A fluctuating series with many twists and turns
After an intriguing T20 series which Australians clinched 2-1, it was pleasing to see the resurgence of the Lankans. Dasun Shanaka and his brigade of youngsters created history as Sri Lanka won their first bilateral ODI series on home soil against Australia in 30 years (3-2).
The focus then shifted on to the Warne–Murali Trophy where the two teams battled for supremacy during the two match Test series which was held at the spin-friendly Galle international cricket stadium—a fortress for the hosts over the last decade. This Test series was even more significant as it was dedicated for the late legendary cricketing great Shane Warne.
The hosts had fond memories against the tourists on home soil where Sri Lanka had tasted success in 2016 under the captaincy of Angelo Mathews and it was the first time that they had whitewashed the Australians (3-0)
Both teams were beaming with confidence leading in to the series as they had won their respective series. The Australians had beaten Pakistan and Sri Lanka had won the series against Bangladesh. The interesting fact was, both teams had won away from home.
Having observed Australia’s struggles against the spin quartet of Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay and Dunith Wellalage during the One Day Internationals, the selectors had opted for a squad that had four spin options to challenge the Australian batsmen on pitches that was expected to provide assistance for the spinners as the game progresses.
However David Warner–the Australian opening batsman had said that the quality of the pitches, provided for the ODI series were ideal for their preparations for the Test series.
When we analyse the proceedings of the first Test we can say that Warner’s comments were justified. The pitch that was prepared for the first test, began to turn on the first day itself. Hosts were bundled out for a mere 212 runs in the first innings, after skipper Dimuth Karunaratne elected to bat first.
On the other hand the Australians seem to have learnt from their mistakes in 2016 as they used their feet to counter the spinners and as a result of that they were able to put the pressure back on to the inexperience bowling attack.
Alex Carey and Cameron Green used the conventional sweep and the reverse sweep which enabled them to dominate the proceedings. Ironically it was the main reason for Sri Lanka’s capitulation.
The Australian spinners had the hosts on their knees as they lost wickets and eventually they were bowled out in 22.5 overs and it is Sri Lanka’s shortest innings in their Test cricket history.
Throughout the series the hosts were heavily dependent on their spinners. The spin quartet that was in operation conceded 261 runs in 62 overs in the first Test.
Lasith Embuldeniya who was regarded as Sri Lanka’s frontline spinner ever since the victorious tour of South Africa in 2019, seems to have lost his wicket taking ability as he was hardly among wickets during the Bangladesh tour.
During that tour he took just one wicket at an average of 282. Following a string of below par performances he was dropped from the squad for the second Test and he was also excluded for the ongoing Pakistan series as well.
Days after the humiliating defeat, the Lankan had to deal with covid-19 concerns.
As a consequence several players were ruled out but eventually it turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the Lankans as the Covid 19 replacements Prabath Jayasuriya, Maheesh Theekshana and Kamindu Mendis did something significant to make sure that Sri Lanka avoided the embarrassment of being whitewashed on their fortress for the second time in two years.
Captain Karunaratne summed up on how the team had bounced back following the humiliating defeat in the First Test.
“It was a very tough defeat. As a group we had to overcome the mental debacle to bounce back in the series. Head coach Chris Silverwood supported us immensely. We had to take the defeat out of the mind” Karunaratne noted.
Niroshan Dickwella is considered as the best wicket-keeper in the country, but his inconsistent performances have casted doubts regarding his future in test cricket. He scored only 66 runs including one half century with an average of 22, during the series.
Karunaratne went on to say that each and every player has to perform consistently to be picked for the Test squad in the future. Dinesh Chandimal’s career has been a tale of twists and turns. Whenever Chandimal is on the verge of being dropped, he always proves that he is the man for a crisis situation. The unbeaten double century that he scored in the second Test was a prime example to show that he still has the hunger to score runs whenever required.
Chandimal became the first Sri Lankan batsman to score a double century against Australia. Karunaratne had heaps of praise for the epic unbeaten double century and he hopes that Chandimal will continue to prosper during the Pakistan series as well.
The emergence of Prabath Jayasuriya has been a fascinating story. His consistent performances ensured that he was in contention to earn his place in the National team. Despite being consistent, he had to wait for 10 long years and the opportunity had arrived at the nick of time for the 30-year-old leg-spinner, created havoc for the Australians and ended with match figures of 12 wickets for 177 runs.
Jayasuriya’s heroics will provide more options for the selectors to pick and choose players according to the team’s requirements.
For Australia, their spinners Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Swepson impressed as the duo kept the Lankan batsmen on their toes as they shared 19 wickets in the series. Marnus Labuschagne who struggled during the ODI Series found a method to play against the spinners. Eventually scored his maiden overseas century. He scored 149 runs at an average of 49.16.
This was Australia’s First Test loss in 10 matches under the leadership of Pat Cummins.
As Sri Lanka have drawn the Test Series they are ranked third in the ICC World Test Championship points table.
The pendulum had swung both ways during the series and neither team was able to sustain the pressure that they had created and eventually the final outcome will satisfy both the teams as 12 each invaluable points were shared as well as the Warne-Murali Trophy.