News on Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka call replacement cricketers for Tests

2011-12-19T19:30:16Z

Uncapped fast bowler Kanishka Alvitigala and seamer Dhammika Prasad have flown out to South Africa to join Sri Lanka's struggling Test team, officials said Tuesday.

Sri Lanka, who were crushed in the first Test by an innings and 81 runs, had requested replacements after pace bowler Nuwan Pradeep was injured during a ...

S. Africa crush Sri Lanka in first cricket Test

2011-12-17T11:30:14Z

Vernon Philander claimed his second five-wicket haul of the match as South Africa stormed to victory by an innings and 81 runs before tea on the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park here on Saturday.

Sri Lanka crashed to 150 all out in ...

De Villiers puts South Africa on top

2011-12-16T16:30:35Z

A thrilling innings of 99 by AB de Villiers put South Africa in a strong position on the second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park on Friday.

On a day when batsmen continued to struggle on a difficult pitch, De Villiers played some sparkli...

Philander, Steyn put South Africa in charge

2011-12-15T16:30:35Z

Vernon Philander claimed his third five-wicket haul in as many Test matches as South Africa dominated the first day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park on Thursday.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 180 and South Africa replied with 90 for one, with...

Smith backs kings of speed against Sri Lanka

2011-12-14T16:30:48Z

South African captain Graeme Smith said on Wednesday that Sri Lanka could be confronted with a bowler-friendly pitch when the first Test starts at SuperSport Park on Thursday.

"It looks good for fast bowlers," admitted Tillekeratne Dilshan, his Sri Lankan counterpart.

...

S.Lanka blames cricket woes on team politics

2011-12-14T16:30:47Z

Sri Lanka's sports minister on Wednesday blamed the cricket team's poor form on team bickering, squad politics and the influence of players' agents.

Addressing parliament, Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said players had admitted disunity and miscommunication were distracting the team.

He was responding to a remark made by Sri Lanka's 1996 South Africa will seek to end a sequence of disappointing results in home series when they take on Sri Lanka in the first of three Tests at SuperSport Park on Thursday.

South Africa have lost one and shared three of four most recent home series, with a loss against Australia<...

Sri Lanka to replace injured cricketer Pradeep

2011-12-12T06:30:21Z

Sri Lanka's fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep has been ruled out of the ongoing tour of South Africa after tearing his right hamstring, Sri Lanka Cricket said on Monday.

Pradeep, 25, suffered the injury while bowling during the warm-up game against the South Africa Invitation XI in Benoni on Saturday.

...

Dilshan praises Smith role over salaries

2011-12-07T16:30:29Z

Sri Lanka skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan thanked South Africa counterpart Graeme Smith Wednesday amid signs that most of the salaries owed to the touring team will be paid this week.

Heavily indebted Sri Lanka's sports minister has told the nation's cricket team to start talking to each other to help end their losing streak, saying a lack of communication was the main problem in the squad.

Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage met the players, selectors and administrators on Tuesday to find a solution ahead of next month's Test and one-day tour of...

Chandimal fined, Hafeez reprimanded for Twenty20 dissent

2011-11-27T18:30:22Z

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said Sunday it fined and reprimanded Sri Lanka middle-order batsman Dinesh Chandimal and Pakistani opener Mohammad Hafeez for violating its code of conduct.

"In separate incidents,...

Pakistan upstage Sri Lanka in Twenty20 for clean sweep

2011-11-25T17:30:16Z

Pakistan put up another clinical performance to win the only Twenty20 by five wickets against Sri Lanka at Abu Dhabi stadium on Friday, blanking their rivals in all three forms of the game.

Paceman Aizaz Cheema took 4-30 to bowl Sri Lanka out for 141 in 19.3 overs before skipper

Jayasuriya backs faltering Sri Lanka

2011-11-24T09:30:26Z

Legendary Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya Thursday backed his country's team and captain Tillakaratne Dilshan, saying they needed time and space to recover after losing both Tests and the one-day series to Pakistan.

Sri Lanka lost t...

Pakistan thump Sri Lanka in fifth one-dayer

2011-11-23T16:30:26Z

Skipper Misbah-ul Haq and Umar Akmal hit half centuries to help Pakistan upstage Sri Lanka by three wickets in the fifth and final day-night international at Abu Dhabi Stadium here on Wednesday.

