Aussies Can’t Lose

Sri Lanka look almost certain to lose the second Test, with Australia again in complete control. Leading by 296 on the first innings the Aussies did not enforce the follow on, and stormed to 111-1 by stumps on day three, an overall lead of 407 runs.

Resuming at 30-0 on yet another Australian flat track Sri Lanka were humbled by a superior team. Led by a rampant Brett Lee they first lost Michael Vandort cleaned bowled by a tremendous yorker that sent the middle stump cartwheeling out of the ground. Lee than had the controversial Marvan Atapattu caught in a juggling effort by Michael Clarke (54-2).

A quality partnership of 73 runs then ensued between Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, before the former was well caught by Mike Hussey from the bowling of Mitchell Johnson for a quick 57, he rode his luck dropped by Adam Gilchrist early in his innings.

At 127-3, on a still flat track, and with the captain in fine touch Sri Lanka looked capable of avoiding the follow on. This all changed with some poor strokes from the middle order, and some quality leg spin bowling from Stuart MacGill who with the support of Stuart Clark reduced the tourists to 163-6.

A silly mix up between the injured Farveez Maharoof and his runner Chamara Silva, summed up the Sri Lankans day and all but sealed their fate in this Test match with the score a sick 196-7.

The captain refused to go down without a fight and by cleverly farming the strike he posted his first Test hundred against Australia and dragged his side up to 246 all out.

Australia, as is their want, declined to enforce the follow on and rushed to 111-1 off just 20 overs. Matthew Hayden again was dismissed when he seemed to be ready for a big score trapped lbw to Murali for 33.

Australia First Innings 5 Dec. 542
Mike Hussey 132, Phil Jaques 150, Michael Clarke 71

Sri Lanka First Innings 246
Mahela Jayawardene
Brett Lee 4-82, Stuart Clark 2-32

Australia First Innings 5 Dec. 542
Phil Jaques 53*