2nd Test, Australia Vs Sri Lanka, MCG
Australia dominated dealings on Day 2 in Melbourne and finished the day at 440 for 8, leading visitors by 284 runs. The best part of the day was a marvelous century by the Australian Captain, Michael Clarke completes his 5th Test Hundred of the year. Clarke was well supported by Shane Watson and fast Bowler Mitchell Johnson.
Australia resume Day 2 on their overnight score of 150 for 3 from 39 overs. Michael Clarke and Shane Watson were guarded at the start and showed solid defense. Sri Lanka struggled an early setback when their lead fast bowler Chanaka Welegedara left the field in the 7th over of the day with a hamstring injury. Australia were soon in the lead and the pair brought up a vital half-century stand. Their confidence grow as they stay more time at the crease. The boundaries became more regular and both the batsmen finished well reached half-centuries and put together a splendid century stand for the 4th wicket.
Australia dominated the 1st session and went into Lunch at 238 for 3, leading the visitors by 82. Michael Clarke was not out on 56 while Shane Watson was there at the crease on 60. The pair had added 88 runs in 30 overs in the morning session. The 4th wicket partnership was worth 121. Sri Lanka went wicketless in the morning session. Skipper Michael Clarke, during the course of his innings, surpassed Ricky Ponting's record of maximum runs in Tests by an Australian in a calendar year – 1545 runs.
Sri Lanka were suffering as a result of injuries and dropped catches. Michael Clarke completed a fantastic century of his 5th of the year, He raised his bat to a standing ovation - it was his first century at the MCG. The pair accelerated and had put up 194 runs before Shaminda Eranga finally got the first get through of the day - inducing an upper drive off a wide-ish delivery and getting rid of Clarke, caught at 3rd slip by Jayawardene - who must have been a relived man after dropping Watson earlier in the innings. The Australian skipper departed for a brilliant 106 runs. Dhammika Prasad made it a double blow when he had Shane Watson caught at deep square leg trying to attempt a hook. The batsman joined his skipper after making 83. Australia struggled a third blow when Matthew Wade for 1, trying to attempt a similar shot to Watson, was caught by Eranga at deep fine leg. The hosts had lost 3 wickets for just 4 runs! Michael Hussey and Mitchell Johnson tried to calm the storm and played out a few quiet overs. Australia went into Tea at 332 for 6 with a lead of 176 runs.
Michael Hussey and Johnson batted with carefulness but did not let go of an opportunity to score. They kept on getting the occasional boundary. The pair did not want to give the visitors even a semblance of a chance to make a comeback into the match. They defied the bowlers and put on a stubborn half century partnership. The lead was now over 200. Tillakaratne Dilshan ended the partnership getting rid of Hussey for 34 runs. Mitchell Johnson now started to play a few more shots and got some boundaries. Peter Siddle was playing the role of the ideal foil keeping an end intact. The pair helped the hosts to cross the 400 runs . Sri Lanka were frustrated, They just did not have the firepower in the bowling to polish of the Australian lower order. Mitchell Johnson completed his 7th Test fifty and together with Siddle took the Australian team to 440 for 8 at stumps on Day 2. Mitchell Johnson on a splendid 73 runs. Australia lead Sri Lanka by 284 runs. They had scored 290 runs in the day in 90 overs losing just 5 wickets. Jayawardene needs a wonder on Day 3 to change this match around.
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