Former captain Angelo Mathews dug deep into his reservoir of experience as Sri Lankan showed some stomach for a fight, reaching 192 for three at lunch against India on the third day of the final cricket Test here.

Starting the day at 131 for three, the Sri Lankan batsmen were cautious in their approach during the first session on a benign Feroz Shah Kotla track that offered little help to the Indian bowlers.

Mathews was batting on 90 in the company of skipper Chandimal, who remained undefeated on 52 when play broke for lunch.&nbsp;

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Mathews went on to score his eighth Test century.&nbsp;

The duo added 117 runs for an unbroken fourth-wicket stand, as Sri Lanka trailed by 344 runs in their first innings.

Such has been the Indian dominance that this was the visiting side&#39;s first-century partnership of the series.

It also helped that two of Sri Lanka&#39;s most experienced batsmen in Mathews and Chandimal shouldered the responsibility under pressure.

Mathews has so far faced 194 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and two sixes. Chandimal has so far consumed 165 balls, hitting seven fours in the process.

The Indian bowlers could not be faulted despite little assistance from the track.

Even then Ishant Sharma (1/61 from 17 overs) got some of the deliveries to rear up awkwardly, but the Lankan duo did not do anything impetuous, leaving most of them alone.

Ishant, in particular, bowled a testing spell to Mathews with some of the balls coming into him after hitting the seam. However, his short deliveries most of the times could be left alone as they were not pitched in the right areas.

After the first hour, Kohli brought back Mohammed Shami (1/49 in 17 overs) to make good use of the old ball. Chandimal hit a gorgeous cover drive and Shami responded with a well- disguised bouncer. He followed it up with one into his body that Chandimal tried to tuck away.

The ball was in the air but fell agonisingly short of Ajinkya Rahane at leg gully. The skipper was on 43 then.

Sri Lanka were at 192 for 3 when play broke for lunch

Former captain Angelo Mathews dug deep into his reservoir of experience as Sri Lankan showed some stomach for a fight, reaching 192 for three at lunch against India on the third day of the final cricket Test here. Starting the day at 131 for three, the Sri Lankan batsmen were cautious in their approach during the first session on a benign Feroz Shah Kotla track that offered little help to the Indian bowlers. Mathews was batting on 90 in the company of skipper Chandimal, who remained undefeated on 52 when play broke for lunch. Also read: Pollution halts play three times, Lanka players wear masks while fielding Also read: Cricketers vomiting after playing in polluted Delhi, says Sri Lanka coach Mathews went on to score his eighth Test century. The duo added 117 runs for an unbroken fourth-wicket stand, as Sri Lanka trailed by 344 runs in their first innings. Such has been the Indian dominance that this was the visiting side's first-century partnership of the series. It also helped that two of Sri Lanka's most experienced batsmen in Mathews and Chandimal shouldered the responsibility under pressure. Mathews has so far faced 194 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and two sixes. Chandimal has so far consumed 165 balls, hitting seven fours in the process. The Indian bowlers could not be faulted despite little assistance from the track. Even then Ishant Sharma (1/61 from 17 overs) got some of the deliveries to rear up awkwardly, but the Lankan duo did not do anything impetuous, leaving most of them alone. Ishant, in particular, bowled a testing spell to Mathews with some of the balls coming into him after hitting the seam. However, his short deliveries most of the times could be left alone as they were not pitched in the right areas. After the first hour, Kohli brought back Mohammed Shami (1/49 in 17 overs) to make good use of the old ball. Chandimal hit a gorgeous cover drive and Shami responded with a well- disguised bouncer. He followed it up with one into his body that Chandimal tried to tuck away. The ball was in the air but fell agonisingly short of Ajinkya Rahane at leg gully. The skipper was on 43 then.

3rd Test, Day 3: Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews digs deep into reservoir of experience, hits ton

&nbsp;Fifties from Lahiru Thirimanne and Angelo Mathews kept Sri Lanka firmly on course for a handy first-innings lead against India on day three of the rain-hit first test on Saturday.

