AP Australian captain Michael Clarke (third right) echanges words with Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene over a catch in Pallekele on Monday.

 

 

Rain came to Sri Lanka’s rescue a second time on Monday, with the side tottering at 317 for 6 on the final day of the second test against Australia, just 80 runs ahead. With light fading away in the post-tea session every day, a draw seems the only possible result of this match.

Sri Lankan batsmen seemed to bank more on the weather than their own skills. Almost all batsmen fell trying to go for their strokes. There was nothing significant in the pitch, nor did any batsman receive any special, unplayable delivery. Anjelo Mathews (11 not out) and Suraj Randiv (4 n.o.) were in the middle when rain forced a second break.

In the morning too, rain kept its date with Pallekele as Sri Lanka lost both the overnight batsmen in the first hour of play.

Thilan Samaraweera (43), who had very little success in the series, and Prasanna Jayawardene (21), who has had eminently forgettable series in which he also bagged a pair in the first test, were at the crease, when bad light and rain forced the players back to their dressing room. Jayawardene was caught behind off Harris after lunch, while Samaraweera too departed in a similar fashion, after gifting his wicket to Watson.

The day unfolded with Kumar Sangakkara departing; not adding to his overnight score of 69. He edged Harris to second slip where Michael Clarke held on to a straightforward chance. Sri Lanka would have been badly off if Clarke had held on to the next chance – Samaraweera steered Harris straight to Clarke and Clarke could not latch on.

But Clarke, in the thick of action for once, brought off a spectacular, low, left-handed blinder of a catch to send back Mahela Jayawardene (51), off a Copeland delivery that moved out after pitching a shade outside off stump. Jayawardene had doubts about the catch – especially going by Clarke’s earlier record – and he asked the Aussie Captain if he had taken it clean. There appeared to be an exchange of words in the middle, with the Aussie captain taking the lead in the verbal volley. Jayawardene asked the umpires to check if it was clean. It, indeed, was a clean catch, a few inches off the ground. As Jayawardene walked away too, the infamous Aussie verbal assault followed him. This time though, Jayawardene, one of calmest cricketers of this generation, too retaliated

Sl Vs Aus 2nd Test Day5 Cricinfo

Sri Lanka fighting for a draw

 

AFP SEASONED CAMPAINGER: Sri Lanka will pin its hopes on Kumar Sangakkara (aided by the weather) to salavage on draw in the second Test.

Sri Lanka, helped by sensible batting by the top order and a placid pitch that offered nothing to the bowlers, ended the fourth day of the second Test match against Australia here at 223 for the loss of two wickets, as it fights for a draw with a day left in the match.

Bad light stopped play yet again, for the fourth day in a row more than an hour ahead of close of play. Rain and bad light have robbed the Test of at least 80 overs so far. Australia is still ahead by 14 runs.

For the first time in this series, Sri Lanka's first, second and third wicket partnerships exceeded 50 runs. Kumar Sangakkara (69 batting), who missed a half-century in the first innings made amends in the second essay. Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene (38 batting) were at the crease at stumps.

Lapse in concentration

Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan (36) initially led the fight-back in the company of opening batsman Tharanga Paranavitana (55). A short rain-forced break made Dilshan lose his concentration.

Just five before lunch, he slashed at a delivery outside the off-stump into the hands of Watson at slip. For the fourth time in as many innings, Dilshan, who has demanded accountability from his colleagues, failed to lead by example. Michael Hussey's dream series continued. For the second time in two innings he struck with his military medium-pace, picking up a wicket in the first over of his spell.

Clarke had tossed the ball to Hussey more out of desperation. Bowling a decent line and length, he drew Paranavitana out with one pitched on the off and moving further away.

Paranavitana got a feather touch and the third umpire ruled, following an Aussie referral.

Earlier, Michael Clarke declared at the overnight score of 411 for seven and took the gamble to push for a win. But, the dark clouds continue to threaten and there is also a forecast of rain on Monday, the last day of the game.

Srilanka Fight Hard

Sangakkara, Jayawardene revive Sri Lanka

For the first time in this series, the Sri Lankan top-order batted with a lot more responsibility on the fourth day of the second Test against Australia here, as it fights for a draw with one more day left to go.

Sri Lanka was 223-2 at stumps on day four. Australia is still ahead by 14 runs and it would require another similar effort on the fifth and final day, to keep the relentless Aussies at bay.

Again, for the first time in this series, the first, second and third-wicket partnerships exceeded 50 runs. Kumar Sangakkara (69 not out), who narrowly missed out on a fifty in the fist innings made up for that loss. He and Mahela Jayawardene (38 n.o.) were at the crease at close.

Sri Lankan captain T.M. Dilshan (36) led a spirited fight-back in the company of opening batsman Tharanga Paranavitana (55), and kept the Aussies at bay for almost an entire session. At lunch, Sri Lanka had progressed to 83 for the loss of Dilshan in 28 overs.

It was not supposed to be like this. Dilshan was in full flow when, at 11.35 am, rain, the presiding deity of the match intervened again after 25.4 overs was bowled. Sri Lanka was 81 without loss when the players hurried off following sharp showers. About 20 minutes later, play resumed and two overs were bowled.

The first over proved eventful as Dilshan lost his concentration and slashed a delivery outside off-stumps into the hands of Watson in second slip. For the fourth time in as many innings, Dilshan, who has demanded accountability from his colleagues, failed to capitalise on the opportunity.

With the pitch easing off and not offering anything to the pacemen or the spinners, Australian bowlers sought to keep the ball in the right areas to slow down scoring. While Copeland succeeded in this and was exceedingly frugal in giving away anything, the others did not have the same degree of success.

The opening pair put up a 50 partnership and looked set for a great deal more when Dilshan slashed at a delivery and left. In between, there was a straight forward chance that Michael Hussey put down offered by Dilshan at gully, and also a chance of a run out. But the luck, for once, favoured the Sri Lankans and they kept going on from there.

Paranavitana too had a share of luck. It looked as if he had gloved a Johnson delivery. Replays were inconclusive and the third umpire concurred with the field umpire’s ‘not out’ decision on this. A few moments late, writing on Twitter, Shane Warne lashed out: “Rubbish decision in Sri Lanka by 3rd umpire - smashed the glove and a noise - OUT !!!!!”

