Rain helps Sri Lanka secure draw
What promised to be an interesting day of Test cricket at Pallekele was yet again marred by inclement weather to force a draw in the second match between Sri Lanka and Australia. Only 35.3 overs were bowled in the day during which Australia picked up four key wickets but rain gods ensured that the series remained alive when the teams move to Colombo for the last match of the series.
Resuming on 223 for 2, the new ball accounted for both the overnight batsmen Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene before the first rain break and two more wickets till torrential showers swept the ground to bring the match to an early end, Sri Lanka had moved to 317 for 6, the 80 run lead still not big enough to threaten Australia. Ryan Harris continued his good work with the ball, finishing with three scalps while as Sri Lanka’s much improved batting display in the second innings was anchored by Sangakkara.
When play started, two things could come in between Australia and a series win, the hovering clouds and the flourishing partnership between Sangakkara and Jayawardene but there was a sliver lining in the form of second new ball that was available after one over. And, Michael Clarke without wasting time handed over the brand new cherry to his best bowler, Ryan Harris. It took Harris only seven balls to break through as Sangakkara could only edge a delivery that was swinging in and straightening to Michael Clarke at second slip who accepted the chance. The left-hander with his 69 added 101 for the third wicket with Mahela Jayawardene.
The hosts would have been in deep trouble, if Clarke had not spilled a simple chance off Samaraweera in the same over, nevertheless Harris had opened the door for his team with the early wicket. However, there was still time for the Australian captain to redeem himself with a one handed blinder to remove Mahela Jayawardene for 51. Copeland got a delivery outside off-stump to slightly bounce more and take the edge of Mahela’s bat, Clarke dived to his left to catch the ball centimeters above the ground at second slip. Four overs later the rain intervened with Sri Lanka in bit of trouble at 288 for 4. Having lost both Sangakkara and Mahela, the hosts’ lead was only 51 as the weather forced the umpires to call for an early Lunch.
Play finally resumed after a good 90 minutes break that also included the Lunch. With time left in the match decreasing due to the inclement weather, Sri Lanka started positively to push the lead towards three figures. After Sri Lanka crossed 300, Harris struck again removing Prasanna Jayawardene with an away going delivery for 21.Thilan Samaraweera was joined by Angelo Mathews as the last recognized batting pair for Sri Lanka, the two kept out the Australian bowlers for seven overs before Watson lured the former into a cut shot on a delivery that was too close to his body, a thick edge was safely pouched by Haddin. Samaraweera’s lapse in concentration when he had made 43 could have cost Sri Lanka dear but their friend in this match, rain returned shortly afterwards with score sheet reading 317 for 6 and an overall lead of 80.
Day 4: Bulletin on next page
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