Sri Lanka registered a historic 106 run win over Australia in the first test at Pallekelle stadium in Kandy. This was only their second win over Australia.The main Architect were the spinners who troubled the Aussie batsman with their spin and bounce.The leader of the attack Rangana Herath secured his 24th five wicket haul to spin a web around the clueless Aussie batsman.
The day was greeted by short spell of rain before the play resumed.After a 75 minute delay the struggle started from where it was left on day 4.Smith and Voges started off the proceedings in a positive manner.The skipper often stepped down the track to negotiate the spin and bounce. Voges departed by driving a full delivery back to the bowler.The wicket triggered a big collapse from there on.
Smith at the other end was aggressive and stitched a 43 run partnership with Marsh.In the process Smith brought up his fifty which was filled with some delightful strokes.The momentum tilted towards Sri Lanka with three wickets in quick succession.The match witnessed poor umpiring from both the on field umpires.Thankfully the reviews were there for both the sides to overturn the decisions.
The middle order didn’t last long as they succumbed to some wizardry spin bowling.The 25 year old debutant Sankadan troubled the batsman with his leg breaks and gogglies.He rattled the tail with his consistent line and length.Smith playing a lone battle was trapped by Herath plumb in front.The hopes of drawing were washed away.
Peter Nevill and Steve O’Keefe were defiant in giving up.The duo kept on defending frustrating the bowlers.Their were quite a few narrow escape for both the batsman due to umpiring errors.But nothing could stop Sri Lanka from making history as they picked up the last two wickets just before tea.Herath finsihed with the figures of 5 for 54.Kusal Mendis was adjudged man of the match for his superb knock of 176.
This was only second victory over Australia for Sri lanka and it came after a gap of 17 years.
