Synopsis
Alex Carey broke Adam Gilchrist's record by scoring 156 runs in Galle, becoming the first Australian wicketkeeper to score over 150 in Asia. His outstanding performance helped Australia gain a significant lead over Sri Lanka.Key Takeaways
- Alex Carey scores 156, setting a record.
- First Australian keeper to surpass 150 in Asia.
- Carey's innings included 15 fours and 2 sixes.
- Partnership of 239 with Steve Smith was crucial.
- Australia leads Sri Lanka by 157 runs.
Galle, Feb 8 (NationPress) Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey has eclipsed the iconic Adam Gilchrist to achieve the highest score by an Australian wicketkeeper in Asian conditions. Carey delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 156 during the second Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium, breaking Gilchrist's enduring record.
The 33-year-old reached this remarkable milestone in style, executing a paddle-sweep off Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya in the 87th over of Australia’s first innings. With this stroke, Carey became the first Australian wicketkeeper to surpass 150 runs in Asia, breaking Gilchrist’s previous mark of 144, recorded twice—once in Sri Lanka and once in Bangladesh.
Carey’s innings showcased both grit and strategic aggression, as he struck 15 fours and two sixes during his 188-ball innings, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 82.98. He played a pivotal role in Australia’s recovery from a challenging position at 91/3, forming a significant 239-run partnership with captain Steve Smith.
His innings concluded in the 93rd over when he attempted another sweep against Jayasuriya but lost his off-stump. Nevertheless, Carey’s 156 marks his career-best in first-class cricket, placing him alongside Gilchrist as the only Australian wicketkeeper to score a Test century in Asia.
Carey’s remarkable performance, coupled with an unbeaten 131 from Smith, propelled Australia to 414/10 on Day 2, giving them a 157-run lead over Sri Lanka.
Earlier, the home team had managed a commendable 257 in their first innings, with Kusal Mendis (85) and Dinesh Chandimal (74) being the standout performers. However, Australia’s bowling unit, spearheaded by Mitchell Starc (3-27), Matthew Kuhnemann (3-63), and Nathan Lyon (3-96), ensured Sri Lanka could not establish a formidable total.
