Oracle of Delphi
Arnold
Paladin
Shan Jayaweera
KC Hill
Cibbuano
Craig HillAustralia seals comprehensive win over Sri Lanka
November 13th 2007 10:15
Brett Lee: The new leader of the Australian pace attack (Image: David Kapernick)
Much has been said of the post McGrath-Warne era but one thing's for sure and that is the Australians are as dominant as ever in the long form of the game after a comprehensive drubbing of the visiting Sri Lankans in the 1st test at the Gabba.
The Aussies played a superb first innings with Phil Jaques celebrating his first match as a full-time member of the side with a century. Captain Ricky Ponting and Andrew Symonds contributed with a half century (56 & 53) each while Michael Hussey and Michael Clarke forged a brilliant fourth wicket partnership of 278 runs (133 & 145 respectively).
With the score at 4/551, the Australians declared and immediately reduced Sri Lanka to 2/31 at stumps before the conclusion of Day Two.
Day Three and Four was a similar affair with Brett Lee in irresistible form with the new ball claiming 4-26 in the first innings as the visitors were bowled out for 211. Unable to avoid the follow on, the Sri Lankans were sent in to bat again on a rain interrupted day five with the Australians needing just five Sri Lankan wickets to wrap up an innings victory in their first Test match for 10 months.
As the new leader of the bowling attack in place of the retired Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee once again proved that he was up to the job by taking another four wickets in the second innings for a total of eight to win the man of the match award.
Phil Jaques celebrates his century (Getty Images)
With Lee in such devastating form, the visitors were soon bowled out for 300 thus sealing a comprehensive win for the home side by an innings and 40 runs.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting was understandably delighted with the performance of his new-look side and vowed they would continue to improve.
"You can expect us to maintain some very high standards," he said.
"The young guys have a chance to forge identities and hopefully we can keep this group together and widen the gap between us and the other teams."
Despite taking his 200th test wicket in this match, Stuart MacGill was left to ponder his return to the Test fold on several occasions including being stroked for three effortless boundaries in a single over by Atapattu. It is unclear whether the selectors would persevere with the New South Welshman for the 2nd test - I do not believe in tinkering with a winning team (especially one as dominant as this) - but I feel that Brad Hogg with his left arm spin could pose more of a threat in Hobart.
The 2nd Test begins on Friday, 16th November in Hobart.
| 87 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
Go to Craig Hill's home page by clicking here
