Aus take crucial lead

Australia removed Sri Lankan opener Kusal Perera cheaply after building up an 86-run first innings lead over their hosts as they took firm command on day two of the first Test here on Wednesday.

Perera fell to the last ball of the day, with the umpires once again forced to call a premature halt to proceedings following a downpour.

Australia were all out for 203 in reply to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 117, with spinner Lakshan Sandakan taking four wickets (4/58) on his debut.

The early loss of Perera was another bitter blow for the struggling hosts. Perera fell for just four when he was lbw to paceman Mitchell Starc, leaving Sri Lanka wobbling on six for one at close of play.
The downpour initially prompted the umpires to call an early tea break, but they were later forced to abandon play early for the second day running.

Veteran Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Rangana Herath (4/49) and the 25-year-old rookie Sandakan shared eight wickets among them as the Australian batsmen struggled to cope with a turning pitch.

Adam Voges top-scored for the visitors with 47, meaning no player from either side managed to score a half-century in the first innings.

And with the pitch showing no sign of respite, the Australians’ first innings lead could well prove decisive as they try to cement their position as Test cricket’s number one side.

Seamer Nuwan Pradeep finished with two wickets, including that of the resolute Voges who was brilliantly caught by Kusal Mendis at gully.

Voges, who faced 115 deliveries and hit three fours, added 60 for the fifth wicket with Mitchell Marsh, who was among Sandakan’s victims.