Story Australia's 2010-11 Summer [3rd Test, Day 1, Tea]

[timchrist984]

Hastings and Johnson Hang In There​

Sri Lanka still look to be on top here at the MCG. Johnson and Hastings are still at the crease but the run rate is continuing to drop and the Aussies only have 3 wickets in hand. They need to start to push the run rate along and still preserve their wickets. This is no easy task, especially as the Sri Lankan bowlers still look like they have the wood over the Aussies.

Malinga came back in to the attack and bowled the 31st over. His first spell had been fairly expensive, costing 29 runs from 4 overs, so he was looking to be more economical in his second spell. He bowled aggressively, consistently bowling a bouncer length. Hastings and Johnson had trouble playing his short pitched bowling and on the 4th ball of the over Malinga found the top edge of Hastings, but the ball ran harmlessly away to fine leg. On the final ball of the over Hastings was hit on the shoulder, attempting to hook the ball through deep backward square. Malinga conceded 2 runs from the over.

Perera continued to bowl from the Great Southern Stand end. He bowled a good line and pitched the ball up, forcing the Aussie batsmen to play straight. The Aussies scored 2 runs from the first 5 balls of the over, however Perera ruined the over's figures by over-stepping on the 6th ball and then being dispatched by Johnson off the free hit. The over ended up going for 7 runs.

Malinga was fiery again in his next over. On the first ball of the over, he hit Hastings on the pad, but the ball was going down leg side. Second ball, Hastings smashed him for 4 with an interesting looking front foot pull shot. Third ball, Hastings attempted a big cover drive and ended up getting an inside edge which dribbled down to fine leg for a single. The fourth ball was a horrific wide that missed leg stump by 2 metres and passed the batsmen at shoulder height. 5th ball, Malinga bowled a nasty bouncer that got up on Johnson and hit the unprotected area of his forearm. 6th ball, another short ball that Johnson edged along the ground to gully. The 7th ball of the over was a good length ball that Johnson defended off the front foot. 6 runs were conceded from the over.

Muttiah Muralitharan was brought back in to the attack to bowl the 34th over. Murali bowled a full length, just outside off stump. Hastings and Johnson watched the ball carefully and picked up 3 from the over.

Malinga bowled a tight line and length in his next over. On the 2nd ball of the over, he tempted Hastings in to driving and caught the edge however the ball fell short of the slips fielder. The Aussies picked up 3 runs from the over.

So, Lasith Malinga's 2nd spell is turning out to be much better than his first. The batsmen are still not 100% settled and runs are not easy to come by. The Aussies need some quick runs to put a decent score on the board, but if they lose a wicket they will be in massive trouble. If Hastings and Johnson can survive through this next period, Australia will be in a good position to use their batting powerplay.

Overs 30-35 Highlights:​

Australia: 7/153 35.0 overs
Watson C: Sangakkara B: Kulasekara 3
Haddin LBW B:Kulasekara 4
Clarke C: Tharanga B: Matthews 14
Hussey C: Tharanga B: Kulasekara 24
White C: Tharanga B: Muralitharan 24
Marsh C: Sangakkara B: Muralithanran 27
Smith C: Dilshan B: Perera 1
Johnson Not Out 28
Hastings Not Out 19

Extras: 8nb, 1wd
Run Rate: 4.37 RPO

Sri Lanka
Malinga (7-0-40-0) 1nb, 1wd 5.71 RPO
Kulasekara (8-0-31-3) 2nb 3.88 RPO
Perera (8-1-32-1) 4nb 4.00 RPO
Matthews (7-0-32-1) 4.57 RPO
Muralitharan (5-1-18-2) 1nb 3.60 RPO

FOW: 1-8, 2-8, 3-47, 4-48, 5-97, 6-102, 7-102

 

[Zohaib]

Partnership is building

 

[timchrist984]

Aussies Up The Anti​

Johnson and Hastings have started playing more aggressively in a bid to increase the run-rate. So far it has been paying off, but if the Aussies lose a wicket, all chance of making a competitive score goes out the window. This partnership between Hastings and Johnson is absolutely crucial.

It was Muttiah Muralitharan who continued to bowl from the MCC Members End. He bowled a consistent line, just outside off stump. Hastings combated this tight bowling by backing away to the leg side and working the ball behind point. Australia picked up six runs from the over, all from twos played behind point.

Angelo Matthews was then introduced back in to the attack at the other end. He bowled with real venom and created a really exciting contest between bat and ball. On the first ball of the over he bowled a short ball and struck Johnson on the helmet. The ball was not exceptionally fast, only 137.2 KM/H to be precise, however Johnson was in a lot of pain. He was clearly hurt but bravely continued to bat. On the third ball of the over Matthews found the outside edge of Johnson's bat but the ball ran away, along the ground to third man and the batsmen ran two. On the final ball of the over Matthews gave Hastings a gentle half volley which he clubbed over the long on fence for six. Matthews ended up conceding nine runs from the over.

