Australia, hoping to clinch the series after winning the first Test by 125 runs, raced to 60 for no loss at stumps. Shane Watson returned unbeaten on 36 and Phillip Hughes was on 23.
The hosts, electing to bat first, never recovered after they lost half the side for 76 by lunch, the top three falling by the eighth over with the score at 14. Fast-bowler Ryan Harris led the way with three wickets. Trent Copeland, Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Lyon picked up two apiece in good batting conditions. Sri Lanka vice-captain Angelo Mathews cracked three sixes and six boundaries in an aggressive 58 to boost the total, but seven batsmen failed to reach double figures.
Kumar Sangakkara chipped in with 48 and looked set for a major knock when he lost his wicket to part-time bowler Michael Hussey, who picked up only his third wicket in 61 Tests. Hussey was also involved in Mahela Jayawardene’s dismissal, diving to his left at gully to pull off a stunning catch.
The left-hander was delighted at his show in the field.
“It’s special that I had a hand in the dismissal of their two main batsmen,” said Hussey. “I was shocked when Sangakkara got out. It was a valuable wicket to take.”
Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan criticised his batsmen for a careless display, saying they needed to make significant contributions if the hosts were to level the series.
“The Australians bowled well, but we had no business to get out so cheaply,” he said. “It’s difficult to come back into the match after making so few runs. The batsmen must start delivering.”
The collapse
Earlier, Harris had struck the first blow in his second over when he forced Tharanga Paranavitana to edge a catch to wicket-keeper Brad Haddin. Dilshan had made four before trying to leave a ball from Copeland which swung back sharply to clip his off-stump.
Copeland then removed Jayawardene in his next over for four. Samaraweera was dismissed 20 minutes before lunch, caught behind off Harris for 18, while Prasanna Jayawardene threw away his wicket just before the break.
Sangakkara’s fall in the afternoon session hastened another collapse before Mathews lashed out in the company of the tailenders.
Marsh, Prasanna make debuts
Earlier, Australia made one change from the side that won the first Test, bringing in debutant Shaun Marsh for former captain Ricky Ponting.
Sri Lanka included leg-spinner Seekkuge Prasanna for his maiden Test after spinners Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis were ruled out with injuries.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 9th, 2011.
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