Misbah hit an attractive 66 while...

Razzaq a doubt for Pakistan's Bangladesh tour

2011-11-22T16:30:39Z

Allrounder Abdul Razzaq was Tuesday ruled out of Pakistan's two last matches against Sri Lanka, throwing into doubt his participation in the tour of Bangladesh starting next week.

The 31-year-old injured his shoulder during the third day-night international against Sri Lanka in <...

Misbah hopes for resumption of Pakistan-India Tests

2011-11-22T14:30:29Z

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq expressed his hope Tuesday that there could soon be a resumption of Test matches between his country and India, stalled after the terrorists attacks on Mumbai in 2008.

"Of course, we'd like to play against India," Misbah said. "It's a very important series for bo...

Sri Lanka's Jayawardene to miss fifth ODI

2011-11-22T06:30:17Z

Injured middle-order batsman Mahela Jayawardene has been ruled out of Sri Lanka's last two matches against Pakistan and returned home, team manager Anura Tennekoon said on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old batsman hit a half century in his team's 26-run defeat in the...

Afridi happy to be back for Pakistan

2011-11-21T18:30:26Z

Popular allrounder Shahid Afridi said he has put all off-field problems behind him after guiding Pakistan to an impressive series win over Sri Lanka.

The 31-year-old hit a fighting 75 to lift Pakistan from a precarious 120-7 to 200 before taking 5-35 to derail Sri Lanka from 155-3 to 174 all out at

Disappointed Dilshan considers Sri Lanka future

2011-11-21T10:30:30Z

Tillakaratne Dilshan said on Monday he would like to continue as Sri Lanka captain for another tour before deciding about his future after losing his third one-day series in a row.

A Shahid Afridi-inspired Pakistan edged out Sri Lan...

Pakistan axe Riaz for Bangladesh tour

2011-11-21T10:30:29Z

Pakistan on Monday axed Wahab Riaz from the squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh after he was named in connection with a spot-fixing scandal in England.

The 26-year-old did not play in the three Test series which Pakistan won 1-0 against Shahid Afridi scored a half-century before taking five wickets to steer Pakistan to a hard fought 26-run win in the fourth day-night match over Sri Lanka at Sharjah stadium on Sunday.

Afridi helped Pakistan recover from a struggling 120-7 to 200 all out with a 65-ball 75 b...

Pakistan hold nerves to beat Sri Lanka

2011-11-18T17:30:13Z

Pakistani bowlers held their nerves to stop a threatening Sri Lankan team to win the third day-night international by 21 runs here on Friday to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Umar Gul (3-48) bowled well in the final overs to make sure good work by spinners Saeed Ajmal (3-42) and Shahid ...

Pakistan aim to learn from mistakes vs Sri Lanka

2011-11-17T14:30:41Z

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq hopes his team can learn from its mistakes and show improvement in the third one-day international against Sri Lanka on Friday.

Pakistan won the first of five matches by eight wickets last week but allowed Sri Lanka to level the series with a 25-run victory in the second, on Monday.

Misbah sa...

Sri Lanka board dissolved for election

2011-11-15T16:30:23Z

The Sri Lankan government on Tuesday cleared the way for the national cricket board committee to be elected for the first time in seven years in line with International Cricket Council (ICC) rules.

Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said he was dissolving Sri Lanka's win over Pakistan in their second one day international has given them a badly-needed confidence boost for the rest of the five-match series, captain Tillakaratne Dilshan said.

Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 25 runs at Dubai stadium on Monday to level t...

Pakistan keeping it simple, says Younis

2011-11-13T17:30:24Z

Former captain Younis Khan said his team will continue to keep things simple as they look to double their series lead in the second one-day match against Sri Lanka here on Monday.

Pakistan thrashed their rivals in the first match on Friday by eight wickets and Younis hopes the team sticks to the same plan.

"We kept things simp...

Afridi stars as Pakistan thump Sri Lanka

2011-11-11T15:30:18Z

Leg-spinner Shahid Afridi capped an excellent return to international cricket with three wickets as Pakistan thumped Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the first day-night match here on Friday.

Afridi took 3-27 in his first match since returning from a six-month exile, helping Pakistan dismiss Sri Lanka for a paltry 131 in 40.3 over...

