Aussies Make Lanka Struggle
A consistent, disciplined and an unrelenting Australian bowling attack on a dry Galle pitch, saw Sri Lanka struggle to 229/9 at the close of play on Day 1 of the 2nd Test.
Brilliant Lyon
Barring a gritty display from Dinesh Chandimal ( 74 ) and Kusal Mendis ( 59*), the hosts laboured the whole day. Dimuth Karunaratne playing his 100th Test and probably his last compiled a solid 36 before falling to Lyon who bowled brilliantly with his speed variations and impeccable lengths. In the process the Australian secured 150 wickets in Asia, a terrific record for overseas players.
Starc and Kuhnemann Chip In Too
Mitch Starc too bowled incisive short spells and got the Sri Lankan captain Dhananjay De Silva and Prabhat Jayasuriya for first ball ducks. These two wickets broke the back of the Sri Lankan middle order. Mathew Kuhnemann too bowled effectively and ably supported Lyon and Starc to get the better of the Lankans.
Lankan Bowlers To Be Tested
Whether this total would be enough or not on the pitch would be known once Australia begin to bat. The Lankan spinners too would be tested more for their patience than skill.
An Exciting Day Tomorrow
An interesting day coming up at Galle tomorrow, which in a way will decide the course of this match.