Bailey's 'B-Team' buries Sri Lanka

Updated January 11, 2013 22:41:54

They may be Australia's "B Team" but George Bailey's men made a mockery of that moniker with a 107-run one-day win over Sri Lanka at the MCG on Friday.

Man-of-the-match Phil Hughes (112) became the first Australian to score a century on one-day international debut as Australia clobbered 5 for 305 before Clint McKay (4 for 33) helped bowl the Sri Lankans out for 198 with 10 overs to spare.

Mitchell Starc removed Sri Lanka opener Upul Tharanga for 1 and McKay struck a key blow when skipper Mahela Jayawardene was caught at slip for 5.

Sri Lanka recovered to reach 2 for 111 at the 25-over mark but Tillakaratne Dilshan (51) was run out next ball by a direct hit from Usman Khawaja.

In a remarkable double-play of suicidal Sri Lankan running between wickets, cover fieldsman Glenn Maxwell ran out Angelo Mathews (12) and Lahiru Thirimanne (0) in consecutive deliveries in the 30th over as Sri Lanka slumped to 5 for 128.

Mitchell Johnson (2 for 43) dismissed Jeevan Mendis (20) caught at mid-off and 35-year-old wicketkeeper Brad Haddin pulled off a diving catch to remove the danger man Dinesh Chandimal for 73 in the following over from McKay.

Johnson also removed Thisara Perera (4) and McKay claimed the last two wickets in successive deliveries.

Despite fears of a very low crowd figure, 27,461 fans attended including several thousand Sri Lankan supporters.

Stand-in skipper Bailey (89 off 79 balls) and Hughes (112 off 129) shared a crucial 140-run stand for Australia's third wicket.

Australia's other top-order debutants Aaron Finch (16) and Khawaja (3) failed to match the crowd-pleasing strokeplay of Hughes who hit 14 fours.

David Hussey made a good fist of trying to slot into the finishing role made famous by his brother Mike with an innings of 60 not out from 34 deliveries.

Australia rested skipper Michael Clarke, opener David Warner and injured vice-captain Shane Watson while veteran Mike Hussey has been dumped after announcing this will be his final international season.

It was the first time since 1986 Australia has fielded a one-day side with at least three debutants, prompting criticism that it was a "B-team".

The second match in the five-game series is on Sunday in Adelaide.

AAP

Tags: onedayseries, cricket, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia, sri-lanka

First posted January 11, 2013 22:32:25

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Sri Lanka announce ODI, T20 squads

Updated January 02, 2013 23:49:38

Sri Lanka have recalled mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis for the upcoming Twenty20 and one-day internationals against Australia.

Mendis has not played for his country since suffering a side strain in the World Twenty20 and not played an ODI since January.

Elsewhere, the leading scorer in Sri Lankan domestic competition, Kushal Perera, is charged with filling the massive void left by the injured Kumar Sangakkara.

Fresh from fine form in the Big Bash, Lasith Malinga will also come into the side for the first ODI at the MCG on January 11.

Suranga Lakmal, who was called into the third Test squad as a replacement for Chanaka Welegedera, will stay on for the limited overs matches.

Experienced top-order batsman Upul Thuranga also gives a much-needed boost to the Sri Lankan side.

Sri Lanka's Twenty20 and ODI squad:

Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Angelo Mathews, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Ajantha Mendis, Jeevan Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Rangana Herath, Kushal Perera, Shaminda Eranga.

Tags: sport, cricket, sri-lanka

First posted January 02, 2013 23:49:38

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Australia, Sri Lanka remember Tony Greig

Updated January 03, 2013 15:00:59

Australian and Sri Lankan players paid their respects to Tony Greig in a moving farewell to the former England captain before the start of play in the third Test on Thursday.

A minute's silence was observed by players wearing black armbands and fans in honour of Greig, who died at the weekend aged 66 from a heart attack while battling lung cancer.

A trademark Greig sunhat was placed symbolically on the stumps at the Sydney Cricket Ground before being taken away by his sons, Mark and Tom.

The sons embraced and headed from the ground before the start of play.

Greig's family and the Channel 9 commentary team were invited by opposing captains Michael Clarke and Mahela Jayawardene to join the players and officials on the playing arena before the match started.

His wife Vivian was overcome by the cricket community's response.

"I just wish he could have seen it," she said.

"I'm so grateful, truly grateful.

"For Channel 9 and Cricket Australia to organise this tribute to him is truly touching."

Greig worked for Australia's Nine Network for decades and his long-time colleagues Richie Benaud, Bill Lawry and Ian Chappell were among the television contingent standing alongside the Australia team at the pre-match tribute.

Broadcasting doyen Benaud said it was a sad day but "we will get on with it as he would have wished. And at the end of the day we will raise a glass to our gifted colleague and friend forever."

"He was so strong in every way, a man I always liked to have on my side," he said.

Organisers had urged fans to wear Greig-style wide-brimmed hats, and thousands responded under sunny skies.

Australian captain Clarke also wore a neckerchief, in Greig style, as a personal tribute, as he led the Australians onto the field.