Malinga holds key in Pakistan one-day series

2011-11-10T12:30:15Z

Rival captains Misbah-ul Haq and Tillakaratne Dilshan agreed sling-action paceman Lasith Malinga could make the difference when Pakistan and Sri Lanka play their first one-day international here on Friday...

Marsh, Mohsin comfortable with ODI rule changes

2011-11-09T15:30:22Z

Rival coaches Geoff Marsh and Mohsin Khan said they were comfortable with the change in rules as Pakistan and Sri Lanka play under them for the first time in the opening day-night match here on Friday.

Teams will have to start the batting and bowling Powerplays at the beginning o...

Pakistan win Sri Lanka series as 3rd Test drawn

2011-11-07T12:30:22Z

Pakistan clinched the three-Test series against Sri Lanka 1-0 after the third and final Test ended in a draw at Sharjah stadium here on Monday.

Persistent rain wiped out play in the pre-lunch session -- a two hours and 35 minutes delay -- which left Sri Lanka with little time to enforce a win despite declaring their second innings at 181-6,...

Sri Lanka gain upper hand in third Test

2011-11-07T09:01:42Z

Sri Lanka removed Pakistan's openers early to gain an upper hand on the second day of the third and final cricket Test against Pakistan at Sharjah stadium here on Friday.

Sri Lanka, seeking a series-levelling win after losing the second Test by nine wickets in Dubai, removed

Century is a relief for Pakistan's Azhar Ali

2011-11-07T09:01:21Z

Pakistan's fast-rising one-drop batsman Azhar Ali showed great delight and relief over scoring his maiden hundred in the second Test against Sri Lanka, a landmark that had eluded him for 14 matches.

The 26-year-old right-hander from Lahore notched exactly 100 to help Pakistan to 2...

Sri Lanka thwart Pakistan in second Test

2011-11-07T09:01:18Z

Sri Lanka put on an improved batting display in their second innings as they began to eat into a big Pakistan lead in the second Test at Dubai Stadium here on Friday.

Sri Lanka, who conceded a big 164-run lead in the first innings, moved to 88-1 at stumps on the third day on a pitch that is taking spin and keeping low, which sets up an intrigui...

Military takes over Sri Lanka Test venues

2011-11-07T09:01:09Z

Sri Lanka's cash-strapped cricket board has asked the military to take over and maintain multi-million dollar Test venues that were set up for this year's World Cup, an official said Thursday.

Security forces will manage three stadiums from the start of this month as the governing body of the sport could no longer afford their upkeep,

Pakistan, Sri Lanka want improvement in second Test

2011-10-25T20:30:12Z

Rival captains Tillakaratne Dilshan and Misbah-ul Haq have different concerns going into the second of three Tests between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Dubai cricket stadium from Wednesday.

Dilshan hopes his batsmen pul...

Pakistan confident ahead of second Sri Lanka Test

2011-10-24T17:30:25Z

Misbah-ul Haq will look for an improved performance from his fielders to menace Sri Lanka in the second Test which starts at Dubai sports city stadium from Wednesday.

Pakistan snatched a draw from the jaws of a win by dropping as many as seven catches to let the Sri Lankans off in the fi...

England top ICC's inaugural Twenty20 rankings

2011-10-24T17:30:24Z

Reigning world Twenty20 champions England top the inaugural rankings announced for the popular format of the game here on Monday.

England, who won the the third edition of the World Twenty20 under Paul Collingwood in the Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq blamed sloppy fielding as the main reason for his team's failure to win the first Test against Sri Lanka here on Saturday, saying it was the only negative to take from the match.

Pakistan, led by 314 runs in the first innings, dropped seven catches in Sri Lanka's second knock with six going down on...

Sangakkara, Jayawardene foil Pakistan for Test draw

2011-10-22T11:30:13Z

Kumar Sangakkara hit his eighth double hundred and Prasanna Jayawardene notched up a fighting century to thwart Pakistan's hopes of victory to salvage a draw for Sri Lanka in the first Test here on Saturday.

Sangakkara scored 211 during a marathon near...

Ton-up Sangakkara keeps Pakistan at bay in Test

2011-10-21T12:30:14Z

Kumar Sangakkara put his wealth of experience on show with a pugnacious unbeaten hundred to keep Pakistan's victory bids on hold in the first Test here on Friday.

