Galle, Feb 8 (UNI) Australia inched closer to a series victory as Sri Lanka faltered late on the third day of the second Test on Saturday, with Beau Webster and Nathan Lyon making crucial contributions to tighten the visitors' grip on the match.
Angelo Mathews (76) and Kusal Mendis (48*) offered resistance with a 70-run stand, guiding Sri Lanka to a 41-run lead. However, Mathews fell to a well-judged catch by Webster at fine leg off Lyon’s bowling, shifting the momentum in Australia’s favour.
Stand-in captain Steve Smith’s tactical decision to employ Webster’s off-spin instead of seam paid dividends as Ramesh Mendis fell for a duck. Matthew Kuhnemann further compounded Sri Lanka’s troubles by dismissing Prabath Jayasuriya in the final over of the day. At stumps, Sri Lanka were struggling at 197/8, leading by just 54 runs.
Resuming with a 157-run deficit, Sri Lanka were reduced to 39/3 before Mathews and Kamindu Mendis (22) steadied the innings. However, Lyon, who reached his 550th Test wicket, removed Dinesh Chandimal (12) and Kamindu, denting Sri Lanka’s chances of a recovery.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva (47) showed intent but fell to a stunning one-handed catch by Smith at slip off Kuhnemann’s bowling. Mendis attempted to counter-attack, striking Lyon for a six and a four off consecutive deliveries to push Sri Lanka into the lead, but Mathews’ late dismissal put the visitors back in control.
Australia’s strong position was built on a record 259-run partnership between Smith (131) and Alex Carey (156), guiding them to a first-innings total of 414. Carey’s innings was the highest score by an Australian wicketkeeper in Asia, surpassing Adam Gilchrist’s 144.
Sri Lanka’s Jayasuriya responded with a five-wicket haul, capitalising on the second new ball to trigger an Australian collapse in the morning session. Smith fell to a sharp-turning delivery, while Carey was bowled attempting an aggressive sweep.
Debutant Cooper Connolly showed promise but was dismissed attempting an expansive stroke, while Webster contributed a steady 31 before making an impact in the field and with the ball.
With Sri Lanka trailing by just 54 runs and only two wickets remaining, their hopes now rest solely on Mendis.
However, with Australia’s disciplined attack and a deteriorating Galle pitch, a series victory for the visitors appears imminent.
UNI BDN CS1801