2nd Test, Day 1: Australia put SL on back foot
What's the story
Australia's versatile bowling attack, under stand-in captain Steven Smith, has left Sri Lanka in a difficult position on the first day of the second Test. The dry pitch in Galle is already taking a lot of turn. After a promising start at 93 for 1, Sri Lanka lost four wickets for mere 34 runs, leaving them at a precarious 144 for 5 at tea. Thereafter, they lost 4 more wickets to end Day 1 at 229/9.
Lone warrior
Chandimal stands firm amid Sri Lankan collapse
Dinesh Chandimal, who was the star performer for Sri Lanka in the first Test, continued his good form with a knock of 74. His performance came as a ray of hope for the hosts in the middle of a batting collapse. He was dismissed after tea. The second session saw sharper turn but it was Australia's consistent bowling that accounted for several cheap dismissals. Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc were particularly impressive with their bowling variations and speeds.
Bowling prowess
Lyon and Starc shine for Australia
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon was brilliant, varying his pace and lengths to baffle the Sri Lankan batters. He is now just one wicket away from the 550-wicket mark in Test cricket. He finished the day with figures worth 3/78 from 30 overs. Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc discovered reverse swing during a brilliant spell late in the second session. Starc claimed 3/37 from 16 overs. He bowled three maidens.
Tactical brilliance
Travis Head's golden arm and Kuhnemann's crunch outing
Smith utilized his resources well, with Travis Head justifying his selection by sending Kamindu Mendis back. This was a big contribution as Australia were playing with only three specialist bowlers. Head bowled 8 overs and took 1/31. Spinner Matthew Kuhnemann bowled 30 overs and claimed two wickets for 53 runs. He bowled 9 maidens.
Information
Kusal Mendis unbeaten on 59
Kusal Mendis walked in when SL were 127/5. With Chandimal's dismissal (150/6), the Lankans were in tatters. However, Mendis found company in Ramesh Mendis and they added 65 runs for the 7th wicket. Mendis is unbeaten on 59 from 107 balls.