The first Test of this two-match series is one that Sri Lanka and their home supporters would prefer to forget quickly. However, the reality is that there could still be lingering effects from the heavy defeat, which may affect the players’ mindset heading into the second Test.
Australia won the toss in the previous match and dominated throughout, adhering to the classic Test cricket saying, “bat once, bat big.” They declared at a staggering 654/6, securing an innings and 242-run victory. Their dominance was so pronounced that young opener Sam Konstas has already returned to Australia to focus on red-ball cricket in the Sheffield Shield.
In contrast, this Test marks the end of Dimuth Karunaratne’s illustrious Test career, as he has announced his retirement from the format after this game. Karunaratne, the left-handed opener, will play his 100th Test match and will be aiming to add to his impressive tally of 16 Test centuries.
Recent Performance
Sri Lanka (SL)
- L – Loss
- L – Loss
- W – Win
- W – Win
- W – Win
Australia (AUS)
- W – Win
- W – Win
- W – Win
- L – Loss
- W – Win
Team Previews
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka’s performance in the first Test was disappointing, with totals of 165 and 247 all out, which were never going to be enough to challenge Australia. However, they do have experienced players who can turn things around. Dimuth Karunaratne will be keen to end his career on a high note, while the promising Kamindu Mendis will be looking to bounce back after a poor outing in Galle.
The bowlers also need to lift their game after struggling in the first Test. They were outclassed by Australia’s opening pair of Usman Khawaja and Travis Head, and if they find themselves in the field again on day one, they’ll need to have new strategies to make early breakthroughs. Prabath Jayasuriya and Jeffrey Vandersay were the key wicket-takers in the first Test and will be pivotal again.
Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:
Oshada Fernando, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando
Sri Lanka Key Players from Previous Game:
Batsmen
- Dinesh Chandimal: 72 runs from 139 balls
- Dhananjaya de Silva: 22 runs from 34 balls
- Kusal Mendis: 21 runs from 40 balls
Bowlers
- Prabath Jayasuriya: 3 wickets for 193 runs from 60 overs
- Jeffrey Vandersay: 3 wickets for 182 runs from 38 overs
Australia Preview
Australia’s first Test performance was close to flawless, with centuries from Usman Khawaja (232), Steve Smith (141), and debutant Josh Inglis (102). All three will be eager to extend their form in this match, though they are not the only capable batsmen in the squad. Travis Head also impressed with a half-century and was recently awarded the Allan Border Medal for his outstanding performances across formats in the past year.
With the ball, Australia’s spinners – particularly Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon – will continue to play a crucial role. Given the conditions in Galle, the spinners are expected to feature heavily once again.
Australia Predicted Playing XI:
Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon
Australia Key Players from Previous Game:
Batsmen
- Usman Khawaja: 232 runs from 352 balls
- Steven Smith: 141 runs from 251 balls
- Josh Inglis: 102 runs from 94 balls
Bowlers
- Matthew Kuhnemann: 5 wickets for 63 runs from 18.2 overs
- Nathan Lyon: 3 wickets for 57 runs from 20 overs
- Mitchell Starc: 2 wickets for 13 runs from 8 overs
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The weather in Galle is expected to be warm for the duration of the Test, with temperatures predicted to exceed 30°C. There may be some clouds at times, but no rain is expected. The pitch has low bounce, and bowlers will need to work hard to take wickets. Batters with patience will be rewarded, though they will need to adjust as the pitch starts turning more from day three.
Toss Prediction:
Given the expected conditions, both teams will likely be keen to bat first, as the pitch is expected to be at its best for batting in the first two days.
SL vs AUS – Winning Prediction
While we expect Sri Lanka to put up a much stronger fight than in the first Test, Australia remains a formidable team, even without regular captain Pat Cummins. We foresee another win for the visitors, although Sri Lanka may pose more of a challenge this time.
Final Prediction: Australia to win!
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