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

[timchrist984]

Watson Passes 150​

Shane Watson has passed 150 here at the SCG. He has played a wonderful innings and is striking the ball as well as ever. He is currently on 166 from 108 balls. He has hit 20 fours and 3 sixes in what has been a brilliant opener's knock. His partnership with Ponting is now worth 79 runs. The Aussies are simply dominating.

It was Nuwan Kulasekara who bowled the 26th over from the Randwick end. He bowled with no consistency and the Aussies punished him. Ponting pulled the first ball of the over through the leg side for a single. Watson defended the next ball, then played a magnificent hook short on the 3rd ball of the over. It ran away for 4. The next ball was a gentle half volley and Watson smashed it back over the bowler's head for 6. The last 2 balls of the over were on target and Watson defended them.

Angelo Matthews continued to bowl from the other end. The Aussie batsmen handled him with ease, just rotating the strike and hitting the bad balls to the boundary. Ponting drove the first ball of the over through the covers for a single. The next ball was full and Watson guided it on to the leg side for 1. The 3rd ball of the over was no-ball and was full again. Ponting replicated Watson's stroke and picked up another single. The 4th ball was a horrible full toss and Watson smashed it over long off for 6. This brought up Watson's 150. The 5th ball of the over was short and Watson hooked it through the leg side and picked up a single. The next ball was a beautiful in-swinger that beat Ponting for pace. It nipped back from outside off stump and hit Ponting's pad. There was a massive appeal, but the umpire turned it down. Hawk-Eye showed the ball was going over leg stump. Ponting then pushed the final ball of the over in to the leg side for a single.

Kulasekara continued to bowl from the Randwick End and was again expensive. Ponting drove the first ball of the over through the covers for 4. The next ball he attempted to cut and got a bottom edge that rolled away to the 'keeper. The next 3 balls were on target and he defended them calmly. The final ball of the over was a fraction short and Ponting cut it away for 4.

Angelo Matthews then bowled the 29th over and was fairly economical. Watson pushed the first ball of the over on to the off side and jogged through for a single. Ponting defended the next ball, then drove the 3rd ball of the over through the off side for another single. The next ball was in the blockhole and Watson defended it. He then drove the 5th ball of the over through the covers for a single. The final ball of the over was on target again and Ponting defended it. Matthews' over cost only 3 runs.

Kulasekara was then replaced at the Randwick end by Thisara Perera. Perera bowled too short and the Aussie batsmen dispatched him with ease. The first ball of the over was a juicy half-tracker and Watson hooked it for 4. The next ball was short again and Watson again smashed it for 4. The 3rd ball of the over was outside off stump and Watson cut it away for yet another 4. The next 2 balls were on a length and Watson defended them. The final ball of the over was way outside off stump and Watson left it alone.

So, Australia is still cruising at a run rate of 8.87 RPO. The Sri Lankan bowlers really need to bowl a consistent length, as the Aussie batsmen are taking anything that is marginally off line and hitting it for 4. The Aussies will have their eyes on 400, which is almost double their score in Melbourne. After a slowish start, Ponting will have his eyes on a big score.

Overs 26 to 30 Highlights:​

Australia 1/266 30.0 overs
Haddin B: Muralitharan 66
Watson Not Out 166
Ponting Not Out 22

Extras: 12nb
8.87 RPO

Sri Lanka
Malinga (4-0-22-0) 1nb 5.50 RPO
Kulasekara (8-0-86-0) 10.75 RPO
Perera (7-0-61-0) 5nb 8.71 RPO
Matthews (7-0-69-0) 4nb 9.86 RPO
Muralitharan (4-0-28-1) 2nb 7.00 RPO

FOW: 1-187

 

[timchrist984]

Sri Lanka Nab 3 Quick Wickets​

Sri Lanka have nabbed 3 quick wickets here at the SCG and are a genuine chance of restricting the Aussies to a score below 400. Malinga has done the damage and has taken 2 wickets so far. Watson, Ponting and White have been the men to go. Clarke and Hussey are currently at the crease and are looking put on around 80 runs in the last 15 overs.

