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Australia Fight Back with Four Wickets in Second Session on Day 1 in Galle
Lyon, Starc, and Head Trigger Sri Lanka Collapse Before Tea
Australia turned the tide in the second session of Day 1 in Galle, dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting lineup with four crucial wickets. After a resilient first session, the hosts faltered post-lunch, slipping to 144/5 at Tea. Nathan Lyon, who had already claimed Pathum Nissanka earlier, added two more to his tally, while Mitchell Starc and Travis Head chipped in with a wicket each.
Dinesh Chandimal stood tall amidst the collapse, scoring an unbeaten 70 and keeping Sri Lanka afloat as wickets tumbled at the other end.
Sri Lanka’s Strong Start and Sudden Middle-Order Collapse
Karunaratne and Chandimal Resist Before Australia Strike
Despite losing Pathum Nissanka in the first session to Nathan Lyon, Sri Lanka found stability through experienced campaigners Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal. Their composed partnership guided Sri Lanka safely to Lunch, giving hope for a solid foundation.
However, Australia’s bowlers regrouped and struck early in the second session. Karunaratne, playing his milestone 100th and final Test, was the first to fall post-lunch, bowled by Lyon in the third over. The off-spinner got one to turn sharply from round the wicket, crashing into Karunaratne’s stumps and sending the veteran back after a well-fought knock.
Lyon, Starc, and Head Wreak Havoc
Lyon struck again soon after, this time dismissing Angelo Mathews in a battle of patience. Mathews played 25 deliveries but managed just 1 run before Lyon found the outside edge, with Alex Carey completing a simple catch behind the stumps.
After drinks, Travis Head added to Sri Lanka’s woes, removing Kamindu Mendis. Mendis misjudged a tossed-up delivery, attempting a cut shot, but extra bounce caught the edge, and Steve Smith at first slip took a sharp catch.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva’s stay was short-lived as Mitchell Starc immediately made an impact. The left-arm pacer bowled a full and wide delivery, tempting de Silva into an ambitious drive, only for him to edge it to Beau Webster at gully.
Chandimal’s Resilience Holds Sri Lanka Together
Even as wickets fell in quick succession, Dinesh Chandimal continued his fluent knock, bringing up his 32nd Test half-century. Displaying immense composure, Chandimal absorbed pressure and capitalized on scoring opportunities to remain unbeaten on 70 at Tea.
He found support in Kusal Mendis, who joined him at the crease, looking to stabilize Sri Lanka’s innings after a chaotic second session.
Match Situation at Tea – Australia Take Control
At the break, Sri Lanka were 144/5, with Chandimal holding the innings together. Nathan Lyon finished the session with 3-47, leading Australia’s charge with the ball. The visitors will aim to push further in the final session, while Sri Lanka will rely on Chandimal and Mendis to rebuild.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka 144/5 (Dinesh Chandimal 70*; Nathan Lyon 3-47) vs Australia
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