Watson set to lead Aussies in second test
Source: AFP |
December 18, 2012, Tuesday
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Print Edition
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SHANE Watson is in line to captain Australia in the second Boxing Day test against Sri Lanka after skipper Michael Clarke joined the home side's injury list during the Hobart test yesterday.
Clarke tweaked his right hamstring during the fourth day's play and was forced to retire hurt on 57 after scoring his fastest Test half-century. He did field in Sri Lanka's second innings, but parked himself at slip to direct the team.
The skipper's setback followed paceman Ben Hilfenhaus's side strain which has prevented him from bowling again in Hobart, though he did bat in yesterday's second innings.
Although there is no full diagnosis yet of Clarke's condition, there was speculation that vice-captain Watson could lead Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the biggest day on the Australian cricket calendar.
Sri Lanka bowled out Australia for 278 yesterday with star spinner Rangana Herath taking five wickets, leaving it with 393 runs to win at tea. The visitors went to stumps at 65 for two with a day to play.
Kumar Sangakkara and skipper Mahela Jayawardene dug in until close of play. Sangakkara's 18 came off 88 balls and Jayawardene (5) took 25 balls to get off the mark.
The tourists will have to improve on Australia's highest successful run chase at the Bellerive Oval of 369 against Pakistan in 1999.
Sri Lanka's most successful run chase was 352 to beat South Africa by one wicket in Colombo in 2006.
"Surely in 90-odd overs there are eight balls that have got wickets on them," said Australia coach Mickey Arthur. "I think the wicket is playing a little more deceptively now. I've got full confidence that we've got an attack that has ability to get those eight wickets tomorrow."
Australia began well, snaring the key wicket of first-innings centurion Tillakaratne Dilshan cheaply for 11 in the 10th over.
Dilshan, who turned around his team's faltering first innings with a knock of 147, was caught behind off Watson's first delivery.
Clarke tweaked his right hamstring during the fourth day's play and was forced to retire hurt on 57 after scoring his fastest Test half-century. He did field in Sri Lanka's second innings, but parked himself at slip to direct the team.
The skipper's setback followed paceman Ben Hilfenhaus's side strain which has prevented him from bowling again in Hobart, though he did bat in yesterday's second innings.
Although there is no full diagnosis yet of Clarke's condition, there was speculation that vice-captain Watson could lead Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the biggest day on the Australian cricket calendar.
Sri Lanka bowled out Australia for 278 yesterday with star spinner Rangana Herath taking five wickets, leaving it with 393 runs to win at tea. The visitors went to stumps at 65 for two with a day to play.
Kumar Sangakkara and skipper Mahela Jayawardene dug in until close of play. Sangakkara's 18 came off 88 balls and Jayawardene (5) took 25 balls to get off the mark.
The tourists will have to improve on Australia's highest successful run chase at the Bellerive Oval of 369 against Pakistan in 1999.
Sri Lanka's most successful run chase was 352 to beat South Africa by one wicket in Colombo in 2006.
"Surely in 90-odd overs there are eight balls that have got wickets on them," said Australia coach Mickey Arthur. "I think the wicket is playing a little more deceptively now. I've got full confidence that we've got an attack that has ability to get those eight wickets tomorrow."
Australia began well, snaring the key wicket of first-innings centurion Tillakaratne Dilshan cheaply for 11 in the 10th over.
Dilshan, who turned around his team's faltering first innings with a knock of 147, was caught behind off Watson's first delivery.
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