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Weather could play a part in what is set up for a very exciting fifth and final day’s play in the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia at Pallekele on Saturday. You can follow the live scores and blog of this match from 2:30pm (AEST).
Every day of this Test match so far has been affected by either rain or bad light or combination of both.
This is why the possibility of a drawn game, which looked as distant as Australia was from Sri Lanka when the first innings of both teams were finished, seems quite a distinct one at the moment.
Not very good news with respect to the Pallekele weather.#SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/RUdL5n0c0Z
— Suneer (@suneerchowdhary) July 29, 2016
If rain or bad light were to halt or abandon play, it will take away from what could turn out to be a very gripping Test match. One in which just one score of over 50 has been notched so far and yet, with proper application, a few batsmen have shown the surface can be tackled.
Take, for instance, Australia’s second innings on day four.
David Warner went down the surface but failed to take into account the bounce on the track and was bowled.
Steven Smith, on the other hand, and despite being stumped to a wild slog in the first dig, did not allow the bowling to dictate terms despite there being enough help for the Lankan spinners throughout the time he was at the crease. That said, there was a fine mix of caution and aggression in his innings.
Where that has left Australia is needing a further 185 runs for a win but with three wickets already back in the hut and the track assisting the Lankan spin troika to the hilt, it will be anything but easy.
Even the bookmakers have pegged Sri Lanka as favourites at this stage, weather permitting, but if Australia can string together a partnership of another 50-60 runs between Smith and Adam Voges, the two unbeaten batsmen at the crease, the pressure could well jump back on Sri Lanka.
Not that Sri Lanka do not have the weapons to trigger an Aussie collapse even from such a situation.
Rangana Herath’s experience should be of immense help but more vitally for Australia, batting against debutant chinaman bowler Lakshan Sandakan will be a cause for concern. Even Smith had his problems trying to read his wrong ‘un and his battle against Sandakan will make for an excellent viewing.
Follow the live scores and blog of this match from 2:30pm (AEST).
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