Angelo Matthews was replaced at the Paddington End by Lasith Malinga, who bowled the 31st over. Malinga bowled well and troubled the Aussie batsmen with his vicious short balls and yorkers. The first ball of the over was short, outside off stump and Ponting tried to hook it away. He was far too late on the shot and missed the ball completely. The next ball was short again and Ponting dabbed it behind point for a single. The 3rd ball of the over was on a length and Watson pushed it through the leg side. He ran the first run hard and had to dive to make his ground for the 2nd. Malinga's next ball was absolutely brilliant. It was a fast, in-swinging yorker. The speed gun clocked it at 152.9 KM/H. Watson was completely beaten by the pace and was trapped, plumb LBW. Malinga had his man and the fine innings of Shane Watson had come to and end. He had made 168 from just 110 balls. He got a standing ovation as he made his way to the pavilion. The new batsmen at the crease was Michael Clarke. Clarke's first ball was a no-ball and he calmly defended it. The next ball was a free-hit and Malinga bowled an awful full toss. Clarke smashed it back over the bowlers head, straight to a fielder. He ran one, then called Ponting through for a second. Ponting hesitated, then took off for the run. Angelo Matthews then hastily threw the ball in to Malinga who whipped off the bails. The 3rd umpire revealed that Ponting was well short. He was out for 23 and the score was 3-271. The new batsmen at the crease was at the Cameron White. The 7th ball of the over was a no-ball and Clarke defended it. The final ball of the over was a free-hit and Clarke drove it through the leg side for a single.

It was Thisara Perera who bowled the next over from the Randwick end. Perera pitched the ball up and forced the batsmen to play off the front foot. The first ball of the over was driven through the leg side for 2 by Clarke. The next ball was full, on leg stump and again Clarke drove it through the leg side for 2. The 3rd ball of the over was a real sand-shoe crusher that some how managed to miss the stumps. Clarke got an inside edge and the ball flew away to short fine leg. Clarke took off for the run, but was sent back by White before Sangakkara could whip the bails off. Clarke then tried to cut the next ball, but it wasn't quite short enough. He got a big top-edge and the ball flew over the 'keepers head, down to fine leg for a single. The 5th ball of the over was full again and White pushed it on to the on side for a single. On the final ball of the over Perera found the outside edge of Clarke and the ball flew through the vacant slip and Clarke picked up 2.

Lasith Malinga continued from the other end and again looked dangerous. He completely beat White outside the off-stump on the first ball of the over. The next ball was too short and White played and excellent square cut for 4. The 3rd ball of the over was short again and White dabbed it behind point for 2. The next ball was in the same spot, White played the same shot, for the same result, 2 runs. The 5th ball got up off a length and hit White's front pad, but was far too high for an LBW. The final ball of the over was an absolute peach. It pitched outside off stump, swung back late and hit the top of off-stump. White was stunned, he was out for 9 and the score was 4-289. Mike Hussey was the new batsmen in and Sri Lanka were back in the game.

Perera was then replaced at the Randwick End by Muttiah Muralitharan. Murali bowled well and spun the ball sharply. The first ball of the over was a ripsnorter. It pitched on off stump and span so much that it was going well down leg side when it hit Clarke's pad. The next ball was wide, outside off stump and Clarke pushed it through the covers for a single. The 3rd ball of the over was on leg stump and Hussey swept it away, behind square for a single. The next ball Clarke pushed through the off side and had to dive to make his ground for a single. The 5th ball of the over was short and Hussey whipped it off his pads and jogged through for 1. The final ball of the over was well outside off stump and Clarke played and missed, as the ball span sharply back in. Murali conceded 4 runs from the over.

The 35th over was then bowled by the dangerous, Lasith Malinga. Malinga bowled beautifully and was really on top of the Aussie batsmen. The first 2 balls of the over were bang on target and Hussey defended them. The 3rd ball of the over was full and Hussey drove it through the off side for a single. The next ball was on a good length and Clarke defended it. The 5th ball of the over was a fraction short and Clarke cut it behind point for 2. The final ball of the over was a fast yorker that clocked 150 KM/H. Clarke defended it off the front foot.

