CANBERRA, (Reuters) – Australia picked up three late wickets after Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne was felled by a nasty bouncer yesterday, as the hosts took command of the second test by posting a massive first innings 534-5 declared on day two at Manuka Oval.
The tourists reached 123-3 at stumps and trail Australia by 411 runs, with Kusal Perera on 11 and Dhananjaya de Silva on one.
Australia, who lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the opener by an innings and 40 runs at Brisbane last week, are on course to claim their first series since a 4-0 Ashes victory over England last year.
After resuming on 384-4, the hosts declared their first innings closed after lunch. Kurtis Patterson, in just his second test innings, was unbeaten on 114 after posting his maiden century and captain Tim Paine was 45 not out.
In reply, Sri Lanka’s left-handed opening pair of Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne held off Australia’s attack for 30 overs to add 82 before a vicious Pat Cummins delivery struck Karunaratne around the back of the neck.
The impact felled the 30-year-old and he was stretchered off in a neck brace after a lengthy delay. He was forced to retire hurt on 46 but Sri Lanka coach Chandika Hathurusingha later had good news about his condition. “He’s in the hospital at the moment and in good spirit,” he told reporters. “He’s been assessed and no danger at the moment. He was talking to us before leaving (for hospital) as well.
“It was a bit scary the way he fell back initially. But he was okay, was talking throughout to the umpires and the physio.”
That ended Sri Lanka’s solid opening stand, the best from a visiting team in Australia since England’s Alastair Cook and Michael Carberry put on 85 in Perth in December 2013.
