Todd murphy: Cricket News & Match Updates

Play was curtailed shortly before lunch as a heavy downpour halted the proceedings, leaving Sri Lanka at 136/5 in response to Australia’s mammoth 654/6 (dec). Despite the one-sided nature of the contest, the persistent showers have placed the match’s outcome in doubt, with Australia needing 15 more wickets but running out of game time. Only 27 overs of play were possible on Friday, forcing Australia to rethink its strategy for the remainder of the match. While the idea of enforcing the follow-on was initially unlikely — given the short turnaround before the second Test on February 6 — it now seems like a realistic option as Australia looks to capitalise on whatever play remains.

With further showers expected on Day Four, Australia will have to act quickly to force a result, though the forecast for Day Five appears more favorable. The visitors had been relentless with the ball, in stark contrast to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, which toiled through 153 overs for six wickets on the first two days. Mitchell Starc set the tone for the morning with a maiden over, as Australia’s disciplined bowling attack stifled Sri Lanka’s scoring rate.   Read More...