GALLE, Sri Lanka — Australia showcased a dominant performance against Sri Lanka in the second Test match, leaving the home team struggling at 229-9 by the end of the first day’s play on Thursday.
Despite winning the toss, Sri Lanka could not capitalize on their good fortune, even as Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis each scored half-centuries to momentarily keep their hopes alive for a substantial first-innings total. Australia’s bowlers executed their plans meticulously, supported by outstanding fielding in the face of sweltering heat and high humidity.
After an early dismissal of opener Pathum Nissanka, the Sri Lankan batting lineup steadied somewhat with a 70-run partnership for the second wicket between Dimuth Karunaratne and Chandimal. However, spinner Nathan Lyon broke the partnership when Karunaratne misjudged a delivery, leading to his dismissal via a bowled-out inside edge.
Sri Lanka’s promising start quickly diminished, and they found themselves in trouble at 127-5, as their lower middle order struggled against a disciplined Australian bowling attack. “We had a good start but then the afternoon session was poor,” expressed Sri Lanka batting coach Thilina Kandamby. He noted that there was a lack of aggression during this period, causing too many dot balls and inadequate rotation of the strike, which allowed Australia to take control.
The situation became dire for Sri Lanka when even part-time spinner Travis Head contributed to the bowling tally in his very first over. Kamindu Mendis fell victim to a slip catch by Steve Smith after trying to cut a delivery too close to his body.
Chandimal was a rare bright spot for Sri Lanka with his resilient 74, marked by six boundaries and one six. Nonetheless, Matthew Kuhnemann succeeded in drawing out the well-set batter from his crease, resulting in an agile stumping by wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
“I am very happy with Dinesh Chandimal,” said Kandamby, praising the player’s commitment and performance in the nets. He believes Chandimal possesses the potential to play substantial innings, despite ongoing concerns about batting collapses.
After the dismissal of Chandimal, Australia aimed to wrap up the innings, but Kusal Mendis stood firm with an unbeaten 59. His partnership of 65 runs with Ramesh Mendis rallied the Sri Lankan innings, forcing Australian captain Smith to opt for the second new ball. Soon after, Mitchell Starc dismissed Ramesh for 28 with a catch behind before claiming another wicket, Prabath Jayasuriya, with a delivery edging to the slips, leaving Austrailia in a dominant position.
Starc ultimately ended the day with three wickets, matched by Lyon’s contributions, as Australia looked poised for a 2-0 series victory. “We expected the pitch to play a significant role, breaking up and becoming dusty,” said Australia’s spin coach Daniel Vettori, highlighting Sri Lanka’s contrasting aggression compared to the first Test. He acknowledged Chandimal’s selective shot-making and noted how the partnerships showcased that competition on this tricky pitch was possible.
Before the start of the match, Karunaratne received a guard of honour from the Australian team, marking his impressive achievement of becoming the seventh Sri Lankan player to participate in 100 Test matches. The former captain announced his intention to retire following this game.
