Day 2 Wrap
Well where do you start with today? A brilliant days cricket by Australia, I find it hard to pick an aspect of the game that Australia have failed at yet? The running between the wickets was superb particularly Hussey and Clarke, They batted with patience and skill when it was tough early and then when they felt settled they played some innovative, textbook and flashy shots which made it brilliant to watch. Today started a lot better for the Sri Lankans, they where working hard in the field, the bowling was a lot better especially Fernando who must have got a rocket last night, because his speed increased by 10-12km today. They bowled better line and length and at times beat the bat. But these arent first class cricketers who will lose patience after an hour, that is the sort of nagging line you have to bowl all day (See Pigeons career) and the Sri Lankans just cant do it. Once the New Ball lost its shine everyone knew trouble was brewing for the visitors, Hussey and Pup took runs at will against any bowler.
Pup has matured as a batsmen, the way he plays spin bowling is incredible and reminds me of Brian Lara the way he moves his feet. He is so quick forward or back, it makes it near impossible to bowl to. This innings was one of his best, he mixed patience with flair which is something he has found hard to do on previous occasions. This is the start of a big summer for Michael Clarke.
Hussey was terrific again, When is this man going to fail? he is averaging 83 after 17 matches
. Amazing figures. Marvin Atapattu will rue dropping him in the teens, you cant give this sort of player a chance. Symonds made a excellent quick fire fifty before Punter decided to declare.
This proved to be a good move as Brett Lee took 2 wickets including a contentious one against the danger man Jayasuria. I can see Sri Lanka being 2 down for very little every innings, because IMO Vandort is not a number 3. Debutant Mitchell Johnson looked lively with the new ball early, and Macgill was his normal self 2-3 good balls, 1-2 4 balls and one corker. What would be worrying for the visitors is that arguably Aus's best bowler Stuart Clark only bowled 2 overs. Expect Sri Lanka to make 230 and be put in again unless Atapattu and Jayawardene make big scores.
]