So, Sri Lanka have dismissed the centurion, Shane Watson, but Australia still look to be on top. They have amassed 296 runs at around eight and a half an over. The Sri Lankans will be in for a big chase, not matter what happens in the final 15 overs.

Overs 31 to 35 Highlights:​

Australia 4/296 35.0 overs
Haddin B: Muralitharan 66
Watson LBW B: Malinga 168
Ponting Run Out (Matthews) 23
Clarke Not Out 13
White B: Malinga 9
Hussey Not Out 3

Extras: 14nb
8.46 RPO

Sri Lanka
Malinga (7-0-40-2) 3nb 5.71 RPO
Kulasekara (8-0-86-0) 10.75 RPO
Perera (8-0-69-0) 5nb 8.63 RPO
Matthews (7-0-69-0) 4nb 9.86 RPO
Muralitharan (5-0-32-1) 2nb 6.40 RPO

FOW: 1-187, 2-269, 3-271, 4-289

 

[Prithvi]

Umm, double century missed!
Nevertheless, he has proved again that he is a team player!

 

[timchrist984]

Murali Grabs 2 More Wickets​

Murali has dismissed both Hussey and Clarke here at the SCG and is spinning the ball like only he can. All-rounder, Steven Smith and Melbourne hero, Mitchell Johnson are at the crease. They will be looking to bat out the next 10 overs and hopefully take the score to 400. Hauritz and McKay are the next 2 men in and both can bat decently. 400 is a real possibility for Australia.

It was Muttiah Muralitharan who bowled 36th over from the Randwick end. He strayed down leg side on the first ball of the over and Hussey played him off his pads comfortably for a single. The next ball was short off a length and Clarke went for the big cover drive. He got a thick outside edge and the ball flew through to Sangakkara who took a good catch behind the stumps. Clarke was out for 13 and the score was 5-297. Steven Smith was the new batsmen for Australia. Smith drove his first ball through the covers and hurried through for 3. The 4th ball of the over was full and Hussey flicked it away for another single. Smith then drove Murali's next ball through the off side and picked up a single. The final ball of the over was over pitched and Hussey pushed it on to the leg side for 1.

Angelo Matthews bowled the next over from the Paddington end and was expensive. The first ball of the over was bang on target and Hussey defended it. He then pushed the next ball through the leg side for a single. The 3rd ball of the over was again on target and Smith defended it back down the pitch. The next ball was a rank full toss and Smith went to smash the ball through the leg side. He got a thick edge and picked up a single as the ball ran away to fine leg. The 5th ball of the over was short and Hussey hooked it away through mid-wicket for 4. The final ball of the of the over was short again and Hussey pushed it through the leg side for 2.

Murali continued to bowl from the other end and was also expensive. Smith pushed the first ball of the over through the off side for a single. Hussey then swept the next ball down to fine leg for another single. The 3rd ball of the over was short and wide and Smith drove it through the covers for 2. Smith then pushed the next ball on to the off-side for yet another 2. The 5th ball of the over was a no ball and Smith defended it with ease. The next ball was a free-hit and Smith smashed it over mid-off for 4. Smith then pushed the final ball of the over through the off-side for 2.

Matthews continued to bowl from the Paddington End and bowled far too full. The first ball of the over was a no-ball and Hussey drove it through the off-side for a single. The free-hit that followed was a full toss on leg stump and Smith lofted it over the leg side for 4. Matthews' next ball was also full and Smith drove it through the leg side for a single. The 4th ball of the over was a waist high full toss and Hussey pulled it through the leg side for a single. Smith then pushed the next ball through the off side for a single. The 6th ball of the over was another full toss and Hussey pushed it on to the leg side for a run. Smith then drove the final ball of the over through the leg side for a single.

