Sri Lanka find themselves in deep trouble at 44/3, trailing by a massive 610 runs, after Australia declared their first innings at a commanding 654/6 on the second day of the Test match.
With 17 wickets still needed for Australia to secure victory, only two likely outcomes remain—an Australian win or a hard-fought draw, provided Sri Lanka manages to stage an extraordinary comeback with the bat.
Australia’s Batting Masterclass
Australia displayed a batting clinic on a pitch that offered some turn but largely remained a batting paradise. Their record-breaking innings was powered by three magnificent centuries, including a double century from Usman Khawaja, a fine ton by captain Steven Smith, and a dream debut century for Josh Inglis, who became the first Australian in a decade to score a hundred in his maiden Test.
Travis Head provided early impetus with an aggressive start, putting Sri Lanka under immense pressure in the opening session. The Aussies took full advantage of the conditions, registering their highest-ever Test innings total in Asia, surpassing previous records with their 654/6 declared. On the bowling front for Sri Lanka, spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Jeffrey Vandersay managed to salvage some pride, picking up three wickets each.
Sri Lanka’s Shaky Start with the Bat
With around 23 overs left in the day, Sri Lanka started their innings cautiously but soon found themselves struggling due to technical flaws. Mitchell Starc generated extra bounce, leading to the dismissal of Dimuth Karunaratne, while spinners Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon extracted considerable turn from the pitch to trouble the middle order. The difference in fielding quality between the two teams was also apparent, with Travis Head taking a sharp catch at short leg to send Angelo Mathews back to the pavilion.
Key Misses and Lucky Breaks
Despite their poor start, Sri Lanka had a couple of lucky escapes. Dinesh Chandimal was dropped on 5 by substitute fielder Nathan McSweeney, while Kamindu Mendis survived an unspotted edge down the leg side. UltraEdge later confirmed the nick, but with no appeal from the Australians, the batter remained at the crease.
Rain Interrupts Play
As the day neared its conclusion, a light drizzle started to fall, allowing Sri Lanka a brief respite. However, as the rain intensified, the umpires decided to bring out the covers, effectively bringing an early close to the day’s play.
Josh Inglis Reacts to His Dream Debut
Speaking after stumps, Josh Inglis shared his joy at scoring a century on debut, stating that the feeling “has not yet sunk in.” He expressed excitement at having his family present to witness his achievement and emphasized how much this moment means to him.
Looking Ahead to Day 3
With Sri Lanka still trailing by 610 runs, they face an uphill battle to avoid an innings defeat. Day 3’s play is scheduled to begin earlier at 4:10 PM GMT on Friday, January 31, 2025. The hosts will need a monumental effort to bat long and tire out the Australian bowlers if they hope to salvage a result.
Will Sri Lanka fight back, or will Australia continue their dominance? Stay tuned for all the action as the match unfolds!