Before  the start of this test series, Sri Lanka did not win a single test match against Australia at home since they have been playing cricket against each other. Now with back to back wins in test matches, Sri Lanka have turned the tables and the record books. Australia are under some serious bit of pressure and is confronting a series whitewash.

What has come back to haunt them in this test series is their weakness against playing spin in the subcontinent. History has it that Australia haven’t been good tourists to the subcontinent. Whether it is  Sri Lanka, Pakistan or India, spin has been Australia’s weakling and has caught them wrong footed time and again.

Batsmen like Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer who are good players of pace bowling have faced a lot of problems facing the likes of Harbhajan, Muralitharan and Saeed Ajmal in the subcontinent.

This problem seems to persist in the current lot of Australian players as well. David Warner, Steve Smith, who are batsmen of such high caliber have been found wanting to Sri Lanka’s spin bowling. Strength’s of the Australian batting line up. Thrice in the first four innings of the test series Warner has been out to spin bowling. Skipper Steve Smith also has been dismissed all four times by a spinner and twice by Rangana Herath. Adam Voges who is another important cog in the batting line up of Australia also fell to spin thrice.

This is a certain highlight of the fact that the current lot of Australian batsmen seems to have taken over the mantle from their predecessors. They too are falling short to some top quality spin bowling in the subcontinent.

Lankan spinners torment Australia

Coming to the Sri Lankan spin attack now, led from the front by the old pro Rangana Herath and has been backed up equally well by the likes of  Dilruwan Perera and Lakshan Sandakan. Together the spin trio has tormented Australia and picked up 35 wickets in total. In the process Rangana Herath has picked up 15, Dilruwan Perara 11 and Lakshan Sandakan 9.

While the Australian batting has been a story of sadness. What has been the pleasant part of it all is to see the new and young Sri Lankan team stand up to the challenge of a tough tour and come out with bright colors.

The void of legend Muttiah Muralitharan has been timely fulfilled by the likes of Lakshan Sandakan and Dilruwan Perera. Besides they have a mentor in Rangana Herath from whom they can learn a trick or two.

The third test match starting from 13th this month in Colombo will once again confront the Australian team to some top quality spin bowling. With the series already lost, trailing a 2-0 deficit, if they play spin well in this test match to manage a draw. It is likely they will draw a lot of confidence into the ODI and T20 series.

Tough challenge awaits for Australia at Colombo as teams start preparing for one final time in the Test series.

Image Courtesy: ESPN Cricinfo