Visitors Dominate as Sri Lanka Struggles to Avoid Innings Defeat
GALLE, SRI LANKA – Australia moved closer to a comprehensive victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle, enforcing the follow-on and reducing the hosts to 75/3 by lunch on Day 4. With Sri Lanka still trailing by 415 runs, an innings defeat appears imminent.
A Morning to Forget for Sri Lanka
The fourth day’s play began disastrously for Sri Lanka, as they lost eight wickets in a single session—five in their first innings and three more after being asked to bat again. Australia’s bowlers, led by left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, capitalized on the home side’s struggles, putting them in a dire situation.
Kuhnemann was the standout performer, securing his second five-wicket haul in Test cricket. While Nathan Lyon, who picked up three wickets in the first innings, created constant pressure with his off-spin, Sri Lanka’s batters found it difficult to deal with Kuhnemann’s variations.
Australia’s Bowlers Dominate Again
Fast bowler Mitchell Starc provided the first breakthrough in Sri Lanka’s second innings, dismissing Oshada Fernando early. Todd Murphy then got rid of captain Dimuth Karunaratne with a straight delivery, leaving Sri Lanka reeling as both openers failed to reach double figures.
Veteran batters Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews attempted to stabilize the innings, stitching together a 69-run partnership for the third wicket. However, in a crucial moment just before lunch, Chandimal gloved a catch to the bat-pad fielder off Lyon’s bowling, falling to the same bowler who had trapped him lbw in the first innings.
Australia’s Batting Prowess Sets Up Commanding Position
Sri Lanka’s troubles began when they allowed Australia to amass a mammoth first-innings total of 654/6 declared. The visitors’ dominance was powered by Usman Khawaja’s brilliant double century, Josh Inglis’ maiden Test hundred on debut, and Steve Smith’s second Test ton at Galle.
With Australia in firm control and Sri Lanka facing an uphill battle, the visitors are on the verge of sealing a decisive win. The second and final Test of the series will begin on February 6, once again at Galle.
