Sri Lanka survives 2nd Test against Australia

Finally Sri Lankan batting has come good all together to save a test match all the top order batsmen have played their part and rain did the rest. Sri Lanka has managed to drawn second Test against Australia as rain has reduced the match on final day in Kandy on Monday.

Sri Lanka give solid reply in second innings 6-317 & 174, in reply to Australia 411/7 with a lead of 80 runs, when rain has forced the players off after the first session of the day was also interrupted. On the final day of test match Ryan Harris (3-54) took the important wickets as the tourists closed in on a series win, but a match was being constantly interrupted by rain was called off after just 35.3 overs remaining, Australia’s Michael Hussey is declared as Man of the Match for his 142 runs.

Jayawardene questions Clarke integrity after claiming the catch

The tourists had began their charge at victory as they capitalized on the second new ball has been taken Harris struck the main blood by breaking the 101-run stand between Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Harris produced an out-swinger that Sangakkara (69) edged to straight into the hands of Michael Clarke standing at second slip.

Sri Lanka took the lead in the match soon after before Jayawardene (51) was sent as Aussie skipper Clarke took a stunning catch with single hand. But Jayawardene stood his ground, protesting his edge had fallen short, before the third umpire confirmed his dismissal.

Soon after lunch break, before Harris took the scalp of Prasanna Jayawardene (21). Shane Watson (1-43) got rid of main wicket of Samaraweera (43), where Angelo Mathews (11) and Suraj Randiv (4) survived five overs before the weather hit again, this time persisting before the game was officially called off.

The third and final Test of the series will start in Colombo on 16th September, where Australia leads the test series with 1 - 0.

Hussey and Marsh place Australia on top

Australia is on their way to 2nd test, as the middle order batsmen Shaun Marsh (87) and Mr. Cricket Michael Hussey (76). They both scored unbeaten 148 runs stand for fourth wicket as Australia move to a commanding position by the end second day of second test in Pallekele on Friday, in reply to Sri Lanka’s 174 in their first innings. 

Australia finish their day at 264/3 stumps. 

Shaun Marsh, who replaced Ricky Ponting was just 13 run short of what will be his debut century. Meanwhile Hussey continued his good form followed by his match-winning knock of 95 in the first Test in Galle. Australia looked satte of bother when their skipper Michael Clarke (13) went back to dressing room in the bowling of Welegedara, where the tourists were on 116/3. 

Michael Hussey was all praise for his West Australian team-mate Shaun Marsh, saying he is rock-solid in the middle. Hussey added that he played really well and he batted with tremendous concentration. It was tough to score runs out there as the Sri Lankans bowled very tight lines. 

Coming to Sri Lankan bowling, captain Tillakaratne Dilshan has tried seven bowlers which includes part-timers Kumar Sangakkara and Thilan Samaraweera to break the partnership od Marsh and Hussey but failed find the break. 

Aussies started the day with Shane Watson (36) and Philip Hughes (23), Watson gfaced lone delivery in second day and other partner Hufges scored other 13 and perished to Randiv. Chanaka Welegedara, Suranga Lakmal and Suraj Randiv have sahred a wicket each.

Australia lead the series with 1-0 in the 3-match series.