Aussies desperate to remain top dogs

FEAR of losing their status as the world No.1 Test side will be motivation enough for Australia to avoid a series whitewash against Sri Lanka, says all-rounder Mitchell Marsh.

Victories by 106 runs and 229 runs respectively have given Sri Lanka an unassailable 2-0 lead ahead of tomorrow’s final Test in Colombo and opened the door for England or India to usurp Australia at the top of the ICC rankings.

Though favours from Pakistan and West Indies are likely to be required to see Steve Smith’s men retain their place at the summit, the Baggy Green know they need to at least fulfil their part of the bargain and defeat Sri Lanka.

“It would be very disappointing if we lost (the ranking),” said Marsh.

“We’ve got the opportunity to win this next Test match and that’s all we can do. It means a hell of a lot.

“It’s what we strive for. In the Test arena you don’t play for a premiership, you play to be No.1 in the world and that’s what we strive for every day.

“Any team that gets knocked off the perch as the No.1 Test team in the world, it would certainly hurt everyone.”

Sri Lanka trailed by 86 runs in the first Test after both teams had been at the crease, but Kusal Mendis returned to score a sublime 176 and swing momentum in the home team’s favour.

And, chasing 268, Australia’s tail was skittled as they lost their last six wickets for 22 runs. Mendis was at it again in the second Test, scoring 86 and forming a third-wicket partnership with Kusal Perera worth 108 runs.

The tourists’ tail again failed to wag, losing their final six wickets for 26 runs, leaving a victory target of 413 by the time they returned to the crease, and off-spinner Dilruwan Perera (6-70) put paid to any hopes of a miracle escape.