"He was an inspiration to cricket," Clarke said.

"The game owes Greigy a hell of a lot. If not for the great Kerry Packer and Tony Greig, the game wouldn't be where it is today."

South African-born Greig, a swashbuckling middle-order batsman and medium-fast bowler who had recently been diagnosed with cancer, died shortly after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Sydney home.

He was instrumental in the formation of late Australian media tycoon Kerry Packer's breakaway World Series Cricket contest staged from 1977-79, which left a lasting legacy on the game, including improved financial rewards for players.

Greig played 58 Tests for his adopted country England between 1972 and 1977, scoring 3,599 runs with eight centuries at 40.43 and capturing 141 wickets at 32.20.

AFP

Tags: cricket, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted January 03, 2013 14:49:25

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Malinga schools Sri Lanka on MCG

Updated December 21, 2012 16:39:19

Sri Lanka is tapping into Lasith Malinga's local knowledge as it prepares for its first MCG Test in 17 years.

None of the current tourists were around for Sri Lanka's only previous Test at the ground - the Boxing Day Test of 1995 - when Muttiah Muralidaran was famously no-balled for throwing.

Retired Test speedster Malinga, playing in the Big Bash League with the MCG-based Melbourne Stars, was at his national team's training session on Friday, talking with coaching staff and players.

In-form batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan said while the pitches for the shorter forms of the game would differ from that for the Test, Malinga's advice would be useful for Sri Lanka's inexperienced attack.

"When you're playing one-day cricket, he's having a chat with all the bowlers, he's leading the bowling and he's a leader for the Sri Lankan team," Dilshan told reporters after training.

"He's giving some tips.

"He's playing here - he might know what's happening with the wicket, how the wicket is behaving here, especially as he's been playing the last two weeks here.

"I think it's good for the bowlers to hang around with him."

But while bowling coach Champaka Ramanayake on Thursday expressed hope that Malinga might return to Test cricket, Dilshan considered that highly unlikely.

"If he comes back, it's good for the side definitely - everyone is happy if Lasith can play - but I don't think he's going to change his mind," he said.

Dilshan said the Sri Lankans would relish the opportunity to play Tests at the famous MCG and SCG.

The 36-year-old, who has scored three 100s in his past four Tests, including in the first innings against Australia in Hobart, confirmed he was contemplating retirement from Test cricket.

He said the Sydney Test could be his last outside Sri Lanka.

Fellow batsman Thilan Samaraweera has already said this might be his last overseas Test tour, while Mahela Jayawardene plans to relinquish the captaincy after this series.

AAP

Tags: cricket, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia, sri-lanka

First posted December 21, 2012 16:39:19

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Mendis stars in Sri Lanka one-day series win

Updated November 11, 2012 10:33:59

Jeevan Mendis grabbed three wickets as Sri Lanka clinched the one-day series against New Zealand with a comfortable seven-wicket win in the fourth match in Hambantota on Sunday morning (AEDT).

Sri Lanka achieved a rain-revised target of 131 off 32 overs with more than five overs to spare to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. The opening one-dayer was called off without a ball being bowled due to rain.

It was Sri Lanka's third successive win under the Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) method in the rain-hit series.

Opener Dinesh Chandimal (43), playing his first match of the series after replacing unfit opener Tillakaratne Dilshan, and Kumar Sangakkara (42 not out) added 87 for the second wicket to ensure their team's victory.

Sangakkara hit one six and five fours in his 55-ball knock.

"The bowlers stuck to their task. Batting under lights here was going to be tough but both Kumar and Chandimal batted very well and put up a decent partnership," said Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene.

"The win gives us an opportunity to experiment in the last game, but we will try to win."

Leg-spinner Mendis (3 for 15) earlier bowled Kane Williamson and Nathan McCullum with googlies in his third over before trapping Andrew Ellis leg-before in his next over, his three wickets coming off just five balls.

Man-of-the-match Mendis was superbly backed by fast bowler Nuwan Kulasekara, who finished with 2 for 17 off five overs.

"I have been working hard for the last couple of months. I tried my best to get the hat-trick but I am happy with the three," said Mendis

Sri Lanka, who elected to field after winning the toss in overcast conditions, put in an impressive bowling performance to restrict New Zealand.

Brendon McCullum, who smashed left-arm spinner Rangana Herath over long-off for the first six of the match, top-scored for the tourists with 30 while Williamson and James Franklin each made 21.

"Sri Lanka played smart cricket and put us under pressure from the start. We are taking positives out from this game. Our bowlers bowled very well. We hope to at least get a win and avoid 4-0," said New Zealand captain Ross Taylor.

Sri Lanka got an early wicket when Kulasekara had opener Rob Nicol (11) caught by Upul Tharanga at mid-on in his third over.

Opener Bradley-John Watling, who scored half-centuries in the last two matches, could make just 15 this time as he was run out while Taylor made six before being caught behind off seamer Thisara Perera.

