SL vs AUS | 1st Test | Khawaja, Green star in second day’s play

A stunning 84-run-stand between wicketkeeper Alex Carey (45) and all-rounder Cameron Green (77) has helped Australia eke out a priceless 101-run first-innings lead in Galle on Day 2 as the tourists finished at 313/8.

The first session of the 2nd second day got completely washed out, but when play resumed after Lunch, Australia picked off from where they had left on the previous evening, with opener Usman Khawaja (71) playing freely.

Australia suffered an early blow on the second afternoon as Travis Head could only manage a 16-ball 6 before he got caught & bowled by Dhananjaya de Silva.

However, Khawaja and Cameron Green proceeded to add 57 runs for the 5th wicket before the veteran opener edged leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay to Pathum Nissanka at forward short-leg.

But despite taking a couple of wickets, the Lankan spinners, especially slow left-arm orthodox Lasith Embuldeniya, failed to stem the flow of runs from the bats of Green and Carey.

The duo rode their luck initially before settling into a great rhythm. They went on to add 84 priceless runs in just over 16 overs and, in the process, overhauled Lanka's first innings total of 212.

Carey was eventually dismissed by Ramesh Mendis (4/107) for a quick-fire 47-ball 45, while Green notched up his 5th Test half-century before getting trapped in front by the same bowler.

Skipper Pat Cummins added an unbeaten whirlwind 16-ball 26 during the closing stages to swell the first innings lead past the three-figure mark, which should prove to be pivotal in the larger context of the game as we move to Day 3.

Brief Scores:

Sri Lanka 212 all-out (59 overs)

Niroshan Dickwella 58 (59)

Angelo Mathews 39 (71)

Nathan Lyon 5/90 (25)

Mitchell Swepson 3/55 (13)

Australia 313/8 (69)

Cameron Green 77 (109)

Usman Khawaja 71 (130)

Alex Carey 45 (47)

Ramesh Mendis 4/107 (31)

Stumps | Day 2| Australia lead by 101 runs