Fri Jan 31 14:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Aussie Fielding Magic and Batting Blitz Leave Sri Lanka reeling in Galle Test
**Galle, Sri Lanka:** Australia dominated the second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka, showcasing both their exceptional batting prowess and stunning fielding skills. After piling on a massive first-innings total of 654/6, a feat including Usman Khawaja’s double-century – the first by an Australian in Sri Lanka – and centuries from Steve Smith and debutant Josh Inglis, the Aussies tightened the screws on the Sri Lankan batting line-up.
The day belonged not only to the batsmen but also to the Australian fielders. Travis Head pulled off a breathtaking, one-handed diving catch at short leg to dismiss Angelo Mathews off Nathan Lyon’s bowling, a moment of brilliance that epitomized Australia’s exceptional fielding. The catch, which came with Mathews playing a defensive stroke, was taken with such speed and agility that the umpire didn’t even need to consult the replays before giving Mathews out.
Earlier, the Australian bowlers also made early inroads. Matthew Kuhnemann dismissed Oshada Fernando in the second over, while Mitchell Starc celebrated his 700th international wicket by removing Dimuth Karunaratne in the fifth.
By the close of play, Sri Lanka were struggling at 44/3, a massive 610 runs behind Australia. The tourists’ superior batting and fielding prowess left Sri Lanka facing a daunting task to avoid a significant first-innings deficit.
First Piper 