Murali bowled the 40th over, his 8th from the Randwick end and was aggressive as well as economical. Smith dabbed the 1st ball of the over behind point and jogged through for a single. The next ball was full and Hussey tried to sweep it through the leg side. He got a top edge and Sangakkara took a regulation catch behind the stumps. Hussey was out for a run-a-ball 17 and the score was 6-336. Mitchell Johnson was the new man at the crease. Johnson defended his first 3 balls, then swept the final ball of the over behind square for a single.

So, Sri Lanka are fighting their way back in to this match. Smith looks to be in good touch, but he needs partners to stick with him and feed him the strike. Johnson will need to apply himself, like he did in Melbourne, if Australia are to make 400.

Overs 36 to 40 Highlights

Australia 6/337 40.0 overs
Haddin B: Muralitharan 66
Watson LBW B: Malinga 168
Ponting Run Out (Matthews) 23
Clarke C: Sangakkara B: Muralitharan 13
White B: Malinga 9
Hussey C: Sangakkara B: Muralitharan 17
Smith Not Out 24
Johnson Not Out 1

Extras: 16nb
8.43 RPO

Sri Lanka
Malinga (7-0-40-2) 3nb 5.71 RPO
Kulasekara (8-0-86-0) 10.75 RPO
Perera (8-0-69-0) 5nb 8.63 RPO
Matthews (9-0-88-0) 5nb 9.78 RPO
Muralitharan (8-0-54-3) 3nb 6.75 RPO

FOW: 1-187, 2-269, 3-271, 4-289, 5-297, 6-336

 

[timchrist984]

Smith Is Dismissed For 57​

All-rounder, Steve Smith has been dismissed after smashing 57 from just 32 balls. His knock has helped push the Aussie total to 8/381. Clint McKay and Nathan Hauritz are currently at the crease and will be looking to smash 30 or 40 runs in the last 5 overs.

It was Angelo Matthews who continued to bowl from the Paddington end. He bowled some vicious short balls that really troubled the Australian batsmen. The first ball of the over was pushed away through the leg side for a single by Johnson. The 2nd ball of the over was short and Smith attempted to hook. The ball got up on him and Smith was beaten by the pace. He completely missed the ball was struck on the chest. He gave it a rub and continued batting. The next ball was short again, but this time Smith connected. He hooked the ball straight to deep square leg and jogged through for a single. The 4th and 5th balls of the over were pitched up and Johnson defended them back down the pitch. The final ball of the over was short and Johnson didn't read it well, but got his bat behind it and it was a dot ball.

Murali continued to bowl from the other end and the Aussies handled him with ease. The first ball of the over was pitched up and Smith drove it through the leg side for 2. The next ball was full again and Smith pushed it through the off side for a single. The 3rd ball of the over was on leg stump and Johnson flicked it away on to the leg side for a single. Smith then drove the next ball through the off-side for another single. The 5th ball of the over was over pitched and Johnson swept it away for a run. The final ball of the over was wide, outside off stump and Smith pushed it in to the covers. He had to hurry, but made his ground for a single.

Matthews was then replaced at the Paddington End by Thisara Perera. Perera bowled far too full and got punished. Smith drove the 1st ball of the over through the leg side for 2. The next ball was over pitched and Smith drove it through the covers for a single. Johnson then pulled the 3rd ball of the over through the leg side for 2. The next ball was full again and Johnson dabbed it behind point for a single. Smith then pushed the 5th ball of the over on to the off side for a single. The final ball of the over was pitched up and Johnson pushed it on to the off side for another single.

Murali then bowled his 10th and final over from the Randwick End. The first ball of the over was full and Johnson swept it away for a single. The next ball was wide, outside off stump and Smith played a square drive for 2. Smith then stroked the 3rd ball of the over through the off side for another 2. The next ball was short and Smith pushed it through the off side and jogged through for a single. Johnson then flicked the 5th ball of the over through the leg side. He ran the first run hard, then called Smith through for a 2nd. Smith sent Johnson back and he was run out at the non-strikers end. Johnson was out for 10 and the score was 7-361. Nathan Hauritz was the new batmsen at the crease. Hauritz drove the final ball of the over through the off side for a glorious boundary. Murali had finished with figures of 3/72 from his ten overs.

