Australia’s gamers pose with the trophies after their win on the finish of the second Check cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia on the Galle Worldwide Cricket Stadium in Galle, February 9, 2025. — AFP
A scientific Australia took just a little over three days to pound Sri Lanka by 9 wickets within the second take a look at and full a 2-0 sequence sweep in Galle on Sunday.
Australia’s first sequence victory in Sri Lanka since 2011 is a well timed enhance for a crew that shall be defending their World Check Championship (WTC) title within the remaining in opposition to South Africa in June.
The Kangaroos had been within the field seat having taken a decisive lead of 157 within the spin-dominated contest on the Galle Worldwide Stadium.
When the fourth day’s play began, the touring aspect wanted 25 minutes to assert the final two Sri Lankan wickets and bowl out the hosts for 231 of their second innings.
Steve Smith’s males returned to chase down the 75-run goal, dropping the lone wicket of opener Travis Head.
Usman Khawaja (27) and Marnus Labuschagne (26) guided Australia to victory with Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne, who bowed out after enjoying his a hundredth take a look at, bowling the final over.
“We played really well from the outset,” stated Australia captain Smith, who struck his second hundred of the sequence to pocket the player-of-the-series award.
“The plans that the batters came with and were able to adapt to the conditions here, it was amazing. And then I thought all our bowlers did a tremendous job.”
“Since coming here in 2016, the guys have developed so many different plans and it’s been great to see a constant improvement,” he added.
Smith’s 259-run stand with Alex Carey (156) powered Australia to a commanding 414 in reply to Sri Lanka’s first innings 257.
Carey made essentially the most of his promotion to quantity 5 forward of Josh Inglis, who suffered again spasm, and went on to win the player-of-the-match award.
Australia’s Matthew Kuhnemann (4-63) and Nathan Lyon (4-84) wrecked Sri Lanka of their second innings. The spin duo claimed a mixed 30 of the 40 Sri Lankan wickets within the sequence.
Battling half-centuries by Angelo Mathews (76) and Kusal Mendis (50) helped Sri Lanka keep away from a second successive innings defeat however Australia by no means took their foot off the pedal.
Smith, main the touring aspect in absence of standard skipper Pat Cummins, turned the primary Australian, fifth general, to take 200 outfield catches.
“Losing a home series two-nil is very disappointing. The condition was very suitable for us,” Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva stated.
“We haven’t had opportunities to get into the game, right from the first game, and Australia proved why they are in the (WTC) final.”
The groups transfer to Colombo for a two-match one-day sequence starting on Wednesday.Â
