Discover how Smith and Carey’s record stand has positioned Australia for success in Galle. Explore the highlights and impact of this remarkable achievement.
Introduction:
Steven Smith‘s continued brilliance in Asia, coupled with a counter-attacking century from Alex Carey, put Australia in a commanding position in the Second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. The match was evenly poised as Australia reached 91 for 3 after lunch on Day Two, answering Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 257. However, Smith and Carey’s unbeaten 239-run partnership changed the course of the match for Australia, building a significant lead on a turning pitch.
Australia Builds Impressive Lead with Smith’s Milestone Century Leading the Way
Standing in as a captain, Smith once again was at his composed best against spin and went past his 36th Test hundred in the most stylish manner with a boundary in the last session. As he raised his baggy green and acknowledged his mates, Smith went past Australian legends Ricky Ponting for most runs in Asia and Allan Border for most Test centuries in the subcontinent as well. It was just the moment to just seal the dominance in challenging conditions. See also: Steven Smith’s Tactical Brilliance
After a few lean years by his lofty standards, Smith’s recent resurgence has been remarkable. This century marked his fourth in his last eight Test innings. Notably, he brought out the reverse sweep more frequently than usual, an indication of his evolving strategy to counter spin. While not always effective, it kept Sri Lanka’s bowlers on their toes. See also: Beau Webster Stars as Sri Lanka Falters Late on Day 3
Alex Carey’s Counter-Attacking Masterclass
Carey, whose use of the sweep shot during previous tours to India and Sri Lanka had attracted criticism, silenced all critics with a near-flawless exercise in stroke play. He did both orthodox and reverse sweeps flawlessly and made his second Test century by sweeping the ball to the boundary at a command. It was a defining moment for the wicketkeeper-batter, who has been in stellar form for months now.
Batting at No. 5 because Josh Inglis spent a large chunk of the match off the field with back spasms, Carey looked perfectly comfortable in a position he spends a lot of his time for South Australia. His innings showed great foot movement, smart thinking, and unadulterated brute power, as he time and again attacked the spinners down the ground.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Woes
Sri Lanka’s bowlers could not find consistency, going wicketless for nearly two full sessions. Off-spinner Nishan Peiris was their most threatening bowler, bouncing back from an ineffective first Test where he conceded 189 runs without a wicket. He found sharp turn at times and almost bowled Smith before tea with a delivery that fizzed past the stumps.
However, Sri Lanka might regret not selecting leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who showed promise in the first Test. Their primary spinner, Prabath Jayasuriya, started well but lacked penetration as the innings progressed. He resorted to a defensive leg-stump line against Smith, failing to create enough pressure.
Australia’s Early Stumbles
Sri Lanka began their bowling effort with optimism. Lahiru Kumara, the lone frontline pacer, took the new ball instead of the spinners. Australia’s Travis Head took full advantage, hitting three early boundaries before falling to Peiris for 21. Peiris extracted sharp turn, catching Head’s edge as he attempted an aggressive shot.
All eyes were on Marnus Labuschagne, who had failed to make an impact in the first Test despite Australia’s massive total of 654 for 6 declared. Labuschagne started positively with a first-ball boundary but was trapped lbw by Jayasuriya on review for just 4. The delivery was a fuller one that beat his tentative defense, and Labuschagne looked dejected as he walked off.
Smith and Carey Steady the Ship
Smith, wearing his baggy green cap, survived an early lbw scare and soon found his rhythm, using his feet to counter the spinners. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja, fresh from a double-century in the previous match, unfurled his trademark reverse sweeps.
Australia reached lunch at 85 for 2, well-placed but wary of Sri Lanka’s spin threat. The momentum briefly shifted in Sri Lanka’s favor when Peiris trapped Smith lbw, only for the decision to be overturned on review. Khawaja then misjudged a delivery, falling lbw to Peiris for 36.
From there, the hopes of further inroads for Sri Lanka faded as Smith and Carey took control. Carey grew in confidence, dispatching a slog sweep for six off Ramesh Mendis. Smith also looked assured to reach his half-century with a boundary. By tea, Australia had tightened the grip over the match and Sri Lanka were searching for answers.
Smith and Carey Dominate Final Session
After the break, Smith and Carey continued to score freely. With the field spread, they accumulated singles at will, reminiscent of an ODI middle-overs phase. As Smith neared his century, he slowed down, visibly affected by the oppressive humidity. Carey, however, maintained his aggressive approach and raced past Smith.
Smith’s century was a testament to his adaptability and hunger for runs, while Carey’s milestone was equally significant, proving his ability to thrive in challenging conditions. The duo’s unbeaten 239-run partnership all but shut Sri Lanka out of the game.
Sri Lanka’s First Innings Recap
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka had ended their first innings on 257 runs, which had looked competitive enough at the time. Kusal Mendis alone played a good hand with 85 not out, while number 11 Kumara added valuable lower-order runs.
Australia’s bowling unit once again was tight. Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Matthew Kuhnemann all shared three wickets each, preventing Sri Lanka from building any solid partnerships.