New Zealand suffered another blow when hard-hitting McCullum fell attempting a big shot, caught by Chandimal at long-on off Herath after hitting one six and two fours in his 44-ball knock.

New Zealand made two changes from the side that played the last match as it brought in Ellis and debutant paceman Adam Milne in place of Kyle Mills and Jacob Oram.

The fifth and final one-day international will be played at the same venue on Monday.

AFP

Tags: cricket, sport, sri-lanka, new-zealand

First posted November 11, 2012 08:38:59

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Sri Lanka wins rain-hit New Zealand ODI

Updated November 05, 2012 07:25:51

Sri Lanka posted a 14-run victory over New Zealand by Duckworth-Lewis method in the rain-hit second one-day international on Monday morning to gain a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

The day-night match was keenly poised when play was called off due to rain in Pallekele as Sri Lanka was 3 for 118 off 22.5 overs chasing a 251-run target. The hosts were ahead of the D/L par score of 104 at that stage.

Skipper Mahela Jayawardene was unbeaten on 43 with Angelo Mathews (7 not out).

The opening one-dayer was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain at the same venue on Thursday.

Tillakaratne Dilshan (37), Kumar Sangakkara (11) and Upul Tharanga (6) were the batsmen dismissed, while Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills and Trent Boult were the wicket-takers.

Opener Dilshan, who also completed 1,000 one-day runs in the year during his 51-ball knock, and Jayawardene added 59 for the third wicket after the hosts lost two wickets for 39 runs.

Skipper Ross Taylor and Bradley-John Watling earlier hit half-centuries to help New Zealand post a competitive total.

Taylor cracked two sixes and seven fours in a brisk 62-ball 72 for his 21st half-century in one-dayers, while Watling made an impressive 55 with six fours for his fourth fifty.

The New Zealand captain added 91 for the fourth wicket with James Franklin (35 not out) before being caught by Mathews in the covers off paceman Nuwan Kulasekara in the 46th over.

Opener Rob Nicol (46) was the other main scorer.

Paceman Lasith Malinga was the most successful bowler, finishing with 2 for 39 off 10 overs.

New Zealand, who was without hard-hitting batsman Brendon McCullum due to a stiff back, lost an early wicket after choosing to bat when opener Tom Latham (2) was bowled by Malinga.

Nicol, dropped on four by Mathews in the slips off Malinga, steadied the innings with an 83-run stand for the second wicket with Watling before being caught by wicketkeeper Sangakkara off seamer Thisara Perera.

Watling fell after completing his half-century, caught by Jayawardene at short mid-wicket off left-arm spinner Rangana Herath.

The third one-day international will be played in Pallekele on Tuesday.

AFP

Tags: cricket, sport, sri-lanka, new-zealand

First posted November 05, 2012 07:20:59

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England out as Sri Lanka, Windies reach semis

Updated October 02, 2012 07:27:10

Sri Lanka sent defending champions England packing at the World Twenty20 as it booked a spot in the semi-finals along with the West Indies after a dramatic night of action.

Sri Lanka's 19-run win over England, thanks in large part to Lasith Malinga's career-best 5 for 31, put the hosts into their third successive World Twenty20 semi-finals as they hunt their first major title in 16 years.

Earlier the West Indies snatched victory from New Zealand in a thrilling super over finish after they were tied on 139.

Despite New Zealand scoring17 off its extra over, West Indies smashed 19 with a ball to spare.

England's reshuffled team may regret sending Sri Lanka in to bat after the hosts posted a challenging 6 for 169.

In reply, at a packed Pallekele stadium, England managed 9 for 150 and only briefly threatened to pull off an unlikely win.

The chase was in trouble from the start as England was rocked by Malinga, who took the first three wickets in his first over.

It needed a fourth-wicket stand of 55 between Samit Patel (67) and Eoin Morgan (10) to repair the early damage, but England lost wickets at regular intervals.

Patel added 51 with Graeme Swann (34) for the eighth wicket as hope fluttered. But Malinga bowled Patel in the penultimate over to snuff out the danger and improve on his previous best of 3 for 12 against New Zealand in 2010.

"The guys played really well. Lasith is unbelievable, both with the new ball and with the old ball. It would be fantastic if we can win it (the title) but the focus is to keep our feet on the ground," said captain Kumar Sangakkara.

In the earlier match, New Zealand started with a bang as they bowled out the West Indies for just 139 in 19.3 overs, with Tim Southee (3 for 21) and Doug Bracewell (3 for 31) doing the damage. Chris Gayle's 30 was the innings' top score.

Ross Taylor was the mainstay of New Zealand's reply with an unbeaten 62.

New Zealand needed 14 off the last over, bowled by Marlon Samuels, and Taylor hit a six off the fourth delivery but managed just a single on the penultimate ball.

Bracewell hit the final delivery but was run out while taking a second run, tying the match as New Zealand closed on 7 for 139.

Taylor scored an impressive 17 for New Zealand in its super over off the bowling of Samuels. But the all-rounder then stepped up for West Indies to hoist the winning six off Southee.

