Friday, February 7, 2025
17.2 C
Canberra

Australia in box seat for victory after two stunning centuries for Alex Carey and Steve Smith

Steve Smith and Alex Carey have completely dominated Sri Lanka on day two at Galle, combining for a 239-run partnership to take the match away from the hosts.

Smith was the first to hit a century – the 36th of his Test career – in the third session, before Carey whacked the second of his career moments later.

Australia finished the day at 3-330 and lead by 73 runs.

RECAP: Australia v Sri Lanka second Test, day two

"Steve Smith, he's officially back," Greg Blewett said on Seven.

"You'd think that Australia are going to win this Test match now."

Steve Smith and Alex Carey Getty/AP

Australia started the day needing only one wicket but Kusal Mendis and Lahiru Kamara annoyed the visitors with a 33-run partnership.

Eventually Matt Kuhnemann dismissed Kumara, leaving Mendis just short of a century on 85 not out.

Australia's start was shaky to say the least when they were 2-37 with Travis Head (21) and Marnus Labuschagne (4) both falling.

Usman Khawaja was the next man out for 36 at 3-91. Nishan Peiris removed him, dropping the ball shorter and trapping him on the pads. The left-hander reviewed but was unsuccessful.

From there it was firmly the Smith and Carey show.

Both men hardly gave a chance, although Smith was given out lbw early in his innings before he successfully reviewed it.

Australia in box seat for victory after two stunning centuries for Alex Carey and Steve Smith

Steve Smith survives a review.  Seven Network

The century for Smith came off 191 balls, with commentator Adam Collins noting on the coverage "this truly is the second coming on Steve Smith, the ton machine".

Greg Blewett agreed.

"Some good commentary over there calling it Steve Smith's second coming because it really is," he said on the Seven Network.

"It's great to see a champion of the game really get back into some tip top form."

In contrast to Smith, Carey's ton came off 118 balls and when the wicket-keeper resumes on day three, he'll be close to an Adam Gilchrist record.

Currently the legendary wicket-keeper batter has the highest score from an Australian keeper in Asia with 144.

Gilchrist scored the total on two occasions, one in Kandy, Sri Lanka in 2004. The other was against Bangladesh at Fatullah in 2006.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Hot this week

Live updates: Donald Trump likens Gaza redevelopment proposal to ‘real estate transaction’

US President Donald Trump has likened his proposal to...

Surviving Al-Fayed brother becomes third to be accused of sexual abuse

Shoppers enter and leave the Harrods store in London....

Greenland ruling party wants vote on independence from Denmark

Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, but now...

I’m not that into golf but I’ll never forget my day at ‘the greatest show on grass’

SCOTTSDALE: It's hyped as "The Greatest Show on Grass"...

Aussie Adam Scott taken to White House as PGA Tour pleads for Trump to end LIV standoff

The PGA Tour has called on new American president...

Topics

Surviving Al-Fayed brother becomes third to be accused of sexual abuse

Shoppers enter and leave the Harrods store in London....

Greenland ruling party wants vote on independence from Denmark

Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, but now...

Sean Strickland back for revenge against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312

Sean Strickland gets his shot not only at revenge,...

‘Must be the ball’: Arsenal coach taunted by Newcastle fans

Newcastle is back in the English League Cup final...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img