What’s worse than getting hit for a 600-plus target in the first innings of a Test? Following it up with an even shambolic batting display. It would be delusional to say that Sri Lanka had to endure the drubbing they did in the first game because the Aussies caught them off guard, capitalized on the opportunity, and pushed them deeper into the turf. In reality, the hosts consistently missed their chances throughout the game and eventually reached a point of no return. Many of these chances were lost too close together, without any breather for recovery.
Australia, on the other hand, made playing and winning in Galle look far easier than it actually is. As a visiting team, they had no business handing Sri Lanka an inning defeat, yet they did. They would be eager to repeat this in the second game to complete their whitewash over the hosts. The last time Australia swept a Test series in Asia was nearly two decades ago when they downed Bangladesh in their backyard. Now, more than ever, they seem set to pull off something similar in Sri Lanka.
Team Overview:
Dimuth Karunaratne will appear for the hundredth time in Sri Lankan whites in Galle for the second Test. This will also be his last international Test after a spectacular career. So, Sri Lanka would want to give it their best, even if their best is not enough, to make this game a better farewell for the departing batter. Pathum Nissanka’s likely return in place of Oshada Fernando should do the trick for the Sri Lankan batting lineup, which mustered peanuts’ worth of runs in the last game.
There are not many changes expected besides that, although Nishan Peiris may sit this one out to let Ramesh Mendis get a game. Peiris, who took nine wickets on his debut in September, looked nothing like the first-timer that ravaged through the Kiwi lineup at the same venue. It does seem unfair, though. Axing a player after just one game. However, Sri Lanka would feel they neither have chance nor the time to think about the greater good.
Australia played three frontline spinners in the last game and they have no reason to abandon that strategy this time. However, Cooper Connolly might be one of the three, instead of Todd Murphy. Australia’s batters have found back their form at the right time and would hope to carry this to the WTC final as well. Mitchell Starc might get rested from his sole-pacer duties to manage workload.
Head-to-Head Matches:
Australia are miles ahead of Sri Lanka when it comes to their head-to-head record. The Aussies have won 21 out of the 34 Test matches played between the two teams. Eight games ended in a stalemate, leaving Sri Lanka with only five wins to their name.
Weather and Pitch Report:
The news has it that batters will be less miserable throughout the game than they were in the last Test. That owes to the decision that a different strip will be used for this match, one which is not as slow and sluggish. However, the track will offer plenty of spin, just like any pitch at the venue.
Where to Watch:
Australia: Channel 7, 7+ App, Kayo, FoxTel
Pakistan: Tapmad
India: SonyLiv
