Stand-in Captain Smith and Carey Propel Australia Ahead in Galle

Galle, Feb 7 (NationPress) Stand-in captain Steve Smith and wicketkeeper Alex Carey showcased exceptional skill with their centuries on Day 2 of the second Test at Galle International Stadium. This performance has placed Australia firmly in control as they edge closer to achieving a series whitewash over Sri Lanka in the Warne–Muralitharan Trophy.

At the end of the day, the Australian team stood at 330-3, enjoying a lead of 73 runs after an unbroken partnership of 239 runs between Smith (120*) and Carey (139*). Their collaboration for the fourth wicket left the Sri Lankan side struggling in challenging conditions, as they now face the possibility of their first Test series loss at home against Australia since 2011.

Smith, who recently scored a century in the first Test, displayed his best form, effectively countering the Sri Lankan spinners on a pitch that favored spin. The right-handed batsman, who has added the reverse sweep to his expanding repertoire of shots, played with calculated aggression and remarkable precision.

His 191-ball century marked his fourth in five matches, reinforcing his resurgence in Test cricket following an 18-month period without a century.

By reaching three figures, Smith also became Australia's highest Test century scorer in Asia, surpassing Ricky Ponting's previous record.

Smith has now matched the legendary Rahul Dravid and Joe Root in the tally of most Test centuries (36), placing him joint-fifth on the all-time list.

Carey, on the other hand, achieved a career-best performance, making him just the second Australian wicketkeeper to score a century in Asia, following in the footsteps of the great Adam Gilchrist. The left-handed batsman reached his milestone in 118 balls, hitting 13 boundaries and clearing the ropes twice.

Promoted to No. 5 due to the injury of Josh Inglis, Carey demonstrated resilience under pressure, stabilizing the innings alongside Smith. After achieving his century, he increased the tempo, surpassing Smith's score with a towering six off Prabath Jayasuriya. His aggressive batting kept Australia firmly ahead.

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 257 in 97.4 overs, with Kusal Mendis' unbeaten 85 being the only highlight for the hosts. Resuming at 9-229, the home team frustrated Australia for nearly an hour before Matthew Kuhnemann finally dismissed Lahiru Kumara for 15, caught at second slip by Beau Webster.

Australia's response began with an attacking mindset, but the early momentum was disrupted when Travis Head (21) edged Nishan Peiris to slip while attempting a risky shot. Marnus Labuschagne (4) soon followed, falling LBW to Jayasuriya after a successful review by Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva.

There was further drama as Smith survived an LBW scare on his first ball, with ball-tracking indicating the delivery was going down leg. The Australians lost another review when Usman Khawaja (36) was given out LBW to Peiris after missing a sweep, which briefly shifted momentum back to Sri Lanka.

However, Smith and Carey reversed the tide with their pivotal partnership. With Australia leading by 73 runs and still seven wickets in hand, they are well-positioned to establish a significant lead on Day 3.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 257 all out in 97.4 overs trails Australia 330/3 in 80 overs (Alex Carey 139 not out, Steve Smith 120 not out; Nishan Peiris 2-70, Prabath Jayasuriya 1-107) by 73 runs.