Hussey’s dream series continued with him striking yet again in the first over of his spell. Clarke had tossed the ball to Hussey more out of desperation than anything else. Bowling a decent line and length to the two batsmen, he drew Paranavitana out with one pitched on the off and moving further away. Paranavitana got a feather, the third umpire ruled, following an Aussie referral. In 99 per cent of such cases, the batsmen would be given the benefit of doubt. Not today though.

Earlier, Michael Clarke declared at the overnight score of 411 for 7 and took the gamble to push for a win with two days left in the match. The threatening clouds have refused to subside, and there is also a rain forecast for the last day of the game. In three days, nearly three sessions have been lost to the weather.

Marsh, Hussey put Australia in control

Highlights

Bad light denied Australia's Shaun Marsh a debut century on Day Two of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Kandy.

SCORECARD

Marsh, son of former Australia wicketkeeper Geoff, made an impressive 87 not out from 211 balls as he and veteran Mike Hussey (76no) shared an unbroken stand of 148 to give the tourists control of the match.
The pair's fourth-wicket stand took Australia to 264 for three in response to Sri Lanka's disappointing first innings total of 174 all out.

Having started the day on 60 for nought, Australia lost openers Shane Watson and Phil Hughes for 36 apiece before captain Michael Clarke departed for 13.

That left Australia wobbling on 116 for three but 28-year-old Marsh, batting at three in his maiden appearance, came together with Hussey to steady the ship.

Australia suffered an early setback when Watson was dismissed by the 10th ball of the morning, shouldering arms to a Suranga Lakmal delivery which nipped back and clipped off stump.

Marsh and Hughes settled into a cautious stand of 35 from 17 overs before the latter fell victim to a fine bat-pad catch from Tharanga Paranavitana at short leg. Suraj Randiv was the successful bowler on this occasion.

Clarke reached just 13 before wafting at a wide ball from Chanaka Welegedara, Mahela Jayawardene taking the catch in the slips.

At lunch the tourists had reached 133 for three but the runs began to flow after the resumption.

There were three boundaries and 13 runs off the third over of the afternoon, bowled by Tillakaratne Dilshan, and both batsmen continued to pick off the bad balls when they came.

Marsh, in particular, looked to use his feet as the innings progressed and clipped Prasanna for successive fours to bring up his first 50.

Hussey had to wait longer for his half-century, but moved past 49 after a nervy wait by despatching Randiv through square leg.

At tea the pair had eased the total along to 251 in 87 overs but there were only 25 balls in the closing session - from which came 13 runs - before the light worsened.

After a lengthy wait the umpires called a halt to the day's play, leaving Marsh waiting overnight to ponder his chances of a debut ton.

Australia Upperhand On Day1

Australia takes honours on Day 1

AP Australian bowler Ryan Harris, right, celebrates after taking a wicket as Trent Copeland, centre, looks on during the first day's play of the second test match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011.

 

At the end of a slightly-curtailed day one of the second test between Australia and Sri Lanka, it looked as if the two teams batted on different surfaces: Sri Lanka, on a minefield and the Aussies, on a batting paradise. Australia was 60 without loss at stumps.

Sri Lankans folded up for a paltry 174 in a shade over 64 overs; while the Aussie opening pair put 50 on the board in 73 balls, and looked set for a repeat of the Galle test match. Shane Watson (36 n.o.), the man in a hurry who reminds one of a rampaging Hayden; and for once did not seem quite over-awed by the spinners including debutant S. Prasanna. In fact, Watson welcomed Prasanna to international cricket by pulling him in front of square for four runs.

Sri Lanka folds up

Earlier, the friendliest pace attack to step out of Australian shores in over a decade bowled out a panicking pack of Sri Lankan batsmen for 174 in under a day for a third time in as many innings on the first day of the second test here.

Sri Lanka won the toss and was off to a disastrous start with the pitch aiding movement till lunch. The bowlers kept a fuller length through the morning and the tentative Sri Lankans gifted them 5 wickets.

Australia has won the first of the three test Warne-Muralidaran trophy series, and, its captain Michael Clarke said he hoped to carry forward the momentum in this test too.

The initial shock came in the third over of the day. One of the better equipped Sri Lankan batsmen, T. Paranavitana (0), got a feather as an ordinary-looking Harris delivery moved away after pitching. Paranavitana attempted a drive, and only managed a nick. Wicket-keeper Haddin did not have to move to collect it right in front of his chest.

Two overs later, a strangely-subdued Dilshan (4), shouldered arms and found, to his horror, a Copeland special coming back sharply to nip the top of the off-stump. The score card read 2 down for 10.

The horrors did not end there. Mahela Jayawardene, the backbone of the Sri Lankan batting line-up in Galle, went for a drive to a fuller Copeland delivery. The ball took the edge and was, almost certainly on its way to the third man boundary. But there was Michael Hussey at gully. He dived to bring off a one-handed heart-stopper of a catch to send back Mahela. Score read 3 down for 14.

The last recognised batting pair, Thilan Samaraweera and Kumar Sangakkara, kept the scoreboard ticking thereafter, and refused to take any unnecessary risks. It went that way till Harris stuck again: Thilan, forced to play a ball that came in sharply from a length, got an inside edge that travelled to the wicket keeper. When Samaraweera’s 55 ball vigil ended, the score board showed 56 for 4.

Then came the Sri Lankan wicket-keeper who had bagged a pair in Galle. Here, he seems to have decided to make his stay count. So, he went after Nathan Lyon’s first over: after a 6, 2 and 4, Prasanna Jayawardene wanted more. He slog-swept once more. Only this time the ball ended in Harris’ hands at deep square-leg. Sri Lanka were 76 for 5.

It could have been worse had Watson held on to a Sangakkara nick at first slip. After lunch, Sangakkara (48) became Michael Hussey’s third victim in test cricket: in a career spanning 32 overs spread over half-a-decade, Hussey had earlier managed to take just two wickets. Sangakkara checked his shot and the ball stayed up long enough to get to the fielder at short covers. He improved his bowling figures too: from 1 wicket for 3 runs to 1 wicket for no runs!

The final eleven

Ajantha Mendis, who is nursing a back injury, and Rangana Herath, Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler in Galle who sustained a finger injury during practices yesterday, were left out of the Sri Lankan squad. That paved the way for Seekuge Prassana, 26, to make his Test debut.

