Sports

3rd Test: Australia post slender lead over SL

Hosts troubled by rapid loss of wickets on second day.

Afp January 04, 2013 1 min read

Australian captain Michael Clarke (L) reacts as his playing partner Mike Hussey (R) is run-out on day two of the third cricket Test between Sri Lanka and Australia. PHOTO: AFP

SYDNEY: Australia made hard work of grabbing a narrow lead over tenacious Sri Lanka on a second day tarnished by reckless run-outs and rash shot-making in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The home side edged to a 48-run lead over the tourists. At stumps, Australia were 342 for six with Matthew Wade on 47 and Peter Siddle not out at 16.

Wade lived dangerously late in the day, surviving two reviews and a dropped catch close in while on 22.

Australia self-destructed with two run-outs while David Warner, Phil Hughes and Michael Clarke threw away their wickets with false strokes.

“We could look back and feel we could have been in a better position,” said Hughes.

“It would have been nice to have a couple of wickets less. We’re 40-odd runs ahead now. It would be nice to get 100 or so more ahead.”

Mike Hussey lasted 51 balls before he was needlessly run-out in possibly his final Test innings for 25 when he could not make his ground as Clarke took off for a quick single.

Warner and Hughes both missed out on centuries and in-form Clarke was out attempting to slog sweep left-arm spinner Rangana Herath for 50.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 5^th, 2013.