They’ve been playing Test cricket since 1981, but when it comes to red-ball contests against Australia, Sri Lanka have predominantly found themselves on the receiving end.
Test matches between these two nations have historically seen Australia bludgeoning Sri Lanka into oblivion, even when Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakkara and Aravinda De Silva were at the peak of their powers.
Especially in Australia, Sri Lanka are yet to win a match against them despite having been a Test cricket nation for over 40 years.
These repeated thrashings were dispersed with sporadic success in the 80s and 90s, however the turn of the century saw Sri Lanka somewhat come to terms with playing Australia in Test cricket.
Red-ball cricket between these two teams suddenly became more competitive and has produced some memorable matches that are certainly worth an honourable mention. Here are my top five best Test matches between Australia and Sri Lanka.
3. September 1999 – 1st Test Match - Colombo – Sri Lanka win by six wickets
An elusive maiden Test match victory against Australia would have to wait another seven years for Sri Lanka, but when it finally came, it was an act of utter domination by the home team in a low-scoring affair that was completed in just over two and half days.
Australia failed to capitalise on securing a sizeable first innings total, despite winning the toss and electing to bat, being bundled out for just 188.
Except for Ponting’s excellent 96 and a determined 41 from Jason Gillespie, the visitors were subject to an aggressive bowling display from the Sri Lankans. Spin king Muttiah Muralitharan bagging four wickets and Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Zoysa also taking three apiece.
In reply Sri Lanka didn’t fare much better in their first innings, although they secured a slender lead of just 46 runs with Aravinda De Silva top-scoring with 78. Although Warne collected a five-for, it would be one of those rare occasions where he could not spin the Aussies to victory.
Australia’s second innings almost mirrored their dismal performance in the first, with Ricky Ponting once again top-scoring with 51 whilst the rest of his side collapsed again for just 140. The visitors also effectively played with nine men as Jason Gillespie and captain Steve Waugh were ruled out of the game because the two had suffered a sickening head-on collision whilst attempting a catch in Sri Lanka’s second innings.
Both had to be taken to Colombo hospital as Waugh had suffered a broken nose whilst Gillespie required surgery on his shoulder. With such key players now marked as ‘absent hurt’ for the Australians, the home team had received yet another stroke of fortune to win the game.
A target of just 95 runs for victory was a walk in the park for Sri Lanka, although offspinner Colin Miller cheekily snared three quick wickets to provide a slimmer of hope for the Aussies. However veterans Aravinda De Silva and Arjuna Ranatunga batted watchfully to shut down any further carnage, ensuring a safe, comfortable and well-deserved maiden Test match victory for their country against Australia. Sri Lanka would not taste this success again for another 17 years.
