Sri Lanka–Australia 2nd Test: Chandimal, Kusal defiant as Australia dominate

Dimuth Karunaratne receiving a guard of honour in his final Test (Pic courtesy SLC) 

Dinesh Chandimal hit a sparkling half century

By M. Shamil Amit from Galle

Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis hit fighting half centuries for Sri Lanka on day one as Australia bowlers pinned them down in the latter stages of the innings for the home team to end the day struggling on 229 for nine in the second Test match played at the Galle International Stadium.

Much was expected from Dimuth Karunaratne playing in his final and 100th Test of his career. 

Karunaratne and Chandimal lifted the home side after the early dismissal of opener Nissanka but the pair were not able to do much being separated after having added 70 runs for the second wicket. The dismissal of Karunaratne for 36 put Sri Lanka on the back foot.

The Australia bowlers spearheaded by pacer Mitchell Starc, and spinners Matthew Kuhnermann and Nathan Lyon continued to torment the Sri Lanka batsmen throughout the day. 
The post-lunch session turned to be fruitful for the Australian bowlers as Sri Lanka lost four wickets in this session for 38 runs. From a position of 87 for one at lunch, Sri Lanka stumbled to 144 for five at the tea break.

Spinners Lyon, Travis Head and pacer Starc triggered the Sri Lanka collapse. 

Chandimal fell victim to first Test match tormentor Matthew Kuhnermann having made a top score of 74 that included six boundaries and a six.

Later despite Kusal Mendis and Ramesh Mendis coming to the rescue with a 65-run stand for the seventh wicket, Sri Lanka slipped to 215 for seven  after losing two quick wickets. Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 59 stroking six boundaries and a six.

Sri Lanka made three changes to the previous Test with Pathum Nissanka, Ramesh Mendis and Lahiru Kumara being brought in place of Oshada Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay and Asitha Fernando.