Image: Australia dominated the second day of the second Test thanks to Steven Smith and Alex Carey / © The Australian
In the second Test between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, the visitors took control on Day 2, leading by 73 runs after reaching 330/3 in 80 overs. Steven Smith (120* off 239) and Alex Carey (139* off 156) led Australia’s charge with an unbeaten 239-run partnership, countering Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. Their steady and aggressive batting lifted Australia after early setbacks at 91/3.
Earlier, Sri Lanka struggled in their first innings, managing only 257 runs in 97.4 overs. Kusal Mendis (85 off 139) and Dinesh Chandimal (74 off 163) were the key contributors, while wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, and Matthew Kuhnemann each claimed three wickets, stifling Sri Lanka’s progress.
In response, Australia faced early setbacks as Nishan Peiris (2/70) dismissed Travis Head (21 off 22) and Usman Khawaja (36 off 57), while Prabath Jayasuriya (1/107) removed Marnus Labuschagne (4 off 6). However, Smith’s patience and Carey’s counter-attacking approach ensured Australia finished the day strongly.
With a solid platform set, Australia will look to extend their lead on Day 3, while Sri Lanka needs early breakthroughs to stay in the contest.