AUS Vs SL: Connolly Ready for Debut in second test

AUS Vs SL: The pitch is expected to offer more assistance to spinners than the first test, and Australia is looking to add another spinner to their lineup. 

The second and final Test of the two-match series between Australia and Sri Lanka is scheduled for Thursday, 6 February, at Galle International Stadium.

Australia once again stamped their dominance in Test, dismantling Sri Lanka in the opening match at Galle. The visitors dominated the contest, with records falling in every direction.

Captain Steve Smith became the fourth Australian batter to surpass 10,000 Test runs, joining the elite company of Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, and Steve Waugh. As expected, he achieved this milestone in spectacular fashion with a stunning century.

However, opener Usman Khawaja made a remarkable return to form, smashing a brilliant double century. The Australian batting order clicked into gear, with debutant Josh Inglis making an immediate impression by scoring a composed century.

Meanwhile, Travis Head maintained his excellent form, blasting a rapid fifty, while Marnus Labuschagne fell short of delivering a memorable knock.

In the second Test, Australia may be considering the inclusion of Cooper Connolly, who had a standout season in the 2025 Big Bash League. His addition could offer more flexibility to the Aussies while also strengthening their batting lineup.

With the ball, Mitchell Starc was the sole specialist pacer, while the spin trio of Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Todd Murphy wreaked havoc on a turning pitch.

Kuhnemann was especially impressed with a remarkable five-wicket haul in the first innings, then added four more wickets in the second. Nathan Lyon claimed 7 wickets throughout the match, while Murphy though not as impactful, still contributed.

It was a flawless performance from the Aussies, who are now focused on achieving a rare series sweep against Sri Lanka.

AUS Vs SL – For Sri Lanka

Dimuth Karunaratne has confirmed that this will be his final Test match, marking his 100th appearance in red-ball cricket.

However, their batting clearly requires a major overhaul. Dinesh Chandimal stood out as the sole performer in the first Test, while Oshada Fernando had difficulties as an opener, opening the door for Pathum Nissanka to return in the second test. 

Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kusal Mendis are the key players in their middle order and must step up and take responsibility. Kamindu Mendis, the ICC Men’s Emerging Player of the Year 2024, will be eager to leave his mark, especially after becoming the third-fastest Asian to score 1,000 Test runs.

Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, typically deadly on home soil, surprisingly struggled in the first Test against Australia. Asitha Fernando failed to make an impact, and Sri Lanka may look to replace him with Lahiru Kumara or Vishwa Fernando in the pace department.

The spin trio of Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Nishan Peiris will find a better rhythm in the second Test at Galle.

Australia now have a golden chance to secure the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy in Sri Lanka for the first time since 2011. On the other hand, Sri Lanka is aiming to level the series.

Also Read: Tri-Nation ODI Series: Pakistan, NZ & South Africa | Details