Lankans lose first Test by a 'mile'

By A.C. De Silva

FLASHBACK: Sri Lanka's inactivity on the Test match scene cost them dearly when they played their historic first Test in Australia at Perth from February 12 to 16 in 1988. As was the case when the two countries first met at Kandy in 1983 - Sri Lanka was beaten by an innings well inside four days. This time, the margin was an innings and 108 runs.

Tony Dodermaide took 3 for 40 in the first innings when Sri Lanka were out for 194 and followed it up with 4 for 58 when the Aussies chased for an innings win and Sri Lanka were out for 53 runs in their second innings.

Ravi Ratnayake – took 4 for 98 in Australia’s big score of 455 in the first innings and in batting he made 24 and 38 in the two innings.

Arjuna Ranatunga made 55 in Sri Lanka’s first innings score of 194 and followed it up with 45 in the second innings score of 153.

The centurion of the team – Dean Jones made 102 runs from 174 balls to score his third century and he was given Man-of-the-Match award though many thought that Dodermaide should have got that award.

Alan Border made a sprightly knock of 88 and pushed the score up.

David Boon batted brightly to make 64 and his opening partnership with Marsh put on 120 runs.

Ranjan Madugalle's young and ambitious team was somewhat outclassed by an Australian side which has enjoyed considerable success since it began its World Cup campaign at Madras in 1987.

Only three of the Sri Lankans - Vice Captain Arjuna Ranatunga, versatile Ravi Ratnayake and the highly talented 21-year-old then opening batsman Roshan Mahanama, presented Test batting credentials.

To the dismay and relief of Madugalle - who had such an unproductive tour - between them they scored 226 and Sri Lanka's aggregate 347 runs.

While the Sri Lankans were surprised by the wide cracks in the pitch and the sometimes abrupt bounce they encountered throughout it must be said that they were confronted not by demons, but by a tired and sore Craig McDermott, a wayward M. Hughes, a flue-struck Stephen Waugh and a raw Tony Dodemaide.

But still Sri Lanka could score only 194 (from 82.3 overs in 383 minutes) and 153 (from 52.1 overs in 225 minutes).

On the fourth day, in front of senior officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka, they lost six for 75 from 15.1 overs in just 75 minutes to lose so badly with more than five sessions remaining.

Remarkably, it will be the efforts of the Sri Lanka's bowlers and not the batsmen that will be remembered by the handful of people who witnessed the match. It was a poor crowed - just 10,357 people who witnessed the first three days - 3,911 on the first day being the best - and only about 200 were at the WACA ground on the fourth day.

Alan Border won the toss for Australia and the Australian batsmen made merry on the first day, the Sri Lankan bowlers hit back on the second day aggressively and proudly to take 7 for 122 in 46.2 overs.

It was an inspired performance and one that won Ratnayake (4 for 98), Kaushik Amalean (4 for 97) and Graham Labrooy (2 for 108) special commendations from Madugalle.

The Australians got a rollicking start to their innings with ever reliable Geoff Marsh and David Boon adding 120 runs for their opening partnership, with Marsh making (53) and Boon (64) had added 120 runs for the first wicket - their fifth Test stand of 100 or more - the fine stroke maker Dean Jones scored his third century (102 from 174 balls) and peerless Alan Border 88.

Dodemaide 3 for 40 and 4 for 58

Jones was given the 'Man of the Match', award although Border was among those who believed it should have been presented to Dodemaide who has made such a spectacular start to his international career.

Stephen Waugh made only 20 runs, but he came up in bowling and took 4 for 33 and Sri Lanka were out for 194 in the first innings.	Roshan Mahanama made 41 in Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 194 and made 28 in the second innings total of 153.	Geoff Marsh made 53 and with other opener David Boon (64) put on 20 runs in their opening partnership which gave the Australian team a ‘kick’ start to their innings.

On this occasion and on a pitch which favoured the accurate medium pacer, Dodemaide had the match figures of 7 for 98 from 40.4 overs and was unbeaten with 16 in Australia's innings of 455, which occupied 9 hours and 27 minutes.

The Sri Lankans suffered badly because of an inadequate preparation. Too gracious and grateful to complain about the itinerary, they prepared for the Test by playing 14 one-day games, the length and breadth of the country, one two-day match, one three-day and a solitary four-day fixture.