CRICKET: CB SERIES OFF THE MARK

Venue: SCG
Event : 3rd ODI of CB series SL vs AUS
Result: Aussies steal the thunder down under

Finally the series got off the mark. The Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed the first complete match in the series which so far has been a dampener due to rain. Finally the covers were off and the match kicked off in style. Pup’s patient knock followed by a venomous spell by Bracken broke the back of the Lankan lions as Aussies recorded their first ODI victory this year.

Chasing a gettable target of 254 for victory Sri Lanka was off to a nightmarish start losing their trump card Jayasuriya early. The dashing left hander made a scratchy 7 runs never at ease against the duo of Lee and Bracken. Lee finally castled him as jayasuriya played on to the stumps. Tharanga followed soon leaving the Lankans struggling at 18 for 2. With both the openers back to the pavilion the team depended on their stalwarts Sangakkara and Jayawardene to deliver them out of the muddle. But the skipper disappointed his fans falling to Johnson.

Sangakkara was the only Lankan player to make a mark on the field. He pulled and drove with flair making a sensible 42. But the Lankan innings soon fell apart for a paltry 125 way behind Australia’s 253. Nathan Bracken picked up 5 wickets to lead Australia to a huge win. His scalps included Tharanga, Sangakkara and Dilshan – key wickets which meant that Sri Lanka was on the mat.

Earlier the Aussies won the toss and chose to bat. Their openers responded well with Hayden compiling a quick fire 42 and Gilly with a patient 61. Ponting’s run draught continued. The only consolation was that he was dismissed by Vaas instead of Bhaji or Ishant. The skipper would need to get his form back soon as Clarke is biting at his heels. Michael Clarke the ‘next skipper’ on the block proved his mettle yet again compiling a well made 77 to guide his team to a competitive 253 which later turned out to be more than competitive. A brilliant runner between the wickets, Clarke stepped down the track to hit muralitharan over long on for a huge six. Clarke along with Hopes raised the hopes of the crowd and lifted the run rate at the end.

The sub continental teams would have to put up a better batting effort if they are to challenge the formidable Aussies.