"Samuels is my go-to man in pressure situations, he's suffering from a bad shoulder so that's why he doesn't bowl more," said captain Darren Sammy.

"It was a great fight-back and I am very happy at that."

A disappointed Taylor rued New Zealand's missed opportunity but admitted that the West Indies' super over was "pretty awesome".

"We probably should have won it in normal time. Credit to West Indies, to score 18 off five balls is pretty awesome. When the first ball is a no-ball that goes for six, it ruins the over," said Taylor.

"That's cricket and we're going home now."

On Tuesday, Pakistan plays Australia and India faces South Africa in Colombo to decide the semi-finalists from group two. The semi-finals will be played on Thursday and Friday, and the final is on Sunday.

AFP

Tags: twenty20, cricket, sport, sri-lanka

First posted October 02, 2012 07:23:28

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Sri Lanka books spot in Twenty20 final

Updated October 05, 2012 07:40:19

Mahela Jayawardene and his crafty spinners took Sri Lanka to its second World Twenty20 final following a 16-run win over 2009 champions Pakistan in the first semi-final overnight.

Opting to bat first, Jayawardene (42) added 63 runs with Tillakaratne Dilshan (35) but Sri Lanka could not capitalise on the strong start on a sluggish track and posted 4 for 139.

Jayawardene then returned to marshal his bowlers, who restricted Pakistan to 7 for 123 to earn a place in Sunday's final against either Australia or West Indies.

"It means a great deal, great support from the fans," said the Sri Lanka captain, denying the team was under pressure from the fans to win their first World Twenty20 title.

"I think like everyone said it's not pressure for us. It's like our 12th man, pretty much cheering us up. It's been great to perform like this in front of a great crowd."

Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath was one of the key performers, justifying his selection ahead of Akila Dananjaya by claiming 3 for 25 while Ajantha Mendis (2 for 27) and Angelo Mathews (2 for 27) shared four wickets between them.

"It was a tough call to keep out birthday boy Akila Dananjaya but we felt with Pakistan, they have a history against left-arm spin," Jayawardene said.

Captain Mohammad Hafeez (42) top-scored for Pakistan while Umar Akmal remained not out on 29 in the rematch of the 2009 final.

Pakistan responded well with Hafeez and Imran Nazir (20) adding 31 off the first six overs but once Mendis separated them by removing Nazir, its chase never got the momentum again.

Angelo Mathews reduced Pakistan to 3 for 57 by removing Nasir Jamshed and Kamran Akmal in the same over before left-arm spinner Herath cleaned up.

Playing Herath ahead of teenager spinner Akila Dananjaya proved a master stroke as the 34-year-old spinner bowled out Shoaib Malik for 6 and then struck a double blow.

He foxed Hafeez, who had stepped out to hit him, to present Kumar Sangakkara with an easy stumping and in his next delivery, bowled Shahid Afridi for a golden duck on the 16th anniversary of the batsman's fastest century that came off 36 balls.

"He is a match winner, there is no doubt about his abilities. But I think... he is really in a bad form at the moment," Hafeez told reporters when asked about the 32-year-old all-rounder's performance.

Mendis further tightened the screws by removing Sohail Tanvir and Pakistan could only score 6 of the 23 runs required in a tidy last over sent down by Nuwan Kulasekara.

"We were very much into the game but unfortunately the middle order collapsed and we couldn't do well as far as the partnerships were concerned," Hafeez rued.

"I think it was a good game of cricket where both teams really fought well and at the end of the day the better team won."

Umar Akmal was fined 50 per cent of his match fee for ignoring the orders of both on-field umpires and changing his batting gloves.

Reuters

Tags: twenty20, cricket, sport, sri-lanka, pakistan

First posted October 05, 2012 07:30:20

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Sri Lanka beat Black Caps in super over

Updated September 28, 2012 07:43:07

Sri Lanka beat New Zealand in a one-over eliminator after the 40-over Super Eights contest was sensationally tied at Pallekele stadium on Thursday night.

With both teams inseparable on 174 runs at the end of 40 overs a 'super over' round was played for the result.

New Zealand paceman Tim Southee restricted Sri Lanka to 1 for 13 but Lasith Malinga managed better, finishing the New Zealand innings five short of his team's total.

It was the seventh tied match in all Twenty20 cricket, with New Zealand involved in four of them.

Tillakaratne Dilshan (76) had put Sri Lanka on course for a successful run chase before New Zealand pulled back through some accurate bowling and fielding.

Sri Lanka were in a spot of bother when they lost Kumar Sangakkara (21) and Jeevan Mendis (eight) in quick succession, needing 38 from the last four overs.

With Sri Lanka needing 21 off the final two overs, Dilshan hit James Franklin for a six off the first ball before he was run out off the next, leaving Sri Lanka to make 15 off the final 10 deliveries.

It boiled down to eight off the final over. Lahiru Thirimanne hit a boundary off Southee's penultimate delivery but was run out off the final ball, luckily for New Zealand the ball hitting the stumps after coming off Ross Taylor's knee.