Murali's next over was also expensive. He bowled far too full and the Aussie fluently swept him away through the gap between fine leg and square leg. 7 runs were conceded from the over including a powerfully hit four from Johnson.

Angelo Matthews continued to bowl from the Great Southern Stand End. He bowled a much more consistent length than his first over. Hastings and Johnson and Hastings used some creative footwork to work the ball in to the gaps in the leg side field. The Aussies managed to take 4 runs off a very good over.

Murali then bowled a really good over and looked dangerous. He spun the ball sharply in to the right-handed Hastings and away from the left-handed Johnson. He conceded 5 from the over but that is not a good reflection on how well he bowled.

So, the Aussies batsmen are coming at the bowlers now, looking for runs. The current run rate stands at 4.60 RPO. Australia are probably on track for a below par score but their final score will probably look better than they thought it would look when they were 7-102. Hastings and Johnson have put on 82 for the eighth wicket. Johnson is on 42 off 58 and Hastings is on 36 off 52.

Overs 36-40 Highlights:​

Australia: 7/184 40.0 overs
Watson C: Sangakkara B: Kulasekara 3
Haddin LBW B:Kulasekara 4
Clarke C: Tharanga B: Matthews 14
Hussey C: Tharanga B: Kulasekara 24
White C: Tharanga B: Muralitharan 24
Marsh C: Sangakkara B: Muralithanran 27
Smith C: Dilshan B: Perera 1
Johnson Not Out 42
Hastings Not Out 36

Extras: 8nb, 1wd
Run Rate: 4.60 RPO

Sri Lanka
Malinga (7-0-40-0) 1nb, 1wd 5.71 RPO
Kulasekara (8-0-31-3) 2nb 3.88 RPO
Perera (8-1-32-1) 4nb 4.00 RPO
Matthews (9-0-45-1) 5.00 RPO
Muralitharan (8-1-36-2) 1nb 4.50 RPO

FOW: 1-8, 2-8, 3-47, 4-48, 5-97, 6-102, 7-102

 

[timchrist984]

I just wrote a long update, pressed preview post and it said I was logged out. I logged back in and the reply to thread box was blank. Where did all my work go?

 

[Zohaib]

Nice update , loved the video and I have no clue to where it went.

 

[timchrist984]

Sri Lanka Break Through​

Muttiah Muralitharan has taken 2 quick wickets to put Sri Lanka in complete control of the game. The crucial partnership between Hastings and Johnson has been broken. The Aussie batsmen batted aggressively and presented chances to the Sri Lankans who took full toll.

Angelo Matthews continued his spell and it was clear the Aussies were looking to attack. On the first ball of the over Hastings drove the ball through the leg side and took a cheeky single. 2nd ball, Johnson tried the same thing but was a little slow to take off. The short mid wicket fielder threw ball just wide of Matthews who had to work to get it before he took the bails off. The third umpire was called for and the replay showed Johnson was just home, however if it had been a better throw he would have been well short. Next ball Hastings tried to slog the ball through the leg side and got a big outside edge. The ball ran down to third man and they took 2. On the 4th ball of the over Hastings was beautifully beaten outside the off stump by a good slower ball from Matthews. 5th ball, Hastings backed away and tried to smash it through the off side but only managed a top edge that ballooned up in the air. The ball fell safe and he picked up a single. Johnson played the final ball of the over off his pads down to fine leg for a single. Angelo Matthews finished with figures of 1/50.

Murali continued to bowl from the other end. He was bowling too full down leg side far too often. The Aussie batsmen had little trouble in sweeping him through the leg side. It was the 2nd ball of Murali's over when Sri Lanka were presented with their next chance. Hastings went to play an over ambitious cover drive and the ball caught the outside edge. He took off for a run and Johnson hastily sent him back. The gully fielder collected the ball and threw it in to Sangakkara who whipped off the bails. The third umpire was called for again. The replay showed that Hastings had just got his bat down in time. Hastings cautiously defended the next 2 balls. On the 5th ball of the over Murali bowled an absolute peach and Hastings completely misjudged the spin. He was hit on the pad and there was a huge appeal which the umpire turned down. Hawk-eye showed that the ball was hitting middle and off but it may have hit Hastings outside the line. He was given the benefit of the doubt. Off the last ball of the over Hastings backed away to the off side and played a powerful square drive that raced away to the boundary. Murali conceded 5 runs off the over.

Perera was then brought back in to the attack to bowl his ninth over. He bowled a good length, but he strayed down leg side too often and the batsmen picked off runs through the on side with ease. He found the edge with the third ball of the over but it rolled away, along the ground through the vacant leg slip and Hastings picked up a run. On the fourth ball of the over he found the edge again and this time it flew through to the second slip fielder who dropped a diving chance. Sangakkara gave him a menacing look. Perera was livid. They both knew that breaking the partnership of Hastings and Johnson was imperative and they had just let a chance slip. Perera found the outside edge of Johnson again on the final ball of the over but it flew straight to where a third slip would have been. The batsmen scrabbled through for a run for Johnson to bring up his fifty. The Melbourne crowd applauded loudly as Johnson raised his bat. They knew that without Johnson the Australian innings would have been a complete mess.

