Australia v Sri Lanka

Australia brought an end to their seven-match losing streak as they thrashed Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the third ODI at Brisbane.

Having already lost the three-match series, Australia headed into the encounter determined to get back to winning ways and did so in some style as their bowlers set up a comprehensive victory.

They dismissed Sri Lanka for just 115 in 32 overs, Clint McKay starring with the ball as he claimed career-best figures of 5-33, while young left-armer Mitchell Starc, in just his second game, finished with 4-27.

Australia's batsmen then picked off the total in 21.4 overs, Michael Clarke answering the recent criticism levelled at him with an unbeaten 50.

It meant the Australians, who were without rested skipper Ricky Ponting, avoided the indignity of recording the longest losing sequence in their 133-year history in international cricket.

Having not won in any format since the first Test victory over Pakistan at Lord's in July, Clarke's side headed into the encounter desperate to turn their fortunes around in what was their last competitive fixture before the Ashes opener on November 25.

Devastating spell

Having won the toss and inserted their opponents, they were soon in charge as McKay quickly reduced Sri Lanka to 14-3 in a devastating new-ball spell.

McKay could even afford to have Upul Tharanga dropped from his second ball, Steven Smith spilling a tough chance at gully, before he removed Tillakaratne Dilshan (one) and in-form skipper Kumar Sangakkara (duck) in his next over.

McKay continued his early onslaught when Mahela Jayawardene edged to Cameron White at slip.

Tharanga (28) and Chamara Silva (33) briefly steadied the ship as they became the only Sri Lankans to reach double figures.

But Shane Watson trapped Tharanga in front, before Starc grabbed his first wicket when Angelo Matthews chopped on.

Tail disintegrated

Matthews had been the hero of Sri Lanka's unlikely win in the first match in Melbourne, but without him the tail disintegrated in the face of McKay and Starc who produced impressive bounce on a track that will host the first Test with England.

The premature end to Sri Lanka's innings meant Australia had to face ten overs before the break, but they put themselves firmly on course for victory in that time as they reached 63-1.

Watson was the batsman to fall, caught by Matthews off Dilhara Fernando, for 15, but Brad Haddin and stand-in skipper Michael Clarke played aggressively as they looked to wrap up a quick win.

Haddin's impatience cost him his wicket soon after the resumption when he offered a return catch to Fernando when on 31, but Clarke - who came under fire for his captaincy in the opening match - guided his side home alongside Michael Hussey (six not out).

Source