Gilchrist puts Sri Lanka to the sword

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Australia demonstrated when they're firing with all cylinders, they can be damn near impossible to beat. At one end, they have Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath bringing a batting order down on their knees at the crucial start of their innings. At the other end, they have Adam Gilchrist smashing a run-a-ball (at the least) supported by Simon Katich. Both elements came into play last night and Sri Lanka were never really in the hunt.

Sri Lanka's innings started disastrously as they lost 3 early wickets. The direst blow was Jayasuriya caught behind off Lee for a duck. Kumar Sangakkara was also run out spectacularly by Andrew Symonds who underarmed the ball into the wicket then slid head first into the stumps. Lee's opening spell was searing, striking the batsmen frequently. There seems to be a fair amount of niggle between Australia and Sri Lanka as Lee's follow on frequently took him close enough to the batsmen to exchange a few words and a glare. I particularly liked when he struck Sangakarra a nasty blow in the midriff. Sangakarra was tough enough to not even acknowledge the hit prompting Lee to demonstrate how to rub the spot. I like the cut of Sangakarra's gib - like Arjuna Ranatunga, he has the knack of getting under the Australians' skins.

Fortunately, although they were 3 for 37 and it looked like a 200+ score was an unlikely possibility, a 121 run partnership from Mahela Jayawardene and Russel Arnold got them back into the game. It wasn't enough though - at the halfway mark, the innings hadn't even cracked triple figures. 8 for 233 was always going to be tough to defend, particularly if Gilchrist and Katich started well.

They not only started well, they continued even better and even came close to chasing down the score themselves. It's always a relief when Gilly makes runs - there's no more entertaining batsman in the world to watch (barring maybe Afridi). I don't know if Akalanka Ganegama would agree though - he was super-subbed in and Gilly hit 3 fours and a six of his first (and last) over. Lucky for him you don't get two super-subs or he would've been off the field again. I always enjoy seeing batsmen go ballistic when they reach a century - Gilly was giggling like a schoolgirl when he reached 100 and practically did a lap of honour around the ground. He'll need another rest match to recover from the celebration alone!

It's a bit annoying that Australia didn't get the bonus point - not cause we need it but simply because we should've made it after Gilchrist's fine work. Damien Martyn has been getting out to wild shots at the start of the innings but this time when we needed him to play a few shots, needing a mere run-a-ball over a couple of overs, he went all Geoff Boycott and blocked his way past the 40 over mark. Especially strange considering Katich and Symonds threw their wickets away attempting to win the bonus point.

Of course, the Australians are gonna be smug and adopt an "I told you so" attitude about their whole resting policy. I anticipate a player rotation frenzy leading up to the final now that we've got a final spot pretty much in the bag. So maybe Jaques will get a game although not as an opener. I think even he realises Katich has cemented his opening spot as he's now saying he'll bat anywhere (the boy is desperate). As for Sri Lanka, they will be desperate to beat South Africa twice this week. They've had a mixed tournament, playing brilliantly one day, a shambles the next. Is it fair to say Sri Lanka are the new Pakistan?

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Posted by JC on Mon 30 Jan

6 comments

Yep, a magnificent game. Gilly back to his best, Katich, and that awesome run-out.

But my favourite moment was when one the commentators compared Andrew Symonds to Jonty Rhodes.

I think Grieg almost choked on his coffee!

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Posted by Timbo on 2006-01-29 14:49:38

That was funny, can't remember who said it but Grieg sounded like he'd just heard a blasphemy. But has Jonty Rhodes ever headbutted the stumps, that's what I'd like to know!

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Posted by JC on 2006-01-29 20:29:29

JC, I have mentioned this before on this site and maybe I maybe minority voice. but one can't help but wonder Gilly given a chance to lead Aussies over Ricky. Captaincy has always brought best out of the guy ( remember he was one who conquered the 'last frontier' for Australia).While Ricky is still a great player leading by example,when it comes to bring best out of team he cracks and then even goes public blaming his players...Rgds,mmp http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/4659944.stm

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Posted by Unsui on 2006-01-29 23:21:02

Excellent point Unsui; if Warne is the best captain we never had, then Gilchrist is perhaps among the best captains we've ever had...?

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Posted by virtualgaz on 2006-01-30 00:10:06

The thought did cross my mind after the victory. Gilly was energised throughout the match, running around, consulting and cajoling players. He might have been a great captain and yes, he did what no other captain could do in the last 20 years and win in India. He certainly seems to love the job which is somewhat surprising considering he's always asking for a rest. Unfortunately all we can do is speculate as Ponting is the man as far as the selectors is concerned and Gilly was most likely retire after the world cup. But it is nice to speculate about these things.

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Posted by JC on 2006-01-30 04:19:23

This was the best revenge game I've seen in ODI's. The crowd roaring Gilly Gilly hasn't been heard since the old days of Lillee Lillee...Australia at their peak, lets just hope they haven't peaked to early. Today I'm hoping for a South African victory, since that will provide for an easier final series compared to the on again off again Sri Lanka team. Gotta love this season's cricket wickets.

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Posted by Nik_Of_Time on 2006-01-30 17:52:59

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