Sri Lanka vs Australia 2016: 5 talking points from the series

#5 Dhananjaya de Silva and Kaushal Silva’s century in the 3rd Test

Dhananjaya de Silva during his brilliant innings

Sri Lanka came into the match as clear favourites after their dominance in the first two Tests. The Aussies were down and out and required their more experienced players to step up and tackle the spinners well.

The Aussies had the Sri Lankans on the mat after a hostile spell from Mitchell Starc left them tottering at 26/5. It appeared the Aussies might finish the tour with a consolation win but since the fall of the 5th wicket it was the pair of Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal that steadied their ship and bailed them out of the precarious situation. It was high-quality batting by the youngster and along with Chandimal the duo put together 211 runs. Thanks to their magnificent centuries, the Sri Lankans posted 355 in their 1st innings.

The Australians responded well and centuries by Steven Smith and Shaun Marsh ensured they took a slender 24 run lead.

After repeated failures, Kaushal Silva was asked to bat at number 3 and he responded in a terrific fashion. He scored a calm and composed century to take The Sri Lankan score to 347. He struck 10 boundaries during his brilliant innings.

Rangana Herath was again the wrecker-in-chief picking up 7 wickets in the 2nd innings to bundle out the Aussies for 160. The win ensured Sri Lanka’s whitewash of a top Test playing nation for the first time since gaining their Test status.