Michael Clarke labelled it Australia’s “worst day” of the summer but for Sri Lanka it was their best bowling performance in at least a year.

Sri Lankan coach Graham Ford has rated Friday’s four-wicket win at the Gabba one of his most pleasing since taking the reins of the Lions from Geoff Marsh 12 months ago.

Inspired by Nuwan Kulasekara’s beautiful 10-over spell of swing bowling, the tourists routed Australia for 74 – their third lowest total in 42 years of one-day cricket.

While the home side’s capitulation was partly blamed on the rotation policy forcing changes to their top-order, Ford felt nothing should be taken away from his attack, particularly man-of-the-match Kulasekara.

“It was the best (team) bowling performance since I’ve been involved,” he said.

“Nuwan really used those conditions really well and bowled a perfect length.”

After being whitewashed 3-0 in the Test series and thumped in the opening ODI in Melbourne, Sri Lanka can now claim victory in the five-match one-day series with a win in game four at the SCG on Sunday.

“I have always had huge admiration for the Sri Lankan fight and the character that they show,” Ford said.

Despite the Gabba win, Sri Lanka will consider recalling spinner Ajantha Mendis for paceman Shaminda Eranga if the SCG pitch looks a traditional spinning wicket.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Chandimal was close to returning from a hamstring strain in Brisbane but may be rested again with youngster Kusal Perera contributing well to the past two victories.