Siddle, Starc strike to spark dramatic Australia win against Sri Lanka

With the rain staying away, Siddle then removed the last of the Sri Lankan top order with a sizzling delivery which trapped Thilan Samaraweera lbw, one run short of the batsman's half century.

Samaraweera almost reluctantly appealed to the television umpire but it was a wasted appeal and removed another weapon from the tourist's armoury as they sought to bat out the day.

With Sri Lanka reduced to 218-6, Siddle took a rest but left-arm quick Starc picked up the baton and had soon removed Prasanna Jayawardene for 21.

A fullish inswinger nearly took the wickekeeper's hand off and the ball flew off his glove to Mike Hussey at second slip to leave just three tailend wickets standing with around 90 minutes of play remaining.

Another peach of a delivery from Starc sent Nuwan Kulasekara back to the pavilion for nine and a perfectly delivered yorker soon afterwards removed Rangana Herath for eight.

With Siddle now bowling from the other end, it was a straight fight between the two for who would take the five wicket haul and win the match for Australia.

Starc took the honours when he had Shaminda Eranga caught behind for six, sparking huge celebrations among his team mates and the disappointingly small crowd of some 2,000.

Siddle was named Man of the Match but was also at the centre of a ball tampering row after a picture of the bowler apparently picking at the seam in Sri Lanka's first innings circulated on social media.

The ICC said match referee Chris Broad had received no official complaints but Sri Lankan team manager Charith Senanayake confirmed he had unofficially expressed his concerns to the former England batsman.

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