The 33-year-old left-hander notched 161 for his 26th Test hundred to help Sri Lanka, trailing by 314 runs in the first innings, reach 298-5 in their...

Pakistan's Umar happy at Test double desire

2011-10-20T14:00:46Z

Pakistani opener Taufiq Umar said he had achieved a burning desire to score the Test double hundred which set his team on course for a big win in the first of three Tests against Sri Lanka on Thursday.

The 31-year-old left-handed batsman notched a patient 236 to guide Pakistan to 511-6 declared on the third day, giving them an overa...

S. Lanka fight for Test survival after Umar's 236

2011-10-20T12:01:29Z

Sri Lanka were fighting to save the first Test under a heavy 300-plus deficit after Pakistani opener Taufiq Umar hit his maiden double hundred on the third day here on Thursday.

Shot out for a low score of 197, Sri Lanka closed on 47-1 after Umar hit a sedate 236 to lift Pakistan to 511-6 declared in their first innings...

Umar guides Pakistan into lead in first Test

2011-10-19T13:30:21Z

Taufiq Umar hit his sixth Test century and fellow opener Mohammad Hafeez scored 75 as Pakistan took a firm grip on the first Test against Sri Lanka at Abu Dhabi stadium here on Wednesday.

The left-hander made an undefeated...

Khan put Pakistan on top in first S. Lanka Test

2011-10-18T11:30:09Z

Left-arm paceman Junaid Khan chipped in with a maiden five-wicket haul to help Pakistan bundle Sri Lanka for a mere 197-run total on the first day of the opening Test here on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old, playing in only his second Test, ended with 5-38 and was ably supported by pace partner Umar Gul (2-37) and off-spinner ...

Dilshan wants support for Herath against Pakistan

2011-10-17T11:30:32Z

Sri Lankan skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan wants his bowlers to help the prolific left-armer Rangana Herath tame Pakistan in the first Test starting on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka have struggled in bowling in Tests since the retirement of spin wizard

Sri Lanka look for cricket revival against Pakistan

2011-10-13T13:30:14Z

Sri Lanka hope to end their Test drought when they face Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates later this month, the team's captain Tillakaratne Dilshan said Thursday.

Sri Lanka have not won a Test in their last 11 outings, since beating

Warning for Sri Lanka over 'poor' wicket

2011-10-07T10:30:39Z

Sri Lanka were let off with a warning on Friday for the poor pitch during Australia's Test in Galle last month and were ordered to rectify it before England tour in March.

The International Cricket Council<...

Pakistan appoint chief selector as coach

2011-10-03T14:30:23Z

Pakistan appointed on Monday chief selector Mohsin Khan as interim coach for this month's Test and limited-over series against Sri Lanka, a day after he unveiled the Test squad.

The 56-year-old will replace Waqar Younis, who left the post on medical grounds after P...

Pakistan shortlists five cricket coaches

2011-09-29T14:30:25Z

Pakistan have shortlisted five candidates to replace coach Waqar Younis after the deadline expired to apply for one of the toughest jobs in cricket, an official said on Thursday.

Waqar resigned on medical grounds earlier this month, leaving Pakistan, gripped by Taliban and Ravi Bopara is confident his medium-pace bowling will be a potent weapon in next year's Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

The Essex all-rounder took an England best-ever 4-10 in the first Twenty20 international against the West Indies at the Oval on Friday and ...

Record-breaking Bopara eyes World Twenty20

2011-09-23T18:30:15Z

Ravi Bopara is confident his medium-pace bowling will be a potent weapon in next year's Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

The Essex all-rounder took an England best-ever 4-10 in the first Twenty20 international against the West Indies at the Oval o...

S. Lanka axe Samaraweera for Pakistan Tests

2011-09-21T08:30:24Z

Sri Lanka on Wednesday left out seasoned batsman Thilan Samaraweera and unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis for next month's Test series against Pakistan.

Samaraweera, who turns 35 on Thursday, has been one of Sri Lanka's most reliable batsmen in recent years wi...

Clarke shines as Aussies win S. Lanka Test series

2011-09-20T10:30:15Z

Australia clinched the Test series against Sri Lanka 1-0 Tuesday after resurgent skipper Michael Clarke led from the front to snatch a draw for the tourists in the finely poised third and final game.

For Clarke it was a victorious first Test tour as captain, the series win coming after the 125-run defeat of the hosts in the ...

