Australia will look to build on from an encouraging first day at Hobart against Sri Lanka today. We’ll bring you the live scores of the action throughout this game, with the play starting at 10.30am AEDT.
The first day belonged to the home side after Sri Lanka’s popgun attack failed to run through the Australian batting despite having them down to 4/198 at one stage.
Of course, they were up against Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey, two batsmen who have plundered bowling attacks all summer.
The first day was set up by the comeback-man, Phil Hughes, who should have got to a century. He had to remain content with 86 but the signs were much better – not too many of them were through edges to the cordon.
Dave Warner’s last visit to Hobart saw him get to a century and he looked like he was well on his way to another ton before running himself out through some misunderstanding with Hughes.
The pitch isn’t as conducive to batting as the scoreboard suggests though. Bowling at low-130km/hr speeds, the Sri Lankan bowling were able to get the ball to jag around on occasions but more worryingly the track showed signs of unevenness.
Some bounced up more than others towards the second half of the day and it may not be a 500-run surface to boot. Sri Lanka will need to separate the overnight pair as soon as they can or face an imposing total on a wearing track.
On the other hand, an early wicket for Sri Lanka could lead to two or three more, such is the nature of the track and help them restrict the home team to a manageable score.
We will bring you the live coverage throughout the game from Hobart and hope to receive your opinions as the action unfolds.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
So it has turned out to be an excellent declaration in the end, with Sri Lanka ending the day on 4/87 in reply to Australia's 5/450. Rain dominated the news for most part of the first half of the day but when play began, it was Australia all the way. Clarke got out early but that was the most Sri Lanka could get, as Hussey's century and Wades fifty ensured that Australia would get to a very competitive 450. Later, Hilfenhaus, SIddle, Watson and Lyon shared a wicket apiece to peg Sri Lanka back. Dilshan, with his half-century and the lower-middle-order are the only remaining hopes for the visitors. That's it from me today!
Johnno
Guest
Suneer Australia are in a better position than Sri Lanka in this match.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Goes for a cut and is caught behind! Outside the off stump from Lyon and for some strange reason, Samaraweera went for a cut. Strange because it was the last over and it was against the turn and Samaraweera never looked set in the 20 balls that he played. The bounce beats him, he gets an edge and Wade catches it off the second attempt. Sri Lanka end the day four down!
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Four to bring up Dilshan's 50! It was a bouncer from Watson and Dilshan did hold back, went for a hook. Not too well hit but enough to beat the rather squarish fine-leg on his right. Gets to his half-century, the only Lankan batsman to have looked a part today.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
A maiden from Lyon to begin this spell before Dilshan smacks Watson through the covers for a four! Finally some respite for Sri Lanka, who have scored at around two an over in the last 10.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Nathan Lyon to take up the bowling now. 3/79 in the 28th.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Life hasn't been too easy for the Lankan batsmen since the wicket of MJ. It has been good line and length on the off stump and some of those left alone have been close shaves.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Thilan Samaraweera, average of more than 50 in Tests, is in at five.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Gone, lbw and DRS used! It is not a no-ball, it is hitting in line with the stumps, and will go on to hit the leg-stump. Yep, MJ has to make the walk back to the pavilion and Sri Lanka are three down now. It was nipping back in and it did so much that MJ missed it by a mile. Hits smack in the middle of the pad and even with the angle, would go on to his the stumps. Watson has a wicket and Australia are making vital inroads here.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Four over slips! Outside the off and he slashes at it and the top-edge takes it over the second slip for a four...Dilshan's turning it on here. 2/68 in 22.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Yep, the trouble from the other end has been stalled for now, as Ben Hilfenhaus has been called up to replace Starc. Watson began his spell with a maiden.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Shane Watson takes over from Siddle, but the problem is at the other end where Starc needs to tighten up and quickly at that.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Poor ball from Starc, it is a full-toss wide outside the off and the outside edge goes through the backward point for another four. Starc's leaking aplenty here, especially here where it is not swinging. 2/64
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
And now Dilshan goes after a Siddle half-volley. It was outside the off stump and cracked through backward point for another boundary. 2/59
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Half-volley outside the off stump and caressed through the point region for four. It was not hit hard, but placed very well. And another one, very similar to the previous one, full-pitched and wide and Jayawardene drives it through covers this time. Another four. 2/55
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Mitchell Starc has now been recalled into the attack. Ian Healy on Channel Nine says: If they can get a third wicket soon, they may be able to get a fourth one by the end of play.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Siddle's hitting the length on the off-stump line. And hitting the bat hard too. So far though, Dilshan has done well keeping them out. What has also helped is that there isn't too much swing here. 2/43
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Mahela Jayawardene comes out at four and taps it to the leg side for a single. Gets off the mark.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Edged and taken in the slips! That is two down and Kumar Sangakkara, who was looking restless right from the time he came to bat, goes for a drive. Gets only the outside edge and is easily caught by Michael Hussey. Siddle gets his first. Two down Sri Lanka and only 42 on board.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Third boundary of the over! It is fuller on the middle and angling in, Dilshan smacks it through the leg side for a four! He had bowled a similar one the previous ball but Dilshan had failed to get it in the gap - this time he does. 1/39 in 13.