Thu Jan 30 13:47:13 UTC 2025: ## Australia Dominates Day 2 in Galle Test Against Sri Lanka

**Galle, Sri Lanka** – Australia asserted its dominance on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka, piling on a massive 654/6 declared before reducing the hosts to a precarious 44/3 at stumps. Usman Khawaja’s magnificent double century (266) and Josh Inglis’s debut century (100) were the highlights of Australia’s innings. Their 266-run third-wicket partnership, alongside Steve Smith’s 141, proved too much for the Sri Lankan bowlers. Prabath Jayasuriya and Jeffrey Vandersay were the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, each taking three wickets.

The Australian innings, their highest ever in a Test in Asia, set an imposing target for Sri Lanka. While the Sri Lankans started their innings positively, technical frailties and sharp Australian fielding, including a stunning catch by Travis Head, saw them lose wickets quickly. Mitchell Starc, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Nathan Lyon each claimed a wicket, leaving Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Chandimal (9*) and Kamindu Mendis (13*) to navigate a tricky situation heading into day three. Chandimal was dropped early in his innings, highlighting the contrast in fielding prowess between the two teams.

Despite rain curtailing play late in the day, Australia will start day three with a significant advantage, needing 17 more wickets for victory. However, Sri Lanka will hope to emulate Australia’s batting resilience and force a draw. Play resumes on Friday at 4.10 pm GMT.

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