S. Lanka press for Test match win against Aussies

2011-09-19T11:30:42Z

Sri Lanka kept their hopes alive of securing a series-levelling win over Australia in the final Test in Colombo on Monday, despite an unbeaten century from opener Phil Hughes.

Left-arm spinner Rangana Her...

Sri Lanka press for win despite Hughes ton

2011-09-19T11:30:33Z

Sri Lanka kept their hopes alive of securing a series-levelling win over Australia in the final Test in Colombo on Monday, despite an unbeaten century from opener Phil Hughes.

Left-arm spinner Rangana Her...

Dilshan stars as Sri Lanka lead Aussies in Test

2011-09-18T11:30:12Z

Skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan inspired Sri Lanka's tenacious batting display as the hosts took charge of the third cricket Test against Australia in Colombo on Sunday.

Sri Lanka, seeking a series-levelling win, closed the third day's play at the Sinhalese Sports Club o...

Sri Lanka reply strongly to Australia's 316

2011-09-17T11:30:08Z

Kumar Sangakkara hit an unbeaten 61 in his 100th Test as Sri Lanka responded bravely to Australia's 316 in the third and final game of the series in Colombo on Saturday.

Sri Lanka, seeking a series-levelling win, closed the second day at 166-2 in their first innings after a b...

Ton-up Hussey leads Aussies to 316 in Colombo

2011-09-17T04:30:16Z

Michael Hussey continued his prolific form on Australia's Sri Lanka tour with another century to lift the visitors to a first innings total of 316 in the third and final Test.

Australia, who resumed their first innings at their overnight score of 235-5, on Saturday suffered a lower order collapse to be bowled out 10 minutes ...

England contracts for Bresnan, Tremlett, Morgan

2011-09-13T13:30:24Z

Tim Bresnan, Chris Tremlett and Eoin Morgan were rewarded with central contracts by England cricket chiefs on Tuesday after playing key roles in recent series wins over Australia, India ...

Sri Lanka, Australia draw rain-hit second Test

2011-09-12T08:30:17Z

Resolute Sri Lankan batting and bad weather frustrated Australia's bid for a series-clinching win as the second Test ended in a draw in Pallekele on Monday.

Just 35.3 overs were bowled on the final day, in which Sri Lanka moved from their overnight score of 223-2 to 317-6 in the second innings, an overall lead of 80 with four wickets ...

S. Lanka fight for survival in second Aussie Test

2011-09-11T09:30:21Z

Sri Lanka put on a determined batting display on Sunday to improve their chances of forcing a draw in the second cricket Test against Australia.

Sri Lanka, who were shot out for 174 in the first innings, moved to 223-2 in their second knock before bad light ended play an hour early on the fourth day at the Pallekele International St...

Rain halts Aussies after Marsh, Hussey tons

2011-09-10T09:30:17Z

Michael Hussey hit a 14th Test century and debutant Shaun Marsh his maiden ton before rain halted Australia's progress in the second Test against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

The two left-handers put on 258 for the fourth wicket as the tourists moved to 411-7 in their first inn...

Marsh, Hussey hit tons as Aussies consolidate

2011-09-10T04:30:17Z

Michael Hussey hit a 14th Test century and debutant Shaun Marsh his first as Australia flayed Sri Lanka in the second cricket Test in Pallekele.

The West Australian team-mates on Saturday put on 258 for the fourth wicket a...

Australia dominates Sri Lanka cricket Test

2011-09-09T09:30:31Z

Shaun Marsh was 13 runs away from a century on his debut and Mike Hussey hit an unbeaten 76 as Australia piled on Sri Lanka's misery in the second Test in Pallekele on Friday.

The West Australian pair put on 148 for the unbroken fourth wicket as the tourists moved to a commanding 2...

Marsh, Hussey put Australia on top

2011-09-09T09:30:29Z

Shaun Marsh was 13 runs away from a century on his debut and Mike Hussey hit an unbeaten 76 as Australia piled on Sri Lanka's misery in the second Test in Pallekele on Friday.

The West Australian pair put on 148 for the unbroken fourth wicket as the tourists moved to a commanding 2...

Dominant Australian bowlers skittle out Sri Lanka

2011-09-08T10:30:26Z

Australia took early charge of the second Test against Sri Lanka after bowling out the home side for a hugely disappointing 174 soon after tea on the opening day in Pallekele on Thursday.

