Angelo Mathews slams 76 versus Australia in 2nd Test: Stats
What's the story
Despite a fighting 76-run knock from Angelo Mathews, Australia are inching closer to a series sweep against Sri Lanka in the second Test in Galle. The home side, who were trailing by a first-innings deficit of 157 runs on a spin-friendly pitch, risked another innings defeat after collapsing to 81-4. However, Mathews's determined half-century helped Sri Lanka end day three at 211-8 - effectively leading by just 54 runs with two wickets remaining.
Spin attack
Mathews scores 76 from 149 balls
Mathews was solid for Sri Lanka and scored a vital 76 runs from 149 balls. He arrived in the middle when SL were 33/2. He added 47 runs alongside Dhananjaya de Silva and a fifty-plus partnership with Kusal Mendis, who is unbeaten on 48. Australia's spinners Matthew Kuhnemann (4-52) and Nathan Lyon (3-80) ran through the Sri Lankan batting order. Earlier today, Australia resumed at 330-3 and lost their last seven wickets in the morning session before being all-out (414).
Stats
6th fifty versus Australia and 45th overall
Mathews hit four fours and a six. He was dismissed by spinner Nathan Lyon in the 58th over. SL were 198/6 when Matchews got dismissed. Mathews' 76 took him to 8,167 runs at 44.62. In addition to 16 tons, he now owns 45 fifties. As per ESPNcricinfo, Mathews has amassed 817 runs against Australia from 13 matches at 38.90. This was his 6th fifty against Australia (100s: 1).
Information
35th Test fifty in Asia for Mathews
Mathews is closing in on 6,000 Test runs in Asia. In 88 matches on Asian soil, Mathews has 5,996 runs at 46.12. This was his 35th Test fifty in Asia. He has 11 tons as well. 4,323 of his runs have come at home.