LIVE – Sri Lanka v Australia: 2nd Test – Aussies in control before bad light stops play – Match Update
The Australian team got off to a decent start in their first innings against Sri Lanka in the second Test of the three match series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, September 8, 2011.
The Kangaroos were 60 without a loss before the play was stopped due to bad light. They still trail by 114 runs with all wickets in tact. Openers http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Phillip-Hughes-c2185 were unbeaten at the crease on 36 and 23 respectively.
It is likely that the day will be called off after a short while, as the light is not good at the moment. The umpires have not yet taken a final decision and will make an inspection in a short while.
Sri Lanka will be disappointed with the day they have had. The team’s skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TM-Dilshan-c2691 opted to bat first after winning the toss, but he expected a much better performance from his batsmen.
However, the hosts were bundled up for 174 in their first innings with just four players making it to the double figures.
All-rounder http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AD-Mathews-c913 was impressive with the bat, as he was the only player in the innings to score a half-century. He collected 58 runs with the help of six fours and three huge sixes.
There was not much support for Mathews from the other end, as wickets kept on falling at regular intervals. He was involved in a half-century stand alongside veteran batsman http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KC-Sangakkara-c1779, but that was not enough to guide the team into a respectable position.
Sangakkara played a fighting innings of 48 runs, but the team needed a big one from him.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Trent-Copeland-c2709, who took a couple of wickets.
Apart from that, veteran pacer http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Nathan-Michael-Lyon-c78822 were also handy, picking up a couple of wickets each.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 used five different bowlers against the Aussie openers, but none managed to pick up a wicket.
The Kangaroos will be looking forward to take a massive first innings lead in this match in order to seal the series, which they already lead by 1-0.
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