Smith and Carey Dominate Day Two: Australia Takes Command Against Sri Lanka
In a thrilling display of batting prowess, Steve Smith and Alex Carey propelled Australia to a commanding position on day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. At stumps, Australia stood strong at 330-3, establishing a substantial 73-run lead, thanks to an unbroken 239-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Smith’s Masterclass at the Crease
Smith, unbeaten on 110, faced an early challenge when he was given lbw to Nishan Peiris at 24. A successful review kept him in the game, and he seized the opportunity with a flurry of elegant cover drives and powerful pull shots, amassing nine fours and a six. His 36th Test century came from a pull shot that raced to the mid-wicket boundary, showcasing his ability to find gaps against Sri Lanka’s defensive field.
Carey’s Career-Best Performance
Alex Carey, stepping in for Josh Inglis due to injury, made the most of his promotion to number five. He reached his half-century in 68 balls and completed his century in just 118 deliveries, finishing with a career-best 139 off 156 balls, including 13 fours and two sixes. Carey’s aggressive batting added depth to Australia’s innings and left the Sri Lankan bowlers struggling to contain the onslaught.
Sri Lanka’s Struggles
Earlier, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 257, with Kusal Mendis top-scoring with an unbeaten 85. Despite a solid start, the Sri Lankan batting line-up crumbled under pressure from the Australian bowlers, who capitalized on the conditions as the ball aged.
What Lies Ahead
With Australia already holding the Warne-Murali Trophy after winning the first Test, they are poised to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. The first Test marked Sri Lanka’s worst defeat in their history, losing by an innings and 242 runs.
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