Galle Test: Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green take Australia to huge first-innings lead against Sri Lanka on Day 2
India Today
SL vs AUS, 1st Test - Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green scored half-centuries and put Australia in a commanding position at Galle.
On a deteriorating surface in Galle, Australia have garnered a significant 101-run lead in their opening Test against Sri Lanka. At Stumps on Day 2, an unbeaten 16-ball cameo of 26 runs from Pat Cummins made sure that the visitors got past the 100-run lead.
Ramesh Mendis picked up four wickets and was the pick of the bowlers for the Lankans, although he conceded runs at an economy rate of 3.45. Jeffrey Vandersay did well in the ODI series and he accounted for two scalps in Galle.
But apart from Mendis and Vandersay, none of the other Sri Lankan bowlers managed to make a breakthrough. Asitha Fernando was the only pacer used by the home team, but he leaked runs at 4.25 in the eight overs he bowled.
The Aussies also went after left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya, who conceded 73 runs in 15 overs at a rate of almost five an over.
Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green were arguably the standout batters for Australia on the second day. Even as Green scored 77 runs, Khawaja scored 71 runs with the help of seven fours.
Alex Carey also chipped in with a handy 47-ball knock of 45 with six fours and never allowed the Sri Lankan bowlers to settle into a rhythm.