It was Murali's tenth and final over when the partnership of Hastings and Johnson came to an end. Johnson swept the first ball of the over through square leg and picked up a single. Hastings drove the next ball through the covers and picked up another single. Johnson clipped the third ball of the over off his pads and the batsmen jogged through for a single. Hastings lofted the 4th ball of the over through the leg side and picked up 2. I was the 5th ball of the over when Murali struck. He bowled a good length ball that tempted Hastings in to playing a big cover drive. The ball caught the edge and Sangakkara took a good, safe catch behind the stumps. Hastings was out for 48 and the score was 206. He had played a good, steady innings and shared a 104 run partnership with Johnson. The new batsmen at the crease was Tasmanian debutant Xavier Doherty. The first ball Doherty faced he tried to drive through the off side, but only managed an outside edge that flew through to Sangakkara who took a brilliant diving catch.

Peter Siddle then strolled out to the crease and met mid-pitch with Johnson as it was the end of the over. The crowd applauded Murali as he walked down to his fielding position. He had finished with figures of 4/46.

Perera came to the bowling crease to bowl his final over. Johnson drove the first ball of the over down to long on and the batsmen ran 3. Siddle was then on strike and was comprehensively beaten by an out-swinger from Perera. The next ball Siddle played an uncharacteristically brilliant hook shot and he picked up 2. Siddle tried the same shot again the next ball and completely missed it. The ball flew over off stump by a few millimetres. Siddle pushed a single off the final ball of the over to retain the strike for the next over.

So, Sri Lanka have broken through, but Johnson is still at the crease for Australia. Siddle will be looking to feed the strike to Johnson as he is more recognized as batsmen. Autsralia have 5 overs left and are 9/212. They will be looking to score around 240 but only have one wicket in hand so they can't wildly slog every ball.

Overs 40-45 Highlights​

Australia: 9/212 45.0 overs
Watson C: Sangakkara B: Kulasekara 3
Haddin LBW B:Kulasekara 4
Clarke C: Tharanga B: Matthews 14
Hussey C: Tharanga B: Kulasekara 24
White C: Tharanga B: Muralitharan 24
Marsh C: Sangakkara B: Muralithanran 27
Smith C: Dilshan B: Perera 1
Johnson Not Out 55
Hastings C: Sangakkara B: Muralitharan 48
Doherty C: Sangakkara B: Muralitharan 0
Siddle Not Out 3

Extras: 8nb, 1wd
Run Rate: 4.71 RPO

Sri Lanka
Malinga (7-0-40-0) 1nb, 1wd 5.71 RPO
Kulasekara (8-0-31-3) 2nb 3.88 RPO
Perera (10-1-45-1) 4nb 4.50 RPO
Matthews (10-0-50-1) 5.00 RPO
Muralitharan (10-1-46-4) 1nb 4.60 RPO

FOW: 1-8, 2-8, 3-47, 4-48, 5-97, 6-102, 7-102, 8-206, 9-206

 

[timchrist984]

Australia Is Dismissed​

Australia have gone all out for 230 here in Melbourne. Siddle was the last man out, leaving Johnson stranded on 68.

It was Lasith Malinga who bowled the 46th over, his eighth, from the MCC Members End. He bowled a good, tight length, just outside off stump. Siddle and Johnson were comfortably getting forward and pushing the ball in to the covers. The Sri Lankan field was up so it was difficult to score runs. Siddle pushed the first ball of the over through the off side and scampered through for a run to get Johnson on strike. Johnson defended the next ball then on the 3rd ball of the over he hit the ball straight to the mid off fielder and sprinted away down the pitch. The fielder had a ping at the stumps and missed from point blank range. Siddle took another risky run the very next ball. He pushed the ball on to the off side and had to dive to make his ground. Johnson drove the 5th ball of the over through the leg side and picked up a run. On the final ball of the over Malinga found the outside edge of Siddle's bat and the ball ran away to third man and the batsmen ran 2. The over ended up costing 6 runs.

At the other end Kulasekara bowled the 47th over, his ninth. He bowled well and was hard to put away. He found the edge of Johnson on the very first ball of the over, however the ball rolled harmlessly away to gully. Johnson pushed the next ball of the over though the covers and picked up 2. Johnson then flicked the third ball of the over off his legs and picked up a single. Siddle punched the next ball of the over fine on the leg side and they jogged through for a single. Kulasekara bowled a short ball on the 5th ball of the over and Johnson hooked the ball straight to the deep backward square fielder they picked up single. Siddle defended the last ball of the over to give Johnson the strike for the next one. Kulasekara conceded 5 off the over.

Johnson and Siddle were taking risks and looking to make it to 240.

Malinga continued to bowl from the members end Johnson attacked him from the start of the over. He lofted the first and third balls of the over through the off side and picked up 2 each time. He smashed the 4th ball of the over through point and picked up 3. On the 5th ball of the over Malinga caught the outside edge of Siddle and the ball rolled along the ground to gully. Siddle took off for the run and was immediately sent back by Johnson however it was too late. Mahela Jayawardene had picked the ball up and thrown it in to Sangakkara who had flicked the bails off. Siddle was well short and was out, run out for 8.

