Performance of the Day - Kumar Sangakkara

14 Test wins in a row for the Australians (with just one draw since The Oval 2005 as a blemish on Punter's record) and a series won with the loss of a mere 11 wickets. Couldn't be better Down Under then?

Well maybe. But Australia don't often concede over 400 runs in the fourth innings (who does?) with Stuart MacGill in particular offering neither wickets nor control consistently. Nor do Australia often need the assistance of two poor umpiring decisions: Dilhara Fernando sent on his way by Aleem Dar without referral when Brett Lee broke the stumps with his left hand, the ball nestling in his right and Sangakkara triggered by another Koertzen special, "caught" having missed the ball comfortably. (Both men later acknowledged the gaffe and stand taller as a result).

Performance of the Day goes to the unlucky Kumar Sangakkara (right, rightfully rueful) for a beautifully constructed 192 that lays to rest any doubts about his class against quality bowling away from the sub-continent. While Muralitharan and Jayasuriya will retire having failed to convince against the world's best, that charge can never be levelled at this most stylish of cricketers on and off the field. With a Test average over 55 (mostly scored whilst designated as a 'keeper-batsman) and a big score in Australia, his position as a batting great is already secure at 30 years of age, with power to add.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]