Galle, Jan 30 (UNI) A dominant batting display by Australia, led by Usman Khawaja’s maiden Test double century and a blistering debut hundred from Josh Inglis, left Sri Lanka reeling at 44 for 3 at stumps on Day 2 of the first Test here on Thursday.
The visitors declared at a mammoth 654 for 6, leaving the hosts trailing by 610 runs.
Opting to bat first, Australia took full advantage of the conditions as Khawaja compiled a sublime 232 off 352 balls, his highest Test score, while stand-in skipper Steven Smith contributed a well-crafted 141.
The highlight of the day, however, was Inglis' attacking 102 off 94 balls, making him only the third Australian to score a Test century on debut in Asia, after Michael Clarke and Shaun Marsh.
Australia’s innings was declared midway through the final session, after which Sri Lanka’s top order crumbled under pressure. Oshada Fernando (7) was trapped lbw by Matthew Kuhnemann in his first over, while Dimuth Karunaratne (4) edged a rising delivery from Mitchell Starc to gully.
Nathan Lyon added to Sri Lanka’s woes by dismissing veteran Angelo Mathews (9) just before rain brought an early end to the day’s play.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s bowlers endured a torrid time, with leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay (3/182) and left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya (3/193) struggling for breakthroughs. The hosts were let down by their fielding, as multiple missed chances allowed Australia to build an imposing total.
With Sri Lanka still 610 runs behind and seven wickets in hand, Australia are firmly in control as they look to press for victory in the coming days.
Brief Scores:
Australia 1st Innings: 654/6 decl. (Khawaja 232, Smith 141, Inglis 102, Head 57; Vandersay 3/182, Jayasuriya 3/193)
Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 44/3 (Kamindu 13*, Chandimal 9*; Lyon 1/7, Kuhnemann 1/10, Starc 1/16)
Day 2: Sri Lanka trail by 610 runs
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