Pat Cummins took 6-23 as Australia bowled out Sri Lanka for 139 to win the first Test in Brisbane by an innings and 40 runs inside three days.
Sri Lanka resumed on 17 for one, trailing by 162 runs, and captain Dinesh Chandimal fell to the eighth ball of the day to become Cummins’ second victim and quickly set the tone.
Cummins added the scalps of Kusal Mendis, Roshen Silva and top-scorer Lahiru Thirimanne (32) for a five-wicket haul.
Dhananjaya De Silva and Niroshan Dickwella both fell to Test debutant Jhye Richardson (two for 19) and Cummins removed Dilruwan Perera to finish with match figures of 10 for 62.
Suranga Lakmal hit 24 but when he was stumped off Nathan Lyon, and with Lahiru Kumara absent hurt, the game was over.
Vice-captain Cummins said: “The pitch helped a lot, it was a beautiful Test wicket, and just the discipline our unit showed – I think it’s the best we’ve bowled all summer.”
“If Pat bowls like he bowled in this Test match against anyone he’s going to take wickets,” Australian captain Tim Paine said.
“I thought he was just relentless with his line and length. I thought he and Jhye in particular – their discipline, their ability to just keep hitting the spot and wearing them down was outstanding.”
