Labuschagne, Smith a whole bunch energy Australia vs Sri Lanka

Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith posted a whole bunch to assist Australia to 298 for 5 at stumps on day one of many second check towards Sri Lanka on Friday. Darren Lehmann in 2004 had been the final Australian batsman to attain 100 on the spinner pleasant turning tracks in Galle International Stadium.

Labuschagne, who was given a life on 28 when Niroshan Dickwella missed a stumping probability off Ramesh Mendis, posted his seventh check hundred and the primary abroad whereas Smith hit his twenty eighth check hundred and the second towards Sri Lanka.

The pair added 134 runs for the third wicket in 223 deliveries as Australia consolidated its place. The stand was ultimately damaged when Dickwella accomplished a stump with Laubschagne on 104 to present left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya his maiden check wicket. He confronted 125 deliveries and hit 12 fours.

Australia, which gained the toss, misplaced two fast wickets after Labuschagne’s dismissal as Jayasuriya made an impression. The left-arm spinner’s first 12 overs had value 54 runs and fetched no wickets however his subsequent 10 overs produced three wickets for 22 runs as Sri Lanka staged a comeback.

Travis Head was bowled for 12 whereas Cameron Green, who escaped a stumping probability on one, was trapped leg earlier than wicket for 4. Smith was untroubled, although. The former captain had been run out in his solely innings within the first check and he was decided to make amends.

Although the pitch supplied further bounce and switch for the spinners, Smith was strong along with his protection. He reached his century with a spectacular cowl drive off Kasun Rajitha and was unbeaten on 109 at stumps having hit 14 boundaries. He confronted 212 balls and had batted for 4 and half hours.

Sri Lanka was compelled to make 4 adjustments to the workforce that misplaced the primary check by 10 wickets after 4 gamers examined optimistic for COVID-19 forward of the sport. Dhananjaya de Silva, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando and Praveen Jayawickrama have been all remoted after they examined optimistic.

The hosts handed check debuts to Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana and Jayasuriya whereas Kasun Rajitha returned to the aspect after lacking the primary check. Australia went with an unchanged aspect. Theekshana, who troubled the Australians in the course of the restricted overs collection, failed to choose up a wicket however he stored one finish tight, one thing that Sri Lanka lacked within the first check. His 15 overs value simply 45 runs.

Australia has retained the Warne-Murali Trophy having gained the primary check and a win within the second will assist consolidate their place as world’s No. 1 ranked workforce. Since Lehmann’s century in 2004, Australia had performed three assessments right here and regardless of profitable two of these none of their batsmen had scored a century — till Friday.