Australia’s Starc finishes off Sri Lankans

Australia claimed six last-session wickets to end Sri Lanka’s stubborn resistance and seal victory in the First Test in Hobart.

Mitchell Starc polished off the tail to finish the innings with five wickets as the hosts clinched a 137-run win by bowling out their opponents for 255.

Sri Lanka, set a victory target of 393, had looked like rescuing an unlikely draw when they reached tea on 186 for four but, despite having to bowl for almost 120 overs, Australia completed the job just in time. Starc finished with five for 63 and Peter Siddle (above) with four for 50 to be named man of the match.

Siddle, with nine wickets in the match, was at the centre of a row after being pictured apparently picking at the seam of the ball in Sri Lanka’s first innings.

Sri Lanka manager Charith Senanayake unofficially expressed his concerns to match referee Chris Broad but no evidence of ball-tampering was found and no charges will be laid.

Broad, father of England all-rounder Stuart, said: “The umpires frequently inspect the ball during play, and did so again after they had reviewed the footage on Sunday.