In the second Test match played in Galle, the Sri Lankan team was bowled out for 257 runs in the first innings and 231 runs in the second innings, while Australia was given a target of just 75 runs to win.
Earlier, the Australian team had set a mountain of 414 runs in the first innings.
Later, Australia achieved Sri Lanka’s target of 75 runs for the loss of one wicket, with Usman Khawaja 27 and Marnus Labuschagne not out on 26 runs.
Australia defeated Sri Lanka in a series for the first time on its home ground since 2011.
It should be noted that the final of the World Test Championship will be played between the teams of Australia and South Africa at Lord’s this year.
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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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Australia’s key all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has suddenly announced his immediate retirement from ODI cricket ahead of the Champions Trophy and Cricket Australia will now announce the name of a replacement player in his place.
Now, Australian cricket team chief selector George Bailey has said that Australian captain Pat Cummins and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood have also been dropped from the ICC Champions Trophy squad.
Key player in the Australian team for the Champions Trophy announces immediate retirement from ODIs
Chief selector George Bailey said that all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has already been dropped from the squad due to fitness problems.
Australia had to make four changes to the preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy.
Australia will finalize the squad at the end of the Test against Sri Lanka.
Cricket Australia’s chief selector says that Pat Cummins has not recovered from an ankle injury while Josh Hazlewood is suffering from a hip problem, and the fast bowlers still need time to rehab.
Chief selector George Bailey said that unfortunately Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh are facing injuries, and these players could not be fully fit before the Champions Trophy.
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Galle – The second and final match of the two-Test series between Sri Lanka and Australia cricket teams will be played at the Galle International Stadium, Galle from February 6 to 10. The Australian men’s team is leading the two-match series against the host Islanders 0-1. The Australian team defeated the host Sri Lankan team by an innings and 242 runs in the first Test match.
Watch Day 4 Highlights Of Srik land vs austrailia 1st test 01 February 2025.
Galle: Australia defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 242 runs in the first Test.
The Sri Lankan team scored 165 runs in the first innings and 247 runs in the second, the Australian team declared the first innings by scoring 654 runs for the loss of 6 wickets.
Australian opener Usman Khawaja scored his first double century in Test cricket. Usman Khawaja is the first Australian batsman to score a double century on Sri Lankan soil, he achieved this double century by playing 290 balls. Usman Khawaja was dismissed for 232 runs. It should be noted that before him, Australians Mark Taylor, Greg Chappell, Dean Jones, Matthew Hayden and Jason Gillespie had scored double centuries in Asia, he became the sixth player from Australia to score a double century in Asia. Steve Smith was dismissed for 141 runs. Josh Eagles scored 102 runs. Australia declared their first innings at 654 runs for 6 wickets. Sri Lanka fell 3 wickets for 44 runs.
The first match of the two-Test series between Sri Lanka and Australia will be played at the Galle International Stadium, Galle from today until February 2. The Australian men’s team is currently on a tour of Sri Lanka where they will play a two-Test and two-ODI series against the host team. The Australian team will be led by veteran batsman Steven Smith in the two-Test series, while the host Islanders will be led by Dhananjaya de Silva.
Australia’s first innings against hosts Sri Lanka in the Galle Test continues. On the second day of play, Australia resumed batting at a score of 330 runs for 2 wickets in their first innings, when Steven Smith was dismissed for 141 runs. Smith completed 10,000 runs in his Test career by taking his first run on the first day. Steven Smith is the fourth Australian and 15th player in the world to cross this milestone. Usman Khawaja scored a double century. For Sri Lanka, ‘Jeffrey Vandersay’ took 2 wickets.
