Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews severely tested the resolve generated in the Australian team by captain Michael Clarke at the WACA last night.
Mathews bowled David Warner off an inside edge for 34 when the left-hander was looking ominous, and was last man out for 64 within six runs of a famous victory.
Mathews is an extremely talented cricketer, as he showed in the final over last night when Sri Lanka needed 18 runs to win with nine down.
Undeterred, Mathews hooked the first ball from paceman Mitchell Starc for four, off-drove the next for a massive six, and it was a new ball game with eight to get off four.
Mathews and partner Dhammika Prasad swapped singles, leaving six required off two.
Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, Matthews top-edged a pull into the safe hands of Dan Christian at mid-on, and that was that. Australia home by five runs with a ball to spare, a top game of cricket for the much-maligned 50-over format.
Clarke was man-of-the-match for many reasons. But mainly his 57 off a patient 88 deliveries, with just four boundaries, holding the side together as wickets fell around him – Mike Hussey (23), David Hussey (27) and Christian (33), when all three looked set.
That was Clarke’s resolve, but it rubbed off on the late order batsmen with Clint McKay (25) and Starc (14) adding 39 precious runs for the last two wickets that was the difference between winning and losing.
Australia’s 231 was the lowest total against Sri Lanka at the WACA. The loss was Sri Lanka’s 17th of 19 at the same venue.
So to defend the 231 took a lot of resolve, none more so than left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty, whose 2-24 off 10 was exemplary.
To think this Australian side remains unbeaten in the series against the second and fourth-ranked nations without the services of Shane Watson, Patrick Cummins, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, and Ben Hilfenhaus says volumes for Michael Clarke’s captaincy.
He keeps going from strength to strength at the helm as the West Indies, South Africa, and England will soon find out as the team resolve strengthens.
dc
Guest
That was a stonkin six over cover by Angelo Matthews at the end....If if if Sangakarra hadnt run himselt out, id Dilshan had batted long...come on SLanka, time to step up...
lolly
Guest
I don't think it was complacency at all. Mathews is a good batsman and they are wary of him after what he did last ODI tour here. Some of our bowlers are very inexperienced at this level and so far, from what I have seen in the Big Bash League and in ODI's, Mitchell Starc shouldn't be allowed near the death overs in short formats.
Tom Bridge
Roar Pro
Australia really stepped off the gas given that when the score was about 5 for 100 and something I switched off because of tiredness, fully expecting them to win and win quite easily. Luckily the team were able to hang on but it seems that there are times when the team still may get a little too complacent for their own good.
Andyc
Roar Rookie
Xaiver Doherty was man of the match for mine, he is a fine limited overs bowlers and Clint McKay's slower ball bamboolzed Matthews. With 5 one day games to be played against England later this year I wonder if Nathan Lyon will get an opportunity in English conditions or will the selectors treat it as just another one day series.
Jason
Guest
That's great. They can have the most experienced and talented losing team in the sport.
Bearfax
Guest
At least Sri Lanka realise the talent and worth of a player like Mathews and dont overdo his work load like Oz does with Shane Watson. Maybe he's too low in the order, but Sri Lanka know to treasure their stars it seems and ensure they dont burn out prematurely.
Jason
Guest
Why does Mathews bat so low? That's twice now he's been wasted having to bat with the tail.
Lolly
Guest
Without the services of Shane Watson, I can buy, but the others are either so new that it isn't really a big deal or only picked in extremis - Siddle & Hilfenhaus. McKay and Harris have better records than the bowlers mentioned and Brett Lee would be the other big missing player. But it was a very good win. It's time for Mathews to live up to his talent.