Fast bowler Ryan Harris led the way with three wickets and Trent Copeland

'Good Test wicket' awaits Aussies, S. Lanka

2011-09-07T07:30:32Z

Australia and Sri Lanka clash in the second cricket Test in Pallekele from Thursday, relieved they will not be playing on a dustbowl like the one in Galle.

The controversial dry wicket in the first Test last week was described as "poor" by match referee Sri Lanka were Sunday searching for solutions to their batting woes after Australia hammered them by 125 runs in the first cricket Test in Galle.

The hosts lost on a dusty wicket, apparently tailor-made for their spinners, on Saturday after being shot out for 105 in the first innings in reply to Australia's 273.

Sri Lanka managed 253 in...

Harris stars as Aussies win Test against S. Lanka

2011-09-03T13:30:21Z

Fast bowler Ryan Harris claimed five wickets as Australia beat a valiant Sri Lanka by 125 runs in the first Test on Saturday to take the lead in the three-match series.

Sri Lanka, who resumed the fourth day at 120-5 chasing an improbable victory target of 379, were dismissed for 253 in their second innings midway through the after...

Sri Lanka face defeat in first Test v Australia

2011-09-02T11:30:22Z

Australia closed in on a convincing victory in the first Test in Galle on Friday after Sri Lanka's top order was ripped apart for a second time.

Sri Lanka, set an improbable target of 379 to win on a crumbling wicket, were tottering at 120-5 at the close of the third day's play at the Nathan Lyon took a stunning 5-34, including a wicket with his first ball, as Sri Lanka's batsmen capitulated in the dramatic first Test in Galle on Wednesday.

Sixteen wickets fell on the dusty, deteriorating track during an eventful second day's play which ended with the tourists enjoying a commanding lead o...

Hussey revives Aussies in first Test

2011-08-31T12:30:30Z

Michael Hussey rescued Australia with a battling 95 after Sri Lanka stung the tourists with pace and spin in the first cricket Test on Wednesday.

The crafty left-hander narrowly missed his 14th century as Australia, caught on a difficult dusty wicket, recovered from a shaky 157-5 at tea to 273 all out by stumps on the openin...

Hussey revives Aussies in S. Lanka cricket Test

2011-08-31T11:30:31Z

Michael Hussey rescued Australia with a battling 95 after Sri Lanka stung the tourists with pace and spin in the first cricket Test on Wednesday.

The crafty left-hander narrowly missed his 14th century as Australia, caught on a difficult dusty wicket, recovered from a shaky 157-5 at tea to 273 all out by stumps on the openin...

Australia bat against Sri Lanka in first Test

2011-08-31T03:30:10Z

Australian captain Michael Clarke won the toss and elected to bat in the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday.

The start was delayed by an hour due to overnight rains, but adequate covering of the entire ground ensured the wicket and the outfield remained dry.

Australia and Sri Lanka are searching for the right combination to tackle a bone-dry wicket as they prepare for Wednesday's first cricket Test in Galle.

Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan and his Australian counterpart

Khawaja boosts Australia with ton

2011-08-26T10:30:25Z

Usman Khawaja hit an impressive century ahead of a three-Test series against Sri Lanka as Australia gained the upper hand in a warm-up match on Friday.

The Pakistan-born batsman made 101 before retiring as the tourists reached 311-5 in their first innings in reply to...

Aussie paceman Copeland stakes Test claim

2011-08-25T11:30:20Z

Australian fast bowler Trent Copeland boosted his hopes of making his Test debut in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka with a five-wicket haul in a practice match on Thursday.

Copeland, 25, finished with 5-47 off 20 overs as the tourists bowled out a Sri Lanka Board XI for 258 in the first innings on the opening day of the three-day game in

Australia gear for spin test in Sri Lanka

2011-08-23T06:30:15Z

Australia captain Michael Clarke believes fending off the challenge posed by Sri Lanka's spinners will be the key to winning the three-Test series starting next week.

The series, which opens at a traditionally spin-friendly venue in Galle on August 31, will be Clarke's f...

Malinga sets hat-trick record as Sri Lanka win

2011-08-22T16:30:15Z

Fast bowler Lasith Malinga took a record third hat-trick as Sri Lanka secured a consolation four-wicket victory over Australia in the fifth and final one-day international on Monday.

