Kasprowicz the surprise hero in Darwin victory

Michael Kasprowicz bowled Australia to a thumping 149-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test with two days to spare at Marrara Oval here today.

The big-hearted first-change bowler upstaged his more illustrious bowling teammates to take 7-39 as Sri Lanka were skittled for 162 chasing an improbable 312 runs over three days for victory. Kasprowicz captured his third five-wicket haul in his 21st Test match with the Sri Lankans never having a chance after losing their top three batsmen for 30 runs inside 17 overs.

Glenn McGrath was named man-of-the-match for his 5-37 off 15 overs to help rout Sri Lanka for 97 in their first innings and hand Australia a decisive 110-run innings lead.

Brief scores

Australia: 207 and 201 vs Sri Lanka 97 and 162 (M Jayawardene 44, T Samaraweera 32; M Kasprowicz 7/39, G McGrath 2/24)