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Australia on the Verge of Series Sweep as Spinners Dominate Sri Lanka in Galle
Australia Inches Closer to a 2-0 Series Win in Galle
Australia’s spinners took center stage on Day 3 of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, tightening their grip on the match and the series. Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann (4-52) and veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon (3-80) ripped through Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, leaving the hosts struggling at 211/8, with only a slim lead of 54 runs.
Despite a resilient knock from *Kusal Mendis (48)**, wickets continued to tumble at the other end. The visitors now need just two more wickets to wrap up the Test and secure a commanding 2-0 series victory.
Sri Lanka’s Post-Tea Fightback Falls Short
Mathews Shines but Falls Short of a Century
The post-tea session provided a mixed bag for Sri Lanka—while they added 113 runs, they also lost four crucial wickets. The experienced Angelo Mathews (76) played a fluent innings and formed a steady partnership with captain Dhananjaya de Silva. However, just when Sri Lanka looked to settle, Kuhnemann struck, dismissing de Silva with a sharply turning delivery. Steve Smith took a brilliant diving catch at slip, ending what could have been a crucial stand.
Mathews, seemingly on course for a century, threw his wicket away with a reckless sweep shot against Lyon, top-edging it straight to Beau Webster at short fine leg. His dismissal was a significant blow, especially with Mendis still at the crease.
Australia Tightens Grip as Webster Joins the Party
With Mathews gone, the floodgates opened for Australia. Webster, who took Mathews’ catch, also made an impact with the ball. His part-time off-spin accounted for Ramesh Mendis, further derailing Sri Lanka’s hopes of setting a competitive target.
Mendis’ aggressive approach at the other end ensured that Sri Lanka eked out a lead, but Kuhnemann had the final say for the day, dismissing Prabath Jayasuriya in the dying moments.
Sri Lanka’s Slim Hopes Rest on Mendis and the Tail
The hosts’ last hope now rests on Kusal Mendis, who must shield the tail-enders while trying to push the lead beyond 120-130. However, on a deteriorating pitch and against Australia’s dominant spinners, it appears to be a daunting task.
Sri Lankan Spinners Put Up a Fight in the Morning
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka’s spinners Prabath Jayasuriya (5-151) and Nishan Peiris (3-81) bowled with more control, preventing Australia from stretching their first-innings lead excessively. Resuming at 330/3, Australia initially seemed poised to cross 500 runs, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept the damage in check, restricting them to 414 all out.
Nevertheless, Sri Lanka’s inconsistent bowling on Day 2 had already allowed Australia to take a dominant position, which now seems match-winning.
Brief Scores
- Sri Lanka: 257 & 211/8 (Angelo Mathews 76; Matthew Kuhnemann 4-52, Nathan Lyon 3-80)
- Australia: 414 (Alex Carey 156, Steve Smith 131; Prabath Jayasuriya 5-151)
- Sri Lanka leads by 54 runs
Key Takeaways
✔ Australia’s spinners dominate – Kuhnemann and Lyon leave Sri Lanka struggling.
✔ Mathews misses a century – Crucial wicket shifts momentum to Australia.
✔ Kusal Mendis stands alone – Can he push Sri Lanka’s lead further?
✔ Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought back – But the damage was done on Day 2.
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