A release from Sri Lanka Cricket said that "Minister of Sport Mahindananda Aluthgamage has approved the substitution of Dinesh Chandimal for Lahiru Thirimana who is nursing a minor ailment". Dinesh Chandimal's substitution is only for the second test currently underway at the Pallekelle Stadium.

For Australia, the only change was Shaun Marsh, son of former cricketer Geoff Marsh, replacing the unavailable Ricky Ponting. In a short ceremony ahead of the match, Marsh Sr. presented the baggy green to Marsh Jr. and wished him luck.

SCORE BOARD:

Sri Lanka batting (1st innings): T.Paranavitana c Haddin b Harris 0, T.M.Dilshan b Copeland 4, K.Sangakkara c Hughes b Hussey 48, M.Jayawardene c Hussey b Copeland 4, T.Samaraweera c Haddin b Harris 17, P.Jayawardene c Harris b Lyon 18, A.Mathews c Haddin b Johnson 58, S.Randiv c & b Lyon 4, S.Prasanna b Harris 5, S.Lakmal (not out) 7and C.Welegedara c Copeland b Johnson 2. Extras (b-2, lb-4, nb-1) 7: Total: 174 all out in 64.1 overs

Fall of wickets:1-2, 2-10, 3-14, 4-57, 5-76, 6- 128, 7- 133, 8-150, 9-166

Australia Bowling (1st innings): R.Harris 16-7-38-3, T.Copeland 12-5-24-2, S.Watson 10-5-17-0, M.Johnson 15.1-1-48-2, N.Lyon 10-2-41-2, M.Hussey 1-1-0-1

Australia Batting (1st innings): S.Watson (not out) 36, P.Hughes (not out) 23. Extras (nb-1) 1: Total: 60 for no loss

Sri Lanka Bowling (1st innings): C.Welegedara 5-0-23-0, S.Lakmal 2-0-10-0, S.Prasanna 6.4-1-18-0, T.M.Dilshan 2-1-1-0, S.Randiv 2-0-4-0

Aus Vs Sl 1st Test Highlights

 

Day 4: Complete

Result: Australia won by 125 runs Last 5 Ovs : 19/3, RR : 3.8, 4s : 2, 6s : 0

Aus: 210/10 in 59.2 ovrs &

273/10 in 86.4 ovrs

SL: 105/10 in 50 ovrs&

253/10 in 95.5 ovrs

Win Austrelia First test

Australia complete formalities

AP Sri Lanka's batsman Mahela Jayawardene bats as Australia's wicketkeeper Brad Haddin looks on during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match in Galle, Sri Lanka on Saturday.

 

Australia, which is in the process of re-building its team, scored a comprehensive 105-run victory over Sri Lanka with more than a day to spare in the first test of the Warne-Muralidaran trophy series here.

Mahela Jayawardene (105), who has a special relationship with the Galle ground, partnered Anjelo Mathews (95), and stood in the way of the victory for much of the morning session. The pair even managed to touch the highest fourth innings total at Galle (210), but even that proved inadequate. The Sri Lankan second innings wound up for 253.

In the second innings, Sri Lankan top-order batsmen heeded their coach's advice: they refused to gift their wicket to debutant spinner Nathan Lyon, Instead, they gifted it to Ryan Harris. Later, once Mahela and Anjelo settled down, the plan seemed quite plain: go after Lyon when there is a chance. Mahela even played the 'Dil scoop' against Lyon because of the bounce that Lyon managed to extract from the wicket. Anjelo hoisted Lyon for a six over mid-on. But the pair was more watchful against Copeland, who made the batsmen play most of his deliveries.

In hindsight, Michael Hussey’s patient 95, for which he was named Man-of-the-Match, in the first innings, made the difference between the two teams. Plus, most Australian batsmen, including the remarkably resilient lower order contributed to the score in both the innings. The Sri Lankan tail is too long, and, if a couple of their frontline batsmen fail, the side could collapse. This was seen in the first innings where the side seemed to have given up once Mahela Jayawardene was run out.

The second test begins in Pallekele on September 8.

SCOREBOARD:

Australia (1st innings): 273 all out

Sri Lanka Batting (1st innings): 105 all out

Australia (2nd innings): 210 all out

Sri Lanka Batting (2nd innings): T.M.Dilshan b Harris 12, T. Paranavitana lbw Harris 0, K. Sangakkara c Hussey b Watson 17, M. Jayawardene b Harris 105, T. Samaraweera c Haddin b Johnson 0, P. Jayawardene b R. Harris 0, A. Mathews b Watson 95, S. Randiv c Clarke b Johnson 0, R. Herath c Copeland b Harris 12, S. Lakmal c Johnson b Lyon 5, C. Welegedara (not out) 4. Extras (b-1,lb-1, w-1) 3. Total 253 in 95.5 overs

Fall of Wickets: 1-0, 2-15, 3-52, 4-63, 5-68, 6-210, 7-221, 8-242, 9-249

Australia Bowling (2nd innings): Harris 20-5-62-5, Copeland 16-6-20-0, Johnson 19-6-56-2, Lyon 19.5-2-73-1, Clarke 6-0-16-0, Watson 13-6-19-2, Ponting 2-0-5-0

Aus vs Sl Day3 Cricinfo

Sri Lankan top order folds up a second time

AP Sri Lankan bowler Rangara Herath (centre) with a ball in his hand, walks back to the pavilion with teammates at the end of Australia's second innings during the third day of their of their first Ttest cricket match in Galle, Sri Lanka on Friday.

The Sri Lankan top order collapsed a second time in as many innings chasing 379 to win the first test of the three-test series here on an overcast day. Later in the day, Mahela Jayawardene (57 not out) and a surprisingly unrestrained Angelo Mathews (32 not out) showcased how to bat on a pitch that aided seam and turn. The duo made sure that the match extended to a fourth day.

The wicket helped both the seam bowlers and the spinners, and Sri Lankan batsmen seemed clueless when all that was required of them was to stay and play out, one over at a time.

The only batsman who looked capable of rising to the challenge, T. Paranavitana, who made 29 in over a 100 balls in the first innings — and resembled Navjot Singh Siddhu in his debut against the West Indies in Ahmedabad in the 1983 series — was declared leg before in the first ball of the second innings. Hawk eye showed the ball pitched outside leg. Paranavitana did not challenge the decision. The very next ball from Ryan Harris was similar, and this time, it caught K. Sangakkara in an identical fashion. He too was given out. However, the ruling was reversed, after Sangakkara opted for the review.

