Debutant Nathan Lyon takes five wickets for Australia
Last updated on .From the section Cricket
| First Test, Galle (day two of five): |
| Sri Lanka 105 v Australia 273 & 115-6 |
| Match scorecard |
Australian debutant Nathan Lyon said taking five wickets in the first Test against Sri Lanka on Thursday was like 'living a dream'.
Lyon's five-wicket haul, including a wicket with his first ball, helped Australia bowl Sri Lanka out for 105.
"To take five wickets on debut is something pretty special," the 23-year-old off-spinner said after his 5-34.
"It's been the best couple of days of my life. I will hold it really close to my heart."
Sixteen wickets fell during the eventful second day's play and the 23-year-old never looked back after removing Kumar Sangakkara with his first delivery in Test cricket - the first Australian in 117 years to achieve the feat.
Brought on after the morning drinks break, his first ball was edged by Sangakkara towards the slips where Michael Clarke dived to his left to take a low catch.
Lyon, who served on the Adelaide Oval groundstaff until a year ago, then ran through the tail to justify his selection for the tour.
He is only the 14th bowler in history to take a wicket with his first ball in Test cricket, and the second Australian since Arthur Coningham did it against England in 1894.
Lyon said he was surprised when Sangakkara edged the ball.
"I would not say it was the perfect ball," he said. "I thought it was a bit wide, but I was quite happy with it in the end.
"I could not breathe in the middle. I was just full of so much excitement. The biggest highlight was just walking into the field as part of the Australian team."
Lyon said he hoped for similar surfaces in the remaining two Tests in Pallekele and Colombo.
Australia closed on 115-6, a lead of 283 as they look to gain the early advantage in the three-match series.
