Sri Lanka were dismissed for 257 runs in the first innings of the second Test against Australia being played at Galle International Cricket Stadium.
Starting off with the 222/9 from the previous day, Sri Lanka managed to score 257 in the Day 2 of the second Test, riding largely on a fine 74 by Dinesh Chandimal in the first half of Day 1 and then on a terrific unbeaten 85 by Kusal Mendis from the second half of Day 1, which also included shepherding the tail.
When Chandimal fell, Kusal was on 8 and the team’s score was 150. In the remaining 107 runs, Mendis scored 77 runs, which shows how he manouvered the strike with full control.
Australia had only three specialist bowlers in Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Kuhnemann and the three of them took 3 wickets apiece, with Head getting a bonus wicket as well. Captain Steven Smith marshaled his bowling changes and field changes superbly, not allowing the Lankans to score too freely, even during a partnership.
Earlier on Day 1, Sri Lanka opted to bat after winning the toss. Dinesh Chandimal was the top run-scorer of the day, making 74. On the other hand, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc picked up three wickets each for Australia, while Matthew Kuhnemann took two and Travis Head one.
