Chandimal, Jayasuriya heroics help Sri Lanka level series

GBNews24 Desk//

Prabath Jayasuriya claimed 12 wickets in his dream debut and Dinesh Chandimal smashed his maiden double hundred to secure Sri Lanka’s memorable series-levelling victory in the second Test against Australia on Monday.

Chandimal smashed 206 not out, first double hundred by a Sri Lanka batter against Australia, providing the bedrock for the team’s imposing 554 in reply to Australia’s 364 in the first innings.

Possessing a handy 190-run cushion, Sri Lanka unleashed their three-pronged spin attack and Jayasuriya routed Australia for 151 in their second innings claiming 6-59 at the Galle International Stadium.

Sri Lanka’s victory by an innings and 39 runs, which came in four days, is also the first time they have inflicted an innings defeat on Australia.

“Our boys bounced back really well after losing the first match and the debutants did an amazing job,” Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne said.

“I knew from the beginning that Prabath would be key for us, he did a great job for us.”

Jayasuriya’s match haul of 12-177, which earned him the man-of-the-match award, is the best figures on a Test debut for Sri Lanka.

It was a stunning display by the 30-year-old who would not have played the match but for a spate of COVID-19 cases that forced Sri Lanka to field three debutants.

The hosts even had to substitute opener Pathum Nissanka after the first innings as the opener tested positive for the virus.

While wicketkeeper Alex Carey missed a couple of stumpings, Australia paid heavily for casually wasting all their reviews on Sunday.

They were particularly stung when Chandimal, then on 30, edged Mitchell Starc but Australia had run out of reviews and could not challenge the not-out decision.

“We had plenty of chances over the last couple of days and didn’t quite grab them,” Australia captain Pat Cummins said after having to share the Warne-Muralitharan trophy.

“Unfortunately Sri Lanka were too good.”