On Day 2 of the first Test in Galle, Australia’s batting display dominated with an extraordinary score of 654 for 6. Australia ended their batting innings with a substantial 654 for six declarations. The extraordinary 654-run total resulted from exceptional hundreds made by Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, and Josh Inglis during his debut.
Srilanka Struggle:
The Sri Lankan team found themselves vulnerable after facing numerous challenges against Australia’s dominant bowling performance. Heavy rainfall ended cricket for the day, with Sri Lanka at 44 for three batsmen on the field. The upcoming struggle for the hosts grows more challenging after experiencing these initial damaging losses.
Usman Khawaja:
Usman Khawaja impressed the audience the most by scoring 232 runs from 352 balls. The batsman’s double-century prior to lunch became Australia’s highest score ever against Sri Lanka. His batting performance in Sri Lanka reached new heights when he scored 166 runs in 2004, but he exceeded that achievement in this match.
A stroke underneath from Prabath Jayasuriya concluded the batting of Khawaja. The 232-pound century scored by Khawaja marked his first century in eighteen months of Test cricket. The entire period of his batting display demonstrated his technique skills and remarkable patience.
Steven Smith:
From a personal score of 104 not out, Steven Smith extended his batting effort to reach 141 runs. The most threatening bowler of the Sri Lankan team, Jeffrey Vandersay, sent him back on a lbw dismissal. By reaching 10,000 Test runs, Smith put himself in an exclusive group of cricket athletes.
Only four more players, along with Glenn Maxwell, have reached this achievement in the Australian cricketing fraternity. Smith’s offensive contributions allowed Australia to make the most of their commanding match position against Sri Lanka. Smith dismissed Sri Lankan bowlers because of his exceptional ability to handle spin.
Josh Inglis:
The debut batsman Josh Inglis completed his century by scoring 102 runs from 94 deliveries. During his batting, he displayed outstanding foot movement against the spin attacks while maintaining constant confidence in his performance. The century Josh Inglis hit made him the initial Australian debutant to reach this milestone after Adam Voges achieved it during his 2015 match.
The centurion Inglis dedicated his milestone to his mother and father by using an emotional acknowledgment while standing at the crease. His happiness became a brief celebration because he was dismissed immediately after reaching that milestone. He made a lasting impression with his maiden innings, even though his brief batting stint ended rapidly.
Australia’s bowlers:
Australia’s bowlers seized authority during their match dominance by dismissing Sri Lanka’s batting lineup at the beginning. The first two batsmen, Oshada Fernando and Dimuth Karunaratne, departed shortly after the start of the innings. The left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann performed in his first Test in two years to send Fernando lbw with a delivery that eliminated him for seven runs.
Karunaratne became the next target as Starc tempted him to steer a ball toward gully fielding. A stunning grab at short leg by Travis Head resulted from a Nathan Lyon delivery, which Angelo Mathews hit for an easy catch—under the persistent aggression of Australian bowlers, Sri Lanka lost their entire batting lineup at the top.
Sri Lanka’s bowling:
Sri Lanka spent more than 150 consecutive overs on the field without making any progress in their bowling performance. The failure to stop Australia’s powerful batting performance left Sri Lanka with major difficulties. The visitors gained increasing self-assurance as the day continued.
Sri Lanka’s bowling performance was ineffective because Vandersay stood out as their best bowler. He ended his match with three wickets for 193 runs in his 60 overs, showing Sri Lanka’s challenging situation. The Australian team demonstrated its supremacy through every stage of the match.
Because of rain interruptions and attacking conditions, Sri Lanka faces stiff competition from Australia. Special efforts by the hosts are required for a turnaround in their fortune. Australia continues towards victory while maintaining an unchallenged position in the game.
