Clarke Outstanding

The last day at Pellekele Stadium, Kandy, produced 94 runs from 35 overs, cost Sri Lanka only 4 wickets and was mostly wet and dark. All this in the face of such bright captaincy from Michael Clarke seemed an unworthy end to such uplifting and inspired leadership.

It was, however, far from a boring day of Test cricket.

Kumar Sangakkara was reminded that form and success can be as fleeting as an overnight sleep, out in the fourth over to Australia's hardest worker, Ryan Harris. Pitching on leg and causing Sangakkara to close the face in prospect of playing between midwicket and square, he was undone by Harris' penchant for making the ball jag from the deck. In an instant, he was edging a comfortable catch to second slip where Clarke gobbled the chance. The new ball had its first victim and a second was claimed before drinks in this first session. This time it was Trent Copeland, bowling an immaculate off stump line to Mahela Jayawardene and finding enough movement to get to the outside edge. Clarke took a cracking catch at grass tip height well to his left and the Australians erupted spontaneously.

Clarke assures Jayawardene

The next few moments were most interesting. Jayawardene stood his ground, clearly unsure whether Clarke had snared the catch without the intervention of the ground. Clarke immediately moved forward and assured the batsmen he had taken the catch. Ground microphones caught him explaining to Jayawardene that he was certain "100%" he had taken the catch. Jayawardene passed the comment that he was a walker but wanted to be sure and perhaps the third umpire should look at it. At that point, in similar circumstances in the past, Australian players have become ugly under other captaincy and it started again with two or three beginning to give Jayawardene the send off. Clarke held his hands up, calmed his team, took control, moved away from the group and engaged Jayawardene in reasoned, sensible discussion making it plain he had fairly held the catch, that Jayawardene should refer the decision if he needed to but that he just wanted to make sure the situation was clear.

This was outstanding captaincy.

Compare it to the the Sydney fiasco against India a few years back and the inflammatory role of the former captain and suddenly Clarke's stocks bucked a world trend. It was a damn fine effort and one which deserves our commendation and perhaps, now, our support.

Samaraweera and Prasanna Jayawardene batted long enough with Angelo Matthews, both former players caught at the wicket by Haddin with Watson and Harris (again) the bowlers: long enough for the weather to end any threat to the home side.

Clarke frustrated by the rain

Harris was certainly Australia's pick and used the new ball very effectively but was every bit as dangerous with the old ball. His control of length and his consistent line make his ability to move the ball off the seam a consistent threat to batsmen. It is around his form Australia could well build their resurgence. For once, Johnson was not disappointing, showing control which has been missing for a long time. The painted lady even seemed calm and if this is a new look, there is much to like about it. His short stuff was pointed and effective because he didn't waste the ball otherwise. Even the snarl was gone and he looked a much better bowler.

The pitch was perfect and Sri Lanka used it well. Despite having been under the pump for three previous innings, Dilshan's men at least batted in partnerships during this innings and refused to acquiesce.  

Colombo next and Australia in the box seat to start their long summer with a series win, something perhaps only Clarke and his team thought possible six weeks ago.