Galle, Sri Lanka – The much-anticipated second Test between Sri Lanka and Australia is set to commence on February 6, 2025, at 9:30 AM local time at the Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka. The home side will be looking for redemption after suffering a crushing defeat in the first Test.
Australia, the reigning World Test Championship winners and current holders of the Mace, showcased their dominance in red-ball cricket by dismantling Sri Lanka in the first Test. The match was filled with milestones for the visitors, with records falling left, right, and center. Steven Smith etched his name further into the history books by becoming only the fourth Australian to surpass 10,000 Test runs, joining an elite group alongside Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, and Steve Waugh. His remarkable achievement was, however, slightly overshadowed by Usman Khawaja’s sublime double century, marking a stunning return to form.
Australia’s batting unit fired on all cylinders, with debutant Josh Inglis making an immediate impact by scoring a composed century. Travis Head maintained his rich vein of form, but Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey, both of whom had disappointing outings, will be eager to make amends in this Test. With selections in focus, Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney remain on the fringes, while Cooper Connolly could be considered to provide additional spin options and batting depth. All-rounder Beau Webster also adds versatility to the squad.
The bowling attack was spearheaded by Mitchell Starc, the lone specialist pacer, but it was the spin trio that wreaked havoc. Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Todd Murphy exploited the turning track to full effect, with Kuhnemann grabbing a sensational five-wicket haul in the first innings and four more in the second. Lyon’s relentless pressure and Murphy’s supporting role ensured a massive innings and 242-run victory for the Australians.
For Sri Lanka, it was a game to forget, and they now face an even greater challenge. Their captain, Dimuth Karunaratne, has announced that this Test will be his final appearance in the longest format, marking his 100th Test. Sri Lanka will be eager to give their veteran leader a fitting farewell. However, their batting lineup needs a major revamp. Dinesh Chandimal stood tall in the first Test, but Oshada Fernando’s struggles as an opener make a strong case for Pathum Nissanka’s return if fully fit. Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kusal Mendis must step up and take responsibility, while Kamindu Mendis, the ICC Men’s Emerging Player of the Year 2024, will look to leave his mark.
Sri Lanka’s usually formidable bowling attack lacked its usual potency. Asitha Fernando failed to make early breakthroughs, and poor fielding and missed review opportunities only worsened their woes. Lahiru Kumara or Vishwa Fernando might be considered to strengthen the pace department. The spin trio of Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Nishan Peiris must also find their rhythm, especially Jayasuriya, who is capable of single-handedly turning a match in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Australia now has a golden opportunity to secure the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy in Sri Lanka for the first time since 2011. Can they seal a 2-0 whitewash, or will Sri Lanka rise to the occasion and level the series? All eyes are on Galle as the battle unfolds.