The Sri Lankan captain had no one but himself to blame as he shaped to drive from his crease a Harris delivery that came in from outside the off-stump. The ball found the gaping hole between the bat and the pad and homed in on to the stumps. In two innings, the captain had managed a total of 16 runs. Wicket-keeper batsman P. Jayawardene bagged a pair, while Thilan Samaraweera had scores of 26 and 0 in two innings.

With the wicket aiding bowlers, it will require all of the Sri Lankan top order to perform to eke out an unlikely draw. Barring Sangakkara, who got a nasty rising delivery that made the pitch look much more dangerous than it really was, no other Sri Lankan batsmen were done in by exceptional bowling or the pitch. They just gave up.

Herath picks five

Earlier, Australia finished its second innings a 210, with some significant contributions from the lower order batsmen. The last four wickets added over 80 runs as the Aussies went past the 200 mark with ease. Herath kept working hard from one end, unafraid to pitch it up and was rewarded aptly. This was his fifth five wickets haul in tests and he more than justified the faith that the selectors placed in him.

Left hand batsman Usman Khawaja was a changed man in the second innings of the test. He was too tentative in the first, but in the second, partnered Ryan Harris and kept the score board ticking. He looked comfortable till such time he was trapped in front by Welegedara.

The Sri Lankan plan

When Sri Lanka took the field on Day 3 of the first test against Australia here, they had a plan: restrict the Australian second innings to 140; make sure that the experienced, frontline batsmen stay long enough and don’t gift wickets to Nathan Lyon, and encourage Paranavitana to score a shade better.

"If he [Paranavitana] can manage about 40 runs for every 100 balls or so he faces, we would be better off. There would also be no pressure on batsmen at the other end," said Rumesh Ratnayake, Sri Lanka’s coach. The other problem was Anjelo Mathews. "He has hit a [rough] patch," conceded the coach. But the team had some ideas for him too. One was to promote him up the order and see what he could manage. The idea was to relieve him of additional pressure because of wickets falling at one end.

Ratnayake said that there was a lot of post-match review that went on following the manner in which the Sri Lankan batsmen got out in the first innings. Not one batsmen managed a 50, and the last seven wickets did not manage to add even 20 runs. "We have been talking and I hope we make amends in the second innings," he said.

Asked if the team management erred in not picking another spinner, Ratnayake was frank: We were unable to manage with seven batsmen in the first innings. So, no, there was no such talk. But the plan went awry with no Sri Lankan batsman barring Mahela Jayawardene showing the patience and application required on a pitch that is helpful to bowlers.

Plan falls apart

Unfortunately, the plan fell apart. Containing the Aussies did not work. Also, the final nail on the plan was the first ball dismissal of Paranavitana, one of the few Sri Lankans who has the big-innings temperament. The plan was soon given up and Sri Lanka stuck to the same batting order that managed 105 in the first innings.

Play resumes

On Day 3, play began at 12:10 p.m. owing to overnight and morning rains. The sky is still overcast, but there are two more days left in the match for Australia to push for a win. For now, Sri Lanka has the unenviable task of keeping out the relentlessly probing Australian bowlers for two and a half days.

SCOREBOARD:

Australia (1st innings): 273 all out

Sri Lanka Batting (1st innings): T.M.Dilshan c Ponting b Copeland 4, T.Paranavitana lbw Watson 29, K.Sangakkara c Clarke b Lyon 10, M.Jayawardene (run out) 11, T.Samaraweera lbw Watson 26, P.Jayawardene lbw Watson 0, A. Mathews b Lyon 5, S.Randiv c Ponting b Lyon 9, R.Herath c Johnson b Lyon 0, S.Lakmal (not out) 2, C.Welegedara c and b Lyon 1. Extras (lb-4, nb-3, w-1) 8. Total: 105 all out in 50 overs

Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-24, 3-44, 4-87, 5-87, 6-88, 7-100, 8-100, 9-103

Australia Bowling (1st innings): Ryan Harris 8-5-6-0, Copeland 12-3-24-1, Johnson 9-1-26-0, Lyon 15-3-34-5, Watson 6-1-11-3

Australia (2nd innings): S.Watson c Samaraweera b Welegedara 0, P.Hughes lbw Dilshan 28, R.Ponting c Herath b Lakmal 4, M.Clarke c P.Jayawardene b Herath 60, M.Hussey T. Paranavitana b R.Herath 15, U.Khawaja lbw C.Welegedara 26, B.Haddin c P.Jayawardene b Herath 0, M.Johnson c P.Jayawardene b Herath 8, R. Harris c & b Herath 23, T.Copeland (not out) 23, N.Lyon c Samaraweera b Dilshan 13 Extras (b-4, lb-4, nb-2) 10. Total: 210 all out in 59.2 overs

Fall of Wickets: 1-0, 2-5, 3-61, 4-110, 5-110, 6-112, 7-130, 8-170, 9-178

Sri Lanka Bowling (2nd innings): C.Welegedara 6-3-13-2, Lakmal 8-3-23-1, R.Herath 23-3-79-5, S.Randiv 14-3-61-0, T.M.Dilshan 8.2-1-26-2.

Sri Lanka Batting (2nd innings): T.M.Dilshan b Harris 12, T. Paranavitana lbw Harris 0, K.Sangakkara c Hussey b Watson 17, M.Jayawardene (not out) 57, T.Samaraweera c Haddin b Johnson 0, P.Jayawardene b R.Harris 0, A.Mathews (not out) 32. Extras ( b-1,lb-1) 2. Total 120 for 5 in 52 overs

Fall of Wickets: 1-0, 2-15, 3-52, 4-63, 5-68

Australia Bowling (2nd innings): Harris 9-2-24-3, Copeland 9-5-8-0, Johnson 10-3-20-1, Lyon 12-2-41-0, Clarke 2-0-6-0, Watson 8-4-14-1, Ponting 2-0-5-0

Sl Vs Aus Day1 Cricinfo

Inexperienced Sri Lankan bowlers call the shots

Sri Lanka's wicket keeper Prasanna Jayawardene celebrates the dismissal of Australia's Shane Watson during the first day of the first test cricket match between Australia and Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday. Photo: AP

 

Call it first test blues or a case of plain nerves. Australian batsmen, barring Michael Hussey, were tentative, sometimes unusually cautious and at other times needlessly chancing their arm against a young Sri Lankan attack at Galle on the opening day of the first test. The Aussies folded for 273.

