SL vs AUS [WATCH]: Prabath Jayasuriya bowls a jaffa to dismiss Josh Inglis for a duck on Day 3 of the second Test

The second and the final Test match of the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy is marked by an exciting contest between Sri Lanka and Australia. Even though Australia have a lead over the home side, the contest stands finely poised. The visitors might have hoped for a more prominent lead at the end of their 1st innings. However, it was cut short by a remarkable spell from Prabath Jayasuriya which ensured that Australian batters, and the last traditional batter in particular, Josh Inglis was sent back to the pavilion early.

Josh Inglis stunned by an absolute beauty from Prabath Jayasuriya

The incident occurred during the 85th over of the Australian innings as Inglis came to the crease after a grand stand from Steve Smith came to an end. Smith played a remarkable innings of 131 runs off 254 balls which stabilized the Australian innings after early setbacks. After his departure, it was now time for Inglis to continue the brilliant rhythm from the 1st Test and put some runs on the board to consolidate his team’s lead even further.

However, Inglis’ time on the crease was far from ideal as he was bowled out on the very 2nd ball of his innings. Jayasuriya picked him right after he sent Alex Carey back to the pavilion with a tempting full-length delivery that led Inglis to commit early. However, he was in two minds about whether to play the ball on the front foot or go backwards. This split led him to mistime the ball which hit the bails instead marking the end of Inglis’ short run. Inglis’ dismissal came at a crucial juncture as it opened the floodgates of dismissals for Australia. The rest of Australian batters were wrapped up by Sri Lankan bowlers on a pitch particularly conducive for spin bowling.

Here’s the video 

Also Watch: Beau Webster takes a screamer to wrap up Sri Lanka’s innings on Day 2 of the second Test

Australia in command as they put a grand total in 1st innings

Due to heroics from Smith and Carey, Australia managed to put together a total of 414 runs in their 1st innings in response to the 257 runs Sri Lanka made batting first. The visitors garnered a lead of 157 runs which is far from ideal according to Australia’s own high standards but in no way a slender one considering the pitch will further help spinners as the match progresses. The weight of wrapping up Sri Lanka’s 2nd innings now rests on Australia’s bowling unit, particularly the successful duo of Nathan Lyon and Mathhew Kuhnemann who have been a bone of contention to Sri Lankan batters and managed to assert their dominance during the course of the series.

Also Read: Twitter reactions: Australia takes charge against Sri Lanka as Steve Smith and Alex Carey smash brilliant tons on Day 2 of the second Test