Published: Jul 30, 2016, 04:51 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 30, 2016, 04:51 PM (IST)
Australia have lost their seventh consecutive Test match in Asia after suffering defeat in the hands of Sri Lanka in the first Test at Pallekele. Their unfortunate streak begun during the tour of India in 2013 when they were outclassed and beaten 4-0 in the four-Test series. Another series whitewash followed when they took on Pakistan in UAE, and lost 2-0 in the two-Test series. And their tour of Sri Lanka got off to a huge disappointment, as they lost the first Test by 106 runs, marking the first defeat for Steven Smith as skipper of Australia in Tests. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st Test at Pallekele
The match got off to a worst possible start for the Sri Lanka, as they were bundled out for 117 in the first innings. The Aussie spinners and pacers took five wickets each as the visitors made the best possible start to their long tour. But they couldn’t capitalise on the bowlers impressive show.
Sri Lankan bowling unit, led by Herath, managed to bowl out the visitors for just 203, and ensuring they couldn’t get a big lead. None of Australia’s batsmen stuck to the task, with highest score of 47 coming from Adam Voges.
With the match firmly in balance, Sri Lanka came out to bat in the second innings. It seemed, Australia will run away with the tie, after managing to restrict the hosts down to 86 for 4. But Kusal Mendis played a blinder of a knock, and his 176 meant the hosts posted 353 in their second innings, and gave the World No. 1 a target of 268.
But Australian batsmen struggled against the spin attack, and faltered by a huge margin. Smith was the lone fighter with his knock of 55, but ultimately Australia lost by 106 runs, and handed Smith his first defeat as skipper in Test cricket.
