Australia outclass Sri Lanka for clean 2-0 sweep

The champion Australian team pose with trophy (Photo Credit: SLC)

Action from the match

By M. Shamil Amit from Galle

Australia’s stand-in skipper Steven Smith led from the front as his team completely outclassed Sri Lanka by nine wickets, with more than a day and a half to spare, in the second Test match concluded at the Galle International Stadium yesterday. With this win, Australia completed a clean 2-0 sweep and claimed the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy.

Although the Aussies faced an early setback in their run chase of just 75 runs, losing Travis Head early, the first-match double centurion Usman Khawaja, along with Marnus Labuschagne, guided them to victory before the lunch break.

The match was almost sealed within the first six overs of the morning session, as Sri Lanka, facing imminent defeat, resumed their second innings from the overnight score of 211/8. They were demolished in 36 balls, adding only another 25 runs before being bowled out for 231.

The Sri Lankan batsmen had little to offer, with the only satisfaction being that they avoided an embarrassing innings defeat for the second time. They managed to take the match to the fourth day, preventing a three-day defeat. However, with defeat staring them in the face, it was clear that a miracle would be needed to save the match.

On the other hand, Australia saw their spin pair Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann strike successfully once again, laying the foundation for the visitors to complete a 2-0 sweep. Stand-in skipper Steven Smith, who scored back-to-back centuries, led from the front, while Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey also added to Sri Lanka’s defeat.

The spin duo of Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon were instrumental, sharing 30 of the 40 Sri Lankan wickets to fall. Kusal Mendis’ effort of twin half-centuries was the standout performance for Sri Lanka in a losing cause.

The two teams will meet again in the first of two ODI matches, scheduled to be played on February 12 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, followed by the second ODI on February 14 at the same venue.