SK Flashback: Remembering David Boon's last Test Match

The beginning of the end

Many thought Boon was on his way to a fairytale ending

Since the time Boon made an announcement about his retirement a day before the commencement of the third Test match, the nation turned it into a tribute. It was quite understandable as the nation was bidding farewell to a great Australian.

Australian skipper Mark Taylor won the toss and elected to bat. Opening batsman Michael Slater was out without scoring and this brought in the man of the moment – Boon. He began well and put together a 60 run partnership with Mark Waugh. But just when it looked that Boon would have a fairytale ending, he was bowled by medium pacer Ravindra Pushpakumara after having scored 43 runs.

After Boon’s wicket, the Waugh brothers got into the act and they ensured that Australia puts up a strong first innings score. Steve Waugh was the highest scorer in the innings with a score of 170 runs.

In response, the Sri Lankans were dismissed for 317 runs courtesy a 5-wicket haul by Paul Reiffel and a 4-wicket haul by Glen McGrath.