The islanders, bidding for their first test victory in India, dismissed the hosts for 172 and closed on 165-4, as the rain stayed away after allowing only 32.5 overs to be bowled in the first two days.

Niroshan Dickwella was batting on 14 when bad light stopped play and skipper Dinesh Chandimal was on 13 with the tourists seven runs behind.

After India resumed on a precarious 74-5, the bottom half of their order contributed 98 runs in the morning session to lend respectability to their total on a green Eden Gardens track.

Cheteshwar Pujara brought up his 16th test fifty but was clean bowled by Lahiru Gamage for 52, a patient knock in trying conditions that included 10 boundaries.

Wriddhiman Saha and Ravindra Jadeja refused to retreat into a defensive shell, though they were not entirely convincing during their 48-run partnership.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Saha, who made 29, was lucky to get a reprieve four runs before his dismissal when Dickwella missed an easy stumping off Dilruwan Perera.

Jadeja, who made 22, hit Perera for a six over long-on but the off-spinner responded by removing both batsmen in the same over.

Suranga Lakmal dismissed Bhuvneshwar Kumar to claim his fourth wicket, his tidy 19 overs including 12 maidens.

Mohammed Shami made a breezy 24 down the order but India still fell short of the 175-run mark.

Sadeera Samarawickrama&#39;s 23 off 22 balls gave Sri Lanka a fast start but Kumar exploited the conditions well to peg back the tourists.

The paceman dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne lbw for eight and had Samarawickrama caught behind in his next over.

Despite their occasional discomfort against the moving ball, Thirimanne and Mathews thwarted the hosts with a match-high 99-run stand.

Dropped by Shikhar Dhawan on 27, Thirimanne went on to make 51, while Mathews, playing as a specialist batsman on his return from injury, made 52 before Umesh Yadav dismissed both in successive overs.

?Fifties from Lahiru Thirimanne and Angelo Mathews kept Sri Lanka firmly on course for a handy first-innings lead against India on day three of the rain-hit first test on Saturday

Fifties from Lahiru Thirimanne and Angelo Mathews kept Sri Lanka firmly on course for a handy first-innings lead against India on day three of the rain-hit first test on Saturday. The islanders, bidding for their first test victory in India, dismissed the hosts for 172 and closed on 165-4, as the rain stayed away after allowing only 32.5 overs to be bowled in the first two days. Niroshan Dickwella was batting on 14 when bad light stopped play and skipper Dinesh Chandimal was on 13 with the tourists seven runs behind. After India resumed on a precarious 74-5, the bottom half of their order contributed 98 runs in the morning session to lend respectability to their total on a green Eden Gardens track. Cheteshwar Pujara brought up his 16th test fifty but was clean bowled by Lahiru Gamage for 52, a patient knock in trying conditions that included 10 boundaries. Wriddhiman Saha and Ravindra Jadeja refused to retreat into a defensive shell, though they were not entirely convincing during their 48-run partnership. Wicketkeeper-batsman Saha, who made 29, was lucky to get a reprieve four runs before his dismissal when Dickwella missed an easy stumping off Dilruwan Perera. Jadeja, who made 22, hit Perera for a six over long-on but the off-spinner responded by removing both batsmen in the same over. Suranga Lakmal dismissed Bhuvneshwar Kumar to claim his fourth wicket, his tidy 19 overs including 12 maidens. Mohammed Shami made a breezy 24 down the order but India still fell short of the 175-run mark. Sadeera Samarawickrama's 23 off 22 balls gave Sri Lanka a fast start but Kumar exploited the conditions well to peg back the tourists. The paceman dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne lbw for eight and had Samarawickrama caught behind in his next over. Despite their occasional discomfort against the moving ball, Thirimanne and Mathews thwarted the hosts with a match-high 99-run stand. Dropped by Shikhar Dhawan on 27, Thirimanne went on to make 51, while Mathews, playing as a specialist batsman on his return from injury, made 52 before Umesh Yadav dismissed both in successive overs.

Cricket: Sri Lanka eye handy first-innings lead against India

Dilruwan Perera ripped the heart out of the Australian order to spin Sri Lanka to a series-clinching 229-run victory inside three days of the second test at Galle today. 
 
