Synopsis
On Day 3 of the second Test at Galle, Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann delivered outstanding performances, spinning effectively against Sri Lanka. Australia ended the day in a strong position, leading by 54 runs after restricting Sri Lanka's batting. Key performances included Carey's record-setting innings and Lyon's milestone wicket.Key Takeaways
- Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann excelled in bowling, leading Australia to a strong position.
- Alex Carey set a record for the highest score by an Australian wicketkeeper in the subcontinent.
- Prabath Jayasuriya and Nishan Peiris performed well for Sri Lanka with the ball.
- Australia established a lead of 157 runs after Day 3.
- Angelo Mathews remained a key player for Sri Lanka amidst the collapse.
Galle, Feb 8 (NationPress) Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann expertly dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup, placing Australia in a formidable position at the conclusion of Day 3 during the second and final Test match of the series at Galle International Stadium on Sunday.
Beginning the day at 330-3, with a lead of 73 runs, thanks to an unbroken 239-run partnership between Steve Smith (131) and Alex Carey (156), outstanding bowling performances by Prabath Jayasuriya (5-151) and Nishan Peiris (3-94) triggered a late collapse for the visitors, restricting them to 414 all out by lunch.
The first wicket of the day fell when Smith edged a delivery from Jayasuriya directed towards the off stump, leading to an easy catch by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis.
Josh Inglis (0), who scored a century on his Test debut in the previous match, was stunned by Jayasuriya as an inside edge sent the ball crashing into the stumps just two deliveries later. Beau Webster joined Carey at the crease, managing an important cameo of 31 runs.
Carey’s magnificent innings, featuring 15 boundaries and two sixes, concluded when a failed sweep shot allowed Jayasuriya to claim his most significant wicket of the day.
Carey's score of 156 marks the highest ever by an Australian wicketkeeper in the subcontinent, surpassing Adam Gilchrist's record of 144 against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in 2004 and 2006, respectively. Following Carey's dismissal, a series of wickets fell as the lower order faltered against the challenging spinning track. Cooper Connolly (4), Mitchell Starc (8), Nathan Lyon (2 not out), and Matthew Kuhnemann (6) provided brief contributions, establishing a lead of 157 runs.
Nathan Lyon (3-80) and Matthew Kuhnemann (4-52) spun their magic against the Sri Lankan batters and will be pleased with the advantage they have created for their team as they head into Day 4. Opener Pathum Nissanka (8) was the first to go, as Kuhnemann caught him off guard and hit the stumps in the second over.
Partner Dimuth Karunaratne (14), playing his final Test match, soon followed Nissanka back to the dressing room after edging an outside off-stump delivery, giving Kuhnemann his second wicket of the day. Karunaratne concluded his illustrious Test career with 7,222 runs across 100 matches.
Dinesh Chandimal (12), who scored 78 in the first innings, became veteran Lyon's 550th Test wicket, thanks to a sensational catch by Webster at mid-off. Kamindu Mendis (14) fell in a similar manner, as Lyon's strategy paid off brilliantly. A fuller delivery outside off prompted a drive straight into the hands of Usman Khawaja at mid-off.
Sri Lanka’s most seasoned player, Angelo Mathews (78), stood firm for his side, while captain Dhananjaya de Silva (23) provided a brief cameo before a stunning catch by stand-in captain Smith led to his dismissal.
Mendis (48 not out), who remained unbeaten at 85 in the first innings, continued to trouble the Australians, finishing Day 3 unbeaten. Webster justified his captain’s decision by taking the wicket of Ramesh Mendis (0) in his very first over.
Kuhnemann bowled the last over of the day and took the wicket of Jayasuriya (6) with his very first delivery, prompting the umpires to call stumps, leaving Sri Lanka at 211/8 with a lead of 54 runs.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka 257 & 211/8 in 62.1 overs (Angelo Mathews 76, Kusal Mendis 48*, Matthew Kuhnemann 4-52, Lyon 3-80) lead Australia 414 all out in 106.4 overs (Alex Carey 156, Steve Smith 131, Prabath Jayasuriya 5-151, Nishan Peiris 3-94) by 54 runs.