Sri Lanka had three overs to bat out, but just as the batsmen walked in, the umpires offered them the light.

Earlier, Hussey battled on, unmindful of the danger of running out of partners. Once the last man Lyon joined him, came the first sign of indiscretion in what was a chanceless innings. He jumped out to Randiv and tried to loft it over long off. Welegedara pulled off a catch right on the ropes and replays showed that his foot touched the ropes. Hussey got a bonus six runs. He again targeted Randiv one over later to get to 90. He was the last man out, leg before to Dilshan.

Michael Clarke called it right for the first time in Sri Lanka and elected to bat. The cream of batting was back in under 54 overs, with Shane Watson setting the tone of what was to come in the day. A few flourishing strokes, and then back into the air-conditioned comfort of the pavilion.

Watson, who seemed to have stepped right out of his century-making effort at Mohali last year straight into Galle, went for his strokes. It did work till such time the pacemen operated. But Herath’s first ball, tossed-up, a shade short of good-length and spun away after pitching on middle-and-off , drew him out. The ball found the edge and made its way to Prasanna Jayawardene’s gloves. Watson had squandered yet another promising start.

Two overs later, Hughes was surprised by a Lakmal delivery that kicked up from a good length spot, took the shoulder of the bat. The result was a regulation catch at second slip.

That brought captain Clarke and former captain Ponting together. Ponting, the only one from the 2004 tour of Sri Lanka, never seemed to be unduly troubled by the bowlers and by the more defensive fielding approach of Dilshan. At lunch, Australia had managed a decent 76 for 2 off 22 overs.

SL bowlers up to the challenge

At the end of the session, it seemed like Sri Lanka had erred in not taking a fifth bowler. The pitch had variable bounce and was taking spin, and with Mendis or Prasanna, Australia would have been in much deeper trouble.

But that move —not to pick an additional bowler – did not turn out to be a mistake. Clarke was caught in front by a Herath arm-ball, and the umpire did not think so. This time Sri Lanka opted for the review and was rewarded with Clarke’s wicket. Ponting was out to the most indiscreet shot of the day, an inside-out slog to a viciously spinning ball. He did not gauge it well enough and the resultant skier found deep mid-off.

Khawaja came in, and during his uncomfortable stay at the crease, did not quite look the guy who made a century at P.Sara at the warm-up game. Khawaja, more in the news in India for his visa issues than for his batting prowess, was unsure against the spinners. Finally a Welegedara special found the gap between bat and pad to end his miserable stay. In contrast, fast bowler Copeland looked much more comfortable during his short stay. He offered a straight bat to anything pitched up and went down on his knees for the popular slog-sweep against spinners. In fact, he loved his debut ball he faced, leg-glancing to the boundary a Lakmal full toss on his pads.

Earlier, when Haddin joined Hussey, he had raised hopes. The pair kept the bowlers at bay for a while with positive batting and rotating the strike. But in a pitch where stroke making had to be done exceedingly judiciously, it was only a matter of time before the flourish faded.

SL looks to first win minus Murali

Sri Lanka, still seeking its first test win since Muralidaran retired, continued its experiments with the final 11 as it left out both S.Prasanna and Ajantha Mendis. The reasoning was that Australians had begun to read Mendis better; hence Randiv would be better. Prasanna being kept out too was surprising, but Herath more than proved his worth when he was called upon to. On Day 1 at least, Sri Lanka’s selection will not come in for criticism.

Australia included left-arm batsman Khawaja, pacemen Trent Copeland and off-break bowler Nathan Lyon. Both Copeland and Lyon are making their debut and Australia places a disproportionately large work-load on their shoulders. In the absence of an experienced bowler, Johnson will have to shoulder a huge responsibility – he is the only bowler on either side with over 100 test wickets.

Scoreboard:

Australia Batting (1st innings): S.Watson c P.Jayawardene b Herath 22, P.Hughes c Paranavitana b Lakmal 12, R.Ponting c Mathews b Herath 44, M.Clarke lbw Herath 23, M.Hussey lbw Dilshan 95, U.Khawaja b Welegedara 21, B.Haddin c Paranavitana b Randiv 24, M.Johnson c P.Jayawardene b Lakmal 14, R.Harris lbw Lakmal 1, T.Copeland c Paranavitana b Randiv 12 and N.Lyon (not out) 0.

Extras (lb 3, b 2) 5. Total: 273 all out (86.4 overs)

Fall of wickets: 1-28, 2-36, 3-91, 4-112, 5-157, 6-205, 7-234, 8-236, 9-251

Sri Lanka Bowling (1st innings): C.Welegedara 15-5-61-1, S.Lakmal 17-2-55-3, Herath 24-3-54-3, T.M.Dilshan 9.4-1-22-1, S.Randiv 21-2-76-2

Sl vs Aus First Test begins today

First Test begins today

The first of the three-Test series between Sri Lanka and Australia begins at the remarkably aesthetic coastal town of Galle on Wednesday.

For Sri Lanka, leg-spinner S. Prasanna will make it to the eleven and it remains to be seen whether Suraj Randiv will be preferred over Ajantha Mendis.

The teams: Australia: M. Clarke (captain), R. Ponting, S. Watson, M. Beer,  T. Copeland,  B. Haddin, R. Harris, P. Hughes, M. Hussey, M. Johnson, U. Khawaja, N. Lyon, S. Marsh, J. Pattinson, P. Siddle.

Sri Lanka: T.Dilshan (captain), M. Jayawardene, K. Sangakkara, T. Samaraweera, P. Jayawardene, R. Eranga,  R. Herath,  S. Randiv,  S. Lakmal,  A. Mathews,  A. Mendis,  T. Paranavitana, D. Prasad, S. Prasanna, L. Thirimanne, C. Welegadara.

Umpires: Kettleborough and A. Dar.

Sri Lanka Beat Austrelia By 4Wickets

Consolation win for Sri Lanka

AP Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga acknowledges the crowd after completing a hat-trick during the fifth one-day international cricket match against Australia in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Monday, Aug. 22, 2011.