Perera continued to bowl from the other end and continued to over pitch. Hauritz defended the first ball of the over, then pushed the 2nd through the leg side for a single. The 3rd ball of the over was a no-ball and Smith clubbed it over the leg side for six. The following ball was a free-hit and Smith smashed it through the leg side for 4 to bring up his fifty. The 5th ball of the over was a full toss and Smith slogged it over the leg side for another 4. The next ball was another full toss, but Smith got carried away and tried to smash it again. He mistimed the shot and skied the ball to deep mid on where Suraj Randiv took the catch. Smith was out for 57 from 32 balls and had hit 5 fours and a six. The new batsmen was Clint McKay. McKay calmly defended the final ball of the over.

So, 400 is looking more and more likely for Australia. McKay and Hauritz can both bat and will be looking to smash some quick runs in the last few overs. Sri Lanka will have a daunting run chase ahead of them regardless of what happens in the last few overs.

Overs 41 to 45 Highlights:

Australia 8/381 45.0 overs
Haddin B: Muralitharan 66
Watson LBW B: Malinga 168
Ponting Run Out (Matthews) 23
Clarke C: Sangakkara B: Muralitharan 13
White B: Malinga 9
Hussey C: Sangakkara B: Muralitharan 17
Smith C: Randiv B: Perera 57
Johnson Run Out (Kulasekara) 10
Hauritz Not Out 1
McKay Not Out 0

Extras: 17nb
8.47 RPO

Sri Lanka
Malinga (7-0-40-2) 3nb 5.71 RPO
Kulasekara (8-0-86-0) 10.75 RPO
Perera (10-0-93-0) 6nb 9.30 RPO
Matthews (10-0-90-0) 5nb 9.00 RPO
Muralitharan (10-0-72-3) 3nb 7.20 RPO

FOW: 1-187, 2-269, 3-271, 4-289, 5-297, 6-336, 7-361, 8-381

 

[timchrist984]

Australia break 400​

Australia has finished with a score of 9/407 after their 50 overs. Sri Lanka will have to break the record for the highest successful ODI run chase at Sydney if they are to win this game. This record was set back in 2009 when South Africa chased down 269 against Australia. Here is that match's Scorecard

Lasith Malinga came back in to the attack to bowl the 46th over from the Randwick End. McKay punched the first ball of the over behind point for a single. The next ball was a fiery yorker and Hauritz did well to keep it out. The 3rd ball of the over was a full toss and Hauritz drove it through the on-side for another single. The final 3 balls of the over were on a length and McKay could only defend them.

Murali was then replaced at the Paddington End by Nuwan Kulasekara. Kulasekara pitched the ball up and bowled a really tight over. The first ball of the over was full and it found the outside edge of Hauritz. The ball ran away to 3rd man and the batsmen jogged through for a single. The next ball was a brilliant yorker that beat McKay and missed the stumps by millimetres. The 3rd ball of the over was on the spot again and again it beat McKay, just missing the stumps. The 4th ball of the over was a fraction short and McKay hooked it through the leg side for a single. Hauritz defended the next ball, then pushed the final ball of the over through the off side for one.

Malinga continued to bowl from the other end and continued to bowl well. The first ball of the over was in the blockhole and Hauritz defended it. The next ball was a perfect in-swinging, yorker. It beat Hauritz for pace and cannoned in to his back pad. He was trapped plumb LBW for 4 and the score was 9-386. McKay was then joined at the crease by Peter Siddle. Siddle defended the 3rd, 4th and 5th balls of the over, then was completely betean outside the off stump on the final ball of the over.

It was Nuwan Kulasekara who continued from the Paddington end and bowled the 49th over. The first ball of the over was on target and McKay defended it back down the pitch. The next ball was shorter and McKay drove it away through the off side for 2. The 3rd ball of the over was in the slot again and McKay drove it through the covers for 3. Siddle then pushed the next ball on to the off side for a single. This gave the strike back to McKay. The 5th ball of the over was a full toss and McKay drove it down the ground for 3. The final ball of the over was a dangerous yorker and Siddle defended it.

