Determining who required wickets more at the Sinhalese Sports Stadium in Colombo on Sunday was quite challenging.
For Australia, the need was to prevent Sri Lanka from establishing a commanding position with two days remaining in the third and final Test…while for Mitchell Johnson, the focus was to secure his own future playing days.
Both sides missed their objectives, but Michael Clarke’s team would be satisfied with having limited Sri Lanka’s scoring rate significantly.
To secure victory in this match, Sri Lanka should have been more aggressive, yet at 6-428, they find themselves a little over 100 runs ahead with two days left to play.
When an offensive approach was essential, only the Sri Lankan captain stepped up.
Angelo Mathews may be inching toward 100, but his slow scoring rate while batting with the lower order – less than two runs an over during the last hour – was far from what his team required.
In contrast, Johnson is facing difficulties in fulfilling a bowler’s primary role…to take wickets. His future prospects are concerning, especially with Peter Siddle, who was omitted from the first two Tests, performing well in this match.
“Hopefully we can grab a few wickets early in the morning and get out there to bat,” Siddle said.
“Winning is going to be challenging for us, but with just five overs until the new ball, if we can take a couple of wickets before that and bat as hard and tough as we can, we’ll reassess the situation as we approach the last day.”
The SSC pitch has demoralized stronger bowlers than Johnson, yet his struggle to make breakthroughs has been evident for quite some time, especially on very different pitches. Johnson’s poor performance in the Ashes further derailed a campaign that was already off-course.
The initial promise that Johnson showed is slowly deteriorating.
His early Test career led many to believe he could become one of the more prominent fast bowlers in cricket. However, when his confidence wanes, so does his effectiveness.
Although Johnson did dismiss opener Tharanga Paranavitana on the second day, with a spectacular catch from the rejuvenated Ricky Ponting, he faltered thereafter. His difficulties reflect on his team. Australia has faced challenges in claiming the 20 wickets required for a Test victory during their downturn.
The Australian Cricket Review pointed out in its introduction that this achievement has only occurred twice in the last nine Tests. Now, it stands at thrice in 11 matches to this juncture.
Ryan Harris and Trent Copeland form a solid partnership at the top of the order.
Both bowlers apply pressure on the batsmen, with the former, currently injured, being more adept at delivering crucial breakthroughs. Harris is the leading bowler for the side.
He faces a heavy workload ahead, raising doubts about his ability to participate in the series against South Africa, New Zealand, and India.
Upon his return for the first Test in South Africa, it will be intriguing to see whether Johnson or Siddle partners with him.
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