Sri Lanka will need to address their top order issues if they are to be competitive when they meet the Aussies at Galle in the second and final Test of the series.
Australia’s positive approach has given them the edge in the series and spin hasn’t been a huge advantage for Sri Lanka.
It remains to be seen what kind of pitch is produced for the second Test after it was made clear that a dogfight only suits the tourists.
Sri Lanka vs Australia | 8 – 12 July 2022 | Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle
To Win Match
Sri Lanka 24/10 | Draw 7/2 | Australia 17/20
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka lacked the backbone to stand up to Australia’s attack even in their own backyard and they lost because they got rolled over cheaply twice.
They need to get more out of their senior batters like Angelo Mathews who might himself be absent after picking up another injury in the series opener.
Dinesh Chandimal really needs to do more considering that he is buried deep in the Sri Lanka middle order and is a player with massive Test scores to his name.
Ramesh Mendis might hold the key to aking inroads into the Australia batting early on and giving Sri Lanka a chance.
Australia
Nathan Lyon’s brilliance is belied by how consistent he is and there is no doubt he remains Australia’s number one spinner.
Cameron Green and Alex Carey have done their long-term hopes in the Test team np harm on this tour either having enjoyed a great first match of the series.
Usman Khawaja has also been brilliant in Test cricket in Asia and is really the player leading the charge for Australia with the bat.
Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins did pace duty with Josh Hazlewood left out for extra spinner Mitchell Swepson, which would remain the case in the second Test.
Verdict: Australia 17/20
Australia should be too good for their hosts yet again, there’s plenty of value here at 17/20.