The final over of the innings was then bowled by Malinga. Malinga lost his rhythm and paid the price. McKay drove the first ball of the over down to deep mid on for a single. The next ball was a no-ball and Siddle pushed it on to the leg side for another single. The 3rd ball of the over was a free-hit and McKay lofted it over the on side for 2. The next ball was over pitched and McKay whipped it off his pads and jogged through for a single. Siddle then pushed the 5th ball of the over through the covers for a single. The next ball was short and McKay went to drive. He got an edge and it raced through the vacant slip cordon, down to 3rd man for 1. The final ball of the innings was another short ball and Siddle lofted it over the leg side for 4.

So, Australia have posted a massive total of 407. Sri Lanka will have to bat brilliantly if they are to chase it down. It is a big ask, but not an impossible one. South Africa have chased down an Australian score of 400+ before and proven that it is possible. The Aussie bowling attack of Johnson, McKay, Siddle and Hauritz looks fairly inexperienced. This will play nicely in to Sri Lanka's hands. What ever happens, we can be sure that there is some exciting cricket to come. Stay tuned for more from the SCG.

Overs 46 to 50 Highlights:

Australia 9/407 50.0 overs
Haddin B: Muralitharan 66
Watson LBW B: Malinga 168
Ponting Run Out (Matthews) 23
Clarke C: Sangakkara B: Muralitharan 13
White B: Malinga 9
Hussey C: Sangakkara B: Muralitharan 17
Smith C: Randiv B: Perera 57
Johnson Run Out (Kulasekara) 10
Hauritz LBW B: Malinga 4
McKay Not Out 15
Siddle Not Out 7

Extras: 18nb
8.14 RPO

Sri Lanka
Malinga (10-1-54-3) 4nb 5.40 RPO
Kulasekara (10-0-98-0) 9.80 RPO
Perera (10-0-93-0) 6nb 9.30 RPO
Matthews (10-0-90-0) 5nb 9.00 RPO
Muralitharan (10-0-72-3) 3nb 7.20 RPO

FOW: 1-187, 2-269, 3-271, 4-289, 5-297, 6-336, 7-361, 8-381, 9-386

 

[Dragon Fire]

Ouch, the Lankan trundlers got caned! Great story, by the way, but don't let the Aussies get too rampant.

 

[timchrist984]

Ouch, the Lankan trundlers got caned! Great story, by the way, but don't let the Aussies get too rampant.

Thanks for your support Dragon, I appreciate it.

I would like to know if people are finding my ball-by-ball descriptions boring and would prefer a summary. I like my style at the moment but if people don't like it I can change it.

 

[timchrist984]

Change-Of-Innings Feature: Ashes Squads​

Hello and welcome back to the SCG where Sri Lanka face a massive run chase. Australia have set them a daunting 408 run target.

This current series between Australia and Sri Lanka is really just a curtain raiser to this summer's clash between Australia and England. During the week both the Australian and English Ashes squads were announced. Both nations have also released promotional videos. Here are the squads:

England

Andrew Strauss (captain, Middlesex)
Alastair Cook (vice-captain, Essex)
James Anderson (Lancashire)
Ian Bell (Warwickshire)
Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire)
Ajmal Shahzad (Yorkshire)
Paul Collingwood (Durham)
Steven Davies (wicketkeeper, Surrey)
Steven Finn (Middlesex)
Eoin Morgan (Middlesex)
Monty Panesar (Sussex)
Kevin Pietersen (Hampshire)
Matt Prior (wicketkeeper, Sussex)
Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire)
Chris Tremlett (Surrey)
Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire)

Promotional Video

Australia
Ricky Ponting (captain)
Michael Clarke (vice-captain)
Shane Watson
Simon Katich
Callum Ferguson
Mike Hussey
Marcus North
Usman Khawaja
Brad Haddin
Nathan Hauritz
Steve Smith
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Ben Hilfenhaus
Doug Bollinger
Ryan Harris
Xavier Doherty

Promotional Video

 

[Dragon Fire]

Nah, your style's great.

