Cricket News: Sri Lanka vs Australia 2nd Test-Australian batters dominate on Day 1
Australia feels powerful again since its lost stars found their way back to their form. Marnus Labuschange and Steven Smith's much-awaited century put Australia in a commanding position on Day 1
Marnus Labuschange and Steven Smith's much-awaited century put Australia in a commanding position on Day 1After scoring almost 100 runs per session, Aussies are standing firm at 298/5 with Steven Smith and Alex Carey on strike.
Losing Usman Khawaja and David Warner in the first session was a setback for the Aussies and a chance to dominate for Sri Lankan bowlers. But Marnus Labuchange probably felt different today as he scored quickly with Steven Smith at the other end. They both turned the tide against the host and went for a 134-run partnership in 37 overs.
Sri Lanka's wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella made a mistake when Marnus Labuschagne was on 28 by missing the chance of stumping right before lunch. Labuschagne capitalised and went on to score his first overseas century. Still, Niroshan Dickwella made up for his mistake by stumping Marnus Labuschagne on Prabath Jayasuriya's sharp-turned ball right before tea and sent him back at a score of 104 leaving Australia on 204/3.
Steven Smith kept holding one end of Aussie's innings and scored his 28th test century, only the second after his 2019 Ashes. Prabath Jayasuriya ensured that Travis Head and Cameron Green didn't settle on the crease long after Marnus Labuschagne departed. But then Alex Carey held the other end alongside Steven Smith. They have managed a partnership of 46 runs so far and will start day 2 with scores of 109(212) and 16(35), respectively.
For Sri Lanka, the good thing that happened to them was their debutant left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. After taking three crucial wickets in his first test, Sri Lanka will rely heavily on him for tomorrow's next breakthroughs. Australia will look to bat for at least another 150 runs. Looking at Australia's confidence and temperament, it will not be easy for Sri Lanka to take the following five wickets easily. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins love to bat in tests, and Aussie's shoulder will keep up with Steven Smith standing.