 

Highlights

 

Lasith Malinga yet again took a hat-trick, and struggling middle-order bat Chamara Silva (63) finally came good as Sri Lanka overcame Australia in the last, briefly-rain-interrupted One-Day International of the series here.

In some ways, Malinga's hat-trick, his third in ODI cricket, a record in itself, set the stage for a Sri Lankan recovery. Australia was on course for a score of around 250 when Malinga willed otherwise.

An unusually patient Watson (56) and Clarke (47) had given the side enough base to build on; and David Hussey (46 off 49 balls) came down the order to give his team the momentum it needed.

The hat-trick

Then Malinga came on. In the 46th over, Malinga accounted for Johnson with a yorker, followed it up with a full toss that caught Hastings plumb in front, and then sent a toe-crushing yorker to Doherty, who tried desperately to keep it away.

But the ball crashed into the stumps. Australia collapsed from a strong 210 for five to be bowled out for 211.

But it did not seem easy when Tharanga went in the first over, nicking one from Johnson and Sri Lanka lost three wickets with just 33 runs on the board.

Steadying the ship

Mahela Jayawardene (71) and Silva took the side to safety. Then Jayawardene along with Mathews helped the host get close to the target.

The win came as a consolation for the Sri Lankans.

Australia: S. Watson c Tharanga b A. Mendis 56, S. Marsh b Eranga 2, R. Ponting c (sub) Randiv b Mathews 31, M. Clarke c Sangakkara b Eranga 47, M. Hussey c Sangakkara b Prasanna 6, D. Hussey b A. Mendis 46, B. Haddin c Jayawardene b A. Mendis 8, M. Johnson b Malinga 1, J. Hastings lbw b Malinga 0, X. Doherty b Malinga 0, J. Pattinson 0; Extras (w-8, nb-2, lb-2, b-2) 14; Total: 211 in 46.1 overs.

Fall of Wickets: 1-4, 2-71, 3-127, 4-146, 5-167, 6-210, 7-211, 8- 211, 9-211.

Sri Lanka bowling: Malinga 8-2-35-3, Eranga 8-0-45-2, Prasanna 10-1-37-1, Mathews 3-0-6-1, J. Mendis 8-0-35-0, A. Mendis 9.1-0-49-3.

Sri Lanka: U. Tharanga c Haddin b Johnson 0, T. Dilshan b Pattinson 17, K. Sangakkara c Haddin b Pattinson 7, M. Jayawardene c D. Hussey b Doherty 71, C. Silva c Hastings b Doherty 63, A. Mathews c Doherty b Watson 26, J. Mendis (not out) 7, Eranga (not out) 0; Extras (lb-7, w-15): 22; Total (for six wkts. in 47 overs): 213.

Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-12, 3-33, 4-144, 5-195, 6-209.

Australia bowling: Johnson 10-0-45-1, Pattinson 10-1-41-2, Doherty 10-0-54-2, Hastings 10-0-28-0, Watson 6-0-33-1, D. Hussey 1-0-5-0.

Aus Vs Sl 4th ODI Cricinfo with Highlights 20-08-2011

Five-wicket win gives Australia one-day series

 

A rookie debutant leg-spinner conjured up a few tricks, reserved a place for himself next to the stars, in a bid to draw level in the ODI series for Sri Lanka. But S. Prasanna, who got off a flight to bowl for Sri Lanka on Saturday, and managed 3 wickets with the Australian score reading 123. At that stage, Australia needed 10 runs from 23 overs. Prasanna’s magic came way too late.

Earlier, a pathetic batting display in which none of the top four Sri Lankan batsmen managed double figures left little challenge for a chasing Australia. The efficient Aussies chased down 132 much before the early DJs began walking into nightclubs in the city. For the Australians, it is party time.

But it was not supposed to be like this. This was supposed to be the series-levelling, high-octane, fight-to-death encounter. And, Sri Lanka was a cohesive side – it had won the last encounter, had better spinners. Its captain even won the toss. On the other hand, Australians were supposed to be the confused lot; still trying to make sense of the Argus committee report in restructuring its cricket administration.

But then, the Sri Lankan batting line-up collapsed. In fact, the last seven wickets fell for a paltry 37 runs. In a must-win encounter every single batsman barring Mahela Jayawardene failed. The only partnership worth mentioning was between Kumar Sangakkara and Jayawardene that added 71 respectable runs.

Batting under the notorious R. Premadasa lights, with history stacked up against them – the team batting second has invariably lost most times – the Australian team did not seem the least bit perturbed. Of course there were minor distractions such as the dismissal of Watson, Ponting and rookie leg-spinner picking up Clarke and Hussey, but no serious team that gives its players enough rest, will miss passing a paltry 132. The Prasanna magic was too little, way too late

This is the first series for both Australia and Sri Lanka after the World Cup.

Earlier, Sri Lanka began their pursuit to square the five-match ODI series sluggishly. The openers, Tharanga and captain Dilshan were watchful but did not last long and, the task of building the innings was left to Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

It did not look like the sweeping changes to the Aussie cricket set up back home had any impact on the team’s performance here. Bret Lee started with a spot-on maiden while Bollinger was unlucky to see a mistimed inside-edge roll off to the third man boundary.

The first convincing stroke of the afternoon came in the fourth over when Dilshan drove through the covers a slightly fullish ball from Bollinger that was moving further away from the right-hander. A slash in the same over where gully would have been signalled Dilshan’s intentions. Bollinger’s frown turned into a broad smile a trifle later as Dilshan, tried the same cover drive to a ball that was a shade short. The ball climbed, took the edge and rested in Haddin’s gloves.

From the other end though, Brett Lee breathed fire. A well-directed bouncer barely missed an in-form, ducking Tharanga. Brett Lee went through with an exaggerated follow-through, grinned at the batsmen, even as the part-time guitarist sang a few words from the newest ‘Lee collection.’

Tharanga responded by getting off strike the next ball. He did not last long though: a Brett Lee slowish yorker made its way through to the stumps after Tharanga played all over the ball. Lee gave away nine runs in his four-over first spell.

