Ilya Yakubovich, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Another great day of test match cricket between Sri Lanka and Australia, despite the rain and wind almost taking out half of the Galle Stadium. While we’re on Galle, is there a more picturesque setting for a cricket ground? I mean it looks like it could be swallowed by the sea at any point but maybe that just adds an element of immediacy to the matches played there.
So to the cricket. Head struggled with the spinning wicket and gifted de Silva a “c” and a “b” (maybe they’re Words with Friends buddies). Khawaja went on in his nonchalant way, continuing to deliver discrete instructions to the ball via his willow (not a euphemism). That was until he popped up a Vandersay delivery into the skilful hands of Nissanka who took a mighty fine close in catch. The sight of Khawaja walking off would have given many Australian fans a case of the giddies as the middle order was suddenly exposed like the backend of an elderly patient in an ill-tied hospital gown. Guess who didn’t get the giddies? Me. Why you ask (just f**kin ask)? Because Cameron Green was already at the crease and it meant a party invite for Alex Carey.
Before I waffle on about Green I think we need to look at the kind of player that Carey is turning into and what an important role he’s able to play in the middle order. Scores quickly, plays around the ground with his sweet reverse shots, he’s not fazed by spin and his keeping is solid. I think there need be no discussion as to who should be Australia’s full time test wicket keeper. Thanks to Carey and Green the runs were flowing quickly (ooooh) which was smart cricket considering the spinning pitch and possible further weather issues. Thinking and batting eh? Those two things don’t always go together.
Now what about this Cameron Green? There’s lots of chat about the opportunity he presents for the Australian team going forward. The kid is 23 years old, tall, bowls 140hm/h and he bats a little too (actually a lot). His innings yesterday was in some ways one of his important. New and challenging conditions were met with confident footwork, good defence and aggression when warranted. Sadly he fell short of his maiden century once again but if you look at his average over the last bunch of tests, that becomes less relevant. I’m going to say it now – this one is working his way to proper G.O.A.T. status. Hope we get to see him bowl in Sri Lanka’s 2nd innings.
Closing thunks – it’s wild to see Australia out-spin Sri Lanka on their home turf. Not to take anything away from Mendis who has 4 wickets thus far but it’s fair to say that Lyon and Swepson (in part) have made better use of the spinning pitch. Also before I forget – how good was that final six from Cummins?!?!?! It literally caused a pothole in the road outside the stadium. I think he and Lyon may have some fun before the Aussies innings is done.