Dilshan hit three sixes and five boundaries during his 53-ball knock.

Mahela Jayawardene, who scored 44 in the match, showed delight at the win.

"It's nice to have a win under your belt so the pressure eases down," said the Sri Lankan captain.

"Judging by Taylor's reaction on the last ball we thought we had won but it needed a super over."

Taylor said he was proud of his team's fightback.

"To lose tight matches is always disappointing," said Taylor. "But from the situation we were in I thought we fought back very hard and never gave up. I am proud of my team."

New Zealand owed their total to a career best fifty by opener Rob Nicol.

Nicol hit Ajantha Mendis for three sixes in the 15th over during his 40-ball 58 after New Zealand won the toss and batted.

The 29-year-old, who in all hit four sixes and three boundaries, put on a brisk 57 for the opening wicket with Martin Guptill (38) and 42 for the second with Brendon McCullum (25) before he fell in the 16th over.

Nicol's previous Twenty20 highest was 56 against Zimbabwe at Hamilton earlier this year.

Mendis, who took 6 for 8 in the first round match against Zimbabwe to register the best bowling figures in all Twenty20 internationals, went for 48 runs for his only wicket in four overs, his last costing 24.

In contrast newcomer Akila Dananjaya took 2 for 32. Taylor chipped in with a brisk 23.

AFP

Tags: sport, cricket, sri-lanka

First posted September 28, 2012 07:43:07

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Mendis magic gives Sri Lanka perfect start

Updated September 19, 2012 07:37:25

Spinner Ajantha Mendis took a record six wickets for just eight runs as hosts Sri Lanka humbled Zimbabwe in the opening match of the World Twenty20 overnight.

Mendis, 27, marked his international return after an eight-month injury lay-off with the devastating haul to dismiss Zimbabwe for 100 in 17.3 overs in the Group C match in Hambantota.

Zimbabwe could never cope with Mendis's unreadable deliveries and collapsed like a pack of cards in pursuit of the daunting target of 183 set by Sri Lanka at Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium.

Sri Lanka, which lost the toss and was sent into bat, owed its total of 4 for 182 to Kumar Sangakkara (44) and Jeevan Mendis (43 not out), who shared a 94-run stand for the fourth wicket.

"It's tough paying a team like Zimbabwe," Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene said.

"You can't take anything for granted. We had to make sure we played to our potential.

"It's a good wicket, just needed to get used to it a little bit. Our guys batted really well, and the bowlers then did a super job."

Mendis struck two blows in his first over, removing Vusi Sibanda (11) and Zimbabwe skipper Brendan Taylor (0) off successive deliveries. He next had Zimbabwe's top-scorer Hamilton Masakadza (20).

He returned for his second spell and took four more wickets to end any lingering Zimbabwean hopes -- and improve his own international Twenty20 record figures of 6 for 16, set against Australia at Pallekele last year.

Jeevan Mendis took 3 for 24 to cap a great all-round performance.

"We are a better side than what we showed," Zimbabwe's captain Taylor said.

"Credit goes to Sri Lanka. They showed why they are one of the favourites to win the tournament.

"We have played enough cricket to go back from today, rethink and come back a better side."

Sangakkara, the newly crowned ICC player of the year, hit a 26-ball 44, studded with a six and two boundaries, while Jeevan Mendis smashed four boundaries and a six during his unbeaten 43 off 30 balls.

Both the left-handers lifted Sri Lanka from 3 for 82 after the hosts were put into bat.

Tillakaratne Dilshan hit five boundaries during his rapid 39 before he fell caught behind by Taylor off legspinner Graeme Cremer. Jayawardene was run out for 13 while debutant Dilshan Munaweera made 17.

Twelve teams competing in the event are divided in four groups, with the top two teams advancing to the Super Eight stage, which will decide the four semi-finalists.

Sri Lanka is bidding to end its 16-year wait for a second major title after winning the 50-over World Cup in 1996.

AFP

Tags: sport, cricket, twenty20, sri-lanka

First posted September 19, 2012 07:37:25

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Sri Lanka crush Pakistan in first Test

Updated June 26, 2012 08:42:24

Sri Lanka claimed the extra half-hour at the end of the fourth day to complete a 209-run rout of Pakistan in the first Test in Galle.

The visitors, chasing an unlikely victory target of 510, were bowled out for 300.

The match looked like dragging on to the fifth day when fifth-wicket pair Younus Khan (87) and Asad Shafiq (80) put up stubborn resistance with a stand of 151.

After the pair were removed, Mohammad Ayub (22) and Adnan Akmal (40 not out) continued to frustrate the Sri Lankan bowlers.

When the extra half-hour started Pakistan was 8 for 279 but Suraj Randiv snapped up the last two wickets to finish with figures of 3 for 86 in the second innings and 7 for 99 in the match.

Shafiq hit 13 fours in an attractive innings before edging a catch to Mahela Jayawardene at slip off Rangana Herath.

Former captain Younus struck seven fours to thwart the home attack until he was finally undone by the second new ball after tea, caught behind by Prasanna Jayawardene off Nuwan Kulasekara.

