Senanayake demolishes Australia A

The match was treated like a true Internationals with National Anthems played, and the two teams lining up before the game,

Australia played a very strong outfit.

Ed Cowan (Tasmania), Michael Klinger (South Australia and Australia) Usman Khawaja (NSW), George Bailey (Tasmania),P. Forrest (NSW), A. McDonald (Victoria and Australia), M. Wade (victoria), S. O’Keefe (NSW), Ben Hilfenhaus (Tasmania and Australia), M. Starc (NSW), Peter George (SA). They had three who had played for Australia and all fringe players having played for their states.

It was overcast in the morning with rain before play. Australia won the toss and batted. The pitch was not with much grass but was a touch soft. Kaushal introduced spin early and Senanayake caused havoc with wickets falling at regular intervals. They were 7 down for 103 with the catching outstanding. However with the pitch also drying a partnership of 105 between O’ Keefe (61) and Hilfenhaus (42) brought respectability. Senanayake however finisihed off the tail. Prasad too was amongst the wickets picking up two. Senanayake’s figures were 26.3-6-70-8. This should be the best by a SriLanakan against an Australian team in any form of cricket.

Nuwan Pradeep too was extremely impressive. Showing a rare burst of speed. he had the Aussies weaving and ducking which is rare. His wicket less figures do not reflect the true picture.

SriLanka were 17 for 1 when bad light stopped play.

When Australia bowled O’Keefe the left arm spinner started to turn the ball square and with the game starting at 9.00 a.m. tomorrow the SriLankans have their work cut out. Youngster’s Lahiru Tirimana and Dinesh Chandimal at the crease will have to use all their skills. The forecast is that tomorrow would be a brighter day.

Scores

Australia A 1st Innings 208 all out.

O’Keefe 61, Hilfenhaus 42, Cowan 29

Senanayake 8/70, Prasad 2/21

Sri Lanka A 1st Innings 17/1

Thirimanne 13*, Paranavithana 3