Sat Feb 08 10:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Sri Lanka Spinners Fight Back, but Australia Maintain Control in Galle Test
**Galle, Sri Lanka:** Sri Lanka’s spinners staged a spirited fightback on the third morning of the second Test against Australia, but the visitors remain firmly in control. Resuming at 330/3, Australia were eventually bowled out for 414, establishing a commanding first-innings lead of 157 runs.
Prabath Jayasuriya led the Sri Lankan charge, claiming a five-wicket haul (5-151), while Nishan Peiris (3-94) and Ramesh Mendis (2-81) also chipped in with crucial wickets. The Australian innings was initially dominated by a mammoth 259-run partnership between Steve Smith (131) and Alex Carey (156). However, Jayasuriya broke the stand with a stunning delivery that trapped Smith lbw. He followed up with the wicket of Josh Inglis in the same over.
Jayasuriya’s accuracy continued to reap rewards, eventually dismissing Carey. Peiris then removed debutant Cooper Connolly, while Jayasuriya completed his five-wicket haul by bowling Mitchell Starc. Mendis polished off the tail, leaving Beau Webster (31) as the only other notable contributor in the lower order.
Despite the Sri Lankan fightback, Australia’s scoring rate slowed significantly on the third morning, adding only 84 runs in 26.4 overs. The deteriorating pitch further enhances Australia’s substantial lead, setting the stage for a challenging chase for Sri Lanka in the second innings.
First Piper 