Debutant Ayub then presented Nuwan Pradeep with his first Test wicket when he was trapped LBW.

Earlier, Sri Lanka broke through in the second over of the day when nightwatchman Saeed Ajmal (12), sent back by Younus after he charged down the wicket, failed to beat Randiv's direct hit from extra cover.

Kumar Sangakkara then dropped Shafiq off Randiv at short mid-wicket when he was on 33.

Younus also survived an anxious moment when Tillakaratne Dilshan dived forward at mid-off to take a 'catch' but the batsman was adjudged not out by the third umpire.

Paceman Kulasekera ended with figures of 3 for 48, while spinner Herath picked up 2 for 91.

Sangakkara was named man-of-the-match for his 199 not out in the first innings.

The second Test in the three-match series is in Colombo starting on Saturday.

Reuters

Tags: cricket, sport, sri-lanka

First posted June 26, 2012 08:42:24

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Sri Lanka bat out draw to win series

Updated July 13, 2012 07:47:23

Sri Lanka batted out for a draw against Pakistan in the third and final Test at the Pallekele Stadium in Kandy to win its first series in nine attempts since 2009.

Dinesh Chandimal (65) and Kumar Sangakkara (74 not out) shared an 88-run second wicket partnership as Sri Lanka finished on 4 for 195, having been set a 270-run victory target earlier in the day by Pakistan, seeking a draw to level the three-match series.

It was Sri Lanka's first series victory for almost three years when it beat New Zealand. Since then it has drawn three series and lost five.

The defeat was Pakistan's first since England beat it 3-1 in August 2010 and captain Misbah-ul-Haq's first series loss since his appointment two months later.

Earlier, Asad Shafiq (100 not out) hit his second Test century before Pakistan declared its second innings at 8 for 380.

The visitors batted for 100 minutes on the fifth and final day, allowing Shafiq to get his century before their attempt to salvage something from the series.

Sri Lanka won the first Test in Galle by 209 runs, while the second in Colombo was drawn.

Reuters

Tags: cricket, sport, sri-lanka

First posted July 13, 2012 07:47:23

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History of Sri Lanka Cricket

Sri Lanka to target weak Australia bowlers

Updated February 10, 2012 06:24:28

Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene claims Australia's bowling attack is its weakness, and his batsmen will target them in Friday's one-day international at the WACA Ground.

With Brett Lee out injured and emerging stars Pat Cummins and James Pattinson still on the comeback trail, Jayawardene said Australia's bowling attack could potentially be exposed if his team plays smartly.

Those comments are sure to fire up the likes of speedsters Clint McKay and Mitchell Starc, who combined for six wickets to skittle India for just 151 in the series-opener.

Ryan Harris, who boasts a one-day average of 16.80, and spinner Xavier Doherty were also part of that attack and will no doubt want to prove a point against Sri Lanka on Friday.

Jayawardene said his team needed to win the key moments to cause an upset over Australia.

And with Harris having endured an injury-hit summer and Starc and McKay still yet to establish themselves as regulars in the national set-up, Jayawardene felt his batting line-up had a good chance to get on top.

"(Harris) is a decent bowler but they're still missing quite a few frontline guys," Jayawardene said after Sri Lanka's four-wicket loss to India in Perth on Wednesday.

"That's an area we can target."

Sri Lanka was disappointing in its opening match of the series, posting just 8 for 233 before India cruised to the victory target with 20 balls to spare.

The match was Sri Lanka's first under new coach Graham Ford, who controversially replaced the sacked Geoff Marsh last month.

Jayawardene, who took over as skipper from Tillakaratne Dilshan as part of the upheaval, said it would take time for his team to build momentum.

Australian batsman Peter Forrest is likely to be handed his one-day international debut on Friday, but coach Mickey Arthur said he was struggling to decide who to leave out of the side.

Paceman Ben Hilfenhaus has been drafted into the squad as cover for Lee, but Arthur said he was almost certain to stick with the same bowling attack that performed so well against India last week.

AAP

Tags: sport, onedayseries, cricket, sri-lanka, wa

First posted February 09, 2012 16:55:04

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Christian hat-trick slows Sri Lanka

Updated March 02, 2012 18:51:35

Dan Christian claimed a hat-trick as Australia bowled Sri Lanka out for 238 in their crucial one-day international at the MCG.

Sri Lanka need a win or a tie to advance ahead of India to the best-of-three finals series against Australia, which starts in Brisbane on Sunday.

While Australia had little to play for on Friday, Christian made sure of his place in the side for the finals series with a stunning performance of 5 for 31 from his nine overs.

Christian's hat-trick came in the 44th over as Thisara Perera fell to a spectacular juggling catch by Mike Hussey on the boundary rope at deep mid-wicket for 5.

Sachitra Senanayake and Nuwan Kulasekara were adjudged LBW for ducks in the following two deliveries, although replays suggested the Kulasekara dismissal was dubious and the ball was missing leg stump.

It is just the fourth hat-trick by an Australian in an one-day international match.

