Lahiru Thirimanne’s near century pulled Sri Lanka out of trouble but Jackson Bird claimed four to bowl the visitors out on the first day of the Sydney Test match.
We’ll bring you the live scores of the action throughout this game, with the second day starting at 10.30 am AEST on January 4.
It was a much better performance with the bat from Sri Lanka than their Boxing Day showing but on a reasonably placid Sydney track, they would rue that they only got to 294.
Thirimanne, in only his eighth Test match, showed maturity beyond his average of 19.84 and was ably supported by captain Mahela Jayawardene.
But both of them fell when they had a century for the taking and the rest of the batsmen displayed an abhorrence to sticking to the wicket, Tillakaratne Dilshan’s 34 being the highest score otherwise.
Michael Clarke’s decision to field first on a drier than usual SCG pitch evoked surprise but with five bowlers at his disposal he was able to rotate them around without the recent worry of fitness issues. Jackson Bird, in only his second Test, was a standout and looked the real deal.
Bird had both openers, one caught top-edging a pull and another nicking it to the ‘keeper, before returning in a later spell to run through the lower-order. Mitchell Starc grabbed three more and the waywardness of Mitchell Johnson wasn’t felt too much.
Going into the second day, Sri Lanka will hope for a better show from their bowlers, after having conceded two scores of more than 450 in the series already. A sub-300 score, however, may not be the best buffer for their rejigged bowling, requiring them to dig deep into their resources.
Rangana Herath has continued to impress cricketing pundits throughout the series but how their second-string attack consisting of Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep go will go a long way deciding the result.
Early wickets could put some pressure on a shortened Australian batting line-up but given the recent form that they have shown with the bat, it is difficult visualise such an eventuality.
We will bring you the live score throughout the game from the SCG and hope to receive your opinions as the action unfolds.
Junior
Roar Guru
100% agree. That said, he's the worst Test cricketer we've produced since Julien Weiner. Twelve Tests for Ed is twelve too many
Junior
Roar Guru
Regardless of when Johnno made his mind up, he is 100% right. If anything, he's being too kind. This nonsense about needing him out there for balance is nonsense. Any grade batsmen could do what he's doing - you know hold up an end for a bit and score no runs. England will be licking their lips if Pulitzer Cowan gets on the boat.
Geoff Lemon
Expert
Or got run out.
Geoff Lemon
Expert
T-Dog don't have time for three point turns.
Geoff Lemon
Expert
Hope so. Would make for a good match.
Geoff Lemon
Expert
But Kev! The X Factor! The X Factor!
Geoff Lemon
Expert
Double figures now. We can dream. Keep us posted on Pradeep Watch from here on in.
Geoff Lemon
Expert
Cheers Hazey. Stay clear of that Bundy.
The Bush
Roar Guru
At least a bat next to his name on the team sheet ;)
Hazey the Bear
Roar Rookie
Australia in front...just. Wade and co just need to eek out a bigger lead somehow - patience, determination, freakish luck, whatever. The Aussies don't want to be chasing a total on day five. Thanks for the entertaining day, gents - Will see you tomorrow...probably for the afternoon session and beyond.
Red Kev
Guest
Johnson should cop a demotion out the side, so effectively, yes.
The 12th Man
Roar Rookie
I'd have that as Australia in front, prob need another 40 or so to be confident given Herath bowling on the last day will be dangerous
Red Kev
Guest
Thank god Johnson did so much this game - zero wickets and 13 runs. Can Arthur, Inverarity and Clarke wake up to themselves now please.
Geoff Lemon
Expert
aaaaaand... STUMPS The Australian lower order doing well - 35 runs in this partnership, after Johnson and Wade put on 36. Wade has held things together well and scored briskly, and will resume tomorrow on 47. Siddle has 16. So, Australia's day, but Sri Lanka have tried hard, and have had their successes as well. Initially it looked like Australia would dominate, despite losing Cowan early to a silly run-out. Warner and Hughes were motoring along at a great rate and the pitch looked very friendly. But both those batsmen contrived to get themselves out within sight of a century, Michael Clarke made a very smooth 50 and got himself out as well, and before that he also ran out Mike Hussey. Hussey was applauded to the centre via an honour guard provided by the Sri Lankans, which was a wonderful scene, but he was out for 25 on a short single. Herath battled manfully, bowling 22 overs to take 2/69. Dilshan and Pradeep took a wicket, but Sri Lanka's bowlers aside from Herath were not able to make any real impact. Sri Lanka's endeavour in the field though was excellent, effecting two run outs and sticking to their task despite the difficulties. It paid off as they started reeling the Aussies in. So it's evenly poised - the Aussie lead is 48, so if the lower order can get that above 100, Australia will be odds on to win. But if the Lankans can take care of Siddle, Starc, Lyon and Bird for less than 100, they could bat well enough in their second dig to set a challenging target. This pitch is starting to turn a little, it will be turning a lot more by the fourth innings, and Herath is a last-innings specialist. Could be exciting times ahead! A big thanks from me for the excellent conversations that have taken place today on the comment boards, it's been a lot of fun having you all involved. Join me again from the start of play tomorrow morning, and let's do it all again. Now for one of Atawhai Drive's cold beers.
Geoff Lemon
Expert
Well, given Siddle has outscored Johnson, does he cop a promotion for the second innings?
Geoff Lemon
Expert
87.3 Nicely nudged away by Siddle, a late cut for one. 6/342 Siddle has 16, he's going pretty well.
Geoff Lemon
Expert
87.1 Dilshan back and that's a ripper delivery first up - turned a mile and beat the left-handed keeper by a margin.
Geoff Lemon
Expert
86.3 FOUR Classic tailend shot! Siddle top-edges the hook from Lakmal and it flies over the keeper for four. 6/340. This lead is getting handy.
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Aye, Aye, Skipper.
Rhys
Guest
Thanks Atawhai. Boy could they use his experience and talent over there.