The 34-year-old off-spinner laid bare Australia&#39;s spin frailties, claiming 6-70 as the world&#39;s top ranked test team folded for 183 in their pursuit of an improbable 413-run victory target. 
 
Perera, who had claimed 4-29 in the first innings and scored 64 in his team&#39;s second innings, became the first Sri Lankan player to score a fifty and claim 10 wickets in the same match as his side clinched their first test series victory over Australia since 1999. 
 
Resuming on 25 for three, Australia captain Steve Smith (30) and deputy David Warner (41) showed positive intent, frequently using their feet against the spinners and dealing mostly in boundaries even though it was merely delaying what looked inevitable. 
 
Perera separated them, trapping Warner leg-before with a straight delivery. The batsman reviewed the decision but could not get it overturned. 
 
The spinner then returned to induce Smith into giving a bat-pad catch to Kusal Mendis at forward short leg. 
 
Perera, whose all-round performance earned the man-of-the-match award, completed his five-wicket haul when Adam Voges (28) attempted a reverse sweep only to have his leg stump pegged back. 
 
Kusal Mendis then displayed tremendous reflexes as he stopped a Peter Nevill shot at forward short leg and flicked it back on the stumps to run out the batsman and trigger wild celebrations at the Galle International Stadium. 
 
(Reuters)

Sri Lanka clinched their first test series victory over Australia since 1999

Dilruwan Perera ripped the heart out of the Australian order to spin Sri Lanka to a series-clinching 229-run victory inside three days of the second test at Galle today. The 34-year-old off-spinner laid bare Australia's spin frailties, claiming 6-70 as the world's top ranked test team folded for 183 in their pursuit of an improbable 413-run victory target. Perera, who had claimed 4-29 in the first innings and scored 64 in his team's second innings, became the first Sri Lankan player to score a fifty and claim 10 wickets in the same match as his side clinched their first test series victory over Australia since 1999. Resuming on 25 for three, Australia captain Steve Smith (30) and deputy David Warner (41) showed positive intent, frequently using their feet against the spinners and dealing mostly in boundaries even though it was merely delaying what looked inevitable. Perera separated them, trapping Warner leg-before with a straight delivery. The batsman reviewed the decision but could not get it overturned. The spinner then returned to induce Smith into giving a bat-pad catch to Kusal Mendis at forward short leg. Perera, whose all-round performance earned the man-of-the-match award, completed his five-wicket haul when Adam Voges (28) attempted a reverse sweep only to have his leg stump pegged back. Kusal Mendis then displayed tremendous reflexes as he stopped a Peter Nevill shot at forward short leg and flicked it back on the stumps to run out the batsman and trigger wild celebrations at the Galle International Stadium. (Reuters)

Perera spins Sri Lanka to historic win against Australia

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc toiled hard against Sri Lanka&#39;s top order today to leave the hosts on 216 for five at tea on the opening day of the second Test in Galle. 
 
Sri Lanka were looking confident after Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera&#39;s 108-run stand, but their departure after lunch saw the hosts in some trouble. 
 
Skipper Angelo Mathews, with his unbeaten 49, then ensured Sri Lanka stay in the hunt after electing to bat first on a bright sunny day. 
 
He has Dhanajaya de Silva (9 not out) for company. 
 
Starc (3-44), who marked the day with his 100th Test wicket, denied first-match centurion Mendis his second consecutive ton after getting the in-form batsman caught behind for 86. 
 
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon got the first wicket of the afternoon session after sending Perera (49) trudging back to the pavilion. 
 
Mathews came to the crease with a positive mindset as he made the reverse-sweep his stock shot against Lyon. His 55-ball stay was laced with two fours and three sixes. 
 
Earlier Mendis 137-ball stay was laced with 10 fours and two sixes as he entertained a lively home crowd at the Galle International Stadium. 
 
