Australia v. Sri Lanka. 2 Tests.

[Donny]

Cummins' late strike caps Aussies' day.

In the first Test against Sri Lanka, Australia built its lead to 179, with Travis Head (84), Marnus Labuschagne (81) and Kurtis Patterson (30) contributing. Pat Cummins struck, with the last ball of the day's play claiming Lahiru Thirimanne for 6.

Sri Lanka 1/17 at stumps.

https://www.facebook.com/AussieCricket-278637879094/

[Donny]

.... and early strike on day 3. Cummins has 2/0 from 2 overs.

2/19.

[Donny]

.. and again. Cummins 3/0 from 8 balls.

[Donny]

8/110 as Cummins takes his 10th. wicket for the Test.

6/14, this innings.

[Donny]

Cummins' 6/23 skittles SL in Brisbane.

Pat Cummins returned match figures of 10/62 (4/39 & 6/23) to help Australia to an innings win, against Sri Lanka, in the first Test.

Jhye Richardson added 2/19 to his first innings 3/26 to cap a fine debut.

https://www.facebook.com/AussieCricket-278637879094/

[Donny]

Stoinis added for Canberra. Second Test.

Who would he replace ?

[K]

Starc?!

[K]

"Australian selectors have brought allrounder Marcus Stoinis into the squad because of concerns they might need an extra bowler on the Manuka deck. ...

Lawson said the obsession with having an allrounder was a relatively modern phenomenon."

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/manuka-pitch-gives-aussie-top-order-chance-to-end-century-drought-20190128-p50u4f.html


Well, what Lawson seems to be ignoring is that having utterly dead pitches everywhere is a relatively modern phenomenon. Remember the days when Adelaide was regarded as the one batting paradise? Now, Michael Slater in commentary claimed this year's Adelaide pitch was a bowlers' pitch. That's how far standards have changed (fallen!).

[Donny]

Stoinis is miles ahead of M Marsh, when it comes to 4th. quick and #6 bat - for the future.

Probably already a shoe-in for the Ashes tour.

But unlikely to play in Canberra for these reasons: 1. Spinners, Labuschagne and Head are capable of bowling if needed.

2. They won't drop Starc as they want to run him into form. That's the hope, anyway.

3. To bat Stoinis at #6 would mean dropping one of Head, Labu or Patterson ... or even Burns (Khawaja to open).

[K]

Lawson has also expressed the opinion that Langer is unqualified to be the coach.

[K]

And in the Sri Lankan camp...

"Fast bowlers Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera won’t take part in the second Test after suffering injuries, while an investigation by the ICC into corruption cases involving former Sri Lanka internationals and administrators has been an unwanted stain on the tour.

Former Sri Lankan international Russel Arnold said before the Gabba Test he was not sure if players could even trust each other after the allegations.

Former captain Sanath Jayasuriya was charged in October by the ICC for refusing to co-operate with the world governing body's anti-corruption unit but has denied any wrongdoing."

(T. Decent, SMH.)

[Donny]

Unchanged XI for tomorrow.

[K]

"If Lakmal is unavailable, the world No.6 will be without their four best quicks."

[K]

And Mark Taylor looks ahead:

"I have Starcy in a battle with Peter Siddle, Dan Worrall, Chadd Sayers, Chris Tremain and Trent Copeland for the two remaining fast-bowling berths.
...

... I'm not convinced about Travis Head, particularly against pace. His footwork to the quicks is questionable ..."

[K]

Paine wins toss, bats.

Oh, my... In a flash (well, inside 6 overs), two wickets gone, including a duck for Khawaja.

More stunning ineptitude.