 

[Aditya]

This story has been going great since I last checked. Loved those two videos you have posted.

 

[timchrist984]

I am going away this week and won't be back until Friday. I will update again then.

 

[timchrist984]

Sri Lanka Off To A Solid Start​

Sri Lanka have made a solid start to their run chase here at the SCG. They are currently 0/32 off 5 overs and are scoring at a run rate just above 6 an over. Upul Tharanga looks in good touch as he has raced to 25 off 24 balls.

It was the danger-man from Melbourne, Mitchell Johnson who opened the bowling for Australia. He bowled a tight line and forced the Sri Lankan openers to be defensive. The first ball of the innings was pitched up and Tharanga pushed it straight to a fielder on the leg side. The next ball was a slightly shorter out-swinger and Tharanga let it fly through to the 'keeper. The 3rd ball of the over was another beautiful away-swinger that beat Tharanga outside the off stump. The next ball was again on target and Tharanga defended it back down the pitch. The 5th ball of the over was in the blockhole yet again and Tharanga could only defend it. The final ball of the over was slightly over pitched and Tharanga whipped it off his pads for a single.

The young Victorian, Clint McKay opened the bowling from the other end and was far less economical than Johnson. The first ball of the over was on leg stump and Tharanga flicked it down to fine leg for a single. McKay's next ball was a full toss and Dilshan pushed it through the leg side for another single. The 3rd ball of the over was again over-pitched and Tharanga played a text-book straight drive that ran away for 4. The next ball was a gentle full toss and Tharanga smashed it back over McKay's head for 6. The 5th ball of the over was over-pitched yet again and again Tharanga drove it down the ground for 4. The final ball of the over was on target and Tharanga defended it with ease. McKay's over ended up costing 16 runs.

Johnson bowled the next over from the Paddington end and continued to be economical. The first ball of the over was short of a length and Dilshan punched the ball in to the covers for a single. Johnson's next 2 balls were bang on target and Tharanga defended both of them off the front foot. The 4th ball of the over was wide of off stump and Tharanga left it alone. The next ball was pitched on nagging length and Tharanga played an tentative forward defensive shot. The final ball of the over was pitched up and Tharanga drove it straight to the mid-off fielder.

McKay then bowled his 2nd over form the Randwick End. The first ball of the over was short and Dilshan played a powerful square cut, straight to the gully fielder. The next ball was short again and Dilshan drove it through the covers for a single. The 3rd ball of the over was on a length and Tharanga flicked it on to the leg side, straight to the square leg fielder. Tharanga then punched the 4th ball of the over through the leg side for a single. The 5th ball of the over was short and Dilshan played a late cut, straight to a fielder and couldn't score. The final ball of the over was a full toss and Dilshan pushed it on to the leg side for a single.

Mitchell Johnson then bowled the 5th over from the other end. The first ball of the over was short and Dilshan punched it through the covers for a single. The next ball was a slow half volley and Tharanga smashed it back over Johnson's head for 4. The 3rd ball of the over was on a good length and Tharanga defended it. The next ball was short and Tharanga cut it straight to the the point fielder. The 5th ball of the over was over pitched and Tharanga lofted it over mid off for 4. The 6th ball of the over was no ball and Tharanga defended it. The final ball of the over was a free-hit. Tharanga skied the ball high to mid off and was caught but remained at the crease.

So, Sri Lanka remain a chance to chase down Australia's mammoth total after their good start. They will be looking to push the score along and keep wickets in hand. Australia must stay focused. If they slacken off they will leave the door wide open for Sri Lanka.

Overs 1 to 5 Highlights:

Australia 9/407 50.0 overs

Sri Lanka 0/32 5.0 Overs
Dilshan Not Out 25
Tharanga Not Out 5

Extras: 1nb
Sri Lanka Require 377 Runs At 8.38 RPO To Win

Australia
Johnson (3-0-12-0) 1nb 4.00 RPO
McKay (2-0-19-0) 9.50 RPO

 

[Aussie Team]

I don't think Lanka would chase that target.

