Noffke Bags Five While All Test Eyes On Johnson

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday November 3, 2007

Phil Lutton

TALK about stealing one's thunder.

On a day when Mitchell Johnson had the perfect chance to drive the final nail into the coffin of Shaun Tait's remote Test aspirations, in stepped Ashley Noffke to rudely shred the Sri Lankan top order in the three-day tour game in Brisbane.

Sri Lanka struggled after being sent in on a seaming, green-tinged wicket at Allan Border Field, with all but Marvan Atapattu (48), Prasanna Jayawardene (58 not out) and leg spinner Malinga Bandara (43) crumbling in the face of an accurate and damaging Bulls pace attack.

Sri Lanka declared at 9-210 after tea, before Queensland replied with 4-60 at stumps on day one.

The stage was set for left-armer Johnson, who remains a clear favourite to beat Tait to the final fast-bowling spot, to grab a mental edge over Sri Lanka in the prelude to Thursday's opening Test at the Gabba.

Instead, it was the singing and dancing of Noffke, who promptly handed Johnson (1-39) the second fiddle on the way to a devastating 5-36. He struck with his first delivery of the day to dismiss veteran opener Sanath Jayasuriya (1), before trapping skipper Mahela Jayawardene (0) in front, as well as snaring Michael Vandort (4), Farveez Maharoof (20) and Chaminda Vaas (13).

It was Noffke's third five-wicket haul in as many games after collecting 5-33 in the Pura Cup opener against Tasmania and 5-108 on a lifeless track against NSW. He can also boast an unbeaten century and two half tons to add to his 12 Pura Cup wickets at 22 this season, asserting himself as the form cricketer in the country.

The 30-year-old Noffke, who was part of the 2001 Ashes tour without playing a Test, toured Pakistan with Australia A and has his career on track after back and ankle injuries halted his progress between 2003-05.

Johnson toiled without flair before finally getting his breakthrough when he had Atapattu caught at gully on the final ball before lunch.

Before the match, Johnson said he would not show his full hand to the Sri Lankans. On that note he delivered, failing to trouble them to Noffke's degree, or even that of Bulls veteran Michael Kasprowicz (2-28).

There was some batting promise in the form of Atapattu, whose odds have shortened to replace the injured Kumar Sangakkara in the Test side.