Sri Lanka vs Australia, 2nd Test Match Summary

The World Test Championship finalists and current holders of the Mace, Australia, have once again stamped their authority in red-ball cricket, completely dismantling Sri Lanka in the first Test. It was a game full of milestones for the visitors, with records tumbling left, right, and center. Steven Smith, a modern-day great, became only the fourth Australian to cross 10,000 Test runs, joining the elite company of Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, and Steve Waugh. And, as expected, he did it in style - with a magnificent century. However, his heroics were slightly overshadowed by Usman Khawaja, who, after a below-par BGT series, roared back to form with a sensational double hundred. The Australian batting lineup fired on all cylinders, with debutant Josh Inglis making an immediate impact, notching up a well-composed century. Travis Head continued his rich vein of form, but Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey, both of whom missed out in the last game, will be itching to make amends in this one. Sam Konstas, after his heroics against India, would have been disappointed to miss out on selection, while Nathan McSweeney also remains on the fringes, waiting for his moment. They might also think about bringing in Cooper Connolly, who just had a breakout season in the Big Bash League, and can give them even more spin options while providing batting stability as well. The versatile Beau Webster adds depth to the squad with his all-round abilities, giving Australia a well-balanced look. With the ball, Mitchell Starc was the lone specialist pacer, but that was all the Aussies needed. The spin trio of Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Todd Murphy wreaked havoc on a turning track. Kuhnemann, in particular, made a statement with a brilliant five-wicket haul in the first innings, following it up with four more in the second. Lyon, as always, was at his relentless best, while Murphy, though not as effective, still played a role in the massive innings and 242-run victory. It was a near-perfect game for the Aussies, who now have their eyes set on a rare series sweep in Sri Lanka. For the hosts, it was a forgettable outing, and things have only gotten tougher. Dimuth Karunaratne, their rock at the top, has announced that this will be his final Test, marking his 100th appearance in the longest format. Sri Lanka will be desperate to give him a fitting farewell. However, their batting unit needs a serious rethink. Dinesh Chandimal was the lone warrior in the last game, while Oshada Fernando struggled as an opener, making a strong case for Pathum Nissanka to return but only if he is fully fit. Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kusal Mendis - the pillars of their middle order must step up and take responsibility. Kamindu Mendis, the ICC Men’s Emerging Player of the Year 2024, will also be eager to make an impact, having already become the third-fastest Asian to reach 1,000 Test runs. Their bowling attack, usually lethal in home conditions, surprisingly lacked bite. Asitha Fernando couldn’t make early inroads, and sloppy fielding and blatant non-reviews only added to their woes. Sri Lanka might consider bringing in Lahiru Kumara or Vishwa Fernando to shake things up in the pace department. The spin trio of Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Nishan Peiris must find a better rhythm, especially Jayasuriya, who can run through sides on his day. Australia now have the golden opportunity to seal the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy in Sri Lanka for the first time since 2011. Can they make it a 2-0 whitewash, or will Lanka rise to the occasion and level the series? We’re about to find out!