After a disappointing ODI series against Sri Lanka, Australia have started the first test of the series strongly. They will play a two-match test series against the home team, Sri Lanka. However, the series started on 29th June with the first match. Australia are now heading to take a big lead.
1st Innings of Sri Lanka
Dimuth Karunaratne, the test skipper of Sri Lanka, won the toss at the Galle International Stadium and decided to bat first. So, Pathum Nissanka and Karunaratne started the innings for Sri Lanka. They were playing very carefully on the pitch. But Aussie pacer Pat Cummins didn’t let them make a big partnership. In the 13th over, he picked the wicket of Pathum Nissanka.
After a while, Sri Lanka lost another wicket as Kusal Mendis departed the pitch in the 17th over. However, the Lankan captain tried to build a partnership with Angelo Matthews. Together they added 32 runs on the scoreboard. Unfortunately, the captain had to go back to the pavilion in the 30th over, scoring 28 runs. In addition, Angelo Matthews added 39 runs before his departure.
However, the remaining batters couldn’t contribute much except Niroshan Dickwella. Niroshan Dickwella got a half-century in this innings. He was also aggressive on the pitch. Relying on his bat, Sri Lanka scored 212 runs for all wickets. Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon five wickets alone for Australia.
1st Innings of Australia
Australia had a fair start in their first innings. Usman Khwaja and David Warner, the two openers of Australia, were very confident on the pitch. In the opening partnership, they added 47 runs. However, their partnership broke when David Warner departed the pitch in the 10th over.
Moreover, Australia lost their following three batters in a short time. It seemed the Aussies couldn’t take the lead. But, Usman Khwaja remained very calm. He scored 71 runs before his departure. Furthermore, Cameron Green added the highest 77 runs for Australia. Depending on these two big runs, Australia scored 321 (109 runs lead) runs in the first innings.