 

[timchrist984]

Watson Picks Up The Dangerous Tharanga​

Shane Watson has dismissed the dangerous Upul Tharanga here at the SCG. This is a massive blow for Sri Lanka. They still have some hope though, as Jayawardene is striking the ball cleanly and Dilshan is working hard. Sri Lanka are travelling at run-rate of 6.9 RPO. They currently need 8 and a half an over for victory.

It was Clint McKay who continued to bowl from the Randwick End. He still hadn't really found his feet and was punished. Dlishan punched the first ball of the over through the covers and jogged through for a single. McKay's next 4 balls were on target and Tharanga defended them. The final ball of the over was a low full toss and Tharanga dispatched it through square leg for 4.

Peter Siddle then replaced Mitchell Johnson at the Paddington End. He didn't bowl badly, but the Sri Lanka openers were set and on the attack. Dilshan drove the first ball of the over straight to mid on, then played an elegant cover drive for 2 the next ball. The 3rd ball of the over was on a length and Dilshan defended it. The next ball was too short and Dilshan dabbed on to the leg side and hurried through for 2. Dilshan then drove the 5th ball of the over through covers for a single. The final ball of the over was in the blockhole and Tharanga could only defend it.

Clint McKay was then replaced at the Randwick End by Shane Watson. The first ball of the over was a juicy half-volley and Mike Hussey made a brilliant save at short cover to save what would have been a certain boundary. The next ball was in the slot again and Dilshan hoicked it over mid on for 4. The 3rd ball of the over was driven, again straight to Hussey at short cover. The next ball was pitched up and Dilshan defended it. The 5th ball of the over was short and Dilshan played an excellent back foot straight drive for 2. The final ball of the over was overpitched and Dilshan flicked it down to fine leg for a single.

Siddle continued to bowl from the other end and was expensive again. The first ball of the over was a half-volley on leg stump and Dilshan creamed it through the leg side for 4. The next ball was over pitched and Dilshan smacked it through cover, out to the boundary for 4. The 3rd ball of the over was again too full and Dilshan nudged it down to fine leg for a single. Siddle's next ball was a beauty that swung away and beat Tharanga outside the off stump. Tharanga flicked the 5th ball of the over through the leg side, but straight to a fielder. The final ball of the over was on target and Tharanga defended it.

Watson continued from the other end and was expensive, but effective as he picked up the wicket of Tharanga. The first ball of the over was full and Dilshan drove it straight to mid off. The next ball was full again and Dilshan pushed it through the leg side for a single. It was the 3rd ball of the over when Watson struck. He bowled a full, away swinger that caught the edge of Tharanga and flew through to Haddin who took a good, diving catch. Tharanga departed for 29 and the score was 1/58. The new man at the crease was Mahela Jayawardene. Jayawardene's first ball was a full toss and he walloped it over the deep cover boundary for 6. The 5th ball of the over was again over pitched and Jayawardene fluently drove through the covers for 4. The final ball of the the over was a real messy piece of cricket. Jayawardene drove it straight back to Watson, who took a wild throw at the stumps at the striker's end. He missed completely and the batsmen managed to steal a run as Siddle fielded the ball at deep fine leg.

So, Sri Lanka are travelling along nicely. If they can keep their wickets in tact they will be a chance. They are still scoring a tad too slow, but this will not be their greatest worry as they still have big hitting batsmen to come.

Overs 6-10 Highlights:

Watson Celebrates His Wicket​

Australia 9/407 50.0 overs

Sri Lanka 1/69 10.0 Overs
Dilshan Not Out 28
Tharanga C: Haddin B: Watson 29
Jayawardene Not Out 11

Extras: 1nb
Sri Lanka Require 339 Runs At 8.48 RPO To Win

Australia
Johnson (3-0-12-0) 1nb 4.00 RPO
McKay (2-0-19-0) 9.50 RPO
Siddle (2-0-14-0) 7.00 RPO
Watson (2-0-19-1) 9.50 RPO

FOW: 1-58