SL tour of Australia, Jan 16 - Feb 5

[yuppie]

Or maybe not......

Labuschagne though has scored the highest Australian score of the summer.....

Still head there

29 more to get, though only 12 to become the highest Australian scorer this summer. Under lights though, could be tough

I like Travis and had for a while suggest he should have been in the team long before the shake up of ball tampering. But i think he needs to bring more with the bowling and is probably batting a place to high. This is his 4th 50 in 11 innings. He is consistent at getting a steady scores but at present Australia really needs someone who can push on.

[alfie]

Still no centuries...though Head and Labuschagne put down useful 80-something markers with an eye to the Ashes party. Harris still not going on with his good starts ; but I don't think he has too much competition for an opener's spot at the moment. Some fine bowling from Lakmal stopped the home team from romping right away , but the lead of 179 seems enough.

Last ball of the day Cummins removing Karunaratne is a body blow to Sri Lanka. Still 162 behind and this is looking like a three day Test.

[yuppie]

It certainly seems the ashes could be a close contest. Not due to a abundance of quality sadly.

[andy]

Good runs for Labsuncahne and Head!!! Well bowled Lakmal

[yuppie]

Cummins the star again and takes 10 wickets for the test

The future does not look good for SL.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Maybe SL touring at an opportune moment for Australian cricket.

Well done to the widely liked Pat Cummins.

[yuppie]

Just a couple of years ago we thought that Pat might not be able to play test cricket again. Hes approaching 100 test wickets now and since Tamper gate he has been the pick of the Australian bowlers.

There has been no better time to play Australia in Australia over the last 30 years. To loose by an innings after winning the toss suggest that SL is in deeper trouble than a few people had thought.

Perhaps a tad unlucky that they had to play Australia under lights at the GABA though. Australia's best ground and really they should have played India here.

[alfie]

Good win for Australia. Tough for Sri Lanka to play on the bouncy Gabba under lights ...indeed might have been an interesting test for India had they been drawn there ; though it wouldn't have been a d/n.

Cummins has done really well. It did once seem his body wouldn't allow him to have a proper first class , let alone Test , career ; but he's become arguably the main man in the Australian fast bowling group. Great effort in this match

Starc seemed to struggle again though. Could do with a break , I think. If Hazlewood is fit , rest him in Canberra ? Richardson deserves to keep his spot.

[andy]

Too easy that for OZ!! Cummins IMO is the leader of this attack, good to see him fit and steaming in, and is consistent and reliable, and a genuine leader in this side and of the attack

[GarlicJam]

I have made the comment for some time now that, depending on how long Paine plays for Aus, Cummins will be the next captain. I have worn a bit of criticism for saying this, but I think this summer would have quietened a few of the nay-sayers down on this one.

[andy]

Yeah i think Cummins will be next captain too...think Paine will have a couple of years and then Cummins turn, would be a good move too....and with Jhye Richardson stepping up, means that Starc could come under some pressure? Hasn;t performed for a while, and with Starc being an automatic pick, and Richardson impressing, Starc needs wickets and sooN!!

[Arthur Crabtree]

A fast bowler as captain!

[andy]

Marcus Stoinis called up to squad for 2nd test.... finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Renshaw released back to the heat for BBL

[GarlicJam]

A fast bowler as captain!

Bob Willis

[yuppie]

Who was the last Australian fast bowler to captain the team?