Malinga removed Mitchell Johnson, John Hastings and <...

Sri Lanka put Australia in to bat

2011-08-22T06:30:18Z

Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan elected to field after winning the toss against Australia in the fifth and final one-day international on Monday.

Australia, who have already gained an unbeatable 3-1 lead, have brought in pacemen John Hastings and Doherty and Brett Lee took four wickets apiece as Australia defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in the fourth one-dayer on Saturday to gain an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

Left-arm spinner Doherty, who was named man of the match, finished with...

Sri Lanka's Dilshan to remain captain

2011-08-18T06:30:25Z

Tillakaratne Dilshan was confirmed on Thursday as Sri Lanka's captain in all forms of the game for the rest of the year, the cricket board said in a statement.

Dilshan, 34, had been appointed skipper on a series-to-series basis after Kumar Sangakkara stepped down following Sri Lanka's d...

Aussie captain looks for better show in S. Lanka

2011-08-17T09:30:28Z

Australia captain Michael Clarke has urged his team to raise their game in the remaining two one-day internationals against Sri Lanka to clinch the five-match series.

Australia were let down by the batsmen during the third one-dayer on Tuesday as they suffered a 78-run defeat, their first in six matches under Clarke who repl...

Tharanga, Malinga shape Sri Lanka's vital win

2011-08-16T15:30:49Z

Upul Tharanga hit a century and paceman Lasith Malinga grabbed five wickets as Sri Lanka posted a crucial 78-run win over Australia in the third one-day international on Tuesday.

Left-handed opener Tharanga made 111 for his 12th one-day hundred as Sri Lanka scored 286...

Sangakkara calls for improved S. Lanka

2011-08-15T07:30:19Z

Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara urged teammates to lift their game ahead of a must-win match on Tuesday in the one-day series against the visiting Australians.

"Another batting failure and we are now left with lots to do to keep the series alive," former captain Sangakkara wrote on his blog on Monday, after Australia pulled off an easy eight-wicket vict...

Ponting powers Australia to victory

2011-08-14T14:30:07Z

Ricky Ponting cracked an impressive 90 not out to steer Australia to an easy eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second one-day international on Sunday.

Ponting hit one six and eight fours in his 106-ball knock and skipper Michael Clarke made an un...

Fast man Johnson relishes slow conditions

2011-08-11T06:30:17Z

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson said he relished the slow wicket on which he set up Australia's victory in the first one-day international against Sri Lanka.

The left-arm paceman finished with a career-best 6-31 in his 100th one-dayer as Australia restricted Sri Lanka to 191 before racing to a seven-wicket win on...

Johnson, Watson fire Australia to victory

2011-08-10T14:30:35Z

Mitchell Johnson grabbed a career-best 6-31 and Shane Watson smashed a brisk 69 to guide Australia to a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first one-dayer on Wednesday.

Opener Watson cracked six sixes and five fours in his 51-ball knock as Australia...

Mendis makes T20 history in Sri Lanka win

2011-08-08T15:30:19Z

Ajantha Mendis became the first bowler to bag six wickets in a Twenty20 international as Sri Lanka clinched the series 2-0 against Australia with an eight-run win in the second match Monday.

The unorthodox spinner finished with 6-16 off four overs as Australia lost their way after an explosive start provided by

Dilshan hits ton in Sri Lanka victory

2011-08-06T15:30:11Z

Tillakaratne Dilshan hammered a maiden Twenty20 century to set up Sri Lanka's 35-run victory over Australia in the opening match on Saturday.

The captain made a 57-ball 104 not out, smashing five sixes and 12 fours in a superb display of hard and clean hitting to help his team post a challenging 198-3 in the day-...

Taylor lays down England marker

2011-08-05T17:30:18Z

England Lions captain James Taylor maintained his bid for a place in next week's third Test squad against India after just falling short of a hundred in the drawn match with Sri Lanka A at Scarborough on Friday.

Taylor has been spoken of as a possible replacement for Jonath...

Australian captain Clarke excited by new blood

2011-08-04T04:30:25Z

Australian Test captain Michael Clarke said he was excited by the new blood in his squad to face Sri Lanka this month.