Young paceman James Pattinson claimed 4 for 51 in his first international match since injuring his foot in the Sydney Test two months ago.

Pattinson's career-best haul included the key wickets of Dinesh Chandimal (75), Kumar Sangakkara (64) and Lahiru Thirimanne (51).

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene won the toss but failed to give his side a solid platform. The skipper was run out by David Hussey for 5 and Tillakaratne Dilshan fell caught behind off Pattinson for 9.

Chandimal came to the crease at 2 for 17. The 22-year-old was able to steady the innings by combining with ex-skipper Sangakkara to add 123 for the third wicket.

Pattinson's extra pace contributed to Sangakkara falling caught at deep backward square in the 29th over.

Chandimal was caught at mid-off in the 39th over, robbing the tourists of momentum heading into the final phase of the innings.

Xavier Doherty took a fine running catch off Christian's bowling to dismiss Angelo Mathews for five at 5 for 195.

Christian was mobbed by team-mates after his hat-trick reduced Sri Lanka to 8 for 206 and the last two wickets to fall were Thirimanne bowled by Pattinson and Lasith Malinga, who was bowled by Christian for 2.

Australia rested Brett Lee (foot) and skipper Michael Clarke (back/hamstring), while Sri Lanka recalled off-spinner Senanayake for injured paceman Farveez Maharoof.

AAP

Tags: sport, cricket, australia

First posted March 02, 2012 18:09:38

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Sri Lanka overcome shaky start

Updated March 02, 2012 16:43:51

Sri Lanka has overcome a shaky start in the tri-series one-day international against Australia at the MCG.

Sri Lanka, who won the toss and elected to bat, were three for 152 after 33 overs.

Kumar Sangakkara and Dinesh Chandimal put together a partnership of 123 off 144 balls to rescue their side from a poor start.

Sangakkara was caught in the deep by Peter Forrest off the bowling of James Pattinson for 64 runs. Chandimal was not out 63 after 33 overs.

Sri Lanka is level on points with India and will advance to Sunday's first final against Australia in Brisbane on Sunday if it wins today.

That looked unlikely in the early stages of the match when Mahela Jayawardene was run out by David Hussey in the second over for five runs.

Soon after Tillakaratne Dilshan was dismissed for 9 off the bowling of James Pattinson.

Australia: Shane Watson (captain), David Warner, Peter Forrest, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Matthew Wade, Daniel Christian, James Pattinson, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty, Ben Hilfenhaus

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Tillekeratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews, Thissara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekera, Sachithra Senanayake, Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath

Tags: sport, cricket, australia

First posted March 02, 2012 14:31:53

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Sri Lanka sacks Marsh, brings in Ford

Updated January 26, 2012 06:55:51

Sri Lanka Cricket has sacked its Australian coach Geoff Marsh and replaced him with South African Graham Ford as part of a major shake-up following the national team's poor run.

Marsh's sacking came after Tillakaratne Dilshan quit his captaincy on Monday and former skipper Mahela Jayawardene was brought in to lead the team to Australia for the upcoming triangular one-day series involving India.

"The executive committee of Sri Lanka Cricket takes this opportunity to wish... the newly appointed coach Graham Ford the best of luck during their tenure with the national team," the statement said.

There was no immediate comment from Ford.

"They also convey their gratitude to Geoff Marsh the outgoing national coach," the statement said.

Ford, 51, is the fourth coach since Australian Trevor Bayliss stepped aside after the World Cup final in April 2011.

Bayliss's assistant Stuart Law took over for the England series and quit to coach Bangladesh.

Sri Lankan pace bowler Rumesh Ratnayake took over for the home series against Australia and was replaced by Marsh in September 2011.

There was no immediate comment from Marsh, who had a two-year contract with Sri Lanka Cricket.

Sri Lanka's sports minister last week named a four-member selection panel and gave them one year to put the team in order after the side lost Test and one-day series to England, Australia, Pakistan and South Africa.

"The top was changed to bring some results, to restore our pride in the national sport," minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said.

A former all-rounder, Ford quit as head coach of the Dolphins, the Durban-based franchise last week, and said he wanted to "follow my dreams of involvement at an international level".

Ford replaced Bob Woolmer in 1999 as South African coach, a post he held till 2001. He shifted to Kent as director of cricket in 2004, and returned home in 2006 to take charge of the Dolphins.

In June 2007, he famously turned down an offer to coach India, after being chosen to replace Australian Greg Chappell. In 2009, he withdrew his name as candidate to coach England.

Sri Lanka's team manager Anura Tennakoon was also replaced on Wednesday with former player Charith Senanayake.

AFP

Tags: cricket, sport, sri-lanka

First posted January 26, 2012 06:55:51

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Ranatunga slams Sri Lanka sacking of Marsh

Updated January 27, 2012 08:00:57

Legendary Sri Lankan cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga has slammed his country's sacking of Australian coach Geoff Marsh as "disgraceful" and "unprofessional".

