In a commanding performance displayed on the second day of the second Test match at Galle, Australia took control against Sri Lanka, showcasing exceptional skills both with bat and ball. Australia concluded the day on a dominant score of 253 runs for 6 wickets, taking a 118-run lead over Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 135. Cameron Green led the charge with a spectacular innings of 100 runs, showcasing his abilities and confirming his place as a key player for the Australian side. ‘I just wanted to be there at the end of the day. It feels great to contribute to the team,’ said Green post his century.
Australia’s strong batting performance continued with contributions from other players, with Marnus Labuschagne scoring 90 and Travis Head adding 45 runs to push Australia into a comfortable position.
On the bowling front, the standout performer was spin bowler Nathan Lyon, who took 5 wickets, dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. He stated, ‘It’s always special to take wickets, especially in conditions that support spin. But the team win is what matters most.’
Sri Lanka struggled throughout the day, unable to cope with the relentless Australian attack. Their only significant partnership came between Dinesh Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne during their innings, which almost kept them afloat until Lyon struck back in critical moments.
With a solid lead established, Australia will aim to build on their advantage and push for a series victory. The match is crucial for both teams, as Australia looks to improve their rankings in the ICC Test standings, while Sri Lanka seeks to recover and restore pride in front of their home crowd.
