Thu Feb 06 10:00:22 UTC 2025: ## Sri Lanka Stumbles After Strong Start in Galle Test
**Galle, Sri Lanka:** Sri Lanka, opting to bat first after winning the toss, experienced a dramatic shift in fortunes on day one of the second Test against Australia. While the day began with promise, including a 74-run knock from Dinesh Chandimal and the milestone 100th (and final) Test for Dimuth Karunaratne, a late collapse left them precariously positioned at 150/6 at stumps.
Pathum Nissanka’s return to the side after injury added to the positive early atmosphere. Kusal Mendis’s powerful hitting also contributed to a strong start, but a head collision with Australian bowler Matthew Kuhnemann saw him leave the field for a concussion assessment, adding to the day’s dramatic events. The incident occurred after a run-out attempt, which left both players temporarily out of action.
Australia’s spin attack, spearheaded by Kuhnemann, proved eventually effective in dismantling the Sri Lankan middle order. Kuhnemann, who ultimately took one wicket, combined with exceptional wicketkeeping from Alex Carey to cause several key dismissals, including a crucial stumping of Chandimal. Carey’s sharp work behind the stumps led to a successful appeal that was upheld after a review.
Despite a brief period of aggressive play from Chandimal aimed at countering the spin attack, Sri Lanka’s momentum faltered, leaving them with a considerable challenge heading into day two. The match is crucial for Sri Lanka, who are looking to level the series after losing the first test by a significant margin.
First Piper 