Starc leads Australia to 2-0 series win

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc picked up his second five-wicket haul in the match to lead Australia to a comprehensive 366 run victory in the second test against Sri Lanka and a 2-0 series win at Manuka Oval on Monday.

Chasing an improbable 516 for victory, the tourists were shot out for 149 by Australia, who won the opening Test in Brisbane by an innings and 40 runs. The series win against Sri Lanka was the first for Australia since they thrashed England 4-0 in the Ashes early last year.

"It's nice to get some reward.I have said all summer this group has been working really hard,"Australia captain Tim Paine said after the win." I think we are starting to build towards something so it's great to get some reward for the work we have been putting in.It does not matter what the wicket is like or who you are playing against".

Left-arm quick Starc bowled with the same aggression and pace that earned him a five-wicket haul in the first innings to finish with 5-46 and only his second match haul of 10 wickets. Starc's only other 10-wicket haul in a match was also against Sri Lanka when he took 11-94 in a test in Galle.

Man of the Match Starc began the day adding the wickets of opener Dimuth Karunaratne and Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal to his tally. Australian batsman Usman Khawaja said"It is an awesome feeling to win the series.

I really enjoyed getting the hundred. I wanted to contribute more to the team. So, it was nice to get a hundred yesterday. Travis, Burns, and KP were brilliant for us in the first innings. This summer was bit up and down but that is cricket and that is the sport. Hopefully, guys will keep playing well".

Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal praised the brand of cricket Australia in this whole Warne-Muralitharan series. Pat Cummins was awarded the Man of the Series for his outstanding bowling in this 2 match series.