Australia remain on high alert for a spin challenge as they head into the second and final Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Thursday, despite already securing the series.
Steve Smith’s men dominated the opening Test, claiming victory by an innings and 242 runs — the heaviest defeat Sri Lanka has ever suffered in Test cricket.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW
That match, also played in Galle, featured a good batting surface, but conditions for the second Test appear drastically different.
“This looks like a very dry surface. Dare say it's going to turn square,” Smith said on Wednesday.
While Australia is yet to finalize its playing XI, Smith suggested that a decision would be made on the morning of the match based on conditions.
With the Warne-Murali Trophy already in the bag and a spot in the World Test Championship final confirmed, Smith remains focused on completing a clean sweep.
“I thought we played really well last week, controlling the game from the outset. We didn’t do that last time we were here, so it would be a great achievement to win 2-0,” he added.
Following their humbling defeat, Sri Lanka are expected to make changes. Opener Pathum Nissanka returns after recovering from a groin injury and will replace Oshada Fernando.
The bowling attack is also set for a shake-up, with off-spinner Ramesh Mendis likely to replace Nishan Peiris, who endured a tough outing in the first Test, conceding 189 runs in 41 wicketless overs.
“Pathum has been declared fit and he will play. But we haven’t finalized our bowling combination yet,” Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva said.
De Silva acknowledged his team’s batting struggles in the first Test and emphasized the need for improvement.
“It wasn’t the typical Galle wicket last time around. It was a disappointing Test because we should have batted much better,” he admitted.
“Too many guys got starts but failed to kick on. We know where things went wrong, and we’re looking to correct those mistakes.”
A Farewell for Karunaratne
The Test will also mark a significant moment for Sri Lankan cricket as veteran opener Dimuth Karunaratne prepares to retire after his 100th Test appearance.
“Dimuth has been a fabulous leader and an exceptional player,” de Silva said. “He has done amazing things for the team and, without a doubt, ranks as the best opening batter Sri Lanka has ever produced. We want to give him a fitting farewell.”
With Australia eyeing a series sweep and Sri Lanka determined to bounce back, the final Test in Galle promises to be a gripping contest.
Squads
