Australia asserted their dominance over Sri Lanka on Day 2 of the first Test in Galle, as three centurions—Usman Khawaja (232), Steve Smith (141), and Josh Inglis (102)—powered them to a massive 654/6 declared. The visitors posted their highest Test score in Asia, surpassing their 581 against Pakistan in Karachi in 2022. By stumps, Sri Lanka was reeling at 44/3, still trailing by 610 runs, as Australia’s bowlers made early inroads into their top order.
Australia’s Batting Powerhouse: A Record-Breaking Innings
Australia resumed Day 2 with Usman Khawaja and Josh Inglis at the crease, continuing their batting masterclass. Khawaja, who reached his maiden double century, played a pivotal role on a spin-assisting Galle surface. His 232 became the highest individual Test score by an Australian in Sri Lanka, surpassing Shaun Marsh’s 141 in 2016.
Khawaja nudged his way to 150 in the first hour, before taking on off-spinner Nishan Peiris with a series of boundaries. Sri Lanka missed a golden opportunity to run him out after he wandered outside his crease, but the visitors kept the scoreboard ticking.
Steve Smith fell early in the session, trapped LBW by Jeffrey Vandersay in a beautifully set-up dismissal. Vandersay, having spun one past Smith’s outside edge, followed up with a delivery that held its line and trapped the former captain plumb in front. Despite Smith’s dismissal, Khawaja remained solid and reached his double ton with a push past Prabath Jayasuriya before soaking in the applause from the Galle crowd.
The second session saw Inglis take charge, steering the ball into the gaps and deploying the pull and sweep effectively. He built a quickfire partnership with Khawaja, making good use of Sri Lanka’s weary bowling attack. A faint inside edge saved Inglis on 58, as the LBW decision was overturned on review. He capitalized on his reprieve and soon reached his century, smashing a series of boundaries—including a powerful extra cover drive and a reverse sweep. His innings ended at 102, after lobbing a catch to mid-off.
Australia’s tail added valuable runs, with Alex Carey and Beau Webster rotating the strike efficiently. Mitchell Starc came in and played an attacking cameo, helping Australia breach the 650-run mark before captain Pat Cummins declared at 654/6.
Sri Lanka’s Struggle Begins: Early Wickets Leave Hosts in Deep Trouble
With over an hour left in the day’s play, Sri Lanka walked out to face a formidable Australian attack. Oshada Fernando began positively, hitting a boundary early on, but Matthew Kuhnemann struck quickly, trapping him LBW after squaring him up.
The situation worsened for the hosts as Mitchell Starc dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne, who nicked a delivery to gully. The Sri Lankan skipper departed for 5, leaving his team in deep trouble at 12/2.
Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews attempted to steady the innings, both hitting a boundary each. However, Mathews’ stay was cut short when he inside-edged a delivery onto his pads, resulting in a sharp catch at short leg. Sri Lanka slumped to 34/3, as the Australian bowlers applied relentless pressure.
Kamindu Mendis and Chandimal survived the remaining overs, taking Sri Lanka to 44/3 before rain brought an early end to the day’s play.
Key Takeaways from Day 2
- Usman Khawaja’s Record-Breaking Double Century
- Scored 232, the highest individual Test score by an Australian in Sri Lanka.
- Anchored Australia’s innings with composed stroke play on a turning track.
- Survived a missed run-out chance before reaching his maiden double hundred.
- Three Centuries Power Australia to 654/6
- Steve Smith (141) played a solid supporting role before falling LBW to Vandersay.
- Josh Inglis (102) attacked Sri Lanka’s bowlers, reaching his century with aggressive stroke play.
- Australia posted their highest-ever Test total in Asia, surpassing their 581 vs. Pakistan (2022).
- Sri Lanka’s Top Order Crumbles
- Oshada Fernando (4) and Dimuth Karunaratne (5) fell cheaply, exposing the middle order early.
- Mathews (8) also fell before Stumps, leaving Sri Lanka in deep trouble.
- Kamindu Mendis (13) and Chandimal (9) remain unbeaten**, facing an uphill task on Day 3.
- Australia’s Bowlers Dominate Early
- Matthew Kuhnemann (1-26) and Mitchell Starc (1-10) struck early blows, making full use of conditions.
- The Galle pitch continued to offer spin, aiding Australia’s slow bowlers.
What to Expect on Day 3
- Sri Lanka trail by 610 runs and face the daunting task of avoiding a follow-on.
- Australia’s bowlers, especially Nathan Lyon and Kuhnemann, will look to exploit the turn on offer.
- Sri Lanka’s hopes rest on Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis, but they need a big partnership to avoid total collapse.
- If Australia enforces the follow-on, Sri Lanka will have to bat out of their skins to survive.
With Australia firmly in control, the hosts must produce a batting masterclass to stay in the contest. Otherwise, a massive innings defeat looks imminent.
Brief Scores:
- Australia: 654/6 declared (Usman Khawaja 232, Steve Smith 141, Josh Inglis 102; Prabath Jayasuriya 3-193, Jeffrey Vandersay 3-182)
- Sri Lanka: 44/3 (Kamindu Mendis 13, Dinesh Chandimal 9*; Mitchell Starc 1-10, Matthew Kuhnemann 1-26*)
- Sri Lanka trail by 610 runs.