Sri Lanka vs Australia 2016: 5 talking points from the series
When the series began no one gave the Sri Lankans a realistic chance after their lackluster performance in their previous tours. The Australians were the clear favourites and they even had the hosts on the mat in the very first Test when the bowled out the Sri Lankans for a paltry 117 in the first innings. But since then, the Aussie batsmen haven’t found any answers to their spinners and have succumbed meekly.
Prior to this series Australia was handed the ICC Champions mace but they were yet to prove their credentials in the subcontinent. They had previously been whitewashed by India and Pakistan in their last two subcontinental tours but looking at the inexperienced Sri Lankan side and their below par performance in the recent past, Australia were expected to win hands down.
The Sri Lankans turned it around in dramatic fashion and registered their first ever series whitewash against a top Test playing nation.
The youngsters put their hands up and executed their plans to perfection.
Now, here we look at 5 talking points of the series:
#1 Terrific century under pressure by Kusal Mendis in the first Test
The series began as per expectations as the Aussies dismissed the hosts for a mere 117 runs in their first innings. The Sri Lankan bowlers responded well and bundled out the visitors for 203. A lead of 86 wasn’t big but was an important one.
Again the Sri Lankans began on a shaky note losing their first four wickets for just 86 runs but what transpired after that was nothing short of extraordinary. In a match where no one scored a half century a young man with very little experience just toyed with the Australian bowling hitting them all over the park. It was a special display of batsmanship by Kusal Mendis as he went on to score a magnificent 176 in not the easiest of pitches.
His century took the Sri Lankan total to 353 setting Australia a victory target 268. Mendis hit 21 fours and a solitary six during his breathtaking innings.
A brilliant bowling spell by Rangana Herath ensured Sri Lanka won the match by 106 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.