LIVE - http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 - 2nd Test - Aussies bag early wickets in first session - Match Update
Michael Clarke's heroics in the field led the visitors to make crucial breakthroughs in the opening session of the final Day of the 2nd Test match against Sri Lanka, played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium today, September 12, 2011.
The Aussie skipper took two catches fielding at 2nd slip to remove the dangerous duo of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DPMD-Jayawardene-c1397. Mahela's catch was the highlight of the session, a brilliant one-handed catch, diving low to his left side, Clarke left the Sri Lankan maestro stunned.
This led to an altercation between the two as Jayawardene was not convinced that http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 had collected the ball cleanly; however, referral to the TV umpire confirmed a clean take on Clarke's part.
Earlier the hosts resumed from 223 for 2, but Sangakkara could add nothing to his overnight score, with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RJ-Harris-c2330 picking up his wicket after he edged a straight forward catch to the 2nd Slip, where the Kangaroo skipper duly obliged.
This brought http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TT-Samaraweera-c2712 on the crease, who took the attack to the Australian bowlers, with good positive shot play.After being dropped by Clarke, Samaraweera made the most of the chance, hitting 5 boundaries on his way to 37. He hit two three off Copeland, before taking charge to left- armer, Mictchell Johnson, hitting his first ball through the covers with a well timed off drive. Jayawardene fortunately reached his half century before he was caught out by Clarke.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Thomas-George-Burrows-c93472 is a passing shower and it won’t be long enough before play resumes again.
Sri Lankans still need to bat most of the day in order to save the match and the series. The rain frequently interrupted the proceedings, which led to Australia’s early declaration on Day 4. However, the Lankan http://www.senore.com/Cricket/NT-Paranavitana-c2132 and Sangakkara being the pick, scoring 55 and 69* respectively.
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