With this thumping victory, Lankan tigers not only improved their rankings emphatically, but also dethroned Aussies from their Number 1 spot in ICC Test rankings.
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Dilruwan Perera contributed with 2-71, his dismissal of David Warner – who was bowled around his legs without playing a shot – summing up Australia’s mental state to the hosts’ clever slow bowlers.
Smith, who scored 119 runs in the first innings, has retained the top spot and leads England’s Joe Root by 28 points.
Warner made 68 off 94 deliveries inclusive of six fours and a six as Australia lost wickets at regular intervals, eventually succumbing at 160.
As regards Sri Lanka, it has been a magnificent effort by Aneglo Mathews’ side.
Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc changed his bowling boots in between overs and several lengthy team discussions were held on the pitch, prompting Mathews to call his batsmen back in the pavilion.
The 30-year-old, mixing dogged defence and controlled aggression, put together a crucial 90-run partnership with first innings centurion Dinesh Chandimal to thwart the Australian attack.
Australia have not named a replacement in their 15-man squad, which was bolstered during the Tests by the addition of Travis Head.
Centuries from skipper Steven Smith and Shaun Marsh had given Australia hope of a big first innings lead on Monday but their departure saw the visitors lose their last seven wickets for 104 runs to be all out for 379 in response to Sri Lanka’s 355.
As Sri Lanka took a lap of honour around the Sinhalese Sports Club with the fans on their feet, Steve Simth’s Australia looked on wondering just what they are to do to register a Test win in Sri Lanka and the sub-continent.
“He had a groin strain, he couldn’t run, he couldn’t jump”.
“I don’t care whether they play for Australia or not – I’ve seen a little bit of a stumping this afternoon in Sri Lanka, I didn’t like it – sneaky, sneaky”. He was fantastic with one leg.
“The batsmen are having a nightmare facing him no matter how well they play spin”.
“We should be reasonably embarrassed by our performance in this series, and that’s okay”, he said.
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“I haven’t decided anything on Tests, we will go series by series”.
