Australia defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 242 runs in the 1st Test at Galle. Usman Khawaja scored a double century, while Josh Inglis hit a century, and Steve Smith contributed 141 runs. Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann took four wickets each in Sri Lanka’s second innings. Australia retained the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy with a dominant performance.
Key Highlights:
Australia’s Batting Masterclass Sets the Tone:
The Steve Smith-led Australian team delivered a commanding performance at the Galle International Stadium, securing a historic innings and 242-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test of the two-match series.
Opting to bat first in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, Australia put up a monumental total of 654 runs. Veteran opener Usman Khawaja was the standout performer with a magnificent double century, while stand-in captain Steve Smith played a crucial innings of 141 runs.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis further strengthened Australia’s dominance with a brilliant 102-run knock, ensuring the visitors posted one of their highest-ever Test totals against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Crumbles Under Pressure:
Sri Lanka’s response was far from ideal, as they struggled against Australia’s potent spin attack. Matthew Kuhnemann struck early, dismissing Oshada Fernando in just the second over. Dinesh Chandimal fought hard for the hosts with a resilient 72-run knock, but wickets kept tumbling at the other end.
The duo of Nathan Lyon and Kuhnemann wreaked havoc, dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting lineup for just 165 runs in the first innings. Lyon took three wickets, while Kuhnemann picked up two.
Australia Enforces Follow-On, Seals Historic Win:
Trailing by 489 runs, Sri Lanka was forced to follow on, but their second innings did not yield a better outcome. While the home team showed slight improvement, posting 247 runs, they were still far from challenging Australia’s dominance.
Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann were the heroes again, picking up four wickets each, while Mitchell Starc and Todd Murphy claimed one wicket each. The massive innings and 242-run loss marked Sri Lanka’s worst-ever defeat in Test cricket.
Australia Retains Warne-Muralidaran Trophy:
With this emphatic win, Australia has officially retained the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy, continuing their dominance over Sri Lanka in red-ball cricket. The victory also gives them a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series, putting them in prime position to complete a clean sweep.
The Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st Test 2024 showcased Australia’s exceptional all-round prowess, with batters piling on a massive total and spinners dismantling Sri Lanka twice within nine sessions. With a historic innings win, Steve Smith’s side has once again proven their supremacy in Test cricket.
Can Sri Lanka bounce back in the second Test, or will Australia complete a series whitewash? Stay tuned for more updates on the series!
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