Captain Michael Clarke put his Australia's 78-run defeat in the third ODI against Sri Lanka down to a failure of the top order.
Sri Lanka were put in to bat in Hambantota after Clarke had won the toss, and the hosts racked up 287 for nine in their 50 overs - Tillakaratne Dilshan sharing a 137-run opening stand with centurion Upul Tharanga.
The tourists were then bowled out for 208, but still lead the series 2-1 with two one-dayers left to play.
"We didn't perform well enough at the top of the order," admitted Clarke.
"We have no excuses. We didn't perform as well as we would like and we know that.
"We have some work to do over the next few days because, as I said from the start, playing Sri Lanka, especially in their home conditions, you have to be at your best to beat them."
While the Aussie skipper hit 46, Michael Hussey top-scored for the visitors with 63 but there was little else in the way of resistance from Australia as Lasith Malinga tore his way to a five wicket haul. Debutant Shaminda Eranda also made a telling impact as he removed both Brad Haddin and Ricky Ponting early on.
Dilshan paid tribute to Malinga and Eranga, and also emphasised how important it was for himself and Tharanga to survive a tricky opening period in the Sri Lankan innings.
"The first 10 overs were crucial, and we did well to see them off," said the Sri Lankan captain.
"All the batsmen that followed did well. We believed 260 was good to defend, and we proved it.
"Eranga bowled really well, and Malinga was good as usual."
The series now shifts to Colombo for the final two games, with the fourth ODI taking place on Saturday.
Sri Lanka were put in to bat in Hambantota after Clarke had won the toss, and the hosts racked up 287 for nine in their 50 overs - Tillakaratne Dilshan sharing a 137-run opening stand with centurion Upul Tharanga.
The tourists were then bowled out for 208, but still lead the series 2-1 with two one-dayers left to play.
"We didn't perform well enough at the top of the order," admitted Clarke.
"We have no excuses. We didn't perform as well as we would like and we know that."We have some work to do over the next few days because, as I said from the start, playing Sri Lanka, especially in their home conditions, you have to be at your best to beat them."
While the Aussie skipper hit 46, Michael Hussey top-scored for the visitors with 63 but there was little else in the way of resistance from Australia as Lasith Malinga tore his way to a five wicket haul. Debutant Shaminda Eranda also made a telling impact as he removed both Brad Haddin and Ricky Ponting early on.
Dilshan paid tribute to Malinga and Eranga, and also emphasised how important it was for himself and Tharanga to survive a tricky opening period in the Sri Lankan innings.
"The first 10 overs were crucial, and we did well to see them off," said the Sri Lankan captain.
"All the batsmen that followed did well. We believed 260 was good to defend, and we proved it.
"Eranga bowled really well, and Malinga was good as usual."
The series now shifts to Colombo for the final two games, with the fourth ODI taking place on Saturday.
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