Sanga, Mahela key to Sri Lanka’s chances

Tourists need another 328 on final day with 8 wickets left.

HOBART: Australia were eight wickets and Sri Lanka a more improbable 328 runs away from victory in the first Hobart Test after a see-sawing fourth day yesterday.

Sri Lanka bowled out Australia for 278 with spinner Rangana Herath taking five wickets, leaving them with 393 runs to win. They went to stumps on 65 for two with a day to play.

Captain Michael Clarke added to Australia’s mounting injury woes when he tweaked his right hamstring and was forced to retire hurt on 57 after reeling off his fastest Test half-century.

“I think the pitch is playing a little more deceptively now,” said Australia coach Mickey Arthur. “I’ve got full confidence that we’ve got an attack that has ability to get those eight wickets today.”

Earlier, Herath captured five for 95 to lead the tourists’ counter-attack and now has 60 wickets for the calendar year.

“That’s a good achievement, ” said Herath.

“I’m really happy with the way I bowled all day.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2012.