AUS Vs SL 2nd Test Day 3 Highlights:
Sri Lanka had a 67-run advantage over Australia and was unquestionably in charge of the game at the end of day 3 of the second test match in Galle on Sunday.
The hosts were at commanding position with 431 for 6 on board, thanks to Dinesh Chandimal’s unbeaten 118 and three solid half-centuries from Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis.
Earlier, Australia got off to a bad start as David Warner was cheaply dismissed by Kasun Rajitha’s excellent angling delivery.
Usman Khawaja, the second opener, and Marnus Labuschagne collaborated for 55 runs to help steer the ship further. Khawaja was, however, struck out by Ramesh Mendis thanks to his enchanted delivery.
Steve Smith took the charge
Former Australian skipper Steve Smith took the field at number four and handled all the pressure with ease. Labuschagne scored 104 before leaving the field. His and Smith’s 134-run partnership helped Australia pass the 200-point threshold.
The visitors had a score of 298 for 5 at the completion of day 1 of play. However, Sri Lankan bowlers wasted no time in dismissing the visitors for 364 runs during the morning session of day 2. Steve Smith continued to lead Australia in scoring with an unbeaten 145.
Prabath Jayasuriya, a debutant for Sri Lanka, claimed the most wickets (6). Kasun Rajitha took 2 wickets. Maheesh Theekshana and Kamindu Mendis, two other debutants, each took a wicket.
After the hosts lost the opening game in three days at Galle, Jayasuriya, Mendis, and Theekshana were all called up to play in their debut games for Sri Lanka.
In reply, Sri Lanka lost their first wicket on just 12, but then skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis steadied their ship and later Dinesh Chandimal took the responsibility on his shoulders to take the team further.
Dinesh Chandimal (118*) and Ramesh Mendis (7*) will resume the day 4 campaign for Sri Lanka from 431 for 6.
Australia is currently ahead in the series by 1-0.
