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Thirimanne, who only arrived in Australia this week to cover for the injured Kumar Sangakkara, threw away a chance of a first Test hundred.
Jayawardene scored his first away Test half-century in more than three years but was caught at slip on 72.
The tourists, demoralised after last week’s innings and 201-run defeat in Melbourne to lose the series, showed greater resolve in the dead-rubber final Test as they chased their first ever Test win Down Under at the 13th attempt. They were all out shortly before stumps on the opening day with paceman Jackson Bird taking four for 41 off 19.4 overs and recalled Mitchell Starc getting three wickets.
Thirimanne, who had just one nets session as preparation, reached his highest Test score after he was given out leg before wicket to Bird on his first ball before the dismissal was overturned on review.
Thirimanne also had a life on 65 when put down by wicketkeeper Matthew Wade off spinner Nathan Lyon, but with a century in sight off 151 balls, he tossed away his wicket on 91. His flashing miscue off Lyon was brilliantly caught by David Warner diving full length at cover point.
Thirimanne trudged from the wicket shaking his head as he watched his dismissal on the large screen.
“I am really disappointed because this was a great opportunity for me after a long break from Test cricket, but I feel I batted really well so at the end of the day I am really happy with my performance,” Thirimanne said. — AFP.
Online Reporter