Sri Lanka vs Australia: 5 talking points from the 1st Test

#3 Rangana Herath never ceases to amaze

Sri Lanka will only fully realize Herath’s value once he bids adieu to the game

When he arrived in the international stage, not many could have predicted that Rangana Herath would go on to have such an impact on his country’s fortunes. After growing out of Muralitharan’s shadow, the left-arm spinner has been at the forefront of majority of Sri Lanka’s triumphs with his remarkable persistence.

Not the one to rely on extravagant turn, the 38-year-old backs his strengths which are consistency and subtle changes in length. He was in his elements yet again when the hosts needed him badly.

Among his nine victims in the game were Steve Smith whom he outwitted twice and David Warner, two of Australia’s key batsmen. In particular, the delivery to coerce Smith to a rare brain fade was simply brilliant.

The Lankans may have coped reasonably to the exodus of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. But, Herath’s retirement might prove to be even more difficult to handle.