Australia is on the cusp of achieving a rare series victory in Asia as the second Test against Sri Lanka nears its dramatic conclusion. After a dominant performance in the first Test, the Aussies started day three in control, with a 73-run lead and seven wickets still in hand.
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| Image Credits: ESPN Cricinfo |
However, the morning session saw a remarkable fightback from Sri Lanka, thanks to the left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya's five-wicket haul, which drastically altered the game's momentum, leaving Australia at 84/7. Aussies were bowled out for 414 runs taking a lead of 157 runs in the first innings.
Sri Lanka capitalized on this shift, with Angelo Mathews scoring a resilient 76 and Kusal Mendis contributing an unbeaten 48. Their partnership pushed Sri Lanka ahead, but the day's end saw a series of strategic moves by Australian captain Steve Smith.
He introduced Beau Webster for his first over of Test off-spin, which resulted in the dismissal of Ramesh Mendis. Then, in a moment of intuitive captaincy, Smith brought back Matthew Kuhnemann for the last over of the day, who immediately claimed Jayasuriya's wicket.
The Australian spinners, Nathan Lyon (3-80) and Kuhnemann (4-52) bowled the majority of the overs, accounting for 7 out of 8 wickets to fall in Sri Lanka's innings. Despite the day's challenges, Australia will look to wrap up the Sri Lankan innings early on day four, with only two wickets left to take.
As the match stands, Sri Lanka has scored 211 runs in their second innings for the loss of eight wickets, leading by 54 runs. Kusal Mendis remains not out on 48*, showcasing his potential to extend the innings further.
Australia, while confident, must be cautious of Mendis's ability to bat with tailenders, as evidenced by his contribution in the first innings where he helped Sri Lanka recover from 150/6 to post 257. The series could be sealed by Australia on day four, provided they navigate the remaining complexities of the pitch and batting order.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka - 257 all out & 211/8 lead Australia - 414 all out by 54 runs in the second innings at stumps on Day 3.
