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Galle Test: Rain Adds Intrigue as Australia Eyes Victory Over Sri Lanka on Day 3

Stay updated on the Galle Test as rain introduces uncertainty in Australia’s pursuit of victory against Sri Lanka. Follow the action and analysis now!

Introduction:

Australia’s dominant position in the first Test against Sri Lanka was disrupted by an untimely intervention from the weather, as heavy rain washed out the final two sessions of day three at Galle. With the hosts struggling at 136 for 5 in response to Australia’s mammoth first-innings total of 654 for 6 declared, the rain provided a much-needed reprieve for Sri Lanka, who now cling to the hope of salvaging a draw.
See also: Khawaja, Inglis Shatter Sri Lanka’s Hopes

Rain Halts Australia’s Charge in Galle Test

The day had begun under bright skies, allowing for 27 overs to be bowled before sudden rain halted proceedings just before lunch. As the downpour continued, stumps were eventually called more than two hours ahead of schedule, denying Australia a prime opportunity to press for further breakthroughs.

Galle Test
Image Source: Cricinfo

Although they could dominate, Australia would remain cautious about the role of the weather in the remaining part of the game. After all, though rain is reported on day four, clear skies are predicted for the final day, thus keeping hopes alive for a result on that last day. See also: Steven Smith Reaches 10000 Test Runs

Chandimal’s Last-Man Stand

Sri Lanka will depend on Dinesh Chandimal, who was unbeaten on 63 at the end of play. His gritty innings was one of the few bright spots for the hosts, who had otherwise failed to counter Australia’s quality attack. Kusal Mendis is also still batting on 10, but with Sri Lanka 410 runs behind and needing to avoid the follow-on, there is a mountain to climb.

Galle Test
Image Source: Cricinfo

The Galle pitch, which had been relatively docile over the first two days, began to reveal its cracks in the morning session. Cracks were more prominent, and the oddball reared off the surface unpredictably, hinting at the challenges awaiting the Sri Lankan batters.
See also: Steven Smith’s Tactical Brilliance Guides Australia to Record-Breaking Win

Australia’s Early Strikes

Resuming at 44 for 3 after a disastrous end to day two, Sri Lanka knew they needed a significant partnership to stay in the game. Their hopes rested on Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis, with the latter boasting an impressive average of 74 from 10 Tests since his debut against Australia in 2022.

Galle Test
Image Source: Cricinfo

However, the experienced duo of Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon had other plans. Starc, generating swing and exploiting the deepening footmarks, troubled the batters early, while Lyon looked to capitalize on the turn from around the wicket.

After having watched the ball closely in the first few overs, Chandimal decided to take the attack to Lyon, came out with aggression, and used the sweep shot very well. He hit Lyon for boundaries, even having a slice of luck as he edged past a diving Steven Smith at first slip.

Galle Test
Image Source: Cricinfo

Just when Sri Lanka seemed to be steadying, Kamindu Mendis fell for 15 in unfortunate fashion, strangled down the leg side off Starc’s bowling. The dismissal left Sri Lanka teetering at 67 for 4, further denting their hopes of staging a fightback.

Recklessness Undoes Sri Lanka Again

Chandimal found an able partner in captain Dhananjaya de Silva, and together they showed that runs were still on offer on this surface. Their positive approach momentarily lifted Sri Lankan spirits, but as had been the case throughout the match, an unnecessary risk proved costly.

A baffling decision by De Silva to hand the ball to left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann proved disastrous as he got himself stumped by a good distance. Sri Lanka was further in trouble. Kuhnemann, playing his first Test since the India visit in early 2023, was impressive as well. Kuhnemann had got Oshada Fernando earlier.

Galle Test
Image Source: Cricinfo

Despite the wickets falling around him, Chandimal remained composed, even absorbing a painful blow to the midriff from a Starc bouncer. He showed great footwork in advancing down the track to Lyon and found the boundary over cover, reinforcing his attacking intent.

He reached his well-deserved half-century off 91 balls, but before Australia could capitalize on their momentum, rain intervened, forcing Sri Lanka’s escape for the day.

Australia Still in Control

With two days still to go, Australia is clearly in the drivers’ seat but the weather is going to come into play heavily in deciding whether they can emerge victorious or not. The rain has given Sri Lanka some temporary reprieve and they will need to bat considerably better than this if they hope to force a draw.

The Australians bowlers, however, would look forward to getting back into the game soon as they would realize that just a few quick wickets can help them achieve a comfortable win. In case Chandimal continues to resist, Sri Lanka will find ways to stretch the game further, but with Lyon and Starc on song, the visitors are well in command.

Takeaway Key Points

Australia is in the driving seat even though the play was restricted by rain.
63 Not Out Dinesh Chandimal led Sri Lanka’s resistance but their position remains precarious at 136 for 5.
Sri Lanka’s top order again had shaky times with reckless dismissals proving costly
Australia attack got some help from the pitch, as cracks and uneven bounce started to emerge
More rain may yet ruin the match but clear weather is predicted for the final day.

Author

  • Ideapot

    Welcome to my world! I'm Goutam Kumar Dutta, the brains behind this platform. As an author and the proud owner of this site, I'm on a mission to bring you the latest and most intriguing sports news from various genres. But it's not just about sports - entertainment in all its forms also captivates my interest. Whether it's analyzing the latest match or delving into the world of entertainment, I strive to provide comprehensive coverage and valuable insights.

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