Australia v. Sri Lanka - 1st. Test

[Donny]

An excellent century from Hayden but a somewhat subdued celebration as it cost his team their captain's wicket.

He'll put it behind him and look for another tomorrow.

[JLC]

Well Hayden is easily the best player of spin in the Australian team and is the reason why imo he is a better or more complete player than Ponting.

Ponting and Gilly are both on track for averages under 30 for the series......lol

Hopefully Damian Dumdum, Boof, Symonds or Gilly can provide some support to him.

jlc

[Donny]

2/193 at stumps. Australia's day.

First, Warney did the job then Hayden, Langer and Ponting got their team into a possible winning position after the Test being firmly in Sri Lanks's grasp at start of play.

[JLC]

I think the Aussies are in a pretty good position to win from here as long as Hayden hangs around.

Warne will then spin them to victory. The Sri Lankan batting line up isnt that strong.

He will probably benefit more if the Sri Lankans go after the runs. At the very worst he will keep the run rate tight which will take a Sri Lankan win out of the equation.

jlc

[LeonMcS]

Great to see the Aussies fight their way back in to this test match and now controlling their own destiny. I've seen in the media someone (Warnie?) saying a lead of 100 would be enough but I'd be happy with anything over 250.
So with 2 days to play, 8 wickets left and a lead of 30ish Australia are in a position to win after looking dead and buried after the first two days. Congrats to Warnie, first spinner about to reach 500 wickets (and not one chuck in all of them).
Go Aussies, bury these Lankans, man, I hate them worse than the Yarpies!

[Kristin5]

Nice return to cricket for Shane Warne - I said to my boyfriend that I thought Warney would get 6 wickets in the first innings and 5 in the second - maybe (hopefully!) I've just got it around the wrong way?!

Great century to Matty too - he's looking quite comfortable out there against the spinners. He's scoring at a good rate (unlike Ricky - like watching bloody paint dry!! Though maybe he was doing what I've been asking of him all along, which is not to be a flashy front-runner, but to go out and protect his wicket at all costs, ala Stevie. Shame it all came a bit unstuck though...)

[JLC]

Dare i say it a good partnership from dumdum and boof at present.

Can one of them go on and turn their start into a potentially match winning century ??

We will soon find out....

jlc

[London Dave]

not at the rate Damien is scoring!!!

[Donny]

A bit harsh, Dave ?

Marto has 80 from 155 balls. His partnership with Lehmann is 100 @ 3.41 r.p.o. The innings rate is 3.2.
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It's 3/348 after 109 overs as Lehmann goes to 50 n.o.

[London Dave]

he obviously heard me and decided to speed up Donny!

[Donny]

In that case, well played, Dave !!
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Martyn is 84 n.o. and Lehmann, 56 n.o. and the lead is 202.

Come on, JLC, I know you're proud of them. Let's hear from you.
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3/394 with Martyn on 90 n.o. and Lehmann, 81 n.o. The lead is 233.
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The 150 partnership is up from 264 balls. Good work fellas.

[JLC]

Yup a good effort by both and a partnership that is steering Australia into a match winning position.

For Lehmann its great as it would make Hooksy proud. As for Martyn its about bloody time.

jlc

[Donny]

Well said, mate.

At tea, the Aussies are looking good on 3/410 with Martyn on 96 n.o. and Lehmann, 91 n.o.

With a 249 lead we should see some quick runs after tea with a view to declaring sometime before stumps.

Marto will be asked to turn over the strike to Lehmann and, if needed, Symonds and Gilchrist. Should be great viewing.

[Donny]

There's the century for Marto !! 231 balls.

Boof on 99. Facing. There it is !! 172 balls.

Boof looks to the heavens. Hookesy smiles back.

[GreekLunatic]

well done martyn and boof great centuries also great seeing king chucka get belted for runs