GALLES, Sri Lanka — In a marked improvement, Sri Lanka showcased a better batting performance in their second Test match against Australia on Thursday, reaching 87 for one at lunch after opting to bat first. This came in response to heavy criticism following their record defeat in the previous Test.

To address the feedback, Sri Lanka made three alterations to their playing XI. One of the notable changes was Pathum Nissanka, who had a short outing, scoring just 11 runs. His wicket fell when Nathan Lyon delivered a sharply spinning ball that slipped past Nissanka’s attempted sweep, hitting the stumps.

Following this early setback, the seasoned duo of Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal took command of the innings. The two former captains formed a crucial unbroken partnership of 84 runs for the second wicket, stabilizing the team’s performance with their consistent and mature stroke play.

Chandimal, who had been the lone standout in Sri Lanka’s previous batting effort, looked sharp again, finishing the first session unbeaten on 35 runs. Meanwhile, Karunaratne, in a significant moment as he played his 100th Test, remained steady at 34 runs. This match held emotional weight for Karunaratne, as he is expected to retire from international cricket afterwards, and he received a guard of honor from the Australian team as he stepped onto the field.

On the Australian side, there was a single change in their lineup. They handed a Test debut to 21-year-old Cooper Connolly, a batting allrounder from Western Australia who bowls left-arm orthodox spin, bringing him in to replace Todd Murphy.