Sri Lanka are set to host Australia for the second and closing Take a look at of the two-match collection, beginning February 6 in Galle. After struggling a crushing defeat within the first Take a look at, the place Australia registered a dominant victory by an innings and 242 runs, Sri Lanka might be trying to bounce again and salvage some delight. Nevertheless, forward of the essential match, a major improvement has emerged, with veteran Sri Lankan batter Dimuth Karunaratne asserting his retirement from worldwide cricket.
Dimuth Karunaratne’s closing bow in worldwide cricket
The upcoming Take a look at in Galle might be an emotional one for Karunaratne because it marks the a hundredth and closing Take a look at of his illustrious profession. Karunaratne would be the seventh Sri Lanka cricketer to the a hundredth Take a look at milestone, to observe Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Angelo Mathews.
The seasoned opener has reportedly knowledgeable Sri Lanka Cricket about his choice to retire, bringing an finish to a decade-long journey on the highest stage. Having been a key determine in Sri Lanka’s Take a look at setup for years, Karunaratne’s contribution to the workforce has been immense, each as a batsman and as a former captain. Nevertheless, along with his performances dipping over the past 12 months and rising competitors for locations, the 35-year-old has chosen to step away on a memorable observe.
Former Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne has knowledgeable Sri Lanka Cricket that the upcoming second Take a look at in opposition to Australia in Galle, beginning on February 6, might be his closing worldwide match. pic.twitter.com/sjkWKOnCdm
— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) February 4, 2025
Sri Lanka’s problem within the second take a look at
With the collection already misplaced, Sri Lanka might want to regroup and put up a powerful struggle in opposition to a dominant Australian facet to not less than draw the collection. The primary Take a look at uncovered Sri Lanka’s weaknesses, and so they might want to make main enhancements, notably of their batting and bowling departments, to keep away from one other heavy defeat. Whereas the match holds sentimental worth on account of Karunaratne’s farewell, Sri Lanka can even be keen to finish the collection on a excessive observe and forestall Australia from finishing a whitewash. As Sri Lanka takes the sector for the second Take a look at, all eyes might be on Karunaratne, who will look to log out in type, abandoning a legacy of resilience and dedication to Sri Lankan cricket.
Additionally READ: Steve Smith names three Australian gamers who can attain 10,000 Take a look at runs mark
Right here’s predicted XI of Sri Lanka for the 2nd take a look at in opposition to Australia
1. Oshada Fernando
Oshada struggled in each innings, scoring 7 and 6, falling LBW every time. His incapability to deal with Australia’s spinners and seamers early put Sri Lanka on the again foot. He wants to enhance his shot choice and method to counter the brand new ball. Given his expertise, he’s more likely to retain his spot however should step up.
2. Dimuth Karunaratne
The Sri Lankan former skipper had a disappointing Take a look at, managing solely 7 and 0, failing to anchor the innings. His dismissal for a duck within the second innings was a serious setback. As probably the most skilled batter, he should present stability on the high. His management might be essential in bouncing again in opposition to Australia’s bowling assault.
3. Dinesh Chandimal
Chandimal was Sri Lanka’s greatest batter, scoring a well-compiled 72 off 139 balls within the first innings and 31 within the second. He confirmed nice endurance and method however lacked assist from the opposite finish. His skill to play lengthy innings makes him an important a part of Sri Lanka’s lineup. He might want to convert his begins into large scores within the second Take a look at.
4. Angelo Mathews
Mathews had a forgettable outing, dismissed for 7 and 41, each instances caught by Travis Head off Lyon’s bowling. His second-innings knock was promising, however he did not push on to a giant rating. Together with his expertise, Sri Lanka wants extra consistency from him within the center order. He should enhance his shot choice in opposition to Australia’s spinners.
5. Kamindu Mendis
Kamindu confirmed glimpses of his expertise, scoring 15 and 32, with an aggressive strike charge within the second innings. His counterattacking method supplied some resistance however wasn’t sufficient to vary the sport. He’ll should be extra affected person in opposition to Australia’s disciplined bowling assault. If he can convert his begins, he could possibly be a key asset within the second Take a look at.
6. Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain)
De Silva performed a few respectable knocks, scoring 22 and 39, offering stability within the center order. His second-innings knock included 8 boundaries, however he fell at a vital juncture each instances. As vice-captain, he should take accountability and information Sri Lanka by means of stress conditions. His skill to play spin effectively might be essential within the second Take a look at.
7. Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper)
Kusal had a reasonable outing, scoring 21 and 34, falling to Kuhnemann and Lyon. His second-innings dismissal through stumping confirmed his wrestle in opposition to high quality spin. As a wicketkeeper-batter, he must contribute extra with the bat. Enhancing his footwork in opposition to spinners might be important within the subsequent match.
8. Asitha Fernando
Asitha had a tricky Take a look at, bowling 15 overs for 77 runs with out taking a wicket. He struggled to generate motion and was costly within the first innings. As Sri Lanka’s most important pacer, he must step up with early breakthroughs. If circumstances favor seamers, he should exploit them higher within the second Take a look at.
9. Nishan Peiris
Peiris had a disappointing Take a look at, bowling 41 overs with out taking a wicket, conceding 189 runs. He lacked consistency and management, permitting Australia to dominate. If he retains his place, he should enhance his accuracy and variations. The Sri Lankan assault wants extra assist from him in spin-friendly circumstances.
10. Prabath Jayasuriya
Jayasuriya was Sri Lanka’s greatest bowler, taking 3 wickets for 193 runs in 60 overs. He bowled lengthy spells with good management however lacked assist from the opposite finish. His skill to bother Australian batters makes him a vital a part of the assault. If he will get extra help from the pitch, he could possibly be Sri Lanka’s match-winner within the second Take a look at.
11. Jeffrey Vandersay
Vandersay took 3 wickets for 182 runs in 38 overs, however was costly at 4.78 financial system. He confirmed glimpses of management however leaked runs beneath stress. He must be extra disciplined and construct stress by means of dot balls. If he sharpens his accuracy, he is usually a key contributor within the second Take a look at.
Last XI composition
- Prime Order: Oshada Fernando, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal
- Center Order: Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva
- Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis
- Bowlers: Asitha Fernando, Nishan Peiris, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay