Australia took full control of the second Test against Sri Lanka, thanks to stunning centuries from Steven Smith and Alex Carey. The duo put on an unbeaten 239-run stand, crushing Sri Lanka’s hopes on a pitch that was turning sharply.
Earlier in the day, Australia was in a tricky position at 91 for 3, chasing Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 257. However, Smith and Carey steadied the innings, playing with confidence and skill. Smith, known for his brilliant batting in Asian conditions, used a mix of traditional strokes and reverse sweeps to keep Sri Lanka’s spinners guessing. Carey, on the other hand, played aggressively, sweeping effectively to reach his second Test century.
Smith reached his 36th Test hundred with a boundary, making history by surpassing Ricky Ponting for the most Test runs by an Australian in Asia. His seventh century in these conditions also moved him past Allan Border.
After a quiet period in his career, Smith seems to have regained top form, scoring four centuries in his last eight Test innings.
Carey, often criticized for overusing the sweep shot, silenced his doubters with a superb innings. Batting at No. 5 due to a reshuffle in the order, he looked comfortable and played with authority. He reached his century with a well-placed sweep to the boundary, celebrating a well-earned milestone.
For Sri Lanka, it was a frustrating day. Their bowlers, who had started well, struggled to break through in the final two sessions. Offspinner Nishan Peiris, who had a tough time in the first Test, showed improvement and nearly bowled Smith before tea. However, overall, Sri Lanka's attack lacked consistency.
The decision to leave out legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who impressed in the first Test, may have cost them. Prabath Jayasuriya, their key spinner, was unable to create enough pressure and had to resort to a defensive approach.
The day had begun with Sri Lanka adding 28 quick runs to their overnight total, with Kusal Mendis left stranded on 85. Australia's bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Matthew Kuhnemann, shared the wickets and wrapped up the innings efficiently.
In reply, Australia had a steady start, with Travis Head attacking early before falling to Peiris. Marnus Labuschagne’s struggles continued as he was dismissed lbw by Jayasuriya for just four runs. Smith had a nervous moment when given out lbw, but a review saved him. Usman Khawaja played well before misjudging a delivery from Peiris and was out lbw for 36.
From there, it was all about Smith and Carey. They played with patience and control, picking up singles easily and punishing loose deliveries. As the partnership grew, Sri Lanka’s bowlers looked lost, unable to break through.
By the end of the day, Smith seemed exhausted in the humid conditions, slowing down while Carey took charge. With Australia now in a strong position and a big first-innings lead in sight, Sri Lanka faces a tough challenge to stay in the match.
Updated on 08 February, 2025 by MyFortune11 Team.