Dinesh Chandimal rode his luck but carved out a fighting century for Sri Lanka in the second Test in Galle before a couple of late wickets from Australia helped set up an intriguing final two days of the series.
A fifth-wicket partnership of 133 runs between Chandimal (118 not out) and Kamindu Mendis (61) was the defining stand on a day which saw Sri Lanka restore credibility after their capitulation in a heavy first Test defeat.
Sri Lanka’s recovery mission, in reply to Australia’s 364, effectively began at 3-186 when Kusal Mendis was adjudged lbw to Nathan Lyon (2-160) for 85 and ended last night with fist bumps and a lead of 67 runs.
Five of Sri Lanka’s top six batsmen passed 50 on a day when Australia’s patience was tested, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey missing three stumping chances that came under the easy, moderate and diabolical difficulty categories.
Sri Lanka, who finished the day at 6-431, put themselves in a favourable position to level the two Test series by edging past Australia’s score in the 121st over of their first innings, for the loss of just four wickets. The hosts have accumulated more runs in their first innings than they managed in the entire first Test.
Yesterday’s action could have played out differently, had Australia’s decision-making around their reviews been sharper.
One delivery after an unsuccessful lbw shout, Angelo Mathews was sent packing for 52 by Mitchell Starc thanks to a wonderful diving catch from Marnus Labuschagne at short leg. However, Australia regretted using their referrals so early. The visitors had none in the tank by the 80th over, while Sri Lanka still had seven wickets in hand.
With Chandimal on 30, and Sri Lanka ticking along nicely at 4-274, Starc got a delivery moving across the right-hander to rise off a length and catch the outside edge – or so the left-armer and the Australian slips cordon thought.
It worked a treat as Chandimal raised his bat for Test century No.13 to propel his side into a positive position with two days remaining.
Be the first to comment