Kumar Sangakkara had a start he would rather forget. Playing his 300th one-day international, Sangakkara seemed to forget the basics. He took his eyes off a bouncer. It hit Sangakkara on his helmet and flew past the wicket-keeper. Four leg-byes, four more added the score. At that point it would be easy to sympathise with the chubby-faced, Chennai Super Kings bowler.

The Sri Lankan 50 came in 13 overs. After steadying the innings, Sangakkara went, holing out to long on, for the second time in three matches. Chamara Silva came in and went trapped in front by Doherty; and revived debate on how he has managed to stay on in the team. Sri Lanka kept losing wickets at regular intervals, and made 111 at the end of 30 overs. With half the team back in the air-conditioned comfort of the dressing room, launching a concerted assault for a better total from that point looked bleak.

Australia leads the series 3-1. The last ODI will be played in the same stadium on Monday.

Sri Lanka looks to level series

 

Australia returns to play Sri Lanka on a pitch that Ricky Ponting fondly termed “basically rolled mud” the last time the two teams played here in a World Cup match. The teams split points then as the match at the R. Premadasa stadium was called off due to rain.

Sri Lanka is looking to level the series and hence, the pitch can be expected to live up to Ponting's description this time, yet again.

Sri Lanka is fresh from a victory at the last game in Hambantota; It has added S. Prasanna to its spin armour as the team searches for a viable replacement for Muttiah Muralidaran. “Prasanna is already here and has been practicing with the team,” said Team Manger Brian Thomas. The leg-spinner was playing in England for Sri Lanka ‘A' when he was summoned for national duty.

Pressure on Dilshan too

There will be pressure on the young man, as well as on skipper Dilshan, as his team fights to keep the series alive. There is some comfort in the fact that the Australian team has just been hit by a full-scale overhaul that team members are trying to come to terms with.

New role for Clarke

Australian captain Michael Clarke said that he looked forward to his new responsibility as ex-officio selector of the team, as Cricket Australia put in place a strategy to regain the No. 1 slot in Test rankings. Australia is now at No. 5.

Clarke said that his becoming selector will help in better communication with the players. “It allows me to give the player the consistent feedback that the player is searching for. And also, give him reasons for his selection or non-selection, I guess. Making the team captain and coach part of the selection panel is among the steps that have been put in place since Cricket Australia accepted many of the recommendations from the Argus committee assessment of the non-performance of the Australian team in last Ashes series.

The teams (from): Australia: Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (captain), Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Steven Smith, John Hastings, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Xavier Doherty, Doug Bollinger, James Pattinson and Shaun Marsh.

Sri Lanka: Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan (captain), Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Chamara Silva, Angelo Mathews, Jeevan Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Shaminda Eranga, Suraj Randiv, S. Prasanna, Ajantha Mendis, Lasith Malinga and Suranga Lakmal.

Umpires: Tony Hill and Asoka De Silva. Third Umpire: Asad Rauf.

Austrelia's Tour Of Srilanka Clarke looks in Future Testchampionship

Clarke looks forward to his new responsibility as selector

AP Australian captain Michael Clarke.

Australian Captain Michael Clarke said that he looked forward to his new responsibility as ex-officio selector of the team, as Cricket Australia (CA) put in place a strategy to regain the No.1 slot in test rankings. Australia now is at No. 5 in the test ranking and could lose a slot to play the test championships in 2013.

Clarke said that his becoming selector will help in better communication with the players. “It allows me to give the player the consistent feedback that the player is searching for. And also, give him reasons for his selection or non-selection, I guess. It certainly makes me more accountable now and I look forward to that challenge,” he said, just ahead of his team commencing practice at the R. Premadasa stadium here. Australia will play Sri Lanka in the next two day-night one-day international games here.

Making the team captain and coach part of the selection panel are among the steps that have been put in place since Cricket Australia accepted much of the recommendations from the Argus committee assessment of the non-performance of the Australian team in last Ashes series. The main departure is the selection of a five-man team, with a full-time chairman and two independent selectors. The captain and coach will also be selectors.

“Obviously there’s a lot going on back home [in Australia],” said Michael Clarke, referring to the changes that the Argus-led committee suggested. “Again, as I have said about review — it’s about setting up a structure and putting things in place. There’s no hiding the fact that we are ranked fifth in test cricket. And the priority of the Australian cricket team and the support staff is to try and get the team back up there as soon as we possibly can.”

Since CA has accepted the recommendations, Coach Tim Neilson will have to reapply for the job. As per the committee’s recommendations though, the role is meant to be for a much senior person. Asked if he would reapply for the position, Neilson said: “It has not really got to that point…The review was done to try and get us to be No. 1 as a team and that is what we as a team have been trying — especially my role as a coach.” He said he will wait for more information on the nature of the job and other details before he made up his mind.

Sri Lanka Takes New Spinner For Last Two ODI

Sri Lanka picks rookie spinner for ODIs

Sri Lanka will fly in uncapped leg-spinner Seekkuge Prasanna from England for the last two one-dayers against Australia, a cricket board release said on Thursday.

Prasanna, 26, was surprisingly plucked out from the ongoing Sri Lanka ‘A' tour of England for the key matches at the Premadasa stadium in Colombo on Saturday and Monday. Sri Lanka, which trails 1-2 in the five-match series, needs a win on Saturday to draw level.

Prasanna grabbed six for 23 in a one-day match against England ‘A' in Worcester on Sunday to set up his team's 10-wicket win.

Sri Lanka dropped young batsman Dinesh Chandimal, seasoned left-arm spinner Rangana Herath and all-rounder Thisara Perera from the squad for the first three matches of the ODI series against Australia.

Chandimal managed just 17 runs in three games against the Australians.

All-rounder Angelo Mathews is expected to return to the team after missing the previous match due to an injury.

“He should be okay for the rest of the series,” said Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan.

The squad:

Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt.), Angelo Mathews, Upul Tharanga, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Chamara Silva, Jeevan Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekera, Lasith Malinga, Shaminda Eranga, Seekkuge Prasanna, Ajantha Mendis, Suranga Lakmal and Suraj Randiv.

Easy Win Srilanka In 3rd ODI

Easy win for Sri Lanka

Upul Tharanga hit a century and Lasith Malinga took five wickets to propel Sri Lanka to a crushing 78-run win against Australia in third one-day international on Tuesday. The win keeps alive Sri Lanka's hopes of winning the five-match series after Australia won the previous two.

