Clarke blames top order
17 August, 2011
Sportal
Australian captain Michael Clarke highlighted a failure to perform at the top of the order for the 78-run loss to Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
Australia could not capitalise on their opening two victories in the five-match series, with batsman unable to handle the bowling of lively paceman Lasith Malinga (5-28).
Sri Lanka compiled 286 batting first at Hambantota, on the back of Upul Tharanga's sublime opening knock of 111. Australia managed just 208 in reply before they were dismissed.
"We didn't perform well enough at the top of the order," Clarke said after the result.
"We have no excuses. We didn't perform as well as we would like and we know that."
"We have some work to do over the next few days because, as I said from the start, playing Sri Lanka, especially in their home conditions, you have to be at your best to beat them."
Clarke managed 46 while Michael Hussey top-scored with 63 to offer some resistance, but Malinga's devastating pace and length deliveries proved the difference.
Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan was also full of praise for his leading bowler, who has just returned from a back injury.
"The first 10 overs were crucial, and we did well to see them off," Dilshan said. "All the batsmen that followed did well."
"We believed 260 was good to defend, and we proved it. (Shaminda) Eranga bowled really well, and Malinga was good as usual."
The series now moves to the capital Colombo, where the fourth match takes place on Saturday.