Image Source : Depositphotos
Australia All Out for 414; Jayasuriya Claims Five Wickets
Australia All Out for 414; Jayasuriya Claims Five Wickets
Sri Lanka finished the day with a lead of just 54 runs and they have only two more wickets.
On the third morning of the second Test in Galle, Sri Lanka's spinners worked hard to limit the damage against Australia. Prabath Jayasuriya took 5 wickets for 151 runs, Nishan Peiris took 3 wickets for 94 runs, and Ramesh Mendis took 2 wickets for 81 runs. Despite their efforts, Australia remained in control. Starting at 330/3, they were all out for 414, giving them a strong first-innings lead of 157 runs.
The day started with Smith and Carey looking to strengthen Australia's position, but their partnership was broken in the first hour. Jayasuriya ended their 259-run stand by getting Smith to edge a delivery to the keeper. In the same over, he bowled out Josh Inglis, who misjudged the length of the ball. Jayasuriya's accuracy was rewarded again when he dismissed Carey as Sri Lanka continued to take wickets.
Peiris, the most disciplined Sri Lankan spinner on the second day, then dismissed debutant Cooper Connolly, who fell to a rash slog-sweep while Australia tried to score quickly. Jayasuriya earned a well-deserved five-wicket haul when Mitchell Starc missed a wild slog sweep and was bowled out. Mendis then took the final two Australian wickets just before lunch. Beau Webster added some useful runs lower down the order, helping Australia to cross the 400-run mark.
Compared to the second day, Australia's scoring rate slowed down, with only 84 runs scored in 26.4 overs this morning and five wickets lost. As the pitch continues to deteriorate, the 157-run lead becomes a significant advantage for the visitors.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 257/10 & 211/8 (Kusal Mendis 85*, Dinesh Chandimal 74; Mitchell Starc 3-37, Matthew Kuhnemann 3-63) trail Australia 414/10 (Alex Carey 156. Steve Smith 131; Prabath Jayasuriya 5-151). Sri Lanka leads by 54 runs.