Sri Lanka press for victory after Australia fight back

Hughes, Mathews score welcome hundreds in the third Test.

COLOMBO: Australia opener Phil Hughes scored his first Test hundred in two and a half years but Sri Lanka pressed for a series- levelling victory in the third and final Test in Colombo.

The Australians, trailing by 157 runs on the first-innings, finished the fourth day at 209 for three for an overall lead of 52. Hughes was undefeated on 122 with 16 boundaries and a six, while captain Michael Clarke was unbeaten on eight. Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath grabbed all three Australian wickets to fall to end the day with figures of three for 54.

Herath first trapped Shane Watson lbw for 21, a decision the batsman challenged and lost. Shaun Marsh fell to a bat-pad catch at short leg for 18. Ricky Ponting became Herath’s third victim when he edged a catch to Mahela Jayawardene.

Earlier Angelo Mathews scored his maiden Test hundred to give Sri Lanka a handy first-innings lead of 157. Mathews, 85 not out overnight, was stuck in the nineties, losing three partners in quick succession but finally reached his century with a cover-driven four off Peter Siddle.

Australia had made early inroads into the Sri Lanka batting when Siddle breached the defence of debutant Saminda Eranga (12) and Herath (three). Chanaka Welegedara (one) was run out after a misunderstanding with Mathews with both batsmen stuck at the non-striker’s end. Siddle, who replaced the injured Ryan Harris, was Australia’s best bowler, finishing with four for 91.

Mathews delighted

The 24-year old Mathews, who had twice been dismissed in the nineties in his 16-Test career, was elated at having finally reached a Test hundred.

“It was great getting to it after a couple of missed opportunities,” he said. “This was a very patient knock. We had to be patient and wait for the loose balls. You can always say batting in the nineties you get a bit nervous.”

‘This Test isn’t over’

Meanwhile, Clarke was expecting a close fight on the final day and looked cautiously confident of sealing the series.

“There’s more turn now and some reverse swing,” he said. “If we can start the day well and score a few runs and get a decent lead you never know. This Test isn’t over. There’s chance that we could lose it if we don’t bat well but if we can get a decent 150-run lead there’s still a chance.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th,  2011.