GALLE (SRI LANKA), Feb 9: Australia secured a decisive 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka, clinching the second test with an impressive nine-wicket win in Galle on Sunday.
Top-order batsman Marnus Labuschagne played a flick off a delivery from the retiring Sri Lankan player Dimuth Karunaratne to mid-wicket, sealing the win just 15 minutes before the lunch break on the fourth day.
This marks Australia’s first test series triumph on Sri Lankan soil since 2011.
Their previous success here occurred under Ricky Ponting’s captaincy, with a 1-0 victory in 2011. Following that, they faced a 3-0 whitewash in 2016 under Steve Smith’s leadership, and the 2022 series concluded in a 1-1 draw. This time, with Smith captaining in place of Pat Cummins, the victory brings much-needed redemption.
“I thought it was a fantastic series, and we performed well from the beginning,” mentioned Australia captain Steve Smith, who was honored as Player of the Series after scoring consecutive centuries. “Everyone adhered to their strategies over a lengthy duration, and accumulating that many runs was impressive.”
“Our spinners, along with lone pacer Mitchell Starc, performed admirably. It has been a tremendous series win.”
Australia approached the series with careful preparation — which included a training camp in Dubai — successfully implementing their strategies.
Their batters set a solid foundation with substantial hundreds, giving the bowlers the leverage to operate with offensive field placements. Simultaneously, the spinners exhibited remarkable discipline and variety, applying constant pressure on Sri Lanka, culminating in a dominant 2-0 series victory.
The visitors set the tone early on by winning the first test by an innings and 242 runs – Sri Lanka’s most significant test defeat. They remained sharp in the second match, ensuring the hosts had no chance of a comeback.
Sri Lanka resumed play on Sunday at 211-8, holding a slender lead of just 54 runs, with much depending on vice-captain Kusal Mendis, who had remained not out overnight.
Mendis reached his second half-century of the match by steering Nathan Lyon’s delivery to deep cover, but was dismissed in the same over, caught at short square leg by Steve Smith.
This dismissal marked a significant milestone — Smith’s 200th Test catch, a feat previously accomplished by only four players: Jacques Kallis, Mahela Jayawardene, Rahul Dravid, and Joe Root.
Beau Webster soon concluded the innings, leaving Australia with a modest target of 75 runs.
Sri Lanka found a glimmer of hope when Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed Travis Head (20) early, caught behind. Nonetheless, Usman Khawaja (27 not out) and Marnus Labuschagne (26 not out) efficiently guided the visitors home with an unbroken 37-run partnership.
Alex Carey was named Man of the Match for his exceptional 156 runs and four dismissals behind the stumps. His innings stands as the highest score by an Australian wicketkeeper in Asia.
This victory signifies Australia’s fourth consecutive test win, having also claimed the last two matches of their recent 3-1 home series against India. They face South Africa in the World Test Championship final at Lords in June.
Sri Lanka experienced its fourth consecutive defeat, marking a sorrowful conclusion for 36-year-old opener Karunaratne in his 100th and final test.
“It was a very emotional day for me. It has been a lengthy career,” stated Karunaratne, who amassed 7,222 runs at an average of 39.25, including 16 centuries. “When I started my cricket journey, my only goal was to play just one test match. Playing 100 Tests is incredible.”
“Being able to play cricket for such an extended period has been a privilege. I owe my thanks to everyone who supported me.” (AP)
