Despite all of the likelihoods, despite the loss of key personnel for the Sri Lankan team, despite another two young players making their debut for Australia, despite the fortress that is “The Gabbatior”, it was still a strange thing to see Australia dominate a day’s Test cricket like they did on the opening day of the 1st Test after the tumultuous occurrences of 2018.
The day was highlighted by one ball from Jhye Richardson in the first over after the first ‘tea’ break, and it seemed to set the agenda for the commentary panel for the rest of the day. Richardson was one of the two debutants on the day for Australia, and his opening salvo had been well received. Though he was chosen for his raw pace and ability to swing the ball it hadn’t been overly prevalent in the first session. Mendis had made a cautious start with 14 from 43 deliveries. The third ball of the session was a peach, full and finding Mendis leaning towards pushing it through the leg side. From wide of the crease Richardson’s delivery pitched on the stumps and seamed away to take off stump. It would have gotten most batsmen in the world out. It was a ripper, and the celebrations were long and loud. Almost immediately the experts had Richardson opening the bowling at Edgbaston in eight months' time in the first test of the Ashes series, ignoring the fact that he still had work to do here, along with any number of matches in all forms of the game along the way. It was however the magic moment of day one.
Without Angelo Mathews to hold back the tide the Sri Lankans were routed in the second session. A fighting innings from Niroshan Dickwella frustrated the Australian bowlers as he treated the spectacle like a T20 fixture. His 64 out of the eventual total of 144 was massive, and saved massive blushes for the tourists. Given the way they fought in New Zealand recently they would have been disappointed with their start.
Mitch Starc again didn’t look anywhere near his best. His rhythm is completely off at the moment. He could do worse than go back and look at replays of his bowling in the 2015 World Cup when he couldn’t do anything wrong. Perhaps it would shine some insight as to what he is missing. Richardson on debut was superb, and his 3/26 perhaps deserved better. Pat Cummins started well and finished less so, but his 4/39 is as much a reward for his bowling all summer than just here on the first day. Nathan Lyon bowled more overs than anyone and got surprising spin and bounce, both of which accounted for an unbelieving Karunratne. He bowled too fast again and would surely have benefitted from tossing the ball up a bit more. It was the slower paced ball that did for Karunaratne.
Batting in the final session under lights, the Australians survived, which is probably the best way to put it. Joe Burns return started well but was cut short by a good away swinger from Lakmal for 15, while Usman Khawaja again fell to Dilruwan Perera – his first ball of the match – trying to cut a straight ball. It is the fourth time he has fallen to him, and he again didn’t fail to disappoint. He has some work to do in his next couple of Test innings if he wants to retain his spot in the mix for later in the year.
Marcus Harris started beautifully, but as the ball and lights took effect he found himself confused and puzzled as to what shots to play and which balls to play or leave. He had a certain amount of luck which he was probably due after the Indian series. Perhaps against the Indian attack he would have been found out, but he fought hard against the rogue conditions and finds himself on 40 not out at stumps, with a flat wicket and older ball and more batsman friendly conditions ahead of him on day two. He needs to cash in with a big innings to give Australia the boost it needs.
Australia is halfway to the Sri Lankan total with eight wickets in hand and has their best chance of the summer to post an imposing first innings lead. There will be plenty of interest to see how Harris, Labuschagne, Head and Kurtis Patterson take their chances to make big individual scores on a good batting wicket. For Australian supporters sakes at least, let’s hope they take their opportunities.
No comments:
Post a Comment