Australia Dominates Sri Lanka in Galle Test, Enforces Follow-On

GALLE, Sri Lanka — Australia tightened its grip on the first Test against Sri Lanka, enforcing the follow-on after bundling out the hosts for 165 in their first innings. The visitors, who posted a mammoth 654 for 6 declared, now aim to seal victory on Day 4 despite looming rain threats.

Resuming at 136 for 5, Sri Lanka lost their last five wickets in just 26 balls, with left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann claiming a five-wicket haul. Kuhnemann finished with figures of 18.2-3-63-5, including the final wicket of Jeffrey Vandersay, who was caught by Mitchell Starc at extra cover.

Dinesh Chandimal was the lone bright spot for Sri Lanka, scoring a resilient 72 before falling to Nathan Lyon. Chandimal’s dismissal, caught lbw after missing a reverse sweep, marked the beginning of a swift collapse. Kusal Mendis (22) and Nishan Peiris (1) followed shortly, leaving Sri Lanka trailing by 489 runs.

Australia’s decision to enforce the follow-on was straightforward, given their massive lead and the deteriorating pitch. “We can’t do anything about the weather,” Lyon said. “But we’ve rocked up here today, and there’s some sunlight and some heat coming out of the ground. It’s gonna be a challenging morning and an exciting one.”

In Sri Lanka’s second innings, openers Oshada Fernando and Dimuth Karunaratne faced a stern test from Mitchell Starc and Todd Murphy. Starc, who has dismissed Karunaratne nine times in Tests, generated early swing but failed to break through in the opening overs. Sri Lanka ended the first session at 1 for 0, still trailing by 488 runs.

With rain forecast for later in the day, Australia will aim to wrap up the match quickly. The pitch, offering significant turn and bounce, has favored the spinners, and Kuhnemann’s performance has been a highlight. “Our preparation has been pretty spot on,” Lyon added. “We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Dubai. They’re young, they’re learning, they’re asking questions. It’s a pretty amazing group to be working with.”

As the match progresses, all eyes will be on the weather and Australia’s ability to capitalize on their dominant position. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to avoid an innings defeat.