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Australia v Sri Lanka, 2nd Test, Hobart, 3rd day

A bat break, and some lucky breaks

Peter English in Hobart

November 18, 2007

Matthew Hayden provided Sri Lanka with another example of Aussie power © Getty Images

Raw power
During Matthew Hayden's biffing in the final session he stopped to exhibit another sort of muscular display, snapping off his bat handle with his hands. He knew there was a crack in it so he called for a replacement, but in case anyone didn't believe him he mangled it as he waited for the new one.

Eventful return
Kumar Sangakkara's comeback was welcomed by Sri Lanka and he experienced an action-packed return. A thick-edged four opened his account before another nick went towards Michael Hussey in the gully. Hussey dived and accepted a fine take, but there was doubt over whether the ball carried. Brett Lee seemed convinced, Hussey wasn't sure and the cordon was interested without being certain. The TV umpire contributed to the not-out decision, but it was not the end of the reprieves for Sangakkara, who was dropped by Adam Gilchrist on the way to a bright 57.

Slip-sliding away
Sri Lanka have spent much of the tour on their knees and it was where the captain Mahela Jayawardene ended after charging Stuart MacGill. As he swung heavily, he slipped on the pitch and was on the ground as the ball headed for the cover boundary.

Run, Stuart, run
MacGill has many talents but even he wouldn't trumpet the speed of his running. Like many legspinners, MacGill rarely reaches a sprint, so it was funny seeing him bustle back to his mark in the hope of getting another over before lunch. The extra effort was wasted.

Tag team
The substitute fielders were busy, with Andrew Symonds off the field with an ankle problem and a couple of the other Australian bowlers spending time in the dressing room. It would have been a chance for Ben Hilfenhaus to field in front of his home crowd, but he had left to prepare for Tasmania's Pura Cup match in Sydney. Rhett Lockyear and Tim Paine got to cover for him while Jehan Mubarak stepped in for Farveez Maharoof.

Peter English is the Australasian editor of Cricinfo

© Cricinfo