Australia vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test:
Thanks to incredible hundreds from Steve Smith and Alex Carey, Australia has firmly grabbed control of the second Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle. In addition to strengthening Australia’s position, their partnership of two hundreds discouraged Sri Lanka’s faltering attack on a pitch that was getting worse.
Shortly after noon, Australia was 91 for 3, with the match equally balanced. But Smith and Carey’s unwavering 239-run partnership changed the course and gave Australia the upper hand.
Match Overview after Day 2
Match: 2nd Test, Australia Tour of Sri Lanka 2025
Venue: Galle International Stadium
Date: February 6 – 10, 2025
Current Status: Australia leads by 73 runs at stumps on Day 2
Scores:
Sri Lanka: 257 all out
Australia: 330/3 (80 overs)
Steven Smith’s Masterclass in Spin Conditions
Steve Smith, who excels in Asian circumstances, gave another outstanding batting performance. His 120-run* innings demonstrated his ability to fight spin with deft movement and unorthodox stroke technique. Smith kept Sri Lanka’s spinners guessing and added a new dimension to his game by using his little used reverse sweep.
Smith became Australia’s top run scorer in Asia, surpassing Ricky Ponting with his 36th Test century. With four hundreds in his previous eight Test innings, he has been in outstanding form lately.
Alex Carey’s Flawless Century at No. 5
With an incredible 139 runs*, wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey was the one who took the initiative in the partnership. This time, Carey, who has previously come under fire for his overuse of the sweep stroke, performed it perfectly, utilizing both orthodox and reverse sweeps.
Due to Josh Inglis’ injury, Carey was promoted to No. 5, where his quick footwork and powerful hitting demonstrated his value. He celebrated with his teammates after hitting a boundary past the covers to record his second Test century in style.
Sri Lanka’s Struggle with the Ball
Sri Lanka’s spinners were unable to sustain pressure despite indications of turn and bounce. The most productive of the group, Nishan Peiris, bowled well following a dismal opening Test but lacked steady assistance. Sri Lanka’s main spinner, Prabath Jayasuriya, was unable to contribute and had to use a defensive leg-stump line.
Key Bowling Figures for Sri Lanka:
Nishan Peiris: 1/75
Prabath Jayasuriya: 1/92
Ramesh Mendis: 0/68
Early wickets offered hope to Sri Lanka
Early breakthroughs gave Sri Lanka a solid start. Travis Head appeared aggressive as he hit three quick boundaries before slipping and falling for 21. Following a successful review, Jayasuriya dismissed Marnus Labuschagne for a duck due to pressure stemming from his recent poor play.
After scoring a double-century in the first Test, Usman Khawaja appeared to be in excellent form till Peiris caught him leg before wicket for 36.
First Innings for Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis Takes Charge
Earlier, Dinesh Chandimal’s 74 and Kusal Mendis’ valiant 85 helped Sri Lanka to a total of 257. Lahiru Kumara’s late resistance enabled Sri Lanka to surpass 250, but the lower order was unable to take advantage.
Key Bowling Figures for Australia:
Mitchell Starc: 3/37
Nathan Lyon: 3/96
Matthew Kuhnemann: 3/63
What to anticipate on the third day
The emphasis will be on how much Australia can add to their first-inning total, as they are in a great position with a 73-run lead. Smith and Carey will want to increase Australia’s advantage above 150, while Sri Lanka’s bowlers need to take quick wickets in the morning session to stay in the match.
As Australia attempts to strengthen its hold on the series, stay in for more updates on this thrilling Test match!
