Australia look to build legacy, SL hope to salvage series

Australia skipper Steven Smith (right) with Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva 

Sri Lanka will look to bounce back when they take on Australia in the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy second Test at the Galle Stadium, commencing today.    

 Australia won the opening Test inside four days at the same venue by a massive innings and 242 runs while inflicting Sri Lanka’s worst defeat in Test cricket history.

 A victory in the second Test will add to their growing legacy and secure a rare series victory in South Asia, adding to their triumph in Pakistan in 2022 - their only series win in the subcontinent since winning in Sri Lanka in 2011.
 Sri Lanka’s bid to regain the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy are over but the home side can still salvage a drawn series and arrest a recent slide in Test cricket after some strong performances last year had them close to qualifying for the World Test Championship Final.

 Meanwhile, Dimuth Karunaratne will retire from Test cricket after playing his 100th game in this match. It will be a grand occasion for him and he will be keen to end his career on a strong note.

 Australia captain Steven Smith acknowledged the 36-year-old as one of the best opening batters in modern times.
 “He’s had a really good career up top there for Sri Lanka, playing his 100th game as well. He’s had a wonderful career. But, hopefully, we can keep him quiet in his last game,” Smith said.

 Sri Lanka could receive a much-needed boost with opener Pathum Nissanka expected to return after missing the first Test with a groin strain. Off-spinner Ramesh Mendis has been added to the squad and is set to replace Nishan Peiris.   Sri Lanka Test Squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara and Milan Rathnayake.Australia Test Squad: Steven Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc and Beau Webster. 
(Agencies)