Marsh was this week replaced by South African Graham Ford. The move followed Tillakaratne Dilshan quitting the captaincy on Monday.

Former skipper Mahela Jayawardene was brought in to lead the team to Australia for the upcoming triangular one-day series involving India.

"It is disgraceful the way Sri Lanka Cricket handled it by removing a professional like Marsh," Ranatunga said a day after the coach was sacked.

Marsh had begun a two-year contract in September 2011. He has not commented on his dismissal and Sri Lanka Cricket has not given any reasons for showing him the door.

Removing Marsh also sends a negative signal to professional staff who work with Sri Lanka or plan to work with the national cricket team in the future, said Ranatunga, who led Sri Lanka to their only World Cup triumph in 1996.

"Top coaches, physios will think twice before they accept a job from Sri Lanka in the future. Sri Lanka Cricket has set a very bad precedent," he said.

Ford, 51, is the fourth Sri Lanka coach since Australian Trevor Bayliss stepped aside after the World Cup final in April 2011. Bayliss's assistant Stuart Law took over for the England series but quit to coach Bangladesh.

Sri Lankan pace bowler Rumesh Ratnayake took over for the home series against Australia and was replaced by Marsh.

Ranatunga, a former captain and opposition lawmaker, also blamed administrators for the country's poor run of form after losses to England, Australia, Pakistan and South Africa.

"People who run cricket in this country, have no clue about the game. Do you think they love the game? No. Sri Lanka Cricket is in a major mess," he said.

And he said re-appointing Jayawardene, who led the side to the 2007 World Cup final, was not the right way to fix the losing streak.

"It is like changing the pillow to fix a headache. Mahela is not getting younger. I am surprised he accepted it again. We have to groom young people for the captaincy," he said.

Ranatunga also accused the government of meddling in the sport, leading to financial ruin, poor governance and lack of foresight to pick players.

A former cricket board chief, Ranatunga scored 5,105 runs in 93 Tests and 7,456 runs in 269 one-dayers before quitting international cricket in 2000.

AFP

Tags: cricket, sport, sri-lanka

First posted January 27, 2012 07:59:43

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Dilshan resigns as Sri Lanka skipper

Updated January 24, 2012 07:44:55

Tillakaratne Dilshan resigned as Sri Lanka's cricket captain in all three forms of the game on Monday, following the team's disappointing tour of South Africa.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) named former captain Mahela Jayawardene - who led the side to the World Cup final in 2007 - as skipper for next month's triangular one-day series in Australia, also featuring India.

Dilshan, 35, took up the captaincy on a series-to-series basis after Kumar Sangakkara stepped down following Sri Lanka's defeat in the 2011 World Cup final against India.

The side lost both the Test and one-day series in South Africa, though they recovered a measure of pride with victory in the final two limited-overs games, the last on Sunday.

"Dilshan has resigned as captain in all three formats of the game," Sri Lanka Cricket said.

Under Dilshan, Sri Lanka lost Test and one-day series against England, Australia, Pakistan and South Africa.

"Members of the executive committee take this opportunity to thank Dilshan for his commitment and dedication during his tenure as the national captain," the board said.

"We also wish him well as he continues to represent Sri Lanka as a national player."

While Dilshan's own batting form suffered during his reign, he led the team to a historic Test win in Durban this year - Sri Lanka's first on South African soil.

There was no immediate comment from Dilshan, who has so far scored 4,662 runs in 77 Tests and 5,896 runs in 224 one-day internationals.

Local media have speculated that former captain Mahela Jayawardene could be Dilshan's replacement.

His replacement is part of an ongoing shake-up after the national team's recent poor run abroad against South Africa and Pakistan.

"We are changing things at the top to try and change things around," sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said.

The minister last week named a four-member selection panel headed by Asantha de Mel, a former national player, and gave them one year to put the team in order.

Australian coach Geoff Marsh and team manager Anura Tennakoon are also tipped to be replaced, local media reported over the weekend. Marsh was appointed in September 2011 for two years.

Former South Africa coach Graham Ford is due in the island on Tuesday to replace Marsh, the state-run Daily News said Monday.

AFP

Tags: cricket, sport, sri-lanka

First posted January 24, 2012 00:51:00

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Sri Lanka recall Maharoof for Aussie tri-series

Updated January 24, 2012 12:30:07

Sri Lanka's cricket selectors have recalled Farveez Maharoof and Chanaka Welegedera for next month's triangular one-day series in Australia.

The four-man selection panel led by former player Asantha de Mel also named batsman Mahela Jayawardene as the new captain to replace Tillakaratne Dilshan, who quit on Monday.

All-rounder Maharoof and paceman Welegedera each played his last one-dayer in 2010.

Angelo Mathews was retained as vice-captain for the series, also featuring India.

Squad: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Angelo Mathews (vice-capt), Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thisira Perera, Farveez Maharoof, Rangana Herath, Sachithra Senanayaka, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekera, Chanaka Welegedera, Dhammika Prasad.

AFP

Tags: cricket, sport, australia, sri-lanka

First posted January 24, 2012 12:19:35

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