SL vs AUS: We Missed Our Chances - Pat Cummins On Wasting DRS In The Second Test

Australia Test skipper Pat Cummins on Monday rued missed opportunities after Sri Lanka defeated them in the second Test by an innings and 39 runs to square the series 1-1 at the Galle International Stadium.

After winning the series opener by 10 wickets in just three days, Australia wanted to obtrude its supremacy in the subcontinent following their 1-0 victory in Pakistan in March. Centuries from Steve Smith (145*) and Marnus Labuschagne (104) propelled the visitors to 364 in the first innings.

It took an immense assault by veteran Dinesh Chandimal (206*) to take Sri Lanka to 554 with a lead of 190 in the first innings. Australia gloveman Alex Carey missed a couple of chances of stumping and the team wasted all three reviews before Chandimal’s carnage. When the Sri Lankan batter edged Carey behind the wickets on 30, the former was adjudged not out and unfortunately, Australia were short of DRS.

We didn’t grab our chances: Pat Cummins

Australia were bowled out for 151 with Sri Lanka’s debut spinner Prabath Jayasuriya claiming 6/59 in the second innings taking his match tally to 12 scalps.

“We had plenty of chances over the last couple of days and didn’t quite grab them. Unfortunately, Sri Lanka were too good,” Cummins said after their loss.

“We probably got ourselves in a position where 400-plus in the first innings was achievable and we didn’t have someone to go with Smithy down the other end,” he added. 

These are the tours where you learn heaps: Pat Cummins

Australia are due to tour India early next year with the dates yet to be confirmed. It would be a daunting challenge for the No.1 ranked Test side to defeat one of the great teams in their own backyard.

After suffering their first loss in the current World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle, Cummins said the team had its learnings but will be contented with their performance.

“These are the tours where you learn heaps. We learned heaps during our win last week, unfortunately, it’s through a loss this time,” Cummins said.

“I thought a lot of the guys, either on their first tour here or others who were coming back, everyone found a method that worked – unfortunately it didn’t work out today. As a batting and bowling group, I think we can go home pretty pleased,” he added. 

Australia have a month-long break before they host Zimbabwe for three ODI matches in late August followed by the same number of ODIs against New Zealand in early September.

Also Read: Updated ICC World Test Championship Points Table After Sri Lanka vs Australia 2nd Test