(AFP)

Skipper Angelo Mathews, with his unbeaten 49, ensured Sri Lanka stay in the hunt after electing to bat first

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc toiled hard against Sri Lanka's top order today to leave the hosts on 216 for five at tea on the opening day of the second Test in Galle. Sri Lanka were looking confident after Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera's 108-run stand, but their departure after lunch saw the hosts in some trouble. Skipper Angelo Mathews, with his unbeaten 49, then ensured Sri Lanka stay in the hunt after electing to bat first on a bright sunny day. He has Dhanajaya de Silva (9 not out) for company. Starc (3-44), who marked the day with his 100th Test wicket, denied first-match centurion Mendis his second consecutive ton after getting the in-form batsman caught behind for 86. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon got the first wicket of the afternoon session after sending Perera (49) trudging back to the pavilion. Mathews came to the crease with a positive mindset as he made the reverse-sweep his stock shot against Lyon. His 55-ball stay was laced with two fours and three sixes. Earlier Mendis 137-ball stay was laced with 10 fours and two sixes as he entertained a lively home crowd at the Galle International Stadium. (AFP)

Aussie bowlers chip away against Sri Lanka

Australia dismissed Sri Lankan opener Kusal Perera cheaply after building up an 86-run first innings lead over their hosts as they took firm command today of a low-scoring Test in Pallekele. 
 
Perera fell to the last ball of the day, with the umpires once again forced to call a premature halt to proceedings following a downpour at the picturesque ground on the outskirts of Kandy. 
 
Australia were all out for 203 in reply to Sri Lanka&#39;s first innings total of 117, with spinner Lakshan Sandakan taking four wickets on his debut.&nbsp; 
 
The early loss of Perera on the second day of the first Test was another bitter blow for the struggling hosts. Perera fell for just four when he was lbw to paceman Mitchell Starc, leaving Sri Lanka wobbling on six for one at close of play. 
 
The downpour initially prompted the umpires to call an early tea break, but they were later forced to abandon play early for the second day running.&nbsp; 
 
Veteran Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Rangana Herath and the 25-year-old rookie Sandakan had earlier taken four wickets apiece as the Australian batsman also struggled to cope with a turning pitch. 
 
Adam Voges top-scored for the Australians with 47, meaning no player from either side managed to score a half-century in the first innings. 
 
As the pitch is showing no sign of respite, the Australians&#39; first innings lead could well prove decisive as they try to cement their position as Test cricket&#39;s number one side. 
 
The 38-year-old Herath, who has hinted that he may soon retire from Test cricket, was the pick of the bowlers and was unlucky not to record a five-wicket haul. 
 
He dismissed both overnight batsmen, skipper Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, in successive overs and had a third wicket in the morning session when wicketkeeper Peter Nevill was caught at mid-on. 
 
After lunch, wicketkeeper Perera dropped a chance off Josh Hazlewood, denying Herath what would have been his 24th five-wicket haul. 
 
Australia scored at less than two runs per over off Herath as his 25 overs went for only 49. While Herath was providing captain Angelo Mathews both the attacking and containing options, Sandakan ran through the lower order to finish with four for 58. 
 
Seamer Nuwan Pradeep finished with two wickets, including that of the resolute Voges who was brilliantly caught by Kusal Mendis at gully. Voges, who faced 115 deliveries and hit three fours, added 60 for the fifth wicket with Mitchell Marsh, who was among Sandakan&#39;s victims. 
 
(AFP)

The early loss of opener Kusal Perera on the second day of the first Test was a bitter blow for struggling hosts Sri Lanka

