Sri Lanka come up short

Our guest blogger, Peter McGuinness, bunked off work again yesterday to see if Australia would choke defending a target of more than 500

"Well, today went to prove that I wasn't completely out of mind to think that victory for Sri Lanka was not totally out of the question. Again, Sri Lanka were their own worst enemy in perfect batting conditions. Jayasuriya edged a wide one, Silva played away from his body, Prassana Jayawardena shouldered arms to a straight one next ball, Maharoof played a seriously silly shot to a MacGill long hop and Fernando suffered a galactic brain explosion by running himself out on the third run from the first delivery he faced. It is true that the Aussies created pressure, but even so, there was some weird batting from blokes who were supposed to be saving (or even winning) a Test match.

And believe me winning was on the cards.

Why do I put such seeming nonsense to you Patrick? Because Sangakarra played some of the most awesome, commanding cricket you could ever hope to see in the 1 hour and 50 minutes of play prior to being slaughtered by a Rudi 'special' on 192. Sanga played majestic conventional cricket strokes to all parts of the ground and made us look quite ordinary despite some decent bowling. Koertzen raised the
finger in response to two noises on Sangakarra's only false stroke of the day - a failed hook shot off Clark. The ball missed his bat by a mile but did collect his shoulder and helmet before lobbing up to
Ponting. A disappointing end to an extraordinary, memorable innings.

Particularly because Malinga was 'hanging in there' beautifully with the master batsman, much to the shame of some of his better credentialed mates. The 'hanging in there' stopped after Sanga departed, as Malinga humiliated Clark with two mighty (and quite batsman-like sixes) in the over before lunch. Even Murali drove down the ground, such was the superb condition of the wicket.

Still, it was all for naught, as the better team ultimately prevailed,taking their tally to 14 consecutive Test wins. All credit to them. Especially the new blokes - Jaques and Johnson - who not only look at ease in the company of their champion team mates, but are also contributing well above expectations. As is often the case, Australia had even contributions across the team, whilst Sri Lanka's efforts were characterised by wonderful, though largely unsupported cameos.

But consider this. Sri Lanka scored 410 in their second innings chasing 507 in five and a bit sessions. Only Vandort and M. Jayawardena were dismissed by deliveries from the top shelf. One is left thinking
that this match (and the last) would have been very much closer had the whole Sri Lankan team had the discipline, patience anddetermination that Sangakarra and Malinga showed today. If these lads tighten their attitude and application at home, you Poms are not in for a cakewalk by any stretch. Quite the opposite in fact, because SriLanka will believe they can beat England. Despite their obvious talent, belief was the missing ingredient to their game during this (ridiculously brief) series.

I shall be a neutral fan, watching with intent interest. Oh alright, that's bullshit. GO SRI LANKA!