Four uncapped players have been included in the 15-strong line-up for the three-Test tour, including pacemen Trent Copeland and James Pattinson, spinner Nathan Lyon and batsman Shaun Marsh.

South Aus...

Cricket world champions India fall in one-day table

2011-08-01T09:30:15Z

India have dropped one place to third in the updated one-day rankings despite winning the World Cup earlier this year, cricket's governing body said on Monday.

The International Cricket Council's annual update, which reflects recent form, removed results from matches played before...

Rookie feel to Australia cricket squad for S. Lanka

2011-07-26T05:30:24Z

Australia on Tuesday included four uncapped players in its squad for the three-Test tour of Sri Lanka next month, while batsman Phil Hughes was anointed as Shane Watson's opening partner.

Offspinner Nathan ...

Rookie feel to Australia Test squad for S. Lanka

2011-07-25T20:30:11Z

Australia on Tuesday included four uncapped players in its squad for the three-Test tour of Sri Lanka next month, while batsman Phil Hughes was anointed as Shane Watson's opening partner.

Offspinner Nathan ...

Australia skipper Clarke to focus on Tests

2011-07-22T03:30:17Z

Australia captain Michael Clarke said he will no longer take part in the inaugural season of the country's new Twenty20 Big Bash League and instead concentrate on playing Tests.

"With the greatest respect to everybody involved in the T20 Big Bash League, I will not be committing for...

Slipping Aussies must change ways: Haddin

2011-07-22T03:30:16Z

Australia will have to change their ways if they are to avoid a third straight Test series defeat in Sri Lanka next month, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin said.

Australia's chances of qualifying for the ICC's inaugural World Test Championship will dwindle further if they lose to the Sri Lankans.

Ranked fifth in the world, eight poi...

Sri Lankan T20 struggles on opening day

2011-07-21T10:30:35Z

Sri Lanka's inaugural Twenty20 premier league, which has been hit by a lack of big names, began Thursday in front of sparse crowds with the first game decided by a bowl-out due to overnight showers.

Spin wizard and local hero Muttiah Muralitharan starred in the second of the day's matches, which are between domestic first-class sides, but the event ...

Sri Lanka T20 crashes before take off

2011-07-21T04:30:13Z

Sri Lanka's first Twenty20 tournament, which promised initially to rival the hugely popular Indian Premier League (IPL), begins Thursday amid doubts about its interest even for domestic cricket fans.

The Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) was originally modelled on the Indian version and was seen as a way of bringing in profits for the cash-strapped ...

Sri Lanka top stars to skip T20 league

2011-07-19T07:30:18Z

Sri Lanka's top stars will skip most of the matches in the country's inaugural premier league Twenty20, dealing another blow to the struggling event, an official said Tuesday.

Skipper Tilakaratne Dilshan, former captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, all-rounder

Sri Lanka Military

2010-12-18T02:33:19Z

Sri Lankan army soldiers from the Armored Corp participate in a parade during their annual regiment day in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010. Last year, Sri Lankan government forces ended a 25-year civil war, routing the Tamil rebels who were fighting for a separate homeland on the In...

Sri Lanka Human Rights Day

2010-12-13T04:30:40Z

A Sri Lankan ethnic Tamil woman cries as she holds a photograph of her son who disappeared in the final stage of the country's decades-long civil war, during a protest to mark International Human Rights Day in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Dec. 10, 2010. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Sri Lanka Markets

2010-09-21T14:25:56Z

A Sri Lankan woman walks past a trading index board at the Colombo Stock Exchange in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Monday, Sept. 20, 2010. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

...

Sri Lanka Blast

2010-09-21T11:54:40Z

A Sri Lankan police officers inspects the site of an explosion at a police station in Karadiyanaru, a small town in the former conflict zone in eastern Sri Lanka, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010. Three containers filled with explosives meant for road construction detonated Friday outside a police station in eastern Sri Lanka, killing more than 20 people, most of them police officers, in a blast government officials called an accident. (AP Photo/Chamila ...

APTOPIX Sri Lanka Blast

2010-09-21T11:54:39Z

Relatives weep near the body of a police officer killed in an explosion, in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010. Three containers filled with explosives meant for road construction detonated Friday outside a police station in eastern Sri Lanka, killing more than 20 people, most of them police officers, in a blast government officials called an accident. (AP Photo/Chamila Karunarathne...