01 September,2011 08:46 AM IST | | AFP
Michael Hussey rescued Australia with a battling 95 after Sri Lanka stung the tourists with pace and spin in the first cricket Test yesterday. The crafty left-hander narrowly missed his 14th century as Australia, caught on a difficult dusty wicket, recovered from a shaky 157-5 at tea to 273 all out by stumps on the opening day.
Australia's Michael Hussey celebrates his half-century yesterday. Pic/AFP
Former captain Ricky Ponting was the only other batsman to resist the Sri Lankan bowlers, making a fluent 44 even as the top order floundered around him. Seamer Suranga Lakmal and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath claimed three wickets each to give Sri Lanka the edge in the series opener at the Galle International Stadium.
"A lot will depend on how we bowl tomorrow," said Hussey, adding that the Australian total may look small but it is enough to keep them in the hunt. "This is the driest first day wicket I have seen. The ball does tend to come up awkwardly. It will not be easy to bat on as the game progresses."
