Matthew Kuhnemann dismantles Sri Lanka with fifer in Galle Test
What's the story
Australia have seized a stronghold in the first Test against Sri Lanka, courtesy of a brilliant show by spinners Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon. The pair ruled the fourth day of the play, as Sri Lanka crumbled at 165/10 in their first innings. This was just 45 minutes into the fourth day's play, with the side losing five wickets for a paltry nine runs. Kuhnemann was brilliant in particular as he claimed a fifer.
Player performance
Kuhnemann shines in 1st Test after 2-year hiatus
Playing his first Test in almost two years, Kuhnemann was the pick of the bowlers for Australia. He took three wickets in the morning session and ended with a brilliant five-wicket haul. Kuhnemann had drawn the first blood by trapping Oshada Fernando on Day 2. Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis were his other key victims. His teammate Lyon also contributed significantly with 3/57.
Information
2nd fifer for Kuhnemann
Kuhnemann finished his spell with 5/63 across 18.2 overs. This was his second fifer in four Tests as he has raced to 14 wickets at an average of 25-plus, as per ESPNcricinfo. Overall, this was his seventh fifer in First-Class cricket.
Opposition struggle
Chandimal's resistance not enough to save Sri Lanka
Despite Sri Lanka's dismal performance, Dinesh Chandimal provided some resistance with a commendable half-century. However, his efforts weren't enough to save the team from the first innings collapse. Now the pressure is on Sri Lanka as they have the daunting task of improving their performance in the second innings to save the Test match against a dominant Australia.
Strategic move
Australia enforce follow-on after securing significant lead
With a massive lead of 489 runs and his bowlers well-rested, stand-in captain Steven Smith opted to enforce the follow-on. This was a no-brainer considering Australia's commanding position in the match. Notably, Chandimal (72) was the only Lankan batter to cross the 25-run mark. Notably, the Aussies posted 654/6d batting first thanks to centuries from Josh Inglis (102), Usman Khawaja (232), and Smith (141).