Atapattu – a pleasing century but yet on the losing side

CRICKET: Sri Lanka’s stylish opening batsman Marvan Atapattu cut his 12th Test century when he made 118 to help Sri Lanka make the somewhat handsome score of 407 runs in the first innings of the third and final Test against Australia at the SSC grounds, Maitland Place in the third Test played from March 24 to 28 in 2004.

There was also that much criticised Sri Lanka skipper H. Tillekeratne who remained unbeaten in 74 and with Tilan Samaraweera (41) added 71 runs for the sixth wicket in 128 minutes.

However, though the Sri Lankans scored this somewhat good figure of 407 runs, yet they were on the losing side.

Australia when they batted first, made 401 runs with Darren Lehman – the left-hander making his second century of the series and his fifth overseas then to take Australia to 314 for 6 wickets on the first day of this third unofficial Test. Lehman was batted well when he was caught by Sanath Jayasuriya off Muralitharan for 153. Australian skipper Ricky Ponting (92) and Lehmann (153) added 121 runs in their pleasing display of strokes in piling on the runs for the fourth wicket in the first innings in 111 minutes. Ponting was eight short of his 21st century when he was caught by Muralitharan off Chaminda Vaas.

Australia were all out for 401 runs in 115.1 overs that occupied 490 minutes batting. Muralitharan (5 for 123) and Chaminda Vaas (3 for 93) were the pick of the bowlers, but the sizeable score by the Aussies also got Sri Lanka to work hard. The Aussies batted well in their second turn too and Justin Langer led the way with a blistering innings of 166 and with S.M. Katich contributing well played 86 they were able to make 375 runs in their second innings.

Now there was a good match at hand as both teams had batted well in the first innings. Now Australia had a lead of 369 runs overall. However, Sri Lanka could not do the same chase as in the first innings and the Lankans were all out for 248 runs in their second turn with Shane Warne taking 4 for 92 while Lehmann besides his batting in the first innings (where he made that majestic knock of 153) turned up trumps in bowling in the Sri Lanka second innings to take 3 for 42 and help Australia to grab vital wickets for their victory by 121 runs.