Chandimal and Mendis Steer Sri Lanka After Aussie Bowlers Shine in Galle

Galle, Feb 6 (NationPress) Australia’s bowlers faced a tough challenge on the opening day of the second Test in Galle as Sri Lanka mounted a resilient fightback following a top-order collapse. The hosts, who found themselves at 127/5, rallied with Kusal Mendis (59 not out) and Dinesh Chandimal (74) leading the charge.

Despite an impressive performance from Nathan Lyon (3-78) and late breakthroughs from Mitchell Starc (3-37), Sri Lanka managed to conclude the day at 229/9. The pitch, anticipated to deteriorate further, displayed occasional sharp spin, yet it was the consistency and skill of Australia’s bowlers that secured the wickets.

Heading into day two, Australia is keen to wrap up the remaining Sri Lankan wicket swiftly to gain control of the match. However, with signs of early spin on the surface, Sri Lanka’s bowlers could pose challenges for the visitors when their chance arrives.

The day commenced with considerable speculation regarding the Galle pitch's behavior, especially following Sri Lanka’s heavy defeat of an innings and 242 runs in the first Test. Contrary to expectations, the surface did not crumble as predicted but still provided enough turn to keep Australia engaged.

Sri Lanka’s new opening duo of Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka started steadily until Lyon delivered a remarkable ball to dismiss Nissanka for 11, hitting the top of the leg stump after the batter shuffled too far across.

Even with some disciplined batting from Sri Lanka, Australia’s bowlers regained control after lunch with a devastating spell from Lyon and Starc.

Post-lunch, Lyon struck quickly, dismissing Karunaratne (36) and Angelo Mathews (1) in quick succession. Karunaratne, celebrating his 100th and final Test, received a guard of honour from both teams before batting. However, his farewell innings ended when a quicker delivery from Lyon zipped past his defense to rattle the stumps.

Mathews, who struggled to score, faced 25 balls for his single run before edging a Lyon delivery to Alex Carey behind the stumps.

Sri Lanka’s middle-order collapse continued as Kamindu Mendis fell for 13, thanks to a sharp off-break from Travis Head, who has been showcasing his bowling skills effectively. Head’s celebration, mimicking flames from his spinning fingers, invigorated the Australians. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva fell for a golden duck, edging Starc straight to gully in the next over.

From a promising 93/1, Sri Lanka plummeted to 127/5, and Australia appeared set for another commanding bowling performance.

Just when Sri Lanka seemed on the brink, Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis rallied together for a gritty fightback. Chandimal played a spirited innings of 74, but his resistance concluded when Matthew Kuhnemann outfoxed him, with Carey executing a sharp stumping.

Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka’s last hope for a respectable total, fought valiantly, smashing consecutive slog-sweeps for six despite being briefly shaken after colliding with Kuhnemann at the non-striker’s end.

He received support from Ramesh Mendis, a skilled first-class batter with a career-best score of 300 not out, though his Test average of 18 left much to prove. Ramesh displayed great determination, defending carefully to frustrate Australia’s spinners.

With the second new ball in hand, Starc dismantled the partnership, dismissing Ramesh (28) and Prabath Jayasuriya (0) in consecutive deliveries. Steve Smith completed a sharp catch, surpassing Ricky Ponting’s record of 196 catches for Australia in Test cricket.

At stumps, Sri Lanka were at 229/9, with Kusal Mendis unbeaten on 59 and Lyon and Starc spearheading Australia’s efforts.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 229/9 in 90 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 74, Kusal Mendis 59 not out; Mitchell Starc 3-37, Nathan Lyon 3-78) against Australia.