Sri Lanka 229/9 (Chandimal 74, K Mendis 59, Starc 3-37, Lyon 3-78) vs Australia*
Day one of the second Test in Galle saw a thrilling battle unfold as Sri Lanka clawed their way to a respectable 229 for 9 against a relentless Australian bowling attack. The pitch, though dry and expected to deteriorate, did not produce the dramatic turn that many had anticipated, but still offered enough assistance to keep the bowlers interested.
Momentum Shifts and Key Contributions
Sri Lanka had a promising start, reaching 93 for 1 before suffering a collapse, losing four wickets for just 34 runs in the second session. However, Kusal Mendis and Ramesh Mendis steadied the ship with a crucial 65-run partnership for the seventh wicket, helping the hosts inch towards what could be a competitive first-innings total.
Dinesh Chandimal played a determined knock of 74, while Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 59, leading Sri Lanka’s resistance against a disciplined Australian attack.
Australia’s Bowling Masterclass
Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc were the standout performers for the visitors. Lyon, who now sits on 549 Test wickets, produced a spell of spin bowling that dismantled Sri Lanka’s middle order. Mixing up his speeds and lengths, he removed key batters, including the experienced Angelo Mathews.
Starc, on the other hand, was lethal with his reverse swing. He struck twice with the second new ball, dismissing Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya in consecutive deliveries. His late burst ensured Australia ended the day on a high, with Sri Lanka just one wicket away from being bowled out.
Strategic Moves and Tactical Brilliance
Australia, playing with only three specialist bowlers, saw Lyon and left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann do most of the heavy lifting, each bowling 30 overs. Stand-in captain Steven Smith expertly rotated his bowlers, even introducing part-time offspinner Travis Head, who struck with his golden arm, dismissing Kamindu Mendis.
Allrounders Beau Webster and debutant Cooper Connolly chipped in with a few overs, while Starc shouldered the pace responsibilities, clocking speeds of 145kph and troubling the Sri Lankan batters throughout.
Sri Lanka’s Fightback and Karunaratne’s Emotional Milestone
Amid the intense battle, the match had an emotional moment when retiring veteran Dimuth Karunaratne walked out to bat in his 100th and final Test match, receiving a guard of honor from both teams. The left-hander, who has fallen to Starc multiple times in his career, once again faced the Australian speedster but managed to hold his ground briefly.
Pathum Nissanka, replacing Oshada Fernando, showed flashes of promise but was Lyon’s first victim, dismissed while attempting a paddle sweep. The hosts’ innings then faltered before Chandimal and Kusal Mendis revived their hopes.
Kusal Mendis’ Counterattack
As Sri Lanka’s lower order struggled, Kusal Mendis took charge with a spirited counterattack. Despite an on-field collision with Kuhnemann, he found his rhythm and played some aggressive strokes, including consecutive slog sweeps for boundaries. His resilience frustrated the Australian bowlers and ensured Sri Lanka stayed in the fight.
Ramesh Mendis, known for his strong first-class record but underwhelming Test performances, provided solid support before falling to Starc. Meanwhile, Smith made history, surpassing Ricky Ponting’s record for most Test catches by an Australian fielder with his 197th grab.
What’s Next?
With just one wicket remaining, Sri Lanka will hope to add a few more crucial runs on day two, while Australia will be eager to wrap things up quickly and take control of the match. With the pitch expected to deteriorate, spin will likely play a major role, setting up an intriguing battle in the days ahead.
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