Australia dismissed Sri Lankan opener Kusal Perera cheaply after building up an 86-run first innings lead over their hosts as they took firm command today of a low-scoring Test in Pallekele. Perera fell to the last ball of the day, with the umpires once again forced to call a premature halt to proceedings following a downpour at the picturesque ground on the outskirts of Kandy. Australia were all out for 203 in reply to Sri Lanka's first innings total of 117, with spinner Lakshan Sandakan taking four wickets on his debut. The early loss of Perera on the second day of the first Test was another bitter blow for the struggling hosts. Perera fell for just four when he was lbw to paceman Mitchell Starc, leaving Sri Lanka wobbling on six for one at close of play. The downpour initially prompted the umpires to call an early tea break, but they were later forced to abandon play early for the second day running. Veteran Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Rangana Herath and the 25-year-old rookie Sandakan had earlier taken four wickets apiece as the Australian batsman also struggled to cope with a turning pitch. Adam Voges top-scored for the Australians with 47, meaning no player from either side managed to score a half-century in the first innings. As the pitch is showing no sign of respite, the Australians' first innings lead could well prove decisive as they try to cement their position as Test cricket's number one side. The 38-year-old Herath, who has hinted that he may soon retire from Test cricket, was the pick of the bowlers and was unlucky not to record a five-wicket haul. He dismissed both overnight batsmen, skipper Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, in successive overs and had a third wicket in the morning session when wicketkeeper Peter Nevill was caught at mid-on. After lunch, wicketkeeper Perera dropped a chance off Josh Hazlewood, denying Herath what would have been his 24th five-wicket haul. Australia scored at less than two runs per over off Herath as his 25 overs went for only 49. While Herath was providing captain Angelo Mathews both the attacking and containing options, Sandakan ran through the lower order to finish with four for 58. Seamer Nuwan Pradeep finished with two wickets, including that of the resolute Voges who was brilliantly caught by Kusal Mendis at gully. Voges, who faced 115 deliveries and hit three fours, added 60 for the fifth wicket with Mitchell Marsh, who was among Sandakan's victims. (AFP)

Pallekele test: Australia builds 84-run lead over hosts Sri Lanka

Australia&#39;s bowlers ripped through Sri Lanka&#39;s brittle batting lineup to dismiss the home side for 117 early in the middle session on the first day of the opening test at Pallekele today. 
 
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and off-spinner Nathan Lyon shared six wickets, while Mitchell Starc and Steve O&#39;Keefe picked up two apiece as the hosts were shot out shortly after lunch. 
 
Debutant all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva (24) was the top scorer for Sri Lanka, who have lost their last two test series in New Zealand and England. 
 
Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews had won the toss and had no hesitation in opting to bat on a dry pitch in the first match of the three-test series. 
 
Any hopes Mathews had of enjoying a strong start were soon shattered, however, after Australia pace duo Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc ensured the tourists took full control with the new ball by reducing the hosts to 18-3 inside 10 overs. 
 
Left-armer Starc, making his comeback after a long injury layoff, sent back Dimuth Karunaratne, with the opening batsman failing to get the umpire&#39;s leg before wicket verdict overturned on review. 
 
The 25-year-old Hazlewood, bowling an impeccable line and length, then dismissed Kusal Mendis and Kaushal Silva and returned for another spell before lunch to lure Dinesh Chandimal into an edge behind to wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. 
 
Left-arm spinner Steve O&#39;Keefe, who was included alongside Lyon, was brought on in the ninth over by Australia captain Steve Smith and he was rewarded when he dismissed Mathews. 
 
Lyon found a lot of turn from the surface and picked up his three wickets from just seven deliveries after the lunch interval as Sri Lanka&#39;s batsman appeared keen to return to the pavilion as quickly as they departed it. 
 
Rangana Herath became Starc&#39;s second victim and Australia&#39;s ninth after Smith successfully overturned the umpire&#39;s &#39;not out&#39; decision for leg before on review. 
 
O&#39;Keefe finished off proceedings when he captured his second wicket of the innings with the removal of Nuwan Pradeep. 
 
Injury-ravaged Sri Lanka, ranked seventh in the world, also handed a debut to left-arm slow bowler Lakshan Sandakan against the world&#39;s top-ranked test side, who have won just one out of their last 15 tests in Asia. 
 
