Steve Smith and Alex Carey‘s remarkable centuries put Australia in a commanding position on day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Friday.
Australia reached 330-3 at stumps, establishing a 73-run lead, as Smith and Carey built an unbroken 239-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Sri Lankan bowlers started well, but their spinners lost effectiveness as the ball aged, allowing Smith to capitalise on the conditions.
Smith’s innings faced an early challenge when he was given lbw to Nishan Peiris at 24, but a successful review kept him at the crease.
He then dominated the game with excellent cover drives and pull shots, hitting nine fours and a six.
Sri Lanka’s defensive field placement, focused on preventing boundaries rather than taking wickets, didn’t stop Smith from finding gaps effectively.
Smith achieved his 36th Test century by pulling Kamindu Mendis to the mid-wicket boundary.
Carey, replacing Josh Inglis who was absent due to back pain, made the most of his promotion to number five, reaching his half-century in 68 balls.
He completed his century in 118 balls with a sweep shot and finished with a career-best 139 from 156 deliveries, including 13 fours and two sixes.
Sri Lanka’s innings ended at 257, adding to their overnight score of 229-9.
Kusal Mendis stood out with an unbeaten 85, but ran out of partners as Australian bowlers concluded the innings.
Australia has already secured the Warne-Murali Trophy with an unbeatable 1-0 lead after winning the first Test.
The first Test resulted in Sri Lanka’s worst Test defeat, losing by an innings and 242 runs.
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