AFP
Pallekele, July 27: Australia removed Sri Lankan opener Kusal Perera cheaply after building up an 86-run first innings lead over their hosts as they took firm command of a low-scoring Test here Wednesday.
Perera fell to the last ball of the day leg before to Mitchell Starc, with the umpires once again forced to call a premature halt to proceedings following a downpour at the picturesque ground on the outskirts of Kandy.
Australia were all out for 203 in reply to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 117, with spinner Lakshan Sandakan taking (4/58) and Rangana Herath (4/49) doing most of the damage.
Adam Voges (47, 115b, 3×4) top-scored for the Australians, meaning no player from either side managed to score a half century in the first innings.
And with the pitch showing no sign of respite, the Australian’s first innings lead could well prove decisive as they try to cement their position as Test cricket’s No. 1 side.
The 38-year-old Herath, who has hinted that he may soon retire from Test cricket, was the pick of the bowlers. He dismissed both overnight batsmen — skipper Steve Smith (30) and Usman Khawaja (26) – in successive overs and had a third wicket in the morning session when wicket-keeper Peter Nevill was caught at mid-on.
Seamer Nuwan Pradeep finished with two wickets, including that of the resolute Voges who was brilliantly caught by Kusal Mendis at gully.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka 117 and six for 1; Australia 203 (Adam Voges 47, Rangana Herath 4/49, Lakshan Sandakan 4/58). Match to continue.