(Reuters)

Debutant all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva was the top scorer for Sri Lanka

Australia's bowlers ripped through Sri Lanka's brittle batting lineup to dismiss the home side for 117 early in the middle session on the first day of the opening test at Pallekele today. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and off-spinner Nathan Lyon shared six wickets, while Mitchell Starc and Steve O'Keefe picked up two apiece as the hosts were shot out shortly after lunch. Debutant all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva (24) was the top scorer for Sri Lanka, who have lost their last two test series in New Zealand and England. Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews had won the toss and had no hesitation in opting to bat on a dry pitch in the first match of the three-test series. Any hopes Mathews had of enjoying a strong start were soon shattered, however, after Australia pace duo Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc ensured the tourists took full control with the new ball by reducing the hosts to 18-3 inside 10 overs. Left-armer Starc, making his comeback after a long injury layoff, sent back Dimuth Karunaratne, with the opening batsman failing to get the umpire's leg before wicket verdict overturned on review. The 25-year-old Hazlewood, bowling an impeccable line and length, then dismissed Kusal Mendis and Kaushal Silva and returned for another spell before lunch to lure Dinesh Chandimal into an edge behind to wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. Left-arm spinner Steve O'Keefe, who was included alongside Lyon, was brought on in the ninth over by Australia captain Steve Smith and he was rewarded when he dismissed Mathews. Lyon found a lot of turn from the surface and picked up his three wickets from just seven deliveries after the lunch interval as Sri Lanka's batsman appeared keen to return to the pavilion as quickly as they departed it. Rangana Herath became Starc's second victim and Australia's ninth after Smith successfully overturned the umpire's 'not out' decision for leg before on review. O'Keefe finished off proceedings when he captured his second wicket of the innings with the removal of Nuwan Pradeep. Injury-ravaged Sri Lanka, ranked seventh in the world, also handed a debut to left-arm slow bowler Lakshan Sandakan against the world's top-ranked test side, who have won just one out of their last 15 tests in Asia. (Reuters)

Australia dismiss Sri Lanka for 117 in opener

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and opted to bat on a dry pitch in the first test of the three-match series against Australia at Pallekele today. 
 
The injury-ravaged hosts, ranked seventh in the world, handed debuts to all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva and left-arm slow bowler Lakshan Sandakan. 
 
Mathews side, who lost their last two test series in New Zealand and England, are missing pacemen Dhammika Prasad and Dushmantha Chameera while Suranga Lakmal was also ruled out from the match due to an ankle complaint. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s obvious, we&#39;ll have a bat,&quot; Mathews said after his counterpart Steve Smith called wrongly at the toss. 
 
&quot;Pitch looks pretty good but it can turn, probably around day two. We would like to put the runs on the board.&nbsp;We&#39;ve got a good set of young players you can look forward to.&quot; 
 
Australia captain Smith had earlier informed that the world&#39;s top-ranked test side, who have won just one out of their last 15 tests in Asia, will go into the match with two slow bowlers in off-spinner Nathan Lyon and left-armer Steve O&#39;Keefe. 
 
Left-arm quick Mitchell Starc was back after a long injury layoff to lead Australia&#39;s pace attack. 
 
Smith, who is yet to lose a test when leading the side, said he would also have batted first had he won the toss. 
 
&quot;Looks like a pretty dry wicket and they&#39;re playing about four spinners so would have had the bat,&quot; said Smith, who is ranked number one among test batsmen in the world.&nbsp;&quot;(Opener David Warner)&#39;s back, which is pretty exciting for us, he is in great form so hopefully he&#39;s got some runs in this match.&nbsp;It&#39;s been a great prep and the boys are ready to go.&quot; 
 
Teams: 
 
Australia: David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (captain), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Steve O&#39;Keefe, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon 
 
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews (captain), Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Nuwan Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan 
 
(Reuters)

All-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva and left-arm slow bowler Lakshan Sandakan make their debuts with this match

