Cameron Green was the difference between both sides: Aus skipper Pat Cummins after win over SL
Galle [Sri Lanka], July 1 (ANI): Following his side's massive ten-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first Test, Australian captain Pat Cummins said that all-rounder Cameron Green was the difference between both sides.
All-rounder Cameron Green played a crucial knock of 77, helping the Aussies gain a 109-run lead after Sri Lanka were dismissed for 212 in first innings. Lankans were bundled out for 113 in their next innings, setting a target of mere five runs for Aussies, which they chased down.
"Turned out this morning, did not think it was going to happen that fast. We were really clear in our planning. Bravery and proactiveness shown, especially by our batters. Someone like Green (Cameron Green) has grown up at the WACA, it is so different. Really happy for him. He was fantastic. He was the difference," said Green in a post-match conference.
Coming to the match, the outing was memorable for Aussies, who outplayed Lankan Lions in all the departments. With their superb bowling, the Aussies have taken a 1-0 lead in the series.
Set a target of merely 5 runs, it was a cakewalk for Aussies who won the match by ten wickets, with David Warner (10*) and Usman Khawaja (0*).
Earlier, electing to bat first, Sri Lanka put 212 runs on the board. Niroshan Dickwella (58), Angelo Mathews (39) and captain Dimuth Karunaratne (28) put forward notable contributions for their side.
Nathan Lyon (5/90) was the star of Australia with the ball. Spinner Mitchell Swepson also took 3/55. Pacers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc got a wicket each.
In the second innings, Australia gained an advantage by putting 321 runs on the board. With this, they gained a lead of 109 runs. Cameron Green (77) and Usman Khawaja (71) slammed valuable half-centuries for the Aussies. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey also made a solid 45. The rest of the Aussie batters could not do much for their side. Except for a 57-run stand between Khwaja and Green and an 84-run stand between Green and Carey, Sri Lankan bowlers captured wickets at regular intervals and troubled Aussies.
Spinner Ramesh Mendis was the pick of the bowlers for Lankans, taking 4/112. Pacer Asitha Fernando (2/37) and spinner Jeffrey Vandersay (2/68) also made key contributions for Lankans with the ball.
In the third innings, with a 109 runs lead in their pocket, Aussie bowlers put on a dominating performance, skittling out Lankans for 113. Except for captain Karunaratne, no batter could touch the 20-run mark.
This innings belonged completely to the Aussie spinners. Lyon took 4/31, while Travis Head surprised Lankans with his bowling, taking 4/10. Swepson got 2 wickets for 34 runs. (ANI)
Source: Sports