Australia ended day two with a 73-run lead over Sri Lanka, thanks to a solid, unbeaten partnership between Steven Smith and Alex Carey, both of whom surpassed 200 runs.
Smith continued his great form in Test cricket, scoring his fourth century in five Tests, with two consecutive centuries on this tour. Carey, playing at number five for the first time in this format, also reached three figures, marking his first century in Test cricket. Their partnership anchored Australia’s performance on a great day for the visitors.
In the second Test in Galle, Australia restricted Sri Lanka to 257 runs in their first innings and finished day two with 330/3, taking a 73-run lead.
The pair added a remarkable 239 runs for the fourth wicket, Australia’s third-highest in Asia. Smith, with 120*, now has 7 centuries in Asia, the highest by any Australian. This was his 17th career century, with only Graeme Smith (25), Virat Kohli (20), and Ricky Ponting (19) having more.
Carey, who is having the best innings of his career, remains unbeaten on 139, hitting 2 sixes and 13 fours from 156 balls, having now scored two Test centuries.
Sri Lanka resumed their innings on 229/9, adding 28 runs. Lahiru Kumara was dismissed by Matthew Kuhnemann for 2 runs, and Kusal Mendis stood firm, finishing on 85* with 1 six and 10 fours.
Travis Head looked aggressive but was dismissed for 21, and Marnus Labuschagne followed quickly for 4, leaving Australia at 37/2. Usman Khawaja and Smith then tried to steady the innings, with Smith being saved by a successful review when given out LBW for 23. Khawaja fell soon after for 36.
Then, Smith and Carey formed an impressive partnership. With Josh Inglis having back problems, Carey moved to number five and made the most of the opportunity. Smith reached his 50 off 98 balls, while Carey made his in 68 balls, helping increase the score.
Smith, who had made 141 in the first Test in Galle, reached another century in this innings. Carey, after hitting two fours off Prabath Jayasuriya, reached his hundred, following his 111-run knock against South Africa in Melbourne in 2022. He finished the day just short of 150.
The pair will look to continue their partnership and take Australia further ahead on day three.
Summary of scores:
- Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 257 all out (Mendis 85*, Kumara 2)
- Australia 1st Innings: 330/3 (Head 21, Khawaja 36, Labuschagne 4, Smith 120*, Carey 139*)