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and opted to bat on a dry pitch in the first test of the three-match series against Australia at Pallekele today. The injury-ravaged hosts, ranked seventh in the world, handed debuts to all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva and left-arm slow bowler Lakshan Sandakan. Mathews side, who lost their last two test series in New Zealand and England, are missing pacemen Dhammika Prasad and Dushmantha Chameera while Suranga Lakmal was also ruled out from the match due to an ankle complaint. "It's obvious, we'll have a bat," Mathews said after his counterpart Steve Smith called wrongly at the toss. "Pitch looks pretty good but it can turn, probably around day two. We would like to put the runs on the board. We've got a good set of young players you can look forward to." Australia captain Smith had earlier informed that the world's top-ranked test side, who have won just one out of their last 15 tests in Asia, will go into the match with two slow bowlers in off-spinner Nathan Lyon and left-armer Steve O'Keefe. Left-arm quick Mitchell Starc was back after a long injury layoff to lead Australia's pace attack. Smith, who is yet to lose a test when leading the side, said he would also have batted first had he won the toss. "Looks like a pretty dry wicket and they're playing about four spinners so would have had the bat," said Smith, who is ranked number one among test batsmen in the world. "(Opener David Warner)'s back, which is pretty exciting for us, he is in great form so hopefully he's got some runs in this match. It's been a great prep and the boys are ready to go." Teams: Australia: David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (captain), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Steve O'Keefe, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews (captain), Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Nuwan Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan (Reuters)

Sri Lanka opt to bat against Australia in first test

England&#39;s one-day captain Eoin Morgan said he hopes the test series win against Sri Lanka will provide the foundations for victory in the shorter format of the game, starting with the first ODI at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. 
 
England have recalled Jonny Bairstow into the ODI side following his superb form, which saw him named man of the series in the 2-0 test series victory against Sri Lanka. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s an unbelievable start. Cookie [test captain Alastair Cook] hands the baton over to me and hopefully I don&#39;t let him down,&quot; Morgan told reporters on Monday. &quot;Confidence is a big thing, and it&#39;s crucial to build on that confidence we&#39;ve had going forward.&quot; 
 
Morgan added that the absence of hard-hitting all-rounder Ben Stokes through injury would be a big blow for the side. 
 
&quot;It does affect us because Ben bats at five, doing both roles very well,&quot; he added. &quot;We don&#39;t have an answer to back up at the moment, but it does create an opportunity for someone else.&quot; 
 
Sri Lanka will have to cope without paceman Shaminda Eranga, who was banned for an illegal action by the International Cricket Council on Sunday just hours after he had been taken to hospital to undergo tests on his heart. 
 
Morgan said that though conditions have posed a challenge to Sri Lanka, he expects a tough fight in the shorter format of the game. 
 
&quot;They (Sri Lanka) have found it tough work since they came here, but ODI cricket comes more naturally to them,&quot; he said. &quot;They are ranked above us, so we won&#39;t take them for granted and we are looking to ourselves to build and put performances in.&quot; 
 
England play Sri Lanka in five ODI&#39;s and a one-off Twenty20 game in Southampton on July 5. 
 
(Reuters)

England take on Sri Lanka in the first ODI at Trent Bridge on Tuesday

England's one-day captain Eoin Morgan said he hopes the test series win against Sri Lanka will provide the foundations for victory in the shorter format of the game, starting with the first ODI at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. England have recalled Jonny Bairstow into the ODI side following his superb form, which saw him named man of the series in the 2-0 test series victory against Sri Lanka. "It's an unbelievable start. Cookie [test captain Alastair Cook] hands the baton over to me and hopefully I don't let him down," Morgan told reporters on Monday. "Confidence is a big thing, and it's crucial to build on that confidence we've had going forward." Morgan added that the absence of hard-hitting all-rounder Ben Stokes through injury would be a big blow for the side. "It does affect us because Ben bats at five, doing both roles very well," he added. "We don't have an answer to back up at the moment, but it does create an opportunity for someone else." Sri Lanka will have to cope without paceman Shaminda Eranga, who was banned for an illegal action by the International Cricket Council on Sunday just hours after he had been taken to hospital to undergo tests on his heart. Morgan said that though conditions have posed a challenge to Sri Lanka, he expects a tough fight in the shorter format of the game. "They (Sri Lanka) have found it tough work since they came here, but ODI cricket comes more naturally to them," he said. "They are ranked above us, so we won't take them for granted and we are looking to ourselves to build and put performances in." England play Sri Lanka in five ODI's and a one-off Twenty20 game in Southampton on July 5. (Reuters)

Morgan looking to carry on England's winning momentum

angelo-mathews

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