Jayawardene Brilliant But Australia Too Strong

Jayawardene Brilliant But Australia Too Strong

Australia celebrate the wicket of Angelo Mathews on their way to victory in Galle

©REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte (SRI LANKA - Tags: SPORT CRICKET) Picture Supplied by Action Images

Australia 273 (Hussey 95) & 210 (Clarke 60) beat
Sri Lanka 105 & 253 (Jayawardene 105) by 125 runs
First Test, Galle
Scorecard | Day One | Day Two | Day Three

Mahela Jayawardene's fine century and 95 from Angelo Mathews proved in vain as Australia completed a 125-run win over Sri Lanka on day four of the opening Test in Galle.

Jayawardene (105) and Mathews extended their sixth-wicket partnership to 142 to give the home side an outside shot at victory having been set 379 to win before Australia broke through, Ryan Harris breaking the partnership and then finishing with five for 62.

He bowled Jayawardene as Australia made good use of the new ball and from 210 for five, Sri Lanka fell away quickly with Mathews missing out on a century when he was bowled by Shane Watson.

Jayawardene faced 231 balls, hitting 15 fours and one six during an outstanding innings on a dry, dusty pitch which bowlers had enjoyed throughout the game.

Mathews fought hard, facing 191 balls and hitting 13 fours but once those two had been separated, Australia cantered to victory with Suraj Randiv (0), Rangana Herath (12) and Suranga Lakmal (5) offering little resistance.

Michael Hussey was named as the man of the match after his 95 on the opening day set up Australia's score of 273. Nathan Lyon then took five for 34 on his debut to secure a big lead with Sri Lanka all out for 105. From that dominant position, Michael Clarke then scored 60 in Australia's second innings and despite Herath taking five for 79, Sri Lanka were left with too much to do.

The second Test in Kandy begins on 8th September.

© Cricket World 2011