operated by Dinesh ChandimalAs far as the third day of the second Test is concerned, Sri Lanka scored an unbeaten century against Australia as the Lanka Lions reached 431-6 at stumps.
Sri Lanka are now leading by 67 runs with four wickets. It was a stellar effort from Chandimal, who made some crucial partnerships with the middle order to give the home team the lead after a ten-wicket loss after a disappointing batting performance in the first Test.
After the batsman was dismissed overnight, he came out to bat in the third over of the day. Kusal Mendis, Chandimal was aggressive early in the innings and the close fielders put in pressure. His first scoring shot was a boundary as delivered by the right-handed batsman. Nathan Lyon Accused and removed him from the back cover.
The very next ball, he again sent it down the track and hit the off-spinner for a six at long off. This gave him some breathing space and as the area expanded, he came in.
Chandimal and Angelo Mathews Added 83 runs for the fourth wicket as Sri Lanka lost just one wicket in the morning session as they returned to the game.
Chandimal dismissed Mitchell Starc as wicketkeeper Alex Carey When on 30 but umpire Kumar Dharmasena turned down the appeal. Had Australia used all their reviews and were referred to it, the on-field decision would have been reversed.
Soon after completing his half-century, Mathews took a good catch at short leg with bat-pad catches to Starc and Marnus Labuschagne.
It was the partnership between Chandimal and debutant Kamindu Mendis – costing 133 runs for the fourth wicket – that gave Sri Lanka the advantage in the game.
Was drafted into the side after Mendis Dhananjay De Silva Tested positive for COVID-19 before the game and he counted it with 50 on debut. It helped that the boy from his hometown in Galle played a lot of cricket.
Chandimal completed his 13th Test century with a quick single off Lyon to score his second Test century against Australia and his fourth at Galle. This year Chandimal has hit the purple patch in Tests at an average of 90. Sri Lanka’s total also crossed 400, only the seventh time it has done so against Australia.
The partnership collapsed when Mendis was bowled in an attempt to dismiss leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson. He scored 61 runs in 137 balls and included seven fours.
Soon Australia had another wicket when Niroshan Dickwella tried to take on Lyon but failed to clear mid-on and was caught. Pat Cummins,
Ramesh Mendis was caught out for four but he successfully reviewed the decision. He added 22 runs for the seventh wicket with Chandimal.
At stumps, Mendis was seven and Chandimal was unbeaten on 118. Chandimal’s innings lasted over six hours in which he faced 232 balls in which he hit nine fours and a six.
Australia will be looking to grab the remaining four wickets in a hurry for a 150-plus lead, which could put them seriously under the pump. Although Sri Lanka will have to bat in the fourth innings, a lead of over 150 could turn the match around very quickly.
(Inputs PTI)