Day 3 of the second Test between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle unfolded as a gripping tale of dominance, resistance, and historic milestones. With Australia resuming their first innings at 330/3, the visitors extended their lead to 157 runs before Sri Lanka’s batting order crumbled under relentless spin pressure. Nathan Lyon’s 550th Test wicket and Prabath Jayasuriya’s five-wicket haul headlined the day, while Angelo Mathews’ gritty knock offered fleeting hope for the hosts. Let’s dive into the key moments, tactical battles, and turning points that defined February 8, 2025, at the Galle International Stadium.
Australia’s First-Innings Lead: Smith and Carey’s Record Partnership
Smith’s Masterclass and Carey’s Career-Best
Resuming at 330/3, Australia’s overnight centurions, Steve Smith (131) and Alex Carey (156), added 20 runs before Jayasuriya’s fiery spell triggered a collapse. Their 259-run partnership became the highest fourth-wicket stand by a visiting pair in Sri Lanka, surpassing Michael Hussey and Shaun Marsh’s 258 in 2011 :cite[8]:cite[10]. Carey, in particular, etched his name in history by surpassing Adam Gilchrist’s 144 to record the highest score by an Australian wicketkeeper in Asia. His aggressive 156 included 18 boundaries and showcased flawless sweep shots until his dismissal to a rare misjudgment :cite[6]:cite[8].
Jayasuriya’s Fiery Spell: A Glimmer of Hope for Sri Lanka
Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya (5/151) exploited the dry Galle surface with a morning blitz, claiming four wickets in a single session. His dismissal of Smith—a delivery that gripped off the pitch to clip the edge—reignited Sri Lanka’s hopes. Josh Inglis (0) fell next ball, and Carey’s sweep misfire ended his marathon innings. Despite Jayasuriya’s heroics, Australia’s tailenders, including Beau Webster (31), pushed the total to 414, securing a commanding 157-run lead .
Sri Lanka’s Second Innings: Karunaratne’s Farewell and Early Collapse
Dimuth Karunaratne’s Emotional Exit
In his final Test innings, Sri Lankan opener Dimuth Karunaratne (14) received a guard of honor from the Australian team. However, Matthew Kuhnemann’s skiddy delivery trapped him LBW, confirmed by a faint UltraEdge spike. The dismissal marked the end of a storied career, with teammates and opponents applauding his contribution to cricket .
Kuhnemann and Lyon’s Double Strike
Australia’s spinners wasted no time capitalizing on Sri Lanka’s fragile top order. Matthew Kuhnemann (2/21) removed Pathum Nissanka (8) and Karunaratne, while Nathan Lyon dismissed Dinesh Chandimal (12) with a stunning catch by Beau Webster at mid-off. At 81/4, Sri Lanka’s hopes of avoiding an innings defeat hinged on Angelo Mathews .
Nathan Lyon’s 550th Wicket: A Landmark Moment
Lyon’s dismissal of Chandimal marked his 550th Test wicket, a milestone achieved 14 years after his debut at the same venue. The off-spinner’s mastery over line and length was evident as he lured Chandimal into a lofted drive, pouched brilliantly by Webster. Lyon’s ability to outthink batters on deteriorating pitches solidified his legacy as Australia’s greatest spinner .
Angelo Mathews’ Resistance: A Lone Fight in Vain?
Counterattacking Intent
Angelo Mathews (35*) emerged as Sri Lanka’s sole resistance, adopting an aggressive approach against Lyon and Kuhnemann. His reverse sweeps and calculated risks—including a six over mid-on—contrasted sharply with his first-innings tentativeness. However, dropped catches (twice off Travis Head) and a lack of support from the middle order left him stranded .
Kamindu Mendis’ Disappointing Series
Promising all-rounder Kamindu Mendis (14) fell to Lyon’s flighted delivery, chipping a drive to Usman Khawaja at mid-off. With scores of 15, 32, 13, and 14 in the series, his inability to convert starts mirrored Sri Lanka’s batting woes .
The Final Session: Sri Lanka’s Uphill Battle to Save the Test
By stumps, Sri Lanka limped to 89/4, still trailing by 68 runs. Mathews and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (2*) face a Herculean task on Day 4, with the pitch offering sharp turn and bounce. Australia, needing six wickets, will rely on Lyon and Kuhnemann to wrap up the match swiftly .
Key Takeaways from Day 3
- Australia’s Spin Dominance: Lyon and Kuhnemann shared five wickets, exploiting the pitch’s uneven bounce.
- Sri Lanka’s Batting Frailties: The top order collapsed for the fourth time in the series, raising questions about their technique against spin.
- Historic Milestones: Lyon joined an elite group of bowlers with 550+ Test wickets, while Carey’s 156 set a new benchmark for Australian keepers in Asia.
- Jayasuriya’s Redemption: After a quiet Day 2, his five-for showcased Sri Lanka’s fighting spirit.
FAQs: Unpacking the Day’s Biggest Moments
1. How significant is Nathan Lyon’s 550th Test wicket?
Lyon became the seventh bowler globally to reach 550 Test wickets, underscoring his consistency across conditions. His mastery in Galle—where he debuted in 2011—added poetic symmetry to the achievement .
2. Why did Sri Lanka collapse so quickly?
Technical flaws against spin, combined with pressure from Australia’s tight fields, led to rash shots. Karunaratne’s emotional exit also disrupted the team’s rhythm .
3. Can Sri Lanka avoid an innings defeat?
With Mathews at the crease and a long tail, survival is possible but unlikely. The pitch’s deterioration favors Australia’s spinners :cite.
4. Who were the standout performers?
- Alex Carey: 156 runs, career-best in Tests.
- Prabath Jayasuriya: 5/151, including Smith and Carey.
- Nathan Lyon: 550th wicket and relentless control.
Conclusion
Day 3 in Galle was a microcosm of Test cricket’s ebbs and flows: record partnerships, emotional farewells, and spin wizardry. As Australia edges closer to a series sweep, Sri Lanka’s resolve—and Mathews’ blade—will determine whether Day 4 offers redemption or another capitulation. For now, Lyon’s milestone and Carey’s brilliance remain the defining narratives of a riveting contest.
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