Sri Lanka implode as Australia keep pressure on: T2D3

Australia 460 (Clarke 106, Johnson 92*, Watson 83, Warner 62, Prasad 3/106, Eranga 3/109) def Sri Lanka 156 (Sangakkara 58, Johnson 4/63) and 103 (24.2 ov, Mathews 35, Sangakkara 27 ret hurt,  2 others absent injured) by an innings and 201 runs. T2/3 D3/5 at MCG. Australia lead series 2-0.

After presevering in the field and with the ball yesterday, albeit without really getting back into the match, today Sri Lanka fell apart today in the face of hostile Australian bowling and sharp fielding and their own feeble self-belief. On a good batting wicket 1/1 (a foolish run out) became 2/1, 3/3, 4/13. When Kumar Sangakkara retired hurt it was effectively 5/62. As it turned out it was really 7/62, as two other players were already injured. A further 8 overs was all that was necessary to conclude proceedings.

Matches as one sided as this are not a good advertisement for Test or Sri Lankan cricket. While there were many good things to commend about Australia the recent loss to South Africa and the looming Test tours to India and, especially, England don't give a clear guide to our prospects. More about this later.,


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