At Brisbane, November 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 2007. Australia won by an innings and 40
runs. Toss: Sri Lanka. Test debut: M. G. Johnson.
Mahela Jayawardene's ill-judged decision to put Australia in, which ultimately
brought a crushing defeat, was not widely analysed, because of an intellectual-property
dispute between Cricket Australia and news organisations, which led to a lockout of
many media representatives on the first day before a deal was brokered. They were
not the only absentees: umpires Steve Bucknor then Aleem Dar encountered visa
problems, and were replaced late on by Tony Hill from New Zealand.
While Ponting was relieved he did not have to make the call at the toss, given the
damp conditions and bleak weather forecast, Jayawardene's decision was as stunning
as the decision to make Malinga, his fastest bowler, twelfth man. Memories immediately
turned to the Ashes Test, five years earlier to the week, when Nasser Hussain made a
similar blunder and paid equally dearly. This time the Australians exceeded 500 for
the loss of only four wickets, and consigned the Sri Lankans to almost two full days
of misery, punctuated only by breaks for rain and bad light.
A wet ball throughout the first day increased the degree of difficulty for an attack
which, with the exception of Muralitharan, was as predictable as it was pedestrian. By
stumps the extent of the challenge was painfully clear to Jayawardene. After a nervous
start - his first run came from his 34th ball - Jaques, in his first Test for 19 months, made the most of his opportunity with a solid maiden century. While many favoured
his inclusion to replace the retired Justin Langer, the West Australian Chris Rogers
also had his supporters, and Jaques revealed an impressive toughness of resolve to
make the most of his chance. He batted for 17 minutes shy of five hours for his even
100. Such was his excitement at realising an ambition cherished since childhood that
before adding to his score he recklessly left his crease against Muralitharan and was
promptly stumped by the neat and able Prasanna Jayawardene.
Jaques's departure cleared the way for a thrilling partnership of 245 between Hussey
and Clarke. The most joyful of batsmen, they were in irresistible touch. He may be
uneasy about the sobriquet "Mr Cricket", but Hussey continued to play to his startling
Test average of around 80, and was at the crease for 354 minutes. And unfazed at
being anointed by both Ponting and former coach John Buchanan as the next Australian
captain, Clarke played with the new maturity demanded by his mentors, and batted for
367 minutes.
Clarke, indeed, lasted seven minutes longer than Sri Lanka managed in their entire
first innings. Sensing their demoralisation, Ponting enforced the follow-on for only the
second time. In the absence of the injured Sangakkara, only Atapattu in the first innings
and Vandort in the second managed half-centuries. Vandort eventually became MacGill's
200th wicket, in his 41st Test - only Clarrie Grimmett (36 matches), Dennis Lillee
and Waqar Younis (both 38) reached the landmark more quickly (Ian Botham also did
it in 41, but took only four years to MacGill's ten).
Buoyed by added responsibility, Lee spearheaded the Australian attack with considerable
aplomb, taking four wickets in each innings. He also thoughtfully mentored the
debutant left-armer Mitchell Johnson, who quickly found line and rhythm at a very
respectable pace. Johnson was preferred to Ben Hilfenhaus, who was summoned to
replace the injured Shaun Tait in the original squad.
Man of the Match: B. Lee. Attendance: 55,947.
Close of play: First day, Australia 242-3 (Hussey 28, Clarke 5); Second day, Sri Lanka 31-2
(Atapattu 19, D. P. M. D. Jayawardene 5); Third day, Sri Lanka 80-2 (Vandort 15, D. P. M. D.
Jayawardene 8); Fourth day, Sri Lanka 218-5 (Silva 5, H. A. P. W. Jayawardene 0).