Lyon Dismisses Chandimal Twice in the Same Session
Australian spinner Nathan Lyon accomplished a unique milestone on Day 4 of the first Test against Sri Lanka, dismissing Dinesh Chandimal twice within the same session. Lyon first ended Chandimal’s gritty knock in the first innings at 10:13 AM local time, before removing him again in the second innings at 12:03 PM, following Australia’s decision to enforce the follow-on.
Chandimal had put up a valiant 72-run fight in the first innings as wickets tumbled around him. However, Sri Lanka struggled against Australia’s dominant bowling attack, collapsing for 165 runs in response to the visitors’ imposing total of 654/6 declared.
With Australia enforcing the follow-on, Sri Lanka’s batting woes continued. Chandimal returned to the crease within hours but could only manage 31 off 49 balls, as the hosts faced the threat of an innings defeat.
Kuhnemann and Lyon Shine as Sri Lanka Crumbles
Australia’s Matthew Kuhnemann emerged as the standout performer, claiming a five-wicket haul—his second in Test cricket. While Lyon, who picked up three wickets in the first innings, continuously troubled the Sri Lankan batters with his off-spin, it was Kuhnemann’s left-arm spin that proved particularly challenging for the hosts.
The morning session of Day 4 turned into a nightmare for Sri Lanka, as they lost eight wickets in a single session—five in the first innings and three more after being asked to bat again.
Lyon Creates History in Sri Lanka
With Chandimal’s dismissal in the second innings, Nathan Lyon etched his name in the record books, becoming the highest overseas wicket-taker in Sri Lanka. He surpassed India’s Ravichandran Ashwin, who previously held the record with 38 wickets on Sri Lankan soil.
Top 5 Overseas Wicket-Takers in Sri Lanka:
- Nathan Lyon (Australia) – 39 wickets*
- Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 38 wickets
- Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan) – 38 wickets
- Shane Warne (Australia) – 37 wickets
- Yasir Shah (Pakistan) – 33 wickets
Lyon and Yasir Shah are the only active international cricketers on this list, though Shah is currently not part of Pakistan’s Test squad.
With this dominant performance, Australia is now on the brink of a resounding victory, while Lyon continues to cement his legacy as one of the finest spinners in Test cricket.
