The second Check match between Sri Lanka and Australia on the Galle Worldwide Stadium has been a big encounter, particularly following Australia’s dominant efficiency within the first Check. On Day 1, Australia showcased their bowling prowess, lowering Sri Lanka to a precarious 229/9 by stumps.
Regardless of commendable half-centuries from Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka struggled to construct a considerable innings towards a disciplined Australian assault led by Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc, each of whom claimed three wickets every. With Sri Lanka successful the toss and opting to bat first, the strain was on them to capitalize on dwelling circumstances and keep away from a repeat of their earlier heavy defeat within the sequence.
Beau Webster grabs a pointy low catch to interrupt the final wicket partnership
As Day 2 commenced, all eyes have been on the final wicket partnership for Sri Lanka. They managed so as to add simply 28 runs to their in a single day complete earlier than succumbing to Australia’s relentless bowling. The spotlight of this session got here when Beau Webster executed a surprising catch at second slip to dismiss Lahiru Kumara off Matthew Kuhnemann‘s bowling. The second unfolded dramatically on the 98th over when Kuhnemann tossed the ball into the footmarks, prompting Kumara to defend on the entrance foot. Sadly for him, he performed the improper line, leading to a thick edge that flew low in direction of Webster. In a formidable show of reflexes, Webster snatched the ball simply above floor stage, securing his place in cricketing highlights for the day.
Additionally WATCH: Travis Head celebrates in a unusual method after dismissing Kamindu Mendis on Day 1 of the second Check
Right here’s the video:
A unbelievable catch from Beau Webster!
It ends Sri Lanka’s first innings on 257 👏#SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/O61bHRSwS3
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 7, 2025
A day of turning tides in Galle
With Sri Lanka’s innings concluding at 257 all out, they confronted an uphill battle towards Australia’s formidable batting lineup. The scorecard mirrored a blended bag for Sri Lanka; whereas Chandimal’s 74 and Mendis’ unbeaten 85 have been commendable efforts, different batters faltered underneath strain. The autumn of wickets was regular all through their innings: Pathum Nissanka (11), Dimuth Karunaratne (36), and Angelo Mathews (1) all fell cheaply, leaving Chandimal and Mendis to shoulder a lot of the accountability.
Australia’s bowling was characterised by its effectiveness in exploiting the turning pitch; Lyon and Starc every took three wickets whereas Kuhnemann additionally contributed considerably together with his personal three-wicket haul. The Australian bowlers maintained tight traces and lengths, which proved vital in dismantling the Sri Lankan batting order.