So, Australia are probably a few runs short of where they would like to be but the Sri Lankan bowlers showed that there is a bit in the pitch for both seamers and spinners. The Aussies will be hoping that young Xavier Doherty fires and can spin the ball out the ruff the same as Murali. Sri Lanka will not need to do anything silly to chase down the total, they just need to pace themselves. They will have seen that Aussies got out when they were looking for quick runs when it wasn't really necessary. If Sri Lanka can bat through the 50 overs, they will probably win.

Overs 45-48 Highlights:​

Australia: 10/230 47.5 overs
Watson C: Sangakkara B: Kulasekara 3
Haddin LBW B:Kulasekara 4
Clarke C: Tharanga B: Matthews 14
Hussey C: Tharanga B: Kulasekara 24
White C: Tharanga B: Muralitharan 24
Marsh C: Sangakkara B: Muralithanran 27
Smith C: Dilshan B: Perera 1
Johnson Not Out 68
Hastings C: Sangakkara B: Muralitharan 48
Doherty C: Sangakkara B: Muralitharan 0
Siddle Run Out (Jayawardene) 8

Extras: 8nb, 1wd
Run Rate: 4.81 RPO

Sri Lanka
Malinga (8.5-0-53-0) 1nb, 1wd 6.00 RPO
Kulasekara (9-0-36-3) 2nb 4.00 RPO
Perera (10-1-45-1) 4nb 4.50 RPO
Matthews (10-0-50-1) 5.00 RPO
Muralitharan (10-1-46-4) 1nb 4.60 RPO

FOW: 1-8, 2-8, 3-47, 4-48, 5-97, 6-102, 7-102, 8-206, 9-206, 10-230

 

[timchrist984]

Change-Of-Innings Feature: John Hastings​

Hello and welcome back to the MCG where Sri Lanka have dismissed Australia for 230. The Sri Lankan openers will be making their way out to the middle shortly, but first we have an interview with Australian bowling all-rounder, John Hastings. Hastings made 48 runs in Australia's first innings and shared an 106 run partnership with Johnson. He is expected to bowl 1st change today and will be a big part of the Australian One-Day batting and bowling line ups in the next few years. We caught up with him during the week.

John Hastings:​

Where you played junior cricket: St Dominic’s College, Windsor Leagues Cricket Club
Heroes growing up: Lance Armstrong and Brett ‘The Hit Man’ Heart
Favourite Ashes moment: Peter Siddle’s five wickets
Sportsperson you’d like to be for a day: Surfer or fisherman
Actor who’d play you in a movie: Brad Pitt or Eric Bana
Music you listen to before a game: Whatever’s on Nick Jewell’s iPod

ME: Here I am with Victorian fast bowling all rounder, John Hastings. John, you were originally from Penrith, New South Wales, why did you make the move down to Victoria?

John Hastings: Well, I felt that it would be very hard to break in to the New South Wales domestic side as many brilliant bowlers such as Bracken, Clark, Lee, Bollinger and Copeland were playing there. In 2007 I thought I would have a better chance at making the Vic's side. I made the move and have never looked back.

ME: Last season you really cemented your place in the Victorian side by being the leading wicket taker in all three forms of the game. It was particularly noted that you can bowl a very unusual, yet dangerous slower ball. How did the ball develop?

John Hastings: Well, I was messing about in the nets, after training with Stickers (Shane Harwood) and Diggler (Dirk Nannes) and we were bowling at Hodgey (Brad Hodge). Hodgey asked us to ball our shortest fastest balls possible, just so he could prove he could play them. I came in first, sprinted in as hard as I could and bowled a short ball out the back of my hand. Hodgey was through the shot far too early I hit him on the noggin. Diggler and Stickers then convinced me to use it in matches and it works quite nicely.

ME: You were a talented rugby player before you decided to focus on cricket, why did you chose cricket over rugby?

John Hastings: Yeah, I loved rugby and was a 2nd rower in the Australian schoolboys team. I decided to focus on cricket because I was probably better at it and I didn't have to be as fit as a professional rugby player.

ME: How did your nickname 'The Duke' develop?

John Hastings: It originates from the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The Normans, lead by William, duke of Normandy, defeated the Saxons lead by Harold Godwineson. I 'supposedly' resemble William.

ME: You were named 'Bradman Young Cricketer of The Year' this year, what does this mean for you?

John Hastings: It means a lot to mean. It helps me feel that my domestic performances are being noticed and I'm a chance at international selection.

ME: You made your international ODI debut in the recent series against India and took 2/44, bowling as part of young, inexperienced line up. Do you see yourself being a regular in the Aussie team for the coming years?

John Hastings: Well, of course I'd love to be part of the Aussie camp, but there are so many quality bowlers around at the moment that I am probably not the first choice 1st change bowler. Lee, Tait, Johnson, Bollinger, Hilfenhaus, Harris, Siddle, Starc and McKay are all pushing for international selection. At the moment I am focusing on trying to bowl as well as I can and hopefully make the squad for the world Cup in India.