Batting first, Sri Lanka made 286 for nine in 50 overs with Tharanga top scoring with 111. Man-of-the-match Tharanga, playing his first series after serving a three-month drugs ban, also completed 4,000 runs in ODIs during his 139-ball knock, which contained 12 fours.

In reply, Australia was dismissed for 208 in the 45th over. Mike Hussey top scored for the visitors with 63. Malinga ensured the win when he dismissed Hussey to finish with five for 28, his fourth five-wicket haul. — Agencies

Highlights

Sri Lanka: U. Tharanga c Haddin b Bollinger 111, T. Dilshan c M. Hussey b Bollinger 55, K. Sangakkara lbw b Bollinger 49, D. Chandimal c Clarke b Bollinger 4, M. Jayawardene c M. Hussey b Watson 36, Chamara Silva c Smith b Lee 9, J. Mendis lbw b Johnson 1, N. Kulasekara c M. Hussey b Johnson 4, S. Eranga b Watson 2, L. Malinga (not out) 1, Extras (lb-4, w-10): 14, Total (for nine wkts. in 50 overs): 286

Fall of wickets: 1-139, 2-220, 3-224, 4-230, 5-252, 6-255, 7-276, 8-284, 9-286.

Australia bowling: Lee 10-0-47-1, Bollinger 10-0-42-4, Johnson 9-0-45-2, Watson 9-0-58-2, Doherty 5-0-41-0, D. Hussey 5-0-34-0, Smith 2-0-15-0.

Australia: S. Watson b Jayawardene b Malinga 5, B. Haddin b Eranga 5, R. Ponting c and b Eranga 22, M. Clarke c Jayawardene b Malinga 46, M. Hussey c sub (Randiv) b Malinga 63, D. Hussey b A. Mendis 8, S. Smith (run out) 18, M. Johnson c Chandimal b Kulasekara 1, B. Lee (not out) 14, X. Doherty b Malinga 2, D. Bollinger b Malinga 4; Extras (b-4, lb-6, nb-1, w-9): 20; Total (in 44.2 overs): 208.

Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-18, 3-52, 4-123, 5-138, 6-183, 7-183, 8-189, 9-198.

Sri Lanka bowling: Malinga 8.2-2-28-5, Kulasekara 10-1-50-1, Eranga 7-0-38-2, Dilshan 10-0-39-0, J. Mendis 1-0-5-0, A. Mendis 8-0-38-1 .

Austrelia's Tour Of Srilanka Sangakkara Comments

Sangakkara calls for better show

Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara urged teammates to lift their game ahead of a must-win match on Tuesday in the one-day series against the visiting Australia.

“Another batting failure and we are now left with lots to do to keep the series alive,” former captain Sangakkara wrote on his blog on Monday, after Australia pulled off an easy eight-wicket victory in the second ODI on Sunday.

“We need to somehow re-group tomorrow (Tuesday),” he said.

Sangakkara, who top-scored for Sri Lanka with a patient 52, added 63 for the fifth wicket with Angelo Mathews (35).

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting cracked an impressive 90 not out while captain Michael Clarke made an unbeaten 58 as the visitor surpassed Sri Lanka's total of 208 with more than 11 overs to spare for a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

“The Aussies have been able to apply sustained pressure on our batsmen and our inability to post competitive totals means that we have not been able to do the same to their batsmen,” Sangakkara said.

He said Ponting, Shane Watson and Clarke batted through both matches “without the pressure of a challenging ‘required run-rate'”.

In a blog post vice-captain Mathews said Sri Lanka needed to “tough it out” on Tuesday.

“There's no longer any margin for error to keep the series alive and we need to collectively stand up to the challenge that awaits us tomorrow (Tuesday),” Mathews said.

Meanwhile, Ponting told reporters on Sunday that his batting has improved after giving up the demanding captaincy role following Australia's exit from the World Cup in April.

“It probably has, to tell the truth,” 36-year-old Ponting said. “The World Cup probably didn't go to plan as I would have wanted.”

Ponting said he was enjoying just being a player. “There's no doubt for me to be able to turn up to training and focus on my batting and my fielding only has been nice,” the right-hand batsman said.

“I've been able to just be that little bit fresher I think and I've felt in control the two games I've played here (Sri Lanka) so far. Hopefully that continues for the rest of the tour.”

Australia lost the two-match Twenty20 series to Sri Lanka and the two sides will also play three Tests.

Austrelia's Tour Of Srilanka

Australia takes on Sri Lanka

AP CATCH 'EM: Brad Haddin and Cameron White honing their fielding skills ahead of the Twenty20 game against Sri Lanka.

 

Australia opens its campaign in Sri Lanka with two Twenty20 Internationals on Saturday and Monday which could set the tone for the rest of the tour.

Seasoned Australian fast bowler Brett Lee said he felt the Twenty20 games were the right way to start the seven-week tour, which also features five One-Day Internationals and three Tests.

“I think it builds the hype,” the 34-year-old said.

Australia, once the masters of the game, will look to rebuild its battered reputation during the tour after falling to fifth place in the Test rankings, one behind Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, led by hard-hitting opener Tillakaratne Dilshan, will miss the now retired off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and sling-arm fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who is injured.

Australia (from): Cameron White (capt.), Shane Watson, David Warner, Brad Haddin, Shaun Marsh, David Hussey, Aaron Finch, Steven Smith, Steve O'Keefe, John Hastings, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, James Pattinson.

Sri Lanka (from): Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt.), Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Jeevan Mendis, Dilruwan Perera, Thisara Perera, Dhammika Prasad, Suranga Lakmal, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suraj Randiv, Rangana Herath, Chamara Silva, Shaminda Eranga.

Zimbabve vs Bangladesh 1st Test Day2 Stumps

Match Status: Stumps

Date: Thursday, August 4, 2011
Weather: Sunny

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SL),Bruce Oxenford (AUS) and Jeremiah Matibiri (ZIM)(T.V.)
Referee: Roshan Mahanama (SL)

Toss: Bangladesh elected to field
Series: Bangladesh in Zimbabwe, Only Test, 2011

1st Innings

370 in 131.0 Overs

Run Rate: 2.82

BAN

1st Innings

107/3 in 46.0 Overs

Run Rate: 2.33

Bangladesh trail by 263 runs, Bangladesh require 64 runs to avoid follow on