Australia's discipline upsets Steve Smith after losing first Test in Sri Lanka
Sunday 31 July 2016 11:20, UK
Australia skipper Steve Smith was unhappy with his side's attitude at the crease after losing the opening Test in Sri Lanka.
Australia, who let go of a crucial first-innings lead in the rain-hit match in Pallekele, were skittled out for 161 on the fifth and final day in pursuit of a challenging 268-run target, with Smith tasting defeat for the first time as Test captain in his 12th match.
"We did quite well to bowl them out for 117, but we lacked a bit of discipline in our batting," Smith said. "We were in a good position to get a bigger lead than 86, but didn't get that."
Kusal Mendis (176) registered his maiden Test ton to help Sri Lanka notch up 353 in their second innings and the home spinners led by Rangana Herath took charge.
Herath's four and five wickets in the first and second innings respectively floored the visiting batsmen on a typical sub-continent track that assisted spin bowling.
"Kusal Mendis played an outstanding innings and took the game away from us. 267 against quality spinners was going to be tough task and we weren't up to that," added Smith.
Smith posted a gritty 55 before Steve O'Keefe and Peter Nevill frustrated Sri Lanka with a 178-ball partnership that lasted for over two hours but it only delayed the inevitable.
Smith admitted that Australia, who trail the three-match series, will have to find a way to tackle the spinning conditions.
Australia's last outing to the sub-continent saw them lose all four Tests against India in 2013 and they also lost both matches when Pakistan hosted them for a two-Test series in 2014 in the Gulf.
"We have got to find our plans and find ways to play in these conditions. 1-0 down in a three-match series so have to turn it around quickly," said Smith.
A relieved Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said: "I don't have words to explain after a very hard few months. We regrouped, trained really well and prepared to the best."
He praised Mendis as a "special talent" while also saluting Herath and left-arm Chinaman bowler Lakshan Sandakan, who claimed seven wickets on a memorable Test debut.
"He is a brilliant find for us," Mathews added. "We looked at the wicket and knew it was going to turn. So we thought playing another spinner would be ideal and he responded brilliantly."
