Debmalya Mukherjee, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Let’s just take some time to marvel at that headline. I mean to really see it for the genius that it is. “Aussies Bin Spin, While Sri Lanka Spin Win”. You’re welcome. As we all were to a brilliant performance from Sri Lanka in last night’s 4th ODI which handed them a series win.
The Australian’s ploy of eschewing a spin heavy bowling unit seemed to have worked, with Sri Lanka being kept to a seemingly achievable total of 258. But you know what happens when you assume something – it makes an ass out of u and me and the Australian mens cricket team. Marsh, Cummins and Kuhnemann chipped in with 2 wickets apiece while Hazelwood and Green went wicketless. Charith Asalanka played a beautiful hand with his 110 and it must be said that without his work, the Sri Lankan total could have been dire. But as SL have continued to prove, there is always someone in the team ready to stand up when needed. Note: standing up is a necessarily skill in cricket, despite attempts by splinter groups to develop a more sedentary style of the game for gamers, office workers and other serial sitters.
The Australian innings began with the unfortunately regular sight of Finch getting done for LBW cheaply. Man I loved me some Finchy in his prime, but sadly he feels like a liability in this team at present, apart from generally excellent captaincy. Bummer. At the other end Warner looked to be digging in for the long haul… and he did, mostly. Sadly no one wanted to hang around with him for any length of time. Yes the pitch turned and yes the Sri Lankans bowled well but like ghosts of the past we once again witnessed the haunting sight of Australian batsmen looking uncomfortable at the crease. At times it almost looks like players like Labuschagne and Marsh have forgotten to play the 50 over game. Guys it’s just two and half T20s! Harsh call alert – Labuschagne should be dropped and earn his place back in. Love the kid but at present he’s made for test match cricket. Green needs to be told to let go as it feels like he’s playing way too safely. Difficult position to come in at and have the guts to attack but he’s got the skills to do it. If If De Silva hadn’t snared Warner for 99 I think the visitors would have had the game in the bag, but alas it was not to be the case. Nods to Kuhnemann and and Cummins who almost scraped out the final runs required. “The Final Runs” sounds like some form of terminal diarrhoea.
Good game to watch and most importantly a brilliant, historic series win for Sri Lanka. Their first one-day series win at home over Australia in 30+ years.
