Sparing Partners Cautious

(With apologies from the author whose copy was delayed by mythical flying creatures and wild horses)  

The second day of the final Test was asintriguing as both sides seemed afraid to take the audacious risk that is often necessary to win such games. After two days and only 482 runs on a wicket that looks every inch a belter, credit for the slowness lies with the Australias not wanting to surrender a series lead for their new captain and Sri Lanka not wanting to bat with the same lack of purpose they have shown in the other Tests of this series. 

The bowling has been good without greatness. Australia bowled tight lines and with sustained intent but they hardly looked like running a blowtorch through Sri Lanka's batting line up. 

Hussey reaches
his century

Earlier in the day, Mike Hussey moved to his inevitable century as the tail not only failed to wag but turned garden skink and in an act of autotomy, completely dropped of. Haddin may have genuinely not heard or felt the nick he sent through to the keeper but it looked and sounded like it had more wood than a rainforest and given the limited DRS technology available in this series, it was embarrassingly easy referral for the square-eyes of Kettleborough to make. Johnson spent a long time making 8 and was out when deceived by a long hop which could have been drilled anywhere through the off but instead was lobbed to Herath at point. Siddle is probably still shaking his head after a golden duck but it was Copeland, a beginner, who showed an old timer the way things should be done. Edging to Mahela Jayawardene low at second slip, the catch was held at so low dew would have wet the fielders fingers. Copeland left after a quick confirmation with the fielder, in stark contrast to Jayawardene's actions in the same circumstances last week. Well played Trent Copeland. Hussey was last out, the fourth wicket for the impressive debutante Shaminda Eranga. It's a mystery why he hasn't played in all the Tests of this series for he has pace, an ability to jag the ball both ways off the seam, can lift it from a length and youthful enthusiasm ... remember that?

Shaminda Eranga

Sri Lanka, chasing an inadequate Test match total, were cautious throughout, taking 65 overs for just 166 by an early stumps: the day once again buggered by the digital readout of a machine which has been dramatically recalibrated since the 28th April 2007. Each of the partnerships was developed with care so that wickets were preserved at all costs. Phanto and Our Geoffrey could have done no better. The appearance of Lahiru Thiramanne at the top of the order caused no end of comment - literally - despite Tillarkaratne Dislhan's announcement at the toss and the fact Thiramanne is a specialist opener. The captain, who always plays as though he is late for the No 10 bus has made a smart change. We shall see on the 3rd day, when Dilshan's usual strokeplaying freedom will be needed. Three steady partnership have lifted the Sri Lankans into a good position but it will be the a continuation of the current Sangakkara/Jayawardene partnership and the batting of Dilshan and Angelo Mathews in the next two partnerships that will determine where this match is heading. For Sri Lanka to win, they must add 300 on day three.

Sangakkara was beginning to show fluency toward the end of the day: his off drives reminiscent of his best work, with all their silky caresses and pin point accuracy. This pair average 127 together at Colombo and conditions alone dictate another big stand here. 

Kumar Sangakkara - silky smooth

The Australians were impressive and so the captain, who again didn't sit still and wait for things to happen. Its hard to imagine his coach's plans have changed much but their execution has a completely different interpretation under Michael Clarke. All of the bowlers were impressive except Johnson, who returned to his worst. In this guise, he sprays the ball like a mob of dogs might spray an unlucky lamp post. "He bowls puss" was a comment on my right that was hard to argue with. As he has done in the second half of his career, he only allows Good Mitchell from his personality cupboard on rare occasions and it is all too obvious in his bowling. It was a poor, ill directed half volley from Johnson that dismissed Paranavitana. Ponting took an excellent reflex catch at short cover, doing what he has always done to the highest standards. Earlier, Siddle moved one back at Thiramanne and rattled his stumps via the inside edge.

There is still a lot of work to be done for either side to win but the game needs someone to give it a serious shake or Australia will be going home 1-0 winners of the Google Eyes/Hurley's Boyfriend Trophy.