Australia managed to outperform Sri Lanka on Day 2 of the second and final match of the series to dominate the proceedings and inch towards a historic series white-wash in the sub-continent. The day started with the last batting pair of the home side on crease trying to add as many runs as possible in their team’s total. However, it was not long before Matthew Kuhnemann got rid of Lahiru Kumara to wrap up Sri Lanka’s 1st innings on 257 runs in 57.4 overs.
Steve Smith hammers a century to save Australia’s derailing innings
With a competitive target in sight, Australia’s openers took the crease, aiming to provide a solid foundation for the visitors. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers struck early, disrupting their plans. Nishan Peiris made an immediate impact, dismissing both openers in quick succession, while Prabath Jayasuriya removed Marnus Labuschagne for just four runs, leaving Australia in a precarious position.
At 91/3, Australia found themselves in trouble, but Steve Smith had other ideas. The Australian skipper steadied the innings, showing resilience after the early setbacks. With impeccable stroke play and precise shot selection, he anchored the innings, halting the flurry of wickets. Smith’s masterful knock featured nine exquisite boundaries and a towering six, demonstrating his command over Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. His determined century – his 36th in Test cricket – proved instrumental in reviving Australia’s innings. Partnering with wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, Smith built a crucial stand, ensuring stability and momentum for the visitors as they mounted a strong fightback.
Alex Carey smashes a remarkable century to put Australia in a commanding position
Carey provided exceptional support to Smith, delivering a power-packed innings that bolstered Australia’s position. Displaying an aggressive yet calculated approach, the wicketkeeper-batter raced to his century in just 118 balls, dismantling the Sri Lankan bowling attack with ease. His fluent stroke play and ability to find gaps ensured a steady flow of runs, allowing Australia to recover from early setbacks and build a commanding total.
Carey’s innings was a spectacle of aggressive intent and controlled execution, featuring an array of exquisite shots that put the pressure back on the hosts. Together, Smith and Carey orchestrated a remarkable 232-run partnership, completely shifting the momentum in Australia’s favor. By the end of the day’s play, the visitors had amassed 330 runs for the loss of just three wickets in 80 overs, securing a vital first-innings lead of 73 runs over Sri Lanka. Their dominant stand not only stabilized the innings but also set the stage for Australia to dictate terms moving forward.
Sri Lankan Bowlers Struggle as Smith-Carey Partnership Dominates
Despite their early breakthroughs, it turned out to be a long and exhausting day for the Sri Lankan bowlers, who found themselves struggling against the formidable partnership between Smith and Carey. As the duo settled in, frustration grew among the hosts, with their efforts repeatedly thwarted by the batters’ resilience and elegant stroke play. On a turning track at the Galle International Stadium, Smith and Carey navigated the spin threat skillfully, counterattacking with precision and fluency. Their partnership not only stabilized Australia’s innings but also left the Sri Lankan attack searching for answers.
Nishan Peiris emerged as the most effective bowler for Sri Lanka, finishing the day with figures of 2/70 in 21 overs. His disciplined bowling earned him crucial breakthroughs early on, but he lacked the support needed to maintain pressure on the visitors. Jayasuriya, while managing to claim a wicket, proved expensive, conceding 104 runs in his 24-over spell as the Australian batters took control. The rest of the attack endured a torrid time – Ramesh Mendis was taken apart for 70 runs in his 19 overs, while Kumara, brought in for brief spells, leaked 30 runs in just six overs. With Australia dictating terms, Sri Lanka’s bowlers faced a daunting challenge, struggling to break the Smith-Carey stand as the visitors closed the day in a commanding position.
Also WATCH: Beau Webster takes a screamer to wrap up Sri Lanka’s innings on Day 2 of the second Test
Here’s how Twitter reacted
#SLvsAUS
Smudge deserve to top this list pic.twitter.com/R6cYJzfP8n— Nishant Verma 💛👑 (@NikSmudge) February 7, 2025
Alex Tyson Carey you beauty!!!!! Second 100, in his career. Bats way to low at 7, to many times stranded with the tail. He gets one chance to bat at 5, with the best in the world, he makes a fantastic 100. Only Gilchrist had a 100 in srilanka as a keeper. Now Alex Carey #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/hXl6sR9AaY
— Coach lukas (@lukeR15sky) February 7, 2025
This Steve Smith rejuvenation has been glorious.
Test average not far from clicking back above 57 too. #SLvsAUS
— Paul Dennett (@PaulDennett_) February 7, 2025
Superb day of cricket for 🇦🇺
Clinic on how to play spin from Smudge & Kez
Alex Carey – very deserving of his ton, been elite all summer
Set up well for a 2-0 series result! #SLvsAUS
— AJR (@archerroberts9) February 7, 2025
Such a popular Test hundred. Such a popular teammate. So deserved for Alex Carey. Has worked so hard for this. Massive external scrutiny on his place in the side over the last 18 months & he’s proven why he’s the No 1 wicket-keeper behind the wickets & with bat in hand #SLvAus pic.twitter.com/0VNNgOQBn3
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 7, 2025
When great players get on a roll, they are hard to stop. 36 test centuries for Steve Smith, and 4 in his last four test matches. Masterful.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) February 7, 2025
A wonderful paddling . Sweeping and cutting 💯 by Alex Carey
Looks comfortable at number 5
match winning partnership here #SLvAus pic.twitter.com/UwgrVdA2ls— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) February 7, 2025
2-0
Another away series win
Pak, NZ, SL ✅
SA, WI ⏳ (should be easy wins)
Eng, Ind – The final frontiers for 2027#SLvsAUS— Arjun (@6worldcups) February 7, 2025
Australia has been magnificent.
But this by SL is the most insipid fielding and bowling display I’ve seen since the first test match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle in 2025.#SLvsAUS
— Paul Dennett (@PaulDennett_) February 7, 2025
Day 2, Stumps
– Steve Smith and Alex Carey put Australia in the driving seat as day’s play comes to an end ⚡
Steve Smith: 120*
Alex Carey: 139*#Cricket #SLvAUS #SteveSmith #AlexCarey pic.twitter.com/Ohx7G6urOV— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 7, 2025
