Early fightback from Sri Lanka

31 August 2011 06:33 am

Sri Lanka picked up two quick wickets to peg back the visiting Australians in the first test match against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium which is currently underway.

Following an hours rain delay, Australia having elected to bat, and openers Shane Watson and Phillip Hughes got the Aussies to a good start, as the reached 28 runs in 5 overs -- Shane Watson scoring 16 off the 3rd over.

But a first-ball dismissal by Rangana Herath was followed by an excellent change in length by Suranga Lakmal reduced the Australians to 36 for 2 inside 10 overs.

The visitors were on 47 for 2 a short while ago, with skipper Michael Clarke and his predecessor Ricky Ponting at the crease.

Sri Lanka opted to play two spinners in Rangana Herath and Suraj Randiv and the fast-bowler Trent Copeland and spinner Nathan Lyon were handed test debuts for the visitors. (S. M. D.)