ME: Thanks for your time John, it's been a pleasure talking with you.

John Hastings: Cheers mate!

 

[timchrist984]

Sri Lanka off to a Solid Start​

Sri Lanka have made a solid start here at the MCG. After a bit of luck early, Tharanga and Dilshan have adapted to the pitch well and are looking good.

It was the star of the Australian batting innings, Mitchell Johnson, who bowled the first over from the Great Southern Stand End. He was worn out from batting and could not have made a worse start. The first three balls of the over were all singles, made pretty easy due to the Aussie's attacking field. On the fourth ball of the over Johnson bowled a full ball and found the outside edge of Dilshan. The ball raced away through the vacant 3rd slip for 4. Johnson's next ball was a massive front-foot no-ball. On the free hit Johnson bowled a gentle waist high full toss a and Dilshan clubbed him over mid wicket for 4. Johnson's over ended up costing 12 runs.

Peter Siddle opened the bowling at the other end and bowled a tight line and length. He swung the ball away from the left-handed Tharanga and in to the right-handed Dilshan. The Sri Lanka batsmen defended the balls on the stumps and left the wider ones alone. Siddle conceded 1 run from the over.

Although Johnson was clearly exhausted, Clarke made him continue his spell. His inexperienced decision making might cost Australia later in the innings, if Australia need Johnson to bowl and he has used all his overs. His 2nd over, however was far more economical than his first. He bowled on the stumps and the Sri Lankan batsmen respected his good balls. He only conceded 2 runs from the over.

Siddle continued to bowl from the members end and continued to be economical. He bowled a consistent length and on the 4th and 6th balls of the over he found the outside edge of Tharanga and both times the ball didn't quite carry to Hussey in gully. The Sri Lankans took one run off the over.

Johnson was then replaced at the Southern Stand end by John Hastings. The big Victorian fast bowler was looking to make a good impression on the international stage, in front of his home crowd. He bowled a no-ball on the 2nd ball of the over, then comprehensively bowled Dilshan off the free-hit. The batsmen played cautiously and took 3 runs from the over.

So, the Sri Lankan batsmen have started to get their eyes in and are playing fairly defensively, only punishing the bad balls and free-hits. The Aussies have been unlucky not to have snagged at least 1 wicket. The bowlers really need to sort out their run-ups and stop bowling no-balls.

Overs 1-5 Highlights​

Australia 10/230 47.5 Overs

Sri Lanka 0/19 5.0 Overs
Tharanga Not Out 4
Dilshan Not Out 13

Extras: 2nb
Sri Lanka require 212 runs at 4.71 RPO to win

Australia
Johnson (2-0-14-0) 1nb 7.00 RPO
Siddle (2-0-2-0) 1.00 RPO
Hastings (1-0-3-0) 1nb 3.00 RPO

 

[Params7]

Awesome writeups and nice touch with the videos. Reading stories is more entertaining than I thought it would be, I'm hooked.

 

[timchrist984]

Siddle Makes The Breakthrough​

Sri Lanka have lost their first wicket here at the MCG, but the batsmen are timing the ball sweetly and hitting boundaries at will. It looks as if the Sri Lankans want to chase down the total inside 40 overs. They are cruising along at 5 an over and will win comfortably if they don't lose many more wickets.

Peter Siddle continued his spell from the Members End and swung the ball, viciously away from Tharanga. He was starting to lose his line, as the 2nd ball of the over was very wide outside off stump and he was lucky that it wasn't called a wide. However, he tightened up and beat the bat with the fourth ball of the over. The over ended up costing 2 runs.

It was John Hastings who bowled his 2nd over from the Great Southern Stand End. Dilshan went after him from ball 1. He smashed the gentle half-volley Hastings bowled on the first ball of the over back over his head for 4. The 2nd ball of the over was punched through the covers and Dilshan picked up a single. Tharanga pushed the 3rd ball of the over through the leg side and they jogged through for a single. Dilshan defended the 4th and 5th balls of the over, then drove the final ball of the over through the off side and ran a single. Hasting's over cost 7 runs.

Siddle then came to the bowling crease to bowl the fourth over of his spell. Dilshan pushed the first ball of the over on to the off side and picked up a single. On the 2nd ball of the over Tharanga lofted Siddle over long on for 4. It was the 4th ball of the over when Siddle struck. He bowled a good length and got the ball to nip back. Tharanga left the ball alone and it clipped the top of off stump. Tharanga was out for 10 off 20 balls and the score was 1/33. The Sri Lankan captain, Kumar Sangakkara was the new man at the crease. On the first ball he faced Siddle found the edge but the ball raced away to third man for a single. Siddle conceded 6 runs from the over.

Hastings continued to bowl from the other end and Sangakkara really went after him. After defending the first ball of the over, Sangakkara smashed the 2nd over long on for 4. On the 4th ball of the over Sangakkara attempted to hook him for 4, but didn't quite time it and he picked up a single. The over went for 5 runs.

