Australia’s Nathan Lyon delivered a record-breaking spin bowling display as Sri Lanka found themselves trailing by 414 runs in their second innings on Day 4 of the first Test in Galle. Australia had earlier declared their first innings at a colossal 654/6, leaving Sri Lanka with an uphill task to avoid follow-on.
By the end of the second session on Day 2, Sri Lanka were 75/3 in their second innings, still behind by a significant margin. Lyon, along with Matt Kuhnemann, who claimed a five-wicket haul in Sri Lanka’s first innings, played a pivotal role in dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting. Lyon’s three-wicket performance in the first innings was crucial, and he set multiple records, becoming the first-ever spinner and only the second bowler to reach 200 wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC).
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Lyon also surpassed the legendary Shane Warne’s record for most Test wickets by an Australian in Sri Lanka, taking his tally to 38, surpassing Warne’s 37. As Australia enforced the follow-on after securing a massive lead, Lyon’s efforts were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s collapse.
Matt Kuhnemann’s 5-63 added to Australia’s dominance, with Sri Lanka being dismissed for just 165 in their first innings, giving Australia their largest first-innings lead since 2003. Australia’s massive total of 654 was largely built on Usman Khawaja’s brilliant 232, supported by Travis Head’s quick 57 and Steven Smith’s steady 141. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis made a significant contribution with a rapid 102 from 94 balls, helping Australia push their total beyond 650.
Sri Lanka, starting the day at 5-136, lost their final five wickets for just nine runs. Dinesh Chandimal (72) was the lone resistance, but Lyon eventually dismissed him. With Mitchell Starc and Todd Murphy making early breakthroughs in Sri Lanka’s second innings, Australia’s spinners are in top form, and a resounding victory is on the cards.
