Manus Labuschagne Archives

Sri Lanka flatter then flop as Australia stifle a likely challenge – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE (eLanka Sports editor) Sri Lanka threatened to end Australia’s campaign with an opening stand of 125. Then in familiar fashion collapsed dramatically to get run over, ending any hope of making it through to the second round. From a position of strength set up by Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera, the Lankans fell in a heap to be bowled out for a well under par 209. Adam Zampa showed Sri Lanka’s inability to handle spin grabbing four wickets. He was well supported by Mitchell Stark and Pat Cummins who completed the Sri Lanka rout as wickets tumbled at a regular stream. Australia chased down the required target after an early scare losing 2 for 24 as Dilshan Madushanka and Dunith Wellelage showed some fight with the ball. Mitchell Marsh, 52 off 57, Josh ...

Smith, Labuschagne lead Aussie charge for clean sweep – By Trevine Rodrigo (eLanka Sports editor) Australia have nailed home their dominance thanks to a dominent batting display to have the hapless Lankans against the ropes on the first day of the second Test in Galle. Crucial missed stumpings and lacklustre bowling at times, gave Manus Labuschagne and Steve Smith the gateway to Australia’s imposing total including Smith’s drought breaking century after 16 previous innings. Labuschagne also posted his first century on the sub continent and Australia look commanding on a wicket that mysteriously lacked the usual wicked turn but was two paced in contrast, giving a little more to accurate pace. This spells imminent danger to Sri Lanka’s batsmen who face the daunting prospect of dealing with Australia’s lethal pace attack who have routed some of the best batting in the world. Australia gambled with retaining Mitchell Stark over ...