It was the debutant, Xavier Doherty who came on to bowl his first over in international cricket. The first ball of the over was pushed in to the covers and a good piece of fielding by Hussey prevented a run. The 2nd ball of the over was slogged over the long off boundary by Sangakkara for six. The third ball of the over punched through the leg side for a single. On the final ball of the over Dilshan used his feet and smashed Doherty through the leg side for 4. His over cost 11 runs.

So, Sri Lanka look to be on top here at the 'G' and will win easily if they can keep their wickets intact. Sangakkara and Dilshan will be looking put on a big partnership. Clarke has plenty of bowling options and will have to try something different if he is to make a break through.

Overs 6 to 10 Highlights:​

Australia 10/230 47.5 Overs

Sri Lanka 1/50 10.0 Overs
Tharanga B: Siddle 10
Dilshan Not Out 25
Sangakkara Not Out 13

Extras: 2nb
Sri Lanka require 181 runs at 4.53 RPO to win

Australia
Johnson (2-0-14-0) 1nb 7.00 RPO
Siddle (4-0-10-1) 2.50 RPO
Hastings (3-0-11-0) 1nb 5.00 RPO
Doherty (1-0-11-0) 11.00 RPO

1-33

 

[Dragon Fire]

This story is amazing. The amount of work you put into it really staggers me, and if you complete it then this story will be legendary.

 

[timchrist984]

Sri Lanka's Middle Order Collapse​

Sri Lanka have slumped from a solid 1/50 to a dismal 5/72 courtesy of some brilliant bowling by John Hastings. Hastings has picked up 2 wickets and is on song here at the MCG. Doherty, Siddle and Watson all have 1 wicket to their name. Australia have the upper and and will be looking attack the Sri Lankan tail-enders.

It was John Hastings who continued to bowl from the Great Southern Stand End. Sangakkara played him with ease and defended the first 2 balls of the over. On the 3rd ball of the over he tried to drive him through point, but hit the ball straight to Hussey. He played cautiously for the rest of the over, defending the good balls and leaving the wide ones. Sri Lankan already had a healthy run rate so they didn't have to play any big shots, they just had to bat sensibly. The over turned out to be a maiden.

Xavier Doherty continued to bowl from the other end and the batsmen kept on attacking him. Dilshan hit the first ball of the over back over his head for 6. Dilshan and Sangakkara ran well between wickets and picked off 10 runs from the over by rotating the strike. Clarke was leaking valuable runs by bowling Doherty, however he knew that while the batsmen were attacking they were always a chance at a wicket.

John Hastings then bowled the 13th over, his 5th. He pitched the ball up, forcing the batsmen to play. On the first ball of the over he bowled a good length ball to Sangakkara who backed away and tried to smash him over the off side. He didn't time the ball at all and it went straight up in the air. Shaun Marsh ran around from extra-cover to take the catch. Sangakkara was out for 14 and the score was 2/60. The new batsmen at the crease was Mahela Jayawardene, but he didn't last long. The first ball he faced he scooped straight to cover where Cameron White took a safe catch and Hastings was on a hat-trick. Samaraweera was the new batsmen, charged with the responsibility of facing the hat-trick ball. Clarke brought the field in so nearly every fielder was around the bat. Hastings steamed in off the long run, the Victorian crowd chanting his name, he was pumped. He delivered the ideal hat-trick ball, a fast yorker on middle stump, however Samaraweera kept his head and defended the ball on to the leg side. Hastings conceded 2 runs from the over, but importantly he had taken 2 wickets. The crowd cheered wildly as Hastings made his way down to his fielding position at third man.

Clarke showed faith in the Tasmanian spinner and gave Doherty one more over. He sure didn't disappoint. On the first ball of the over Doherty beat the bat with a ball that spun sharply away from Dilshan. It was the third ball of the over when Doherty got his first chance of a wicket in international cricket. Dilshan attempted to sweep him, but got a leading edge. The ball ballooned toward square leg where Siddle dropped a relatively simple catch. If looks could kill, Michael Clarke would be a murderer and Peter Siddle would be dead. Doherty was really disappointed but got another chance on the final ball of the over and this time he got his man. He bowled a full ball and caught the edge of Dilshan and Haddin took a sharp, one-handed catch behind the stumps. Dilshan was out for 39 and the score was 4/66. Angelo Matthews was the new man at the crease. Doherty conceded 4 runs from the over.

It was Shane Watson who replaced Hastings at the Great Southern Stand end and snagged a wicket with his very first ball. He hit Samaraweera's front pad on the full and Samaraweera was trapped plumb in front. Samaraweera was out for 1 and the score was 5/66. The new batsmen was Perera. Although wickets were falling, the Sri Lankans were still looking for runs. On the third ball of the over a sloppy piece of fielding cost 4 runs. Matthews played a glorious cover drive that was stopped on the boundary and the batsmen ran 3. The throw in to the wicket-keeper was well wide and Haddin couldn't stop it. The ball ran away to fine leg and the batsmen ran another run. Watson's over went for 6 runs.

