Australia moved into a strong position against Sri Lanka after Steve Smith and Alex Carey combined for a breathtaking 250-run unbroken partnership for the fourth wicket. Their centuries took the visitors past the opposition’s first-innings total, setting up a mammoth score.
Known for his ability to bat at the crease, Smith played a masterly knock, allowing Australia to consolidate their innings, while Carey provided the perfect counterattack, as he punished Sri Lanka’s bowlers with aggressive stroke play. This partnership not only rescued Australia from early trouble but also helped them gain the upper hand before the final session of the game.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers could not break the stand, with spinners failing to extract enough turn and seamers lacking penetration on a batting-friendly pitch. With plenty of wickets in hand, Australia now looks set to pile on the runs and build a strong first-innings lead.
As the Test progresses, all eyes will be on how Sri Lanka responds to Australia’s dominance and whether they can fight back in home conditions.
