Australia secured a historic test series victory against Sri Lanka, marking their first triumph in the nation since 2011. Nathan Lyon's crucial wicket on the final morning paved the way for a comfortable nine-wicket win, propelling Australia into the upcoming World Test Championship final as strong contenders for back-to-back titles.
Under the gaze of the venerable Dutch fort, Australia finally conquered Sri Lanka after a siege lasting eight days over two Test matches that will take the tourists into June’s world championship final as firm favourites to defend their title.
For that reason, the selectors largely favoured pragmatism, including Josh Inglis instead of Sam Konstas and playing Head at the top. Cooper Connolly had little to do in his debut Test match after being included to lengthen the batting order at the expense of Todd Murphy – a debatable call. Beau Webster enhanced his reputation as a willing contributor to the team in all facets of the game, while Labuschagne was relieved to notch his highest score of the series to put a final seal on the chase. Whether that helps him keep his spot for Lord’s remains to be seen.
But when he ventured a little fuller with plenty of action on the ball, Lyon extracted turn and devilish bounce, the ball leaping at Kusal’s gloves and plopping obligingly into the hands of Smith at short fine leg – the only fielder anywhere near the bat.There was a sense of hurry to Australia’s play that suggested they were wary about the prospect of the Sri Lankans pushing the fourth innings target into tricky territory.
CRICKET TEST MATCHES AUSTRALIA SRI LANKA WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP
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