So, Australia are on top here at the MCG. Sri Lanka really need a long partnership from Matthews and Perera if they are to chase down Australia's total of 230. If Matthews and Perera are batting at the end, Sri Lanka will win. Runs are not a problem, wickets are the only thing that will stop them

Overs 11-15 Highlights:​

Australia 10/230 47.5 Overs

Sri Lanka 5/72 15.0 Overs
Tharanga B: Siddle 10
Dilshan C: Haddin B: Doherty 39
Sangakkara C: Marsh B: Hastings 14
Jayawardene C: White B: Hastings 0
Samaraweera LBW B: Watson 1
Matthews Not Out 5
Perera Not Out 1

Extras: 2nb
Sri Lanka require 159 runs at 4.54 RPO to win

Australia
Johnson (2-0-14-0) 1nb 7.00 RPO
Siddle (4-0-10-1) 2.50 RPO
Hastings (5-1-17-2) 1nb 3.40 RPO
Doherty (3-0-25-1) 8.33 RPO
Watson (1-0-6-1) 6.00 RPO

1-33, 2-60, 3-60, 4-66, 5-66

 

[timchrist984]

Doherty Breaks Vital Partnership​

Tasmanian debutant has kept Australia on top by dismissing Sri Lankan all-rounder, Angelo Matthews. Sri Lanka face a massive, but possible task. They need 130 runs to win off 30 overs, with 4 wickets in hand. Perera and Randiv are at the crease but with only Kulasekara, Malinga and Muralitharan to come it is not looking good for the Sri Lankans.

Xavier Doherty continued to bowl from the Members end and looked dangerous from the start. The first ball of the over was a peach that spun away from Matthews, caught the edge and bounced straight out of Haddin's gloves. Haddin was still getting used to keeping to Doherty and didn't read the spin at all. The 5th ball of the over was a no-ball and Perera clubbed it over mid-wicket for 4. On the final ball of the over Perera tried to sweep Doherty and missed the ball completely. He was hit on the pad and there was a massive appeal. The umpire turned it down and it turned out to be a good decision. The replay showed Perera was hit outside the line. Doherty's unlucky over came to an end and he had conceded 6 runs from it.

Shane Watson bowled a good line and length from the other end and forced the batsmen to play. Perera and Matthews didn't go for the big shots, they just pushed the ball in to the gaps and rotated the strike. Through sensible cricket they took 5 runs from the over.

Xavier Doherty then bowled the 18th over, his 5th. Matthews calmly defended the first ball of the over. The next ball Doherty had another huge LBW shout and again the umpire turned it down. The 3rd ball of the over was punched through the covers and Matthews picked up 2. It surely wasn't Doherty's day as on the 4th ball of the over Matthews survived yet another LBW shout. On the 5th ball of the over Doherty bowled a short ball and Matthews hooked him through the leg side for 4. On the final ball of the over Doherty corrected his length and was defended back down the pitch. Doherty conceded 6 from the over.

Shane Watson continued to bowl from the other end. He bowled a good length, but was a little wayward. The batsmen played him sensibly, picking up the one and twos, then hitting the bad balls to the boundary. Matthews and Perera were both starting to look comfortable at the crease. Their partnership was worth 33 runs. Watson's over cost 10 runs.

It was Doherty's 6th over when the partnership was broken. On the first ball of the over Matthews attempted a cover drive and the ball caught the edge of his bat. It flew through to Haddin who took a good one-handed catch. Matthews was out for 15 and the score was 6/99. The new man at the crease was Suraj Randiv. Randiv watched Doherty carefully and defended his first ball. He then swept his 2nd ball behind square leg for a single. Perera batted out the rest of the over cautiously and the over went for 2.

So, Australia can smell victory here at the MCG. If they can break the partnership of Perera and Randiv they will be right in to the tail. Sri Lanka just need to stay in.

Overs 16-20 Highlights:​

Australia 10/230 47.5 Overs

Sri Lanka 6/101 20.0 Overs
Tharanga B: Siddle 10
Dilshan C: Haddin B: Doherty 39
Sangakkara C: Marsh B: Hastings 14
Jayawardene C: White B: Hastings 0
Samaraweera LBW B: Watson 1
Matthews C: Haddin B: Doherty 15
Perera Not Out 18
Randiv Not Out 1

Extras: 3nb
Sri Lanka require 130 runs at 4.33 RPO to win

Australia
Johnson (2-0-14-0) 1nb 7.00 RPO
Siddle (4-0-10-1) 2.50 RPO
Hastings (5-1-17-2) 1nb 3.40 RPO
Doherty (6-0-39-2) 1nb 6.50 RPO
Watson (3-0-21-1) 7.00 RPO

1-33, 2-60, 3-60, 4-66, 5-66, 6-99

 

[timchrist984]

Australia Win Comfortably​

Australia have won comfortably by 101 runs here at the MCG. After a solid start the Sri Lankan batsmen just couldn't occupy the crease, they went after the bowling, looking for quick runs and paid the price. In the end Sri Lanka were rattled for 129 in the 25th over.

It was Shane Watson who bowled the 21st over, his 4th from the Great Southern Stand End. He bowled well and was unlucky not to pick up a second wicket. Perera defended the first ball of the over, then attempted a wild hook shot and was completely beaten the next ball. The 3rd ball of the over was pitched on a good length and Perera left it alone. Perera then punched the 4th ball of the over on to the leg side and picked up a single. The final 2 balls of the over were defended by Randiv. Watson conceded just one run from the over.

Michael Clarke then threw the ball to the young leg-spinner, Steven Smith, who bowled the 22nd over. Perera smashed the first ball of the over over mid off on the bounce to the fielder. The batsmen jogged through for a single. The next ball was a no-ball and Randiv it through the covers and picked up a single. The 3rd ball of the over was a free-hit and Smith bowled an absolute jaffa that knocked out Perera's off stump. It was the 6th ball of the over when Smith bagged his first wicket. He bowled a full length ball and Randiv scooped it up to Cameron White who was fielding at short mid off. Randiv was out for 2 and Sri Lanka were in massive trouble. The new batsman at the crease was Nuwan Kulasekara. Kulasekara defended the final ball of the over.

Mitchell Johnson then replaced Watson at the Southern Stand end and struck with his first ball. He bowled a good length delivery and Perera rocked on to the front foot. He absolutely creamed the ball, but straight in to the safe hands of Cameron White. He was out for 21 and it was all but over for Sri Lanka. The new batsman was Lasith Malinga. Malinga edged his first three balls on to his pad. On the 5th ball of the over Johnson bowled a vicious bouncer that cannoned in to Malinga's rib cage. Malinga bravely continued to bat. Malinga whipped the final ball of the over off his pads and took a single.

Steve Smith continued to bowl from the other end. His 2nd over was absolutely awful, even though he took a wicket. He completely lost his run up and it cost him. The first ball of the over was defended by Malinga. The 2nd ball was skied to mid-off and Johnson took a good catch, running back with the flight of the ball. Lasith Malinga was out for 1 and the score was 9/107. Muttiah Muralitharan was the new batsman. The batsmen crossed before Johnson had taken the catch so Kulasekara took strike. Kulasekara swept the 3rd ball of the over on to the leg side and took a single. Murali was then on strike and he defended his first ball. The 5th ball of the over was a no-ball. Murali slogged the 6th ball of the over over the leg side for 6. The 7th ball of the over was a no-ball again and Murali pushed it through the off side but couldn't take a run. The 8th ball of the over was another no-ball and Murali hit another six. The ninth ball of the over was another free-hit and surprise, surprise, Murali hit another 6, this time over long on. The over was finally over and Smith had conceded 22 runs.

Johnson bowled the next over and took the final wicket. The first 2 balls of the over were defended by Kulasekara. The third he edged on to his pad. It was the fourth ball of the over when Johnson bowled Kulasekara with a ball that hit the top of off stump. Kulasekara was out for one and Sri Lanka were all out. Murali was left stranded at the other end on 18 from 6 deliveries. He had played some of the biggest shots in his life and it was a pity he didn't bat for longer.

So, Australia will go to Sydney with a 1-0 series lead. Both the Aussie and the Sri Lankan batsmen will be hoping for a more even pitch at the SCG, as this Melbourne wicket was very bowler friendly and didn't have very good carry or bounce. Clarke will be very pleased with his sides bowling performance, but won't be happy with the performance of the top order. Sangakkara will want his side to focus on batting through the innings. It was a very good all round bowling performance by the Australians as every bowler that bowled took a wicket. It was also good to see young guns, Hastings, Doherty and to a much lesser extent Smith, bowl well. So, join us next time for our coverage of the second ODI between Australia and Sri Lanka at the SCG. Good Night!

Man of the Match: Mitchell Johnson (2/15 & 68*)

Overs 21 to 25 Highlights:​

Australia 10/230 47.5 Overs

Sri Lanka 10/129 24.4 Overs
Tharanga B: Siddle 10
Dilshan C: Haddin B: Doherty 39
Sangakkara C: Marsh B: Hastings 14
Jayawardene C: White B: Hastings 0
Samaraweera LBW B: Watson 1
Matthews C: Haddin B: Doherty 15
Perera C: White B: Johnson 21
Randiv C: White B: Smith 2
Kulasekara B: Johnson 1
Malinga C: Johnson B: Smith 1
Muralitharan Not Out 18

Extras: 7nb
Australia won by 101 runs

Australia
Johnson (3.4-0-15-2) 1nb 4.09 RPO
Siddle (4-0-10-1) 2.50 RPO
Hastings (5-1-17-2) 1nb 3.40 RPO
Doherty (6-0-39-2) 1nb 6.50 RPO
Watson (4-0-22-1) 5.50 RPO
Smith (2-0-2-26) 2nb 13.00 RPO

1-33, 2-60, 3-60, 4-66, 5-66, 6-99, 7-106, 8-106, 9-107, 10-129