Australia bowl SL out for 113 to go 1-0 up in the series
In a remarkable turn of events, Australia picked up 10 wickets in a session to bowl Sri Lanka out for 113 and go 1-0 up.
Day 3 of the first test between Australia and Sri Lanka proved to be an eventful one, as the Aussies take advantage of the SL collapse and go 1-0 up.
A forgetful day for the Sri Lankan batsmen as they aggressive intent back-fired big time.
At the start of the day, Australia had a lead of 101 runs, with 2 wickets remaining. They could only add 8 more runs, before being bowled out for 321.
Get the day 2 highlights here: https://www.sportstrumpet.com/australia-end-day-2-in-a-strong-position/
Cameron Green was the top scorer with a well made 77. Khawaja continued his rich vein of form too, as he scored 71.
Sri Lanka had to score 109 before giving Australia a target.
Sri Lanka’s plan was clear, be aggressive from the get go. A sensible plan on a turning wicket. But, their execution was not as good as their plan.
They lost their first wicket 37 but, their highest partnership of the innings. Nathan Lyon again, proved the destructor in chief, as he for the second time this match, got rid of SL skipper Dimuth Karunaratne.
Opening partner Nissanka followed suit soon, as he was struck on the pad in front of the wicket by Lyon’s twin spinner Mitchell Swepson.
Kushal Mendis had one of the worst matches, as he managed to score a total of 11 runs in both innings. Oshada Fernando, who replaced Mathews in the side could manage only 12 runs.
This morning, Angelo Mathews tested positive for COVID-19. Wickets kept on tumbling as the spin trio of Head, Lyon and Swepson picked up the wickets aplenty.
Head came on and wreaked havoc, picking up 4 wickets for just 10 runs, inside his 3 overs.
Thanks to Avishka Fernando, SL made Australia bat again, needing 5 runs to go 1-0 up.
David Warner took just 4 balls to score ten runs, finishing off the match in style to help Australia lead the 2 match series.
Not many would have expected such a collapse by the SL batting order. A lot of thinking to do for the Sri Lankan team management and players before the second test commences in a weeks time at the same venue, Galle.
Nathan Lyon picked up 9 wickets in this match. This meant he enters the list of top 10 wicket takers in Men’s Test cricket.
Cameron Green was adjydged the player of the match for his outstanding innings of 77 that helped Australia build up a lead in the first innings.