Friday, September 2, 2011

Lyon stars on his Test debut to skittle Sri Lanka

  Nathan Tyson celebrates one of his five wickets during his sensational Test debut in Galle.
(CNN) -- Australia's Nathan Lyon made a sensational Test debut as his five-wicket haul skittled Sri Lanka on the second day in Galle and left his side in a strong position. Off-spinner Lyon, a controversial selection for the tour, took a wicket with his very first ball and ended with 5-34 as Sir Lanka crumbled to 105 all out. Australia, who scored 273 in their first innings, reached 115-6 after a collapse of their own, but still led by 283 runs on a deteriorating wicket. 16 wickets fell Thursday with Australian all-rounder Shane Watson chipping in with three wickets in 10 balls, while another newcomer Trent Copeland struck in his first over. But it was Lyon who made the biggest impression, becoming only the 14th bowler in Test history to take a wicket with his first ball as he removed Kumar Sangakkara, caught at slip by Michael Clarke. Watson played havoc with the Sri Lanka middle order as he removed Thilan Samaraweera, Prasanna Jayawardene and Paranavitana, all trapped leg before wicket to reverse swing. Lyon, who had just four first class matches ahead of the tour, then ripped through the home tail and his caught and bowled to remove last man Chanaka Welegedara completed his superb spell. Australia, looking to build a massive lead, lost Watson first ball and former captain Ricky Ponting for just 4, Clarke led from the front with 60 and first innings hero Hussey made 15 but Rangana Herath dismissed them with successive balls and then sent back Brad Haddin in his next over to leave Australia six down at the close.

No comments:

Post a Comment