Australia thrashes Sri Lanka with huge win in first Test
The defeat marks Sri Lanka’s heaviest ever loss in Test cricket
Australia thrashed Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series in Galle, winning by an innings and 242 runs on the fourth day. After some rain delays on day three, the Aussies resumed their dominance and took 15 wickets in just two sessions to complete a near-perfect performance.
Australia’s monumental total of 654 for 6 declared was their highest in Asia, with strong contributions from debutant Josh Inglis, who scored a rapid century. Matthew Kuhnemann was the star of the bowling attack, finishing with 9 wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul in Sri Lanka’s first innings.
Sri Lanka, forced to follow on after being bowled out for 165 in their first innings, struggled again in their second innings. Despite a brief 69-run partnership between Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews, they were bowled out for 247. Australia’s bowlers, particularly Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon, swiftly wrapped up the match.
Sri Lanka’s batting was ineffective, with quick wickets falling throughout both innings. A brief cameo from Kamindu Mendis showed some promise, but Sri Lanka’s tail was easily dismissed.
The defeat marks Sri Lanka’s heaviest ever loss in Test cricket. Australia now holds the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy and will look to continue their dominance in the second Test, starting on February 6.
