Australia is firmly on top after Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium, posting their largest-ever total in Asia with 654 runs declared. The Australian side capitalized on solid performances from Usman Khawaja and Josh Inglis, both of whom scored centuries, putting Australia well on their way to securing dominance in the match.
Usman Khawaja recorded 232 runs from 352 balls, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess. Josh Inglis, on his Test debut, also made headlines by achieving 102 runs off just 93 balls. "A hundred on debut is special, so I’m really happy," Inglis expressed, noting the support from his family who traveled to witness his remarkable achievement.
Despite Australia’s stellar performance, Sri Lanka faced significant challenges as their batting lineup collapsed under the pressure of Australia's bowling attack. The home team started their second innings precariously at 44/3, with Oshada Fernando falling early to Matthew Kuhnemann, trapped leg before wicket for just seven runs. Former captain Dimuth Karunaratne also succumbed to the pressure, being dismissed by Mitchell Starc for seven runs after providing a spectacular catch opportunity for the Australian team.
Dinesh Chandimal, Sri Lanka’s experienced middle-order batsman, provided some resistance but found himself running out of partners quickly. Despite their struggles, he scored 10 runs before losing Dhananjaya de Silva, who misjudged Kuhnemann's delivery and was stumped for another unfortunate dismissal, leaving Sri Lanka at 107/5.
The Australian bowlers displayed relentless pressure, with multiple fielders contributing to exceptional catches. Reports described Karunaratne's dismissal as particularly crushing, highlighting the level of skill and anticipation from the Australians. With rain delaying play at times, Sri Lanka remains under immense pressure going forward, mindful of the challenging wickets they will face on Day 3.
At the conclusion of Day 2, the Australian side showcased their grip on the match, with Sri Lanka starting the day with huge challenges now looming overhead. Chandimal and his new batting partner have their work cut out for them if they hope to turn things around and avoid complete disaster.
While the weather has created some unpredictability, it hasn’t overshadowed Australia’s determination to capitalize on their lead. The team will undoubtedly look to continue this momentum as they head onto the field on the next day, aiming to wrap up the Test match efficiently. Should Sri Lanka fail to recover significantly, they might find themselves facing another heavy defeat.
Fans remain hopeful, as moments of brilliance can strike when least expected – after all, with the right composure and skill, even seemingly impossible situations can pivot dramatically.