Australia’s woes continue with exit at the hands of Sri Lanka

Having lost to England and drawn their washed out game against New Zealand, Australia were already up against it before yesterday’s day-night clash against their Group A rivals.

Only a comprehensive win would have seen the Australians through, but Sri Lanka posted a score of 253 after an excellent batting performance from Mahela Jayawardene, who passed 11,000 ODI runs with an unbeaten 84.

New Zealand’s far superior run-rate meant Australia had to reach their target in 29.1 overs to progress.

Despite swashbuckling innings from Adam Voges (49) and Glenn Maxwell (32), Australia, again with captain Michael Clarke missing, failed to score the required eight runs an over and they were eventually dismissed for 233 despite a 41-run last-wicket stand between Xavier Doherty and Clint McKay.

The result means Australia, beset by off-the-field troubles following David Warner’s punch on Yorkshire’s Joe Root, exit the Champions Trophy without a competitive win in England ahead of the Ashes.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, progress at the expense of Clarke’s side and New Zealand to set up a semi-final against India in Cardiff while England will face South Africa at The Oval tomorrow after topping Group A.

Meanwhile, Australia’s chairman of selectors, John Inverarity, has hinted that Pakistan-born spinner Fawad Ahmed is likely to be called up to this summer’s Ashes squad. Fawad claimed refuge in Australia three years ago after he fled his native Pakistan because he claimed he was being persecuted by the Taliban.

The 31-year-old leg spinner has since gone on to forge a successful career in domestic Australian cricket.

Fawad has enjoyed so much success that he has been touted as the answer to Australia’s long-standing problem of finding a replacement for the retired great Shane Warne. Am amendment to the Citizenship Act last week meant that Fawad will be allowed to fast-track his passport application in time for the Ashes and Inverarity has hinted that the spinner is on course to receive a call-up.

“It is likely that his passport will be through in time for him to be considered for the squad,